Cheese in France - Statistics & Facts
A French person consumes on average 27.4 kilograms of cheese per year. The French passion for cheese is deeply rooted in their culture, and this love has shaped an industry that produces some of the most renowned varieties globally. This affinity for cheese is not only evident in daily consumption but also in the cultural rituals and celebrations that often revolve around cheese tasting and pairing.
Drawing from ancestral recipes and expertise, sometimes producers have been specializing in a particular method for centuries, and some are now officially recognized. Many departments and regions fight for their local artisans to obtain the much-desired PDO appellation.
Cheese is more than just a food in France—it’s a cultural symbol. With its rich variety and deep-rooted history, French cheese continues to be a beloved staple, representing the country’s commitment to quality, tradition, and flavor.
The multiverse of French cheese
Among the more than 1,000 types that exist in France, cheese made from cow’s milk is the most sought-after. At the same time, goat cheese and Roquefort are also produced - and enjoyed - in high volume. This wide variety of products not only comes from the type of milk used but also from the way the ingredients are processed: cheese can be cooked or uncooked, hard-pressed, soft, marbled, processed, etc.Drawing from ancestral recipes and expertise, sometimes producers have been specializing in a particular method for centuries, and some are now officially recognized. Many departments and regions fight for their local artisans to obtain the much-desired PDO appellation.
Cheese sales: Brielliant profits
In terms of sales, household purchases of cheese amounted to over 10.2 billion euros in 2023, while more than 869,000 tons of it were sold that same year. Hard-pressed cooked cheese and soft cheese made up roughly half of the sales volume. Regarding cheese with an appellation of origin, French households purchased over 116,600 tons of it in 2022, showing once again their interest in the various territorial savoir-faire their nation has to offer.Cheese is more than just a food in France—it’s a cultural symbol. With its rich variety and deep-rooted history, French cheese continues to be a beloved staple, representing the country’s commitment to quality, tradition, and flavor.
