The forecast is looking bright for the nation’s cheese producers.

Cheese purchases, which have been rising steady for more than 25 years, are projected to further increase well into the next decade.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), for instance, estimates that per capita cheese consumption in 2017 will total 37 pounds, up from 32.7 pounds in 2007 and just 19.9 pounds in 1982.

Helping to spur sales is greater shopper interest in specialty and artisan cheeses, and the multitude of new products being developed by producers.

Many consumers first take note of the added varieties at restaurants, says Dan Strongin, a Green Bay, Wis.-based cheese consultant.

“A lot of the activity is being driven by chefs, who influence food writers, who influence more consumers,” he states. “Television programs, such as those on the Food Network, also are alerting viewers to new items and are having a huge impact on shopper demand.”

That is leading producers to develop products for a broader audience, he adds.

Many of those suppliers are listed in the following chart of the larger cheese companies.

These companies, many of which develop branded and/or private label items or ingredients, will be instrumental in supporting future cheese trends.

Cheese Suppliers Chart