In addition to the variety of cheeses you can purchase in your local grocery store, you can also find an importer of specialty cheeses, such as Gouda and Edam. These specialty stores usually offer a wider range of cheeses and can help you find the best selection at the lowest prices. Some importers specialize in specific types of cheese, such as aged goat’s cheese. The specialty cheese importer should have knowledge of local taste preferences in order to cater to them.
Imported cheese is subject to strict regulations imposed by the Food and Drug Administration, which are based on the ingredients and the way they are produced. In addition, some types of cheese may be subject to tariff-rate quotas, which limit the quantity you can import based on the type and country of origin. If you intend to regularly import cheese, you should consider acquiring a dairy import license to ensure that you comply with FDA regulations.
According to the International Trade Statistics (ITIS), the value of imported cheese in 2020 will reach US$32.8 billion, with the top 15 countries accounting for 98.4% of the total. Meanwhile, the value of imported cheese will remain flat or decline in the next five years, with the exception of China. Europe is one of the largest markets for cheese, with the majority of imported cheese being sold to European countries. The Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Denmark are the countries that have the highest export volume of cheese to Italy.
The importers association of America (CIAA) is dedicated to serving the needs of the world dairy community and the end consumer. The association helps promote the efficient import of dairy products to the United States. Members of the association maintain active contacts with government officials worldwide to keep them updated on important issues. A social media campaign called “I Love Imported Cheese” is also part of the overall strategy. The association’s website provides recipes, cooking videos, and entertaining tips to connect with the growing community of cheese enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in purchasing cheese curds from other countries, consider importing them from Canada. This is possible because cheese curds are produced from raw milk and are often eaten shortly afterward. Although these are young cheeses, they are still edible and can be served in a variety of ways. Imported cheese curds are legal as long as they are made from pasteurized milk. However, they should be aged for at least 60 days before they are eligible for import to the U.S.
When buying a particular imported cheese, take into account its price. The price can vary widely between different types of imported cheeses. Some are expensive, while others are inexpensive. For those who have the budget for them, however, it can be a worthwhile investment. The price of a coveted imported cheese is worth its high price. However, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how diverse they can be when it comes to taste. For example, some cheeses are better than others when paired with certain wines.