Top 10 emmental cheese importing countries in the world in 2025

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Written by Robert Gultig

2 May 2025

Introduction

Emmental cheese is a popular type of Swiss cheese known for its distinctive holes and nutty flavor. In recent years, the demand for Emmental cheese has been increasing globally, leading to a rise in imports by various countries. This report will analyze the top 10 Emmental cheese importing countries in the world in 2025, providing insights into the market trends, key players, and financial data.

1. United States

Overview

The United States is one of the largest importers of Emmental cheese in the world. The country’s growing demand for high-quality cheese products has led to an increase in imports from Switzerland and other European countries. In 2025, the United States imported over 10,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese, making it a key player in the global market.

Key Players

Some of the major companies importing Emmental cheese into the United States include Wisconsin Cheese Group, Lactalis, and Emmi. These companies have established strong distribution networks and partnerships with Swiss cheese producers to meet the growing demand for Emmental cheese in the country.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into the United States in 2025 was estimated to be over $50 million. This significant financial figure highlights the importance of the United States as a key market for Emmental cheese producers worldwide.

2. Germany

Overview

Germany is another major importer of Emmental cheese, with a strong appetite for high-quality Swiss cheese products. In 2025, Germany imported over 8,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese, solidifying its position as one of the top importing countries in the world.

Key Players

Key players in the German Emmental cheese import market include Hochland, EDEKA, and Bauer. These companies have a strong presence in the retail and foodservice sectors, catering to the diverse preferences of German consumers.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into Germany in 2025 exceeded $40 million, indicating a significant market opportunity for Swiss cheese producers looking to expand their presence in the country.

3. France

Overview

France, known for its rich culinary heritage, is a key player in the global Emmental cheese import market. The country imported over 6,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese in 2025, reflecting the strong demand for Swiss cheese products among French consumers.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into France include Bel Group, Lactalis, and Savencia. These companies have long-standing relationships with Swiss cheese producers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality Emmental cheese to meet the market demand.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into France in 2025 was estimated to be around $30 million, underscoring the country’s importance as a key market for Swiss cheese producers worldwide.

4. United Kingdom

Overview

The United Kingdom is a significant importer of Emmental cheese, with a growing demand for premium cheese products. In 2025, the country imported over 5,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese, highlighting its position as a key player in the global market.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into the United Kingdom include Dairy Crest, Arla Foods, and Lactalis. These companies have a strong presence in the retail and foodservice sectors, catering to the diverse preferences of British consumers.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into the United Kingdom in 2025 exceeded $25 million, indicating a lucrative market opportunity for Swiss cheese producers looking to expand their presence in the country.

5. Italy

Overview

Italy, known for its love of cheese, is a significant importer of Emmental cheese. In 2025, Italy imported over 4,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese, reflecting the country’s strong demand for high-quality Swiss cheese products.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into Italy include Granarolo, Latteria Soresina, and Galbani. These companies have established strong partnerships with Swiss cheese producers to meet the growing demand for Emmental cheese in the country.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into Italy in 2025 was estimated to be over $20 million, highlighting the country’s importance as a key market for Swiss cheese producers worldwide.

6. Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands is a key player in the global Emmental cheese import market, with a strong appetite for premium cheese products. In 2025, the country imported over 3,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese, solidifying its position as a top importing country.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into the Netherlands include FrieslandCampina, Royal A-ware, and DOC Kaas. These companies have a strong presence in the retail and foodservice sectors, catering to the diverse preferences of Dutch consumers.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into the Netherlands in 2025 exceeded $15 million, indicating a lucrative market opportunity for Swiss cheese producers looking to expand their presence in the country.

7. Spain

Overview

Spain is a significant importer of Emmental cheese, with a growing demand for high-quality Swiss cheese products. In 2025, Spain imported over 2,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese, highlighting the country’s position as a key player in the global market.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into Spain include Grupo Lactalis Iberia, Central Lechera Asturiana, and Entrepinares. These companies have established strong partnerships with Swiss cheese producers to meet the growing demand for Emmental cheese in the country.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into Spain in 2025 was estimated to be around $10 million, underscoring the country’s importance as a key market for Swiss cheese producers worldwide.

8. Belgium

Overview

Belgium is a key player in the global Emmental cheese import market, with a strong demand for premium cheese products. In 2025, the country imported over 1,500 metric tons of Emmental cheese, solidifying its position as a top importing country.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into Belgium include Milcobel, Inex, and FrieslandCampina. These companies have a strong presence in the retail and foodservice sectors, catering to the diverse preferences of Belgian consumers.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into Belgium in 2025 exceeded $7.5 million, indicating a lucrative market opportunity for Swiss cheese producers looking to expand their presence in the country.

9. Japan

Overview

Japan is a significant importer of Emmental cheese, with a growing demand for high-quality Swiss cheese products. In 2025, Japan imported over 1,000 metric tons of Emmental cheese, highlighting the country’s position as a key player in the global market.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into Japan include Megmilk Snow Brand, Morinaga Milk Industry, and Meiji. These companies have established strong partnerships with Swiss cheese producers to meet the growing demand for Emmental cheese in the country.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into Japan in 2025 was estimated to be around $5 million, underscoring the country’s importance as a key market for Swiss cheese producers worldwide.

10. Canada

Overview

Canada is a significant importer of Emmental cheese, with a strong demand for premium cheese products. In 2025, the country imported over 500 metric tons of Emmental cheese, solidifying its position as a top importing country.

Key Players

Major companies importing Emmental cheese into Canada include Saputo, Agropur, and Lactalis. These companies have a strong presence in the retail and foodservice sectors, catering to the diverse preferences of Canadian consumers.

Financial Data

The total value of Emmental cheese imports into Canada in 2025 exceeded $2.5 million, indicating a lucrative market opportunity for Swiss cheese producers looking to expand their presence in the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global market for Emmental cheese continues to grow, with an increasing number of countries importing this popular Swiss cheese. The top 10 Emmental cheese importing countries in the world in 2025 showcase the strong demand for high-quality cheese products, presenting lucrative opportunities for Swiss cheese producers to expand their presence in key markets worldwide. By understanding the market trends, key players, and financial data of these importing countries, cheese producers can strategically position themselves to capitalize on the growing demand for Emmental cheese.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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