What to Buy for a Cheese Market

A cheese market needs more than cheese and tables. You will need a reliable cold-storage setup, tasting equipment, stall supplies, payment equipment and a clear way to guide visitors around the market. Buy or reserve disposable and reusable serving items early, especially tasting plates, cheese knives and coolers. This checklist helps you cover the practical supplies before vendors arrive and the tasting buffet is set up.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Party tentsqty 6
Tablesqty 18
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 6
Cratesqty 20

Tableware

Tasting platesqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 80
Cheese plattersqty 20

Kitchen

Cheese boardsqty 30
Cheese knivesqty 30
Cutting boardsqty 12
Serving tongsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 8
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Cash registersqty 3
Cash machinesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 20
Buntingqty 10
Name badgesqty 30
Information boardsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Handwashing stationsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Young cheese - 8 kg
- Aged cheese - 8 kg
- Aged cheese - 6 kg
- Goat cheese - 4 kg
- Blue cheese - 3 kg
- Herb cheese - 3 kg
- Brie - 3 kg
- Camembert - 2 kg
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Crackers - 12 packs
- Knäckebröd - 8 packs
- Grapes - 8 kg
- Apples - 6 kg
- Pears - 5 kg
- Figs - 3 kg
- Walnuts - 2 kg
- Almonds - 2 kg
- Olives - 4 kg
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Pickled onions - 3 jars
- Fig jam - 6 jars
- Onion compote - 6 jars
- Honey - 4 jars
- Mustard - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Fruit juice - 12 liters
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Beer - 10 crates
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Sugar - 2 kg
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Labels - 300 pieces
- Markers - 12 pieces
- Trash bags - 5 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one tasting plate, fork or napkin per expected visitor, then add 10% extra for breakage, dropped items and second tastings. Order cheese boards and serving platters according to the number of vendor stalls, not just the guest count.
Keep cheese refrigerated until it is needed. Arrange enough refrigerators or coolers for the full cheese stock, and prepare ice or chilled packs before delivery rather than waiting until setup.
Buy or reserve one cheese knife and one cutting board for each active cutting station. Add separate serving tongs so guests do not handle the cheese directly.
Check every stall for power before buying extension cords and power strips. Keep cash registers, cash machines and lighting on separate circuits where possible, and bring spare batteries if any equipment uses them.
Prepare the information desk and cleaning points before opening. Stock name badges, information boards, waste bins, handwashing stations and cleaning buckets so staff can respond immediately to spills and dietary questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much cheese do I need for a cheese market?: For a tasting-focused market, plan around 100–150 grams of cheese per visitor if other food is available. For a market serving cheese as the main food, allow about 200–250 grams per person. Add 10% extra for waste and popular varieties.
How many tasting plates do I need for a cheese market?: Provide at least one tasting plate per expected visitor, plus 10% extra. For 100 visitors, that means preparing about 110 plates, with additional plates available if you expect guests to return for more tastings.
When should cheese arrive at the market?: Receive the cheese on the day before the market or early on the event day, depending on delivery conditions. Move it into refrigeration immediately and prepare tasting portions as close to opening time as practical.
How many coolers or refrigerators do I need for a cheese market?: The number depends on the stock volume and the vendors, but each cooler or refrigerator must hold its contents without overcrowding. Check capacity at least one week before the market and reserve extra cooling space if deliveries may arrive together.

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