Cheese is a dairy product made from casein protein in milk through a coagulating process. The process produces a semi-solid curd that must be collected, pressed, and shaped into cheese. It supports global dairy trade, offers good nutrient density, and provides strong economic value. According to the USDA, global cheese production is 23.12 million metric tons for the 2025/2026 marketing year (MY).
Demand for cheese is robust globally, as consumers widely adopt the product because of its affordable price. The article includes total output for MY 2025/2026, year-over-year change, % of global output, and previous-year statistics for each of the 10 largest cheese-producing countries.
Here’s the list of largest cheese producers by country:
Annual production volume and global share of largest cheese-producing countries
| Country | Total Production (Metric Tons) | % Share of Global Production |
|---|---|---|
 European Union | 10.91 Million | 47% |
 United States | 6.71 Million | 29% |
 Russia | 1.16 Million | 5% |
 Brazil | 805,000 | 3% |
 Argentina | 540,000 | 2% |
 Canada | 520,000 | 2% |
 United Kingdom | 496,000 | 2% |
 Mexico | 485,000 | 2% |
 Australia | 430,000 | 2% |
 New Zealand | 425,000 | 2% |
1. European Union
The European Union is the world's largest cheese producer. The total volume of cheese produced in MY 2025/2026 was around 10.91 million metric tons, making up 47% of global cheese production. During MY 2024/2025, the EU generated 10.8 million metric tons of cheese, which marks a year-over-year change of 0.99%.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 10.28 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 1%
- Year-over-year change: 0.99%
2. United States
The United States holds the second position in global cheese production with a total output of 6.71 million metric tons in MY 2025/2026 (January-December). This represents nearly 29% of the world’s cheese production volume. In 2024/2025 of the previous marketing year, cheese production in the US amounted to 6.46 million metric tons.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 6.14 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 2%
- Year-over-year change: 4%
3. Russia
Russia commands a 5% share of global cheese output. With no yearly change, cheese production data is the same in both MY 2025/2026 (January-December) and the previous year (2024/2025), at about 1.16 million metric tons, according to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 1.16 million metric tons
- Compound average growth: 3%
- Year-over-year change: 0% [no change]
4. Brazil
In the current MY 2025/2026 (January-December), cheese production in the South American country of Brazil reached 805,000 metric tons, with a contribution of 3% to global output. On the other hand, the MY 2024/2025 recorded 780,000 metric tons of cheese produced.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 772,600 metric tons
- Compound average growth: 0.78%
- Year-over-year change: 3%
5. Argentina
According to the latest data from USDA, Argentina is responsible for 2% of the world’s cheese production. As of 2025/2026, Argentina generated 540,000 metric tons of cheese. The country’s total output in MY 2024/2025 was 500,000 metric tons, noting a year-over-year change of 8%.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 514,600 metric tons
- Compound average growth: -0.22%
- Year-over-year change: 8%
6. Canada
Next on the list of cheese production by country is Canada. With a production volume of 520,000 metric tons, Canada is one of the largest cheese producers in the world. The nation contributes 2% to global cheese production. In MY 2024/2025, Canada reported 514,000 metric tons of cheese production.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 508,500 metric tons
- Compound average growth: 2%
- Year-over-year change: 1%
7. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom sits in seventh place on the list of largest cheese-producing countries. In the 2025/2026 MY, the UK’s cheese output reached 496,000 metric tons, making up 2% of the world’s total output. The country’s cheese production in MY 2024/2025 was 494,000 metric tons, recording a year-over-year change of 0.40%.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 485,400 metric tons
- Compound average growth: 1%
- Year-over-year change: 0.40%
8. Mexico
With a total production volume of 485,000 metric tons in MY 2025/2026, Mexico accounts for 2% of global cheese production. As a major cheese producer, Mexico’s total output was around 474,000 metric tons in MY 2024/2025.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 440,000 metric tons
- Compound average growth: 3%
- Year-over-year change: 2%
9. Australia
Australia's cheese production in MY 2025/2026 is 430,000 metric tons, contributing 2% of global output (January-December). In MY 2024/2025, the country’s cheese production stood at 426,000 metric tons, representing a year-over-year change of 0.94%.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 384,500 metric tons
- Compound average growth: 2%
- Year-over-year change: 0.94%
10. New Zealand
Globally, New Zealand contributes 2% of the cheese production, with a total output of 425,000 metric tons in MY 2025/2026 (January-December). In MY 2024/2025, USDA noted the nation’s total cheese output at 410,000 metric tons.
- 10-Year production statistics (MY 2016-2025):
- Average production: 382,100 metric tons
- Compound average growth: 2%
- Year-over-year change: 4%
