Kamil Perry
Cheese is a beloved food product worldwide, with the United States leading the world in its production. In 2021, the US produced 13.71 billion pounds of cheese, excluding cottage cheese. This figure is up 3.5% from 2020. The US produces about a billion pounds of cheese every month, with Wisconsin producing the most of any state. In 2023, the global cheese production amounted to about 22.15 million metric tons, with the European Union as the top producer, with a volume of 10.4 million metric tons.
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What You'll Learn
Wisconsin produced the most cheese of any US state in 2021
The United States produces about a billion pounds of cheese per month, or 13.71 billion pounds annually (excluding cottage cheese). Wisconsin has long been associated with cheese and has a rich history of cheese production, dating back to the 19th century. In 2021, Wisconsin produced 3.47 billion pounds of cheese, accounting for 25.3% of total US production, making it the leading state for cheese production. Wisconsin is known as "America's Dairyland", reflecting its prominent position within the US dairy industry. The state has over 600 different cheese varieties and was the leading producer of Italian cheeses in the US, with 28.7% of total production.
Wisconsin's cheesemaking tradition began with European immigrants who settled in the state, attracted by its fertile fields. Dairy farms soon sprang up, and farmers began making cheese to preserve excess milk. In 1841, Anne Pickett established Wisconsin's first commercial cheese factory, using milk from neighbouring cows. By the 20th century, Wisconsin was home to over 1,500 cheese factories, producing more than 500 million pounds of cheese annually.
Wisconsin has consistently been the top cheese-producing state in the US. In 2006, the state produced 2.4 billion pounds of cheese, maintaining its ranking despite concerns about California's rapidly growing cheese industry. Wisconsin's production continued to grow, reaching 2.6 billion pounds in 2010 and 2.9 billion pounds in 2014, when it accounted for 25.4% of all cheese produced in the US.
In summary, Wisconsin's cheese production in 2021 of 3.47 billion pounds not only contributed significantly to the US's annual cheese output but also cemented its longstanding reputation as the leading cheese-producing state in the country.
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Idaho produced the most cheese per capita in 2016
The United States is one of the world's leading cheese producers, churning out nearly a billion pounds of cheese per month, or 13.71 billion pounds in 2021, to be precise. Wisconsin is often the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of cheese production in the US, with its nickname of "America's Dairyland". However, in February 2016, Idaho was the leader in cheese production per capita, with 42.7 pounds of cheese produced per person. This is not surprising, given that Idaho is one of the top cheese-producing states in the country.
While Wisconsin consistently leads the way in overall cheese production, Idaho has distinguished itself by maximizing cheese output relative to its population. In 2016, Idaho's per capita cheese production stood out, showcasing the state's efficiency and productivity in the dairy industry.
The year 2021 saw a total cheese production of 13.71 billion pounds in the US, a 3.5% increase from 2020. Wisconsin, renowned as "America's Dairyland", maintained its top position, generating 3.47 billion pounds, or 25.3% of the total US production. California, the second-largest producer, contributed an estimated 2.5 billion pounds, with its vast dairy farms.
Italian cheese varieties, including mozzarella and parmesan, are popular among Americans, and their production totaled 5.75 billion pounds in 2021, accounting for 42% of the total cheese production in the US. Mozzarella alone made up 78% of Italian cheese production. American-type cheese production reached 5.57 billion pounds, with cheddar being the most prominent variety.
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US cheese production in 2021 was 13.71 billion pounds
The United States produces a vast amount of cheese. In 2021, US cheese production, excluding cottage cheese, reached 13.71 billion pounds, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This figure represents a 3.5% increase from 2020.
Wisconsin was the leading state for total cheese production in 2021, with 3.47 billion pounds of cheese, or approximately 25.3% of total US production. Wisconsin also led the way in Italian cheese production, with 28.7% of the US total, and American-type cheese production, with 19.4%.
Italian cheese varieties accounted for a significant portion of US cheese production in 2021, totalling 5.75 billion pounds, a 2.5% increase from 2020. Mozzarella dominated Italian cheese production, with 78% of the total at 4.49 billion pounds, a 1% increase from the previous year. Parmesan also saw a notable increase, totalling 483.4 million pounds, a 15.4% rise.
American-type cheese production in 2021 reached 5.57 billion pounds, a 4.3% increase from 2020, and constituted around 40.6% of total cheese production for that year. Cheddar was the most prominent variety within this category, with 3.93 billion pounds, a 2.7% increase from 2020.
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US cheese consumption in 2022 was nearly 42 pounds per person
The United States is a major cheese producer, churning out nearly a billion pounds of cheese per month. In 2021, the country produced 13.71 billion pounds of cheese (excluding cottage cheese), with Wisconsin leading the way, producing 25.3% of the total. However, the focus here is on consumption, not production.
While the US is a significant cheese producer and consumer, it doesn't crack the top 10 for per capita cheese consumption. France holds the title for the most cheese consumed per person annually, with Italy in second place. Interestingly, despite being a major cheese producer, the US exports over $1.6 billion worth of cheese annually, contributing to the consumption numbers of other countries.
The rise in cheese consumption in the US is part of a broader trend of increasing dairy consumption. According to the USDA, per capita consumption of all dairy products in 2022 reached 653 pounds per person, a significant increase over the historical average. This includes not just cheese but also products like ice cream, yogurt, and butter. The consistent growth in dairy consumption is driven by the evolving nature of the dairy industry, which adapts to meet the changing preferences and cravings of American consumers.
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The EU is expected to consume 12,556kt of cheese by 2030
The EU's cheese consumption is projected to increase in the coming years. Between 2018 and 2020, the average annual cheese consumption across the EU was 11,491 kilotons (kt). By 2030, the EU is expected to consume approximately 12,556 kt of cheese, which equates to a projected 22.6 kg per capita. This expected increase in cheese consumption reflects the enduring popularity of cheese in the EU and the product's significance in the region's food culture and industry.
The projected increase in cheese consumption within the EU aligns with the overall trend of growing cheese production and consumption globally. Cheese production in the United States, for example, has been significant, with the country producing approximately a billion pounds of cheese every month. In 2021, the U.S. produced a total of 13.71 billion pounds of cheese, excluding cottage cheese. This marked a 3.5% increase from 2020, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Wisconsin has consistently been a leading state for cheese production in the U.S., contributing 3.47 billion pounds of cheese in 2021, or 25.3% of the country's total production. Italian cheese varieties have also seen a rise in production, with mozzarella accounting for the majority of this category's output. American-type cheese production, including cheddar, has similarly experienced growth, showcasing the diverse preferences and demand for various cheese types.
While the EU's projected cheese consumption of 12,556 kt by 2030 reflects the region's appetite for cheese, it is worth noting that these numbers are based on projections and may be subject to change over time. Nonetheless, the expected consumption underscores the enduring popularity of cheese in the EU, making it a significant market for cheese producers and a crucial aspect of the region's culinary landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2021, cheese production in the US, excluding cottage cheese, was 13.71 billion pounds.
Wisconsin is the leading state for cheese production, producing 25.3% of total US cheese production in 2021.
Cheddar is the most produced cheese in the US, with 3.93 billion pounds produced in 2021.
The US is a major cheese producer, but it does not make the top 10 list for consumption per capita. France and Italy are the highest consumers of cheese per capita.
