Frederic Melton
Cheese is a beloved food product worldwide, with global consumption projected to reach a record high of 21.6 million metric tons in 2024. While it is difficult to determine exactly how many people like cheese, we can look at cheese consumption data to identify the top cheese-loving nations. According to various sources, the United States, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Greece are among the countries with the highest cheese consumption per capita. With the growing popularity of cheese in traditionally low-consumption regions like China, the number of people worldwide who enjoy cheese is likely to be significant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people in the world who like cheese | Unknown, but millions of people eat cheese every year |
| Top cheese-consuming country | France |
| Top cheese exporter | Germany and the Netherlands |
| Top cheese importer by trade value | France ($374 million per year) |
| Top cheese importer by weight | Mexico (56 million kg per year) |
| Country with the highest per capita cheese consumption in 2023 | Sweden |
| Region with the highest level of per capita cheese consumption | Europe |
| Country with the highest number of Google searches for "cheese" | United States |
| Most popular cheese type | Mozzarella |
| Country with the highest per capita consumption of American cheese | United States |
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What You'll Learn
Global cheese consumption
In 2023, the European Union consumed about 9.2 million metric tons of cheese, far exceeding consumption numbers in other parts of the world. The same year, global cheese consumption was projected to reach a record high of 21.6 million metric tons, a 5.7% increase compared to five years prior.
Cheese consumption has been growing in countries like China, which traditionally did not consume much cheese. In 2019, China consumed an estimated 409,000 metric tons of cheese, while the US consumed 37 lbs of cheese per person annually, up from 16 lbs in previous years.
The most popular cheeses globally include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and processed cheese products. The rise in global cheese consumption can be attributed to factors such as convenience, with cheese now available in various forms like slices, shreds, grated, shaved, or cubes, and the emergence of new varieties and unique flavors.
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Cheese consumption by country
Cheese is a beloved food worldwide, with global consumption projected to reach a record high of 21.6 million metric tons in 2024. While it is difficult to find exact numbers on how many people like cheese, consumption trends indicate its popularity.
According to research by Mintel, the Netherlands is the top cheese-loving country, with 96% of Americans also saying they eat cheddar cheese. Americans have increased their cheese consumption from 16 lbs to 37 lbs per person per year, and they Google search the term "cheese" the most of any nation.
European cuisines tend to use more cheese, and the EU as a whole is expected to consume 12,556 kilotons of cheese by 2030, or 22.6 kg per capita. France is the largest importer of cheese in the world, with a trade value of $374 million per year, while Mexico imports the most by weight, at 56 million kg per year.
Brazil, Ukraine, Egypt, Russia, and Saudi Arabia are among the countries with the highest cheese consumption per capita. Brazil consumed 842.95 thousand tons of cheese in 2022, while Ukraine consumed 196.26 thousand tons, despite the war. Egypt consumed 589.65 thousand tons, Russia 880.26 thousand tons, and Saudi Arabia is expected to increase its dairy product market to $6.64 billion in 2028.
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Cheese production by country
While it is difficult to ascertain exactly how many people in the world like cheese, global cheese consumption is projected to reach a record high of 21.6 million metric tons in 2024. This is up 5.7% from five years prior. People are eating more cheese across the globe, including in China, which traditionally did not consume much cheese.
Cheese production has increased in line with this growing demand. In 2019, the United States produced 6,317,655 metric tons of cheese, a 2.4% increase from 2014. Belarus was ranked 20th in cheese production in 2019, producing 214,071 metric tons, up from 22nd place in 2018. The Netherlands, often cited as the top cheese-loving country, was ranked 5th in cheese production in 2019.
France is the largest importer of cheese in the world, spending a total of $374 million per year in trade value. Mexico is the top importer in terms of weight, at 56 million kg per year. The United States, meanwhile, tends to consume its own cheese rather than imported varieties, with 96% of Americans eating cheddar cheese.
Mozzarella has been the most consumed cheese since 2010, overtaking cheddar, which was the most popular for decades. This is partly due to the popularity of pizza and string cheese, which use mozzarella as a key ingredient. At the same time, the consumption of processed cheese and "cheese products" has been declining since the mid-1990s, while Italian and artisanal cheeses are becoming more popular.
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Cheese types and consumption
Cheese is an ancient food, with evidence of its consumption dating back to before recorded history. The origins of cheesemaking are unclear, but it is believed to have spread within Europe prior to Roman times and was already a sophisticated enterprise by the time the Roman Empire was established. Today, cheese is enjoyed by many people around the world and is considered one of the most nutritious foods. It is made from the milk of various mammals, including cows, sheep, goats, buffalo, reindeer, camels, and yaks.
There are hundreds of types of cheese, if not thousands, with new varieties and unique flavours constantly emerging. The type of milk used, as well as factors like temperature, humidity, and bacterial cultures, can greatly impact the final product's flavour, texture, and appearance. For example, Swiss cheese, a generic name for a type of cheese with holes and a light or pale yellow colour, is typically made from cow's milk, while other cheeses may be made from sheep or goat milk.
Some popular types of cheese include:
- Mozzarella: A versatile and delicious cheese with a milky flavour and gooey texture. It is a key ingredient in string cheese and pizza and has been the most consumed cheese since 2010.
- Cheddar: A popular cheese variety that is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches and pizzas.
- Gouda: A semi-hard to hard cheese with a smooth flavour. It comes in several types, depending on its age, and can be grated, sliced, cubed, and melted.
- Blue Cheese: This includes varieties like Gorgonzola, one of the world's oldest types of blue cheese, which has a crumbly and soft texture, and its taste can range from creamy to sharp.
- Cottage Cheese: Made by separating curds from whey, cottage cheese has a creamy and lumpy texture.
Cheese consumption is on the rise globally, with Americans, for example, increasing their annual per-capita consumption from 16 lbs to 37 lbs. It is also gaining popularity in regions like China, which traditionally had low cheese consumption. France is the largest importer of cheese in the world, with a trade value of $374 million per year, while Mexico imports the most by weight, at 56 million kg per year.
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Cheese marketing and sales
Cheese is a beloved food item around the world, with global consumption projected to reach a record 21.6 million metric tons in 2024. People are eating more cheese, even in places like China, which traditionally did not consume much cheese. This presents a great opportunity for cheese marketing and sales.
Marketing and sales strategies need to adapt to the changing landscape, leveraging technology to reach consumers early in the buying process. With information readily available online, consumers are now more empowered, often progressing through the purchase process before engaging with a salesperson. Therefore, marketers must focus on creating awareness and a positive reputation for their brand, as well as providing valuable content that educates and guides consumers towards their product.
To effectively market cheese, it is essential to understand consumer preferences and behaviors. Consumers are increasingly interested in trying different varieties of cheese, with Hispanic cheeses like Oaxaca and Mexican being the fastest-growing types, possibly due to cooking and travel shows. People are also moving towards more sophisticated and artisanal cheeses, reducing their consumption of processed cheese and "cheese products." Marketers can capitalize on this trend by promoting unique flavors, ethnic varieties, and collaboration between cheesemakers to drive innovation.
Additionally, superconsumers, who represent 10% of households but drive 23% of sales, are an important segment to target. These individuals eagerly seek new products, are willing to pay price premiums, and have above-average category knowledge. Marketers can tap into this by emphasizing the positive nutritional qualities of cheese, positioning it as a nutritious, portable, and delicious snack. Single-serve packaging can also appeal to busy consumers who value convenience.
By understanding consumer preferences, leveraging technology, and adapting to the changing landscape, marketers and salespeople can effectively promote cheese and drive sales in this new world.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no definitive answer to this question, it is believed that millions of people around the world enjoy cheese. Cheese consumption is on the rise globally, with Americans consuming 37 lbs of cheese per person per year, up from 16 lbs.
France is the largest importer of cheese in the world, spending a total of $374 million per year. However, Greece is the country with the highest per capita consumption of cheese.
Mozzarella has been the most consumed cheese since 2010, overtaking cheddar, which was previously the most popular for decades.
Taste is a key factor in why consumers eat cheese, with the variety of cheeses available allowing consumers to explore different types. Convenience also plays a role, with cheese now available in various forms such as sliced, shredded, grated, shaved, or cubed.
The United States is the top cheese producer, with over 4 million metric tons per year. Germany and the Netherlands are also among the top exporters of cheese worldwide.
