Rainbow Grocery Cooperative: A Community Mainstay

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, a cornerstone in the San Francisco community. Known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and support for local businesses, the co-op has earned a loyal following over the years.

Exceptional Cheese Offerings

The co-op’s commitment to quality is particularly evident in its extensive cheese selection, featuring a variety of domestic and imported options. From organic to gourmet alternatives, customers can find cheeses that suit any palate. Gordon Edgar, a seasoned cheesemonger with over 30 years at Rainbow, emphasizes the cooperative’s passion for cheese, stating, “We love cheese to the point of obsession.”

Unique Cheese Stories

Each cheese has its own narrative, with particular highlights such as the Lesbian Feta—crafted from milk of the rare Lesbian breed sheep grazing in Lesbos. Edgar’s expertise enriches the shopping experience, helping customers discover new flavors and varieties.

Addressing Current Challenges

Despite the high-quality offerings, challenges loom for cheese aficionados. Recent tariff increases on cheese imported from numerous countries have been a cause for concern. As of April, tariffs increased by 10%, with potential future hikes reaching up to 31%, impacting both prices and availability.

Impact on Pricing

These tariffs primarily affect cheeses priced between $10 and $25 per pound, which form the backbone of grocery cheese selections. As many imported cheeses have already reached the U.S. market, immediate price increases may be limited. However, domestic cheese prices are also expected to rise due to increased costs for packaging and equipment, along with potential sourcing changes for ingredients.

Smart Shopping Tips

To navigate the changing market, consumers are encouraged to take advantage of promotional pricing on cheese products while they remain available. Below are some featured options:

• Red Barn 5-Year-Aged Cheddar: $16.99/lb (regularly $21.99/lb) – A sharp, flavorful cheddar from humane-certified farms in Wisconsin.
• Ewenique: $19.99/lb (regularly $34.99/lb) – An incredible aged sheep cheese from Paso Robles with a sweet, earthy profile.
• Iberico: $9.99/lb (regularly $24.89/lb) – A mixed milk cheese resembling Manchego, ideal for tapas or cheese plates.
• Mild Cheddar/Monterey Jack: $5.99/lb – An everyday staple with affordable pricing for budget-conscious shoppers.

Additionally, be sure to explore the “Good Deal Grotto,” where various marked-down cheeses are available, offering further savings.

Community Commitment

As a worker-owned cooperative rooted in the Bay Area, Rainbow Grocery ensures that a significant portion of customer spending stays within the community. The cooperative spirit of the store plays a crucial role in its mission to support local economies and maintain quality standards.