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U.S. cheese production hit record high in 2025

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association hosts U.S. and World Cheese Championship events in alternating years. The organization has been hosting cheese competitions in the state since 1893. Wisconsin cheeses regularly capture the most awards.
COURTESY WISCONSIN CHEESE MAKERS ASSOCIATION
In Business Madison
By In Business Madison
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Americans love their cheese.

So much so that 2025 production is at a high of 14.66 billion pounds, an increase of 2.9% from 2024, the Cheese Reporter reported.

U.S. cheese production has been increasing at a rapid pace, doubling since 1997, when it reached 7.33 billion pounds produced. Production has not declined since 1991.

In December 2025, Wisconsin produced 315 million pounds of cheese, up 2.8% from 2024; California produced 216.6 million pounds, up 5.8%; and Idaho produced 88.2 million pounds, down 4.4%.

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Wisconsin produced over 1 billion pounds of specialty cheese in 2024, and is expected to keep increasing production, though the 2025 numbers weren’t available.

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