Top 10 Cheese-Producing Countries by Annual Production
The ten countries that produce the most cheese by volume, dominated by the European dairy heartlands that have been making cheese for centuries.
Updated July 29, 202610 ranked3 sources
Quick answer: 1. United States, 2. Germany, 3. France, 4. Italy, 5. Netherlands, 6. Poland, 7. Russia, 8. Brazil, 9. United Kingdom, 10. Canada.
Cheese is one of the world's most beloved and diverse foods, with thousands of varieties produced across the globe. The largest cheese-producing countries are dominated by European nations with deep dairy traditions, though the United States has emerged as the single largest national producer, driven by its massive dairy industry and the popularity of mozzarella and cheddar.
This list ranks the top ten cheese-producing countries by total annual production in metric tonnes, based on the latest data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
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Cheese production (million tonnes/year)
Cheese production (million tonnes/year)
United States
6.3 million tonnes
Germany
2.6 million tonnes
France
2.4 million tonnes
Italy
2.2 million tonnes
Netherlands
1.9 million tonnes
Poland
1.4 million tonnes
Russia
1.2 million tonnes
Brazil
1.1 million tonnes
United Kingdom
0.9 million tonnes
Canada
0.6 million tonnes
The ranking
1
United States
The United States is the world's largest cheese producer, manufacturing approximately 6.3 million tonnes annually. Mozzarella is the most-produced cheese in the U.S., driven by the nation's insatiable appetite for pizza, followed by cheddar. Wisconsin is the largest cheese-producing state, followed by California and Idaho. The U.S. cheese industry has grown steadily for decades, with per-capita consumption reaching nearly 40 pounds per year.
Region: North AmericaTop cheese types: Mozzarella, Cheddar, Cream cheeseAnnual per-capita consumption: ~18 kgNotable: Top state: Wisconsin
2
Germany
Germany produces 2.6 million tonnes of cheese annually, making it the largest cheese producer in Europe. German cheese culture is diverse, with hundreds of varieties including the well-known Gouda (a Dutch cheese also widely produced in Germany), Edam, Butterkäse, and the soft cheeses from Bavaria. Germany is also one of the world's largest cheese exporters, sending significant volumes to other EU countries.
Region: EuropeTop cheese types: Gouda, Edam, Butterkäse, CamembertAnnual per-capita consumption: ~25 kgNotable: Major exporter within EU
3
France
France produces 2.4 million tonnes of cheese annually and is home to over 1,200 distinct cheese varieties (de Gaulle famously asked how anyone could govern a country with 246 cheeses). While France is renowned for its artisanal cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, and Comté, the majority of production by volume is industrial cheeses such as Emmental and mozzarella.
Italy produces 2.2 million tonnes of cheese annually, anchored by two of the world's most famous cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano, both hard grating cheeses that require long aging. Mozzarella, particularly the fresh mozzarella di bufala campana from water buffalo milk, is another major category. Italy's cheese production is deeply tied to its system of Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) designations.
The Netherlands produces 1.9 million tonnes of cheese annually, a remarkable figure for a small country. Gouda and Edam are the country's most famous exports, and the Dutch produce cheese in staggering volume relative to their population. The Netherlands is the world's largest cheese exporter, with over 70% of its production shipped abroad. The iconic cheese markets of Alkmaar and Gouda continue to operate as living traditions.
Poland produces 1.4 million tonnes of cheese annually, making it the sixth-largest cheese producer in the world. Polish cheese production has grown rapidly since the country joined the European Union, driven by modernisation of its dairy sector and access to EU markets. Popular Polish cheeses include twaróg (a fresh curd cheese), oscypek (a smoked sheep-milk cheese from the Tatra Mountains), and Edam-style cheeses.
Region: EuropeTop cheese types: Twaróg, Edam-style, Gouda-style, OscypekAnnual per-capita consumption: ~14 kgNotable: Rapid growth since EU accession
7
Russia
Russia produces 1.2 million tonnes of cheese annually, though its cheese industry was significantly disrupted by the 2014 food import ban, which spurred domestic production. Russian cheese makers have developed local versions of many European styles, including Rossiysky (Russian-style) and various processed cheeses. The industry has invested heavily in new production facilities to meet domestic demand.
Region: Europe / AsiaTop cheese types: Rossiysky, Processed cheese, Gouda-styleAnnual per-capita consumption: ~8 kgNotable: Import ban spurred domestic production
8
Brazil
Brazil produces 1.1 million tonnes of cheese annually, the largest cheese producer in South America and the only non-European country in the top eight. Minas cheese — particularly Minas Frescal (a fresh white cheese) and Minas Padrão (a semi-hard aged cheese) — are the most popular domestic varieties. The Brazilian cheese market has grown rapidly with rising incomes and the expansion of pizza and fast-food culture.
Region: South AmericaTop cheese types: Minas Frescal, Minas Padrão, Prato, MozzarellaAnnual per-capita consumption: ~5 kgNotable: Top state: Minas Gerais
9
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom produces 0.9 million tonnes of cheese annually, with cheddar accounting for roughly half of total production. British cheese culture has experienced a renaissance since the 1990s, with farmhouse and artisanal producers reviving historic varieties like Stilton, Wensleydale, and Red Leicester. The UK is also a significant cheese importer, particularly for continental European varieties.
Region: EuropeTop cheese types: Cheddar, Stilton, Wensleydale, Red LeicesterAnnual per-capita consumption: ~12 kgNotable: Cheddar = ~50% of production
10
Canada
Canada produces 0.6 million tonnes of cheese annually, with cheddar and mozzarella as the most popular varieties. The Canadian dairy industry operates under a supply-management system that limits production to match domestic demand, keeping prices stable. Quebec is the largest cheese-producing province, and Canadian artisanal cheese production has grown significantly in recent years.
Region: North AmericaTop cheese types: Cheddar, MozzarellaAnnual per-capita consumption: ~14 kgNotable: Supply-management system; top province: Quebec
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Full comparison
#
Name
Region
Top cheese types
Annual per-capita consumption
Notable
1
United States
North America
Mozzarella, Cheddar, Cream cheese
~18 kg
Top state: Wisconsin
2
Germany
Europe
Gouda, Edam, Butterkäse, Camembert
~25 kg
Major exporter within EU
3
France
Europe
Emmental, Mozzarella, Camembert, Comté
~27 kg
>1,200 cheese varieties
4
Italy
Europe
Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano
~23 kg
50+ DOP-protected cheeses
5
Netherlands
Europe
Gouda, Edam, Maasdam
~22 kg
World's largest cheese exporter; >70% exported
6
Poland
Europe
Twaróg, Edam-style, Gouda-style, Oscypek
~14 kg
Rapid growth since EU accession
7
Russia
Europe / Asia
Rossiysky, Processed cheese, Gouda-style
~8 kg
Import ban spurred domestic production
8
Brazil
South America
Minas Frescal, Minas Padrão, Prato, Mozzarella
~5 kg
Top state: Minas Gerais
9
United Kingdom
Europe
Cheddar, Stilton, Wensleydale, Red Leicester
~12 kg
Cheddar = ~50% of production
10
Canada
North America
Cheddar, Mozzarella
~14 kg
Supply-management system; top province: Quebec
How we ranked this
Countries are ranked by total annual cheese production in millions of metric tonnes, using the most recent full-year data from the USDA FAS Dairy: World Markets and Trade report and FAOSTAT livestock production statistics. The figures include all cheese varieties — cow, sheep, goat, and buffalo milk cheeses — converted to a standard weight basis. Production is measured as the total volume of cheese manufactured within the country's borders, including cheese destined for export. Data reflects the most recent complete calendar year (2025).
FAQ
Which country produces the most cheese in the world?
The United States is the world's largest cheese producer at 6.3 million tonnes annually, followed by Germany (2.6 million tonnes), France (2.4 million tonnes), and Italy (2.2 million tonnes). However, the European Union as a whole produces far more cheese than any single country.
Which country exports the most cheese?
The Netherlands is the world's largest cheese exporter, shipping over 70% of its 1.9 million tonnes of annual production abroad. The Netherlands' export dominance is driven by its efficient dairy industry, central location in Europe, and globally recognized cheese brands like Gouda and Edam.
Why does the United States produce so much cheese when it's not known for cheese like Europe?
The U.S. has a massive dairy industry, and cheese production is a key way to utilize surplus milk. The popularity of pizza (which uses mozzarella) and fast food (which uses cheddar and American cheese) drives enormous demand. The U.S. cheese industry is highly industrialized and efficient, with large-scale production facilities concentrated in Wisconsin, California, and Idaho.
Which country eats the most cheese per person?
The highest per-capita cheese consumption is found in Europe, with countries like Denmark, Iceland, France, and Germany each consuming over 25 kg per person per year. The United States consumes about 18 kg per person, while the Netherlands consumes about 22 kg per person despite being the world's largest exporter.