Sponsored: Renowned for its ingenuity and unwavering dedication to quality, the USA Cheese Guild champions the excellence of American cheesemaking on the global stage
Cheese, a timeless culinary staple, continues to evolve with the shifting tides of global gastronomy. Amidst this dynamic transformation, the USA Cheese Guild stands as a beacon of distinction, blending tradition with modern innovation. Representing American dairy farmers and the broader U.S. cheese community, the Guild’s mission is to elevate awareness of USA Cheeses worldwide.
In the MENA region, this translates to an array of initiatives, from educational programs to retail and foodservice collaborations, all designed to showcase the unparalleled versatility of American cheese.From fostering awareness in the MENA region to supporting sustainable practices and industry collaborations, the Guild plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cheese.
What are some of the benefits of using USA Cheese in foodservice and HRI? What are some of the applications of USA Cheese varieties in different market sectors in the region?
Cheeses from the USA are unbound by tradition, and U.S. cheesemakers are constantly pushing the limits of cheesemaking. The United States is home to a multitude of cheese varieties – from well-known classics to new and unique American Originals – that can be incorporated into a multitude of dishes, or simply enjoyed on their own.
What differentiates USA Cheeses from other cheese products on the market?
Simply put, what differentiates it is that there is something for everyone, considering the diverse range of market needs, spanning a wide spectrum of foodservice scales and retail offerings. The lineup includes traditional favourites (cheddars, goudas, mozzarellas) and new varieties known as American Originals (Monterey Jacks, Pepper Jacks, Colbys and Cream Cheeses). As global appetites for cheese continue to grow, investments in cheesemaking capabilities makes U.S. suppliers well suited to meet increased cheese demand.
How does the U.S. cheese industry distinguish itself from other well-known cheesemaking countries? What makes it so unique?
From large-scale, state-of-the-art facilities to thousands of small, specialty cheese producers that focus on creativity and innovation, our cheeses offer international buyers unique products from functional mozzarellas and cold pack spreads to cave-aged cheddars and spice-rubbed wheels. The community has gained recognition and praise on the international stage for many years, winning numerous awards and competitions. These accolades from cheese experts are a clear testament to the fantastic quality and craftsmanship of Cheeses from the USA.
Tell us more about the craftsmanship and heritage of USA Cheese.
The community is quite interesting because it’s the confluence of hundreds of years of cheesemaking excellence that rose from a melting pot of backgrounds and cultures. As a country of immigrants, many of our traditions reflect our ancestry but the continued entrepreneurship has transformed the U.S. cheese community into an international center of cheesemaking excellence and innovation. Today, the United States is the world’s largest single country producer and exporter of cheese.
How important is sustainability to U.S. cheesemakers?
Collectively, U.S. dairy supports sustainable food systems through commitments to become GHG neutral by 2050. Just as U.S. farmers improve efficiency of milk production through advanced animal care and on-farm best practices, U.S. efforts to support sustainable innovations in cheesemaking are ongoing. U.S. cheesemakers are part of the sustainability efforts focusing efforts on advancements in cheesemaking research and technology.
What are the expected results and the importance of the participation of the USA Cheese Guild in Gulfood 2025? Is the Guild planning to participate in other trade/HRI shows this year?
Gulfood draws food & beverage professionals from across the region as well as other parts of the world, allowing U.S. cheese suppliers the opportunity to engage with current customers as well as develop and pursue new relationships and business opportunities. Each year, U.S. cheese suppliers report that participation in Gulfood is an essential component to conducting business within the region.
This year, the Guild will be hosting USA Cheese pavilions at a handful of other tradeshows around the world, and we encourage anyone interested in learning more to stop by and discover Cheeses from the USA! The Guild will be exhibiting at FoodEx Japan in Tokyo, Japan (March 11-14); FHA Food & Beverage in Singapore (April 8-11); Seoul Food and Hotel in Seoul, Korea (June 10-13); and Espacio Food and Service in Santiago, Chile (September 30-October 2); and likely a couple other shows as well (to be confirmed).
Visit Instagram (@cheesefromtheusa.me) or linkedin.com/company/usacheeseguild. Visit www.cheesefromtheusa.org.
