As vice president of cheese and consumer products marketing, I am responsible for developing impactful marketing strategies and programs that enhance international demand for U.S. cheese and consumer dairy products. Since I started at USDEC in 2000, I have sought to educate overseas importers, distributors, retail buyers, chefs and foodservice professionals on the tastes, applications and quality of U.S. cheese through a variety of initiatives.

Traditional cheeses will always have a special bond with consumers, but cravings for cheese innovation is putting the spotlight on specialty and unique cheeses. Numerous recent industry reports show that consumers are buying more cheese, but their expectations are rising with every purchase and lifestyle decision.

The United States won nearly 75% of the medals awarded at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest (WCCC), proving it can compete with the world’s best cheeses.

Cheese is increasingly familiar and popular around the world, even in cultures where consumption is non-traditional. Europe is, of course, well-known as a cheese producer and supplier but countries like Australia, New Zealand and the United States have become key suppliers as well, offering global importers and end-users alike a much broader selection to choose from for both Old World favorites such as parmesan, camembert and havarti or new creations like monterey jack.