Cheese has become a more familiar and highly sought after food in the diet of many countries and it's showing no signs of slowing down. From 2014 to 2020, global cheese demand is forecasted to rise 20% in developing countries versus 8% in developed countries. The world's largest cheese exporters - the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and South America - are racing to be the top supplier.

So what makes the United States one of the best suited suppliers to meet global demand growth?

• It is the world's largest cheese producer with over 5 million metric tons manufactured annually and continually growing.
• A majority of U.S. cheese is produced in large, state-of-the-art production facilities but the U.S. is also home to smaller scale, open-vat environments where high-end specialty cheeses are crafted.
• Through their participation in global competitions, U.S. suppliers are consistently demonstrating their talent and dedication to producing high quality cheese. In 2014, they earned 84 medals (including 10 super gold) at the World Cheese Awards and 187 medals (61 gold) at the World Championship Cheese Contest.
• But most notably, over the past few year, the U.S. has gradually earned a larger slice of the export market and became the number one single country exporter of cheese in 2013. This success resulted from efforts to align customer needs with a diverse product portfolio, specifications, innovation and customer service. Also, an enhanced focus on production capacity for export markets has aided global outreach.

But that's not all! The United States which is primarily known for its production of popular cheeses like Cheddar and mozzarella, produces hundreds of varieties from European styles to American Originals, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack and Pepper Jack as well as specialty and artisan cheeses crafted by skilled cheese makers.  

While product innovation is important, quality and safety are not forgotten. From the cow herself to milk transfer to consumer sales, the U.S. industry has many safeguards to provide wholesome dairy products from the American farm to global customers and consumers.  

Regardless of the current market dynamics which are inherent to the global dairy market place, the United States is well positioned to fill rising global cheese demand, thanks to an expandable land and infrastructure capacity, a growing year-round milk supply, a rigorous quality assurance as well as a diverse product portfolio.

Find out more about U.S. cheese and search for suppliers on ThinkUSAdairy.org.