Cheese is one of the most popular, nutritious, and ancient meals known to humans. Even though it is not a staple meal, it is often consumed due to its high protein, mineral, calcium, and fat content. Nobody knows when humans first began making cheese, although the earliest recorded incidence of the meal dates back to 8,000 BC.
According to a Fortune Business Insights study report, the cheese sector was worth $120 billion in 2020 and will rise at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.84% from then until 2028, reaching an estimated worth of $161 billion by the conclusion of the projection period. The firm categorizes the cheese sector into five major segments. Cheddar, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Feta, and other cheeses are among them. It forecasts that cheddar (produced from bacteria that solely produce lactic acid) will be the fastest growing type due to its widespread use in the food service industry. Along with cheddar, the growth of Italian food in places such as the United States will increase the fortunes of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, according to Fortune Business Insights. According to the research agency, Europe has the largest cheese market with a $51 billion market, and North America will be the fastest expanding region due to a shift toward sustainable foods. As global cheese consumption expands, companies such as Kraft Heinz Co (NASDAQ:KHC), Kroger Co (NYSE:KR), and Conagra Brands Inc (NYSE CAG) that produce or sell cheese in their stores are projected to profit from this area of the food market.
The Top 10 Cheese-Making Countries in the World
1. Federal Republic of Germany
Exports of cheese reached $5.4 billion in 2021.
The Federal Republic of Germany, or simply Germany, is the second most populous country in Europe. It also has one of the world’s greatest economies, with a $5.3 trillion GDP. Germany is well-known for its engineering expertise, and its automobile brands are among the most well-known in the world. However, the automotive sector is currently experiencing a downturn as a result of a gas supply disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last year, Germany sold $5.4 billion in cheese worldwide, with popular kinds including Allgäuer Bergkäse, Cambozola, and Butterkäse.
2. Netherlands
Exports of cheese reached $4.58 billion in 2021.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises the European country of the Netherlands. The country was one of the most influential and powerful nations of the 1500s and beyond, establishing numerous trading ports all over the world and adding new countries to its territory. The Dutch economy is worth $1.2 trillion, with a GDP of $68,572 per capita. In 2021, it shipped $4.58 billion in cheese, weighing a whopping 943,446 tons. Noord-Hollandse Gouda, Edam Holland, and Boerenkaas are popular cheese varieties.
3. Italian Republic
Exports of cheese reached $4.2 billion in 2021.
The Italian Republic, or simply Italy, is a European country best recognized for being the birthplace of the Roman Empire, which was one of the most significant contributions to modern civilisation. Art, culture, and architecture are well-known in Italy. The country’s Renaissance movement, which produced some of the world’s greatest painters and architects, is well known. In 2021, the Italian Republic exported $4.2 billion in cheese, with Parmigiano Reggiano reigning supreme.
4. French Republic
Exports of cheese reached $3.8 billion in 2021.
The French Republic is a European country that, together with the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and others, is a major worldwide force. The French economy is worth $3.6 trillion, and the GDP per capita is high at $56,036. France also has one of the world’s strongest agriculture businesses, primarily exporting wheat, meat, pig, potatoes, spring water, and malt. Furthermore, French wine is known around the world for its distinct taste and quality. As if that weren’t enough, the French Republic will export $3.8 billion in cheese in 2021. It is also claimed that over 1,000 different types of French cheese have ever been produced.
Read More: Top 20 Rice Producing Countries in the World
5. United States of America
Exports of cheese reached $1.8 billion in 2021.
The United States of America is one of the world’s largest exporting nations. It sells weaponry, oil, automobiles, corn, and a variety of other things to a wide range of countries. Furthermore, American technology companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft dominate the consumer electronics and services market. As a result, it’s no surprise that the United States exports a substantial amount of cheese, with $1.8 billion in cheese exports in 2021. Colby Jack, Baby Jack, and Monterey Jack are well-known varieties.
6. Denmark
Exports of cheese reached $1.76 billion in 2021.
Denmark is a country in Northern Europe that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark’s economy is approximately $398 billion, but its GDP per capita is the tenth highest in the world at $69,273. Pig meat, pigs, various types of fish, whey, milk, and cheese are among the agricultural exports of the country. It also exports engines, fuel, iron goods, computers, and transformers. By the end of 2021, Denmark had exported $1.76 billion in cheese, totaling 401,487 tons. Danbo (commonly referred to as Denmark’s national cheese), Danish Rygeost, Danish Blue or Danablu, Blue Cornflower, and Vesterhavsost (North Sea cheese) are among the most well-known.
7. New Zealand
Exports of cheese reached $1.48 billion in 2021.
New Zealand is a country of islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Statute of Westminster granted it independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. New Zealand’s GDP is only $261 billion, yet it has a high GDP per capita of $50,851. The country’s exports are mainly based on agriculture, and it has effectively used hydroelectric power stations to meet a substantial portion of its electricity needs. New Zealand’s main commercial partners are Australia and China, and the country imports a lot of machinery.
New Zealand’s response to the coronavirus epidemic was likewise among the finest in the world, as its populace followed lockdown measures and the economy recovered quickly after the restrictions were released. Last year, New Zealand exported $1.48 billion in cheese, including Whitestone Farmhouse, Mahoe Aged Gouda, and Meyer Vintage Gouda.
Companies that produce or sell cheese in their stores, such as Kraft Heinz Co (NASDAQ:KHC), Kroger Co (NYSE:KR), and Conagra Brands Inc (NYSE:CAG), are projected to profit as global cheese demand rises.
8. Kingdom of Belgium
Exports of cheese reached $1.27 billion in 2021.
The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in Northern Europe with a GDP of $723 billion and a GDP per capita of $62,065. The country was one of the first to experience the 1900s industrial revolution, and it exports automobiles, diamonds, vaccines, hormones, cleaning goods, trucks, and tractors. Juice, beer, chocolate, and animal feed are among Belgium’s food exports. Last year, the country exported $1.27 billion in cheese, with some well-known Belgian cheeses including the Keiems Bloempje, Fromage de Maredsous, Vieux Chimay, and Fromage de Herve.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Chocolate Producing Countries in the World
9. Ireland
Exports of cheese reached $1.23 billion in 2021.
Ireland is a European island nation, a portion of which (Northern Ireland) is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. While Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland has a $516 billion GDP and a staggering GDP per capita of $124,596, making it one of the greatest in the world. However, the Irish GDP is regarded to be skewed due to tax policies that frequently attract international corporations to establish their headquarters in the country in order to save taxes.Indeed, the tax rules of the Republic of Ireland have been directly addressed by legislation in the United States, the European Union, and Brazil, which has blacklisted the country. Last year, the Republic of Ireland exported $1.2 billion in cheese, including Cáis na Tre, Coolea, and Knockanore (hill of gold) Smoked.
Irish cheese is well-known in the United States, where it is sold by Kraft Heinz Co (NASDAQ:KHC), Kroger Co (NYSE:KR), and Conagra Brands Inc (NYSE:CAG).
10. Republic of Belarus
Exports of cheese reached $1.19 billion in 2021.
Belarus is a landlocked republic in Eastern Europe that gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. Belarus retains close links with Russia, and it is also one of Europe’s poorest countries, with a GDP of $185 billion and a per capita income of $19,758. In addition, the government is frequently chastised for human rights violations and a lack of press freedom. Belarus’ economy depends on Russia for the majority of its exports, which include agricultural products, petroleum fuels, and other goods. Furthermore, the country is noted for its somewhat peculiar rule that mandates persons who are unemployed to pay a charge to the government or face fines and arrest. Last year, the Republic of Belarus exported $1.19 billion in cheese. It is also one of the world’s top cheese producers in terms of population, with popular cheeses like Belovezhskaya Syry, fresh white cheese (тваpо), and fresh white cheese (ср).
