When we think of cheese, we tend to associate it with countries like France. But did you know that the United States is now the largest producer of cheese in the world? It's hard to believe the cheese industry in the United States wasn't even started until 1851! It all started with Jesse Williams opening the first cheddar factory in New York. To date, cheddar cheese makes up the largest share of all cheeses produced.

The United States has also seen a major influx of media coverage pertaining to artisanal cheeses. American consumers are now more willing to pay higher prices for quality products. Americans are starting to become more interested in quality than quantity.