"In 2024, the United States produced almost 6.5 million metric tons of cheese, which was about 29% of total global production, according to the USDA. Compare this to the 10.7 million metric tons produced by the entire European Union, not just one country, which accounts for about 47% of global cheese production overall. For reference, one metric ton is equivalent to about 2,200 pounds."
"In 2022 and 2023, Americans ate a shocking 42 pounds of cheese per person on average. This was fueled largely by a growth in demand for specialty cheeses. Different from what you'll find behind your standard deli counter, specialty cheeses - for example, aged cheddar and various kinds of blue cheeses - are made in smaller quantities from locally sourced ingredients, sometimes using old-world and traditional cheesemaking techniques."
The United States produced almost 6.5 million metric tons of cheese in 2024, representing about 29% of global production. The European Union produced about 10.7 million metric tons, or roughly 47% of global output, with Germany leading EU production at about 2.3 million metric tons and exporting over half, particularly gouda and edam. France produced about 1.7 million metric tons and Italy about 1.1 million metric tons. U.S. per-capita consumption reached about 42 pounds in 2022–2023, driven by growing demand for specialty cheeses made in smaller batches from locally sourced milk using traditional techniques. Wisconsin and California are the top U.S. cheese-producing states.
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