The United States is a melting pot of cultures and traditions inspiring a new generation of cheese artisans with a knack for innovation and dedicated entrepreneurial spirit to create some of the finest cheeses in the world. For decades, the U.S. cheese industry has worked diligently to meet the needs of customers around the world.

The world’s single largest producer and exporter of cheese, the U.S. is also home to over 1,000 cheese varieties produced throughout all 50 states.

From American Originals like cream cheese, invented in 1872 in New York; or U.S. Pepper Jack, that blends the soft richness of U.S. Monterey Jack with flecks of spicy peppers; to sought-after varieties that combine old and new techniques like U.S. cheddar and parmesan, the unparalleled variety of Cheeses from the USA means that there’s a cheese to
suit every chef’s or every home cook’s needs. Throughout the country, flavor-infused, rubbed-rind cheeses, and other varieties push the limits of innovation, flavor, and artisanship.

These incredible cheeses, inspired by ancient recipes yet unbound by tradition, are made possible due to the high-quality milk produced in the United States. From the rolling green hills of the Northeast to the breathtaking West Coast, U.S. dairy farmers work tirelessly to supply U.S. cheesemakers with the milk necessary to produce the very cheeses that end up on your pizza or hamburger and that line the shelves of retail chains around the world. Most of the country’s cheese is made in large-scale production facilities, but artisan cheesemakers are also crafting some of the world’s best cheeses.

USA Cheeses have impressed judges on the world stage for years, taking home top prizes in blind tastings and competitions like the World Cheese Awards and the World Championship Cheese Contest. In fact, a U.S. blue cheese from Oregon’s Rogue Creamery was crowned the World Champion Cheese out of over 3,000 entries at the 2019-2020 World Cheese Awards.

The United States is a unique and exciting supplier of delicious cheese. In fact, 2021 was a record-setting year for U.S. dairy and cheese exports. Over the course of the year, the U.S. exported 2.3 million MT of dairy products, including a record-breaking 404,000 MT of cheese – a 14% increase year-over-year.

The U.S. cheese community is connecting with international trade and consumers to keep up with the growing demand for USA Cheeses around the world and reaffirm its commitment to international customers. Efforts such as the implementation of local programs from retail and foodservice promotions to trade education are paving the way for local markets to capture the full potential of USA Cheese.

Increase Awareness Through The USA Cheese Specialist® Certification Program

In Hong Kong, the USA Cheese Guild® has partnered with International Culinary Institute (ICI), to offer the USA Cheese Specialist® Certification Program. Through education and communication, the goal is to introduce future chefs to the craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and versatility of USA Cheeses.

The program has since expanded to include culinary students from South Korea, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. Culinary schools in Hong Kong and Zhejiang, China are expected to participate this year. Through this program, they will be able to learn more about Cheese from the USA.

The Certified Cheese Specialist Chefs will be inducted into the global USA Cheese Specialist community, with a lifetime membership to the USA Cheese Guild. The USA Cheese Guild is a center of excellence for cheese knowledge and education managed by the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and industry experts.

The U.S. cheese industry is ever-growing and is creating some of the world’s most delicious and nutritious cheeses, from classic favorites to original creations. From America to your plate – come discover more on the heritage and diversity of Cheeses from the USA, and follow us on social media, Instagram: @cheesefromtheusa.hk and Facebook: @cheesefromtheusa.hk