According to FAO, in 2021, more than 22 million tons of cheese were produced worldwide. The European Union was the leading producer of cheese worldwide, with a production volume of around 10 million tons.

There is no exact data on the number of people employed in cheese production worldwide, but it is estimated that the dairy sector in general employs more than 240 million people, including producers, processors and traders. Most of these jobs are concentrated in developing countries, where milk and dairy products are an important source of income and food security for millions of rural families.

World per capita consumption is expected to increase by 1.4% per year until 2030, reaching 6.5 kg per person. The countries with the highest per capita cheese consumption in 2021 were France (26.3 kg), Iceland (25.9 kg) and Finland (25.8 kg).

Look, cheese is such a versatile food, so widely consumed in the world and so loved by everyone for its unique flavor and its ability to complement and shape such a wide variety of dishes, that there are restaurants whose menu dishes are made from start to finish, with cheese. Yes, even the drinks.

For example, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, there is a bar called Selquet that has a menu of drinks with cheese, such as the Cheese Martini, with vodka, cream cheese and chives, or the Cheese Mojito, with rum, lime, mint, sugar and cream cheese.

Also the Sky Bar, whose cheese cocktails include the Blue Cheese Margarita, with tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and blue cheese, or the Cheese Daiquiri, with rum, lime juice and cream cheese.

But think about it, cheese is also valued for its health benefits, such as its high content of calcium, proteins and vitamins. At Mercoláctea, I got to know a line of cheeses made with probiotics, which act as disease preventers… I will tell you in a few days about that, and why the big laboratories don’t even want you to suspect it.

Moreover, cheese has a great cultural importance in many countries, such as France and Italy, or Switzerland where it is considered an integral part of the national identity. In Brazil, the artisanal cheeses of Minas Gerais have achieved the status of Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Cheese is one of the most loved foods around the world, from cheddar to brie, there is a wide variety of cheeses that can be found everywhere. But why do we love cheese so much?

First, cheese is delicious. It’s a versatile food that can be enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. Plus, cheese can be found in different varieties, textures and flavors, making it perfect to satisfy any palate.

So the next time you enjoy a cheese plate or add cheese to your favorite dish, you’ll remember everything that makes cheese so special and enjoy every bite, with good reason.

Eating dairy is good for you!