15 Countries That Produce the Best Cheese in the World

Cheese is one of the most iconic - and varied - food products on Earth. Every culture has its signature styles, milk sources, and ripening methods. Soft. Hard. Funky. Melting. Oozing. Cheese is an ingredient unparalleled in its complexity and versatility.

Knowing where your cheese comes from is about more than origin. It’s about understanding flavor profiles, consistency, aging processes, and why certain countries still lead the way in artisanal excellence.

So where do the best cheeses come from? Let’s melt into it.

The Global Cheese Market

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global cheese market was valued at USD 191.94 billion and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.15% reaching an estimated worth of USD 283.10 billion by 2032.

Europe dominates cheese production with a market share of 49.13% and according to the USDA in 2020, cheese consumption per person in the United States was 40.2 pounds (we are all cheese lovers!)

Today’s consumers aren’t just craving cheese, they want cheeses that are minimally processed, have natural textures, and bold flavors. Which is why, fresh, small-batch, and specialty cheeses are having their moment.

So Where Does The Best Cheese Come From?

Lebanon

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~30,000 metric tons
Lebanon is known for its fresh, white cheeses made from cow, sheep, or goat milk. While not a major global exporter, its cheeses like Akawi Cheese and Shanklish Cheese are cultural staples throughout the Levant and popular in Middle Eastern markets abroad.

Turkey

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~650,000 metric tons
Turkey boasts a rich cheese-making heritage with roots in pastoral communities and Ottoman culinary traditions. Beyaz Peynir Cheese and Tulum Cheese are among its most iconic varieties. Most of Turkey’s cheese is consumed domestically, but exports are increasing to Europe and the Gulf region, especially in ethnic food markets.

Mexico

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~400,000 metric tons
Mexico’s cheese industry blends indigenous traditions with Spanish colonial influence. Popular varieties include Oaxaca Cheese, Cotija Cheese, and Queso Fresco. Though domestic demand drives most production, Mexican cheese is also exported to the U.S. and Central America, with growing interest in artisanal regional varieties.

Argentina

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~600,000 metric tons
Argentina’s cheese culture is heavily influenced by Italian immigration, leading to the widespread production of cow’s milk cheeses like Reggianito Cheese and Provolone Hilado Cheese. Argentina is one of South America’s top cheese producers.

Austria

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~200,000 metric tons
Austria produces high-quality mountain cheeses like Tiroler Graukäse and Bergkäse, often from small dairies in the Alps. Most of Austria’s cheese is consumed domestically or exported within the EU. The country’s alpine pastures and traditional aging methods contribute to a strong reputation for artisanal cheese.

Germany

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~2.2 million metric tons
Germany is one of Europe’s largest cheese producers. Its output includes a range of styles, from creamy Cambozola to bold Limburger. Germany exports over 800,000 tons of cheese annually, making it one of the top cheese-exporting nations globally.

United States

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~6.4 million metric tons
The U.S. is the world’s largest cheese producer by volume. However most of this production is for industrial cheddar and mozzarella (which are also the two most consumed cheeses in the U.S.)

United Kingdom

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~480,000 metric tons
The U.K. has experienced a cheese renaissance, with farmhouse Cheddars and blue cheeses gaining global attention. British cheese exports topped £800 million in 2022. 

Netherlands

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~900,000 metric tons
Home to Gouda and Edam, the Netherlands is one of the world's largest cheese exporters. Roughly two-thirds of its cheese is exported to over 130 countries. 

Portugal

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~80,000 metric tones

Portugal’s cheese production may be boutique in scale, but it’s bold in character. On the volcanic islands of the Azores, lush pastures and traditional methods give rise to two of our most distinct offerings: Ilha Azul and São Miguel. These cheeses are shaped by ocean winds, rich soils, and time-honored craftsmanship—capturing the untamed essence of the islands in every bite.

Learn about cheese production in the Açores Islands here.

Greece

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~200,000 metric tonsGreece is best known for Feta Cheese, which accounts for 70% of national cheese production. Greek cheese is primarily made from sheep and goat milk, and much of it holds PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status.

Switzerland

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~200,000 metric tons
Switzerland produces world-famous alpine cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental. These cheeses are aged in climate-controlled mountain caves and are often PDO-certified. Switzerland exports over 40% of its cheese production. 

Spain

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~500,000 metric tons
Spain’s cheese heritage is rooted in its diverse landscapes — from the dry plains of La Mancha to the misty hills of Galicia. While Manchego is Spain’s global icon, the country is home to dozens of regional cheeses that express their microclimates with striking precision.

Our cheese collection includes Manchego, and Tetilla, a PDO-certified Galician cheese, with a unique name and history.

Learn about the origin of Tetilla Cheese here.

Italy

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~1.3 million metric tons
Italy is home to some of the most beloved cheeses in the world: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, Gorgonzola, and Pecorino Romano. Over 50 Italian cheeses have PDO status. Italy exports over $4 billion in cheese annually, cementing its status as a global dairy heavyweight.

France

Estimated Annual Cheese Production: ~1.9 million metric tons
France reigns supreme in the cheese world with over 1,000 distinct varieties. From Bries to Roquefort, French cheese is exported worldwide. In 2022, France exported over 700,000 metric tons of cheese, maintaining its global image as the epicenter of cheese.

What makes French Cheeses so special?

1. French cheesemaking dates back to medieval times and strict regulations have ensured that most of these traditional methods remain intact, even today. 
2. Many french cheeses are made using raw milk and they are minimally processed. 
3. They have affineurs who specialize in the caring, ripening and aging of cheeses. 

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Our Portuguese Cheeses: Ilha Azul & São Miguel

Ilha Azul and São Miguel cheeses are the product of pure, volcanic pastures, unique to the Açores Islands. 

São Miguel Cheese is aged for at least 9 months, creating a strong-tasting cheddar-like body with a deep, nutty flavor. São Miguel has been awarded several recognitions at international cheese competitions, including the Gold Award in 2024 by the World Cheese Awards, for its sharp profile and artisan craftsmanship.

Ilha Azul Cheese is a semi-soft cheese, produced on Faial Island in the Azores. It has a buttery and soft texture, enhancing its appeal as a versatile and delicious choice for various dishes.

Both are produced using milk sourced from free-grazing cows and traditional aging processes that highlight the flavors of the volcanic environment.

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Our Spanish Cheeses: Manchego & Tetilla

Manchego Cheese is Spain’s most iconic cheese for a reason - made from 100% Manchega sheep’s milk, it’s firm, buttery, and deeply flavorful, with notes of roasted nuts and hay. 

Tetilla Cheese, named for its conical shape that resembles a nipple, this cheese is crafted from fresh, pasteurized cow’s milk, natural rennet, and salt—with no preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients. Its PDO standard guarantees that it is produced in Galicia, from 100% galician cows. 

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A Taste of the Best Cheese In Your Kitchen

At WorldClass we source minimally processed, artisanally crafted cheeses. Our curated selection of Spanish and Portuguese cheeses brings the world’s finest flavors straight to your kitchen, whether you're building a showstopping cheese board or elevating your next signature dish.

Place Your Wholesale Order Now.

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