Britain goes crazy for charcuterie boards: Demand for French meats and cheeses has surged - as middle-class shoppers flock to stock up

It's official – Britain has gone crazy for charcuterie boards!New figures released by Waitrose have revealed how demand for French meats and cheeses has soared in recent weeks.The supermarket's Unearthed French Torchon Ham is up 13 per cent, while sales of its No.1 French Blue D'Affinois Cheese Strength 2 have spiked by 26 per cent. Meanwhile, sales of No.1 French Petit Lucques Olives are up 60 per cent, compared to last week. So, what's behind this surge?According to Hayley Bland, World Deli Buyer at Waitrose, fans of the Tour de France are likely leading the demand, as the race reaches its final stage. 'French Lucques Olives are a speciality of the Languedoc region, a location on the Tour de France route,' she explained. 'These buttery green olives pair wonderfully with rich and creamy French cheeses, and are a gorgeous, green addition to any charcuterie board!' New figures released by Waitrose have revealed how demand for French meats and cheeses has soared in recent weeksAccording to Waitrose, sales of several charcuterie items are up, ahead of the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris this Sunday. On waitrose.com, sales of Unearthed French Selection are up 12 per cent, sales of Waitrose French Ripe Brie Cheese Strength 5 have risen by seven per cent, and No. 1 Berthaut's Epoisses AOP French Soft Cheese Strength 6 is up five per cent. Sarah Miness, Prepacked and Speciality Cheese Buyer at Waitrose, said: 'Creamy French cheeses, such as a ripe brie or a soft cheese from the Burgundy region, are a great addition to a charcuterie board. 'They can easily be spread on a cracker, and layered up with fruit, such as sliced pear or grapes, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic to cut through the richness. 'France is also known for subtle, buttery blue cheeses, which are great as a part of a spread, because they offer a delicious depth of flavour, without overpowering other flavours on the board. 'The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has some really lovely offerings!'The news wil come as no surprise to many Brits, who often take to social media to share videos of their charcuterie boards. On TikTok, one user said: 'nothing brings people together like good company and great picky bits.' According to Hayley Bland, World Deli Buyer at Waitrose, fans of the Tour de France are likely leading the demand, as the race reaches its final stageAnother added: 'British summer time is here and its time for cold cuts and cheese!!!'And one joked: 'I think I might be addicted to picky bits...' The surge in sales comes shortly after Waitrose noted a spike in demand for trendy unhomogenised milk. Unhomogenised milk is milk in its natural state that has skipped the industrial 'homogenisation process'. As fats aren't broken down, the cream naturally rises to the top of the bottle, giving the milk a creamier taste and texture.According to Dan Robinson, Food Processing Manager at the Leckford Estate, the increase in sales is being largely driven by health–conscious shoppers.He said: 'We believe this surge in popularity is being driven by a desire for whole foods and a growing awareness of ultra–processed foods (UPFs).'Many customers are now seeking the "brilliant basics" and embracing a simpler, more natural approach to their diets. 'Plus – this milk tastes absolutely delicious!'