World Markets Turn to US for Cheddar Cheese

​The US, European Union, and New Zealand collectively produce and sell more than 80% of the world’s cheese. Due to weather events in New Zealand and Europe, American exports of cheddar cheese have increased 83% in the first few months of 2018 from the same period of 2017, according to HighGround Dairy, a market intelligence firm that is focused on the dairy industry. 

​In spring, New Zealand experienced dry spells, while months later, Europe had cold, winter-like weather at the start of their spring. New Zealand answered by using its milk fat stores to produce powdered milk formula, while European farmers mostly produced Italian-style cheeses with its milk fats. The result led American farmers to fulfill the gap. So far this year, the US has exported approximately 75 million pounds of cheese, with cheddar making up about 20% of that total.