Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
Page data last updated on 2026-07-03.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Gouda Cheese
Analyze 4,455 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Gouda Cheese.
Gouda Cheese Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Gouda Cheese to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Gouda Cheese: Mexico (+38.1%), France (+35.7%), Argentina (+34.7%).
Gouda Cheese Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-08, benchmark Gouda Cheese country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-01, countries with visible Gouda Cheese transaction unit prices: Costa Rica (13.60 USD / kg), Denmark (9.65 USD / kg), Mexico (7.46 USD / kg), France (7.44 USD / kg), Netherlands (6.89 USD / kg), 9 more countries.
626 exporters and 670 importers are mapped for Gouda Cheese.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Gouda Cheese, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Gouda Cheese Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
626 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Gouda Cheese. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Gouda Cheese Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 626 total exporter companies in the Gouda Cheese supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Poland)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-03
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(Germany)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-03
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood PackagingFreight Forwarding And IntermodalOnline Retail And Fulfillment
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood ManufacturingTrade
(Netherlands)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-12-23
Recently Export Partner Companies: 2
Employee Size: 501 - 1000 Employees
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood Manufacturing
(Finland)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-11-01
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 5M - 10M
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(Czechia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-03
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(Netherlands)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-12-24
Recently Export Partner Companies: 5
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking PlacesOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
Gouda Cheese Global Exporter Coverage
626 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Gouda Cheese supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Gouda Cheese opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Gouda Cheese (HS Code 040690) in 2024
For Gouda Cheese in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
Gouda Cheese Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Gouda Cheese exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Gouda Cheese Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
670 importer companies are mapped for Gouda Cheese demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Gouda Cheese Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 670 total importer companies tracked for Gouda Cheese. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-15
Recently Import Partner Companies: 3
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood PackagingFood Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: -
(Serbia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-03
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-06
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-16
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Chile)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-03
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Turkmenistan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-03
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
670 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Gouda Cheese.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Gouda Cheese buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Gouda Cheese (HS Code 040690) in 2024
For Gouda Cheese in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
Gouda is a ripened semi-hard cow’s-milk cheese with Dutch origins and a globally traded commodity-cheese profile, sold in young through aged styles as wheels, blocks, and slices. In international customs statistics, Gouda is generally embedded within HS 0406 (“Cheese and curd”)—often under “other cheese” subheadings—so most published trade rankings reflect broader cheese trade rather than Gouda-only flows. The Netherlands remains the reference origin and holds EU geographical indications for Gouda Holland (PGI) and Noord-Hollandse Gouda (PDO), while Gouda-style cheese is produced widely across major dairy regions. Market dynamics are strongly influenced by milk availability and dairy price cycles, aging capacity, and retailer/private-label sourcing, with chilled logistics enabling long-distance trade.
Major Producing Countries
NetherlandsReference origin; EU-protected names include Gouda Holland (PGI) and Noord-Hollandse Gouda (PDO).
GermanyLarge cheese producer and exporter; Gouda-type cheeses are produced for retail and foodservice.
PolandSignificant EU cheese producer with growing export-oriented output.
FranceMajor global cheese producer; produces a wide range of semi-hard cheeses including Gouda-style products.
United StatesMajor cheese producer; domestic production includes Gouda-style cheeses for retail and ingredient use.
New ZealandLarge export-oriented dairy producer; exports significant volumes of cheese under HS 0406.
Major Exporting Countries
GermanyAmong the leading global exporters of HS 0406 (cheese and curd); Gouda is not separately identified in HS trade data.
NetherlandsMajor exporter of HS 0406; also origin of EU-protected Gouda names.
ItalyAmong the leading global exporters of HS 0406; rankings reflect total cheese trade.
FranceAmong the leading global exporters of HS 0406; rankings reflect total cheese trade.
United StatesSignificant exporter of HS 0406; Gouda-style exports are embedded in aggregate cheese categories.
DenmarkNotable cheese exporter under HS 0406, including semi-hard cheeses.
New ZealandExport-oriented dairy supplier; HS 0406 includes multiple cheese types.
Major Importing Countries
GermanyAmong the largest global importers of HS 0406; imports include a wide mix of cheeses (not Gouda-only).
FranceMajor importer within integrated EU cheese trade; HS 0406 includes many cheese varieties.
ItalyLarge importer of HS 0406 alongside significant domestic production.
United KingdomMajor import market for HS 0406, supplied heavily by EU exporters.
NetherlandsMajor import market and EU distribution hub for cheeses under HS 0406.
United StatesLarge import market for cheese under HS 0406; mix of commodity and specialty cheeses.
Ripened firm/semi-hard cheese suitable for cutting; may show small gas holes distributed through the body (Codex standard description).
Color typically near white/ivory to light yellow/yellow (Codex standard description).
Shapes commonly include flattened cylinder, flat block, or loaf; marketed with a dry rind that may be coated (e.g., wax or film) (Codex standard description).
Compositional Metrics
Commercial specifications commonly define moisture and fat-in-dry-matter targets, salt level, and ripening/age profile (buyer contract and standard-driven parameters).
Food safety and quality programs commonly specify microbiological criteria and environmental monitoring for ripened cheeses, especially for portioned/sliced products.
Grades
Codex Standard for Gouda (CXS 266-1966) and Codex General Standard for Cheese (CXS 283-1978) provide internationally referenced identity/composition and general requirements.
EU GI specifications apply where the product is marketed as Gouda Holland (PGI) or Noord-Hollandse Gouda (PDO).
Packaging
Waxed or film-coated wheels for aging and wholesale distribution.
Vacuum-packed blocks for international shipping and retail portioning.
Modified-atmosphere packaged (MAP) slices and shredded formats for retail and foodservice.
ProcessingWashed-curd style manufacturing (curd washing) supports the characteristically mild-to-nutty flavor progression with age.Good slicing and shredding performance; melting behavior is relevant for cooking and foodservice applications.
Supply Chain
Value Chain
Raw milk collection and testing → standardization (and typically pasteurization, depending on product positioning) → starter culture and rennet coagulation → curd cutting and washing (washed-curd step) → molding/pressing → brining → drying/coating → ripening/aging → cutting/portioning → packaging (vacuum/MAP) → refrigerated distribution → retail/foodservice.
Demand Drivers
Everyday “table cheese” demand for sandwiches, snacking, and cooking (mild profile in young styles; premium positioning for aged styles).
Retail private-label sourcing and EU intra-regional trade in semi-hard cheeses.
Foodservice use in burgers, melts, and prepared foods, especially for pre-sliced formats.
Temperature
Chilled distribution is standard; temperature abuse increases mold growth risk, sweating/oiling-off, and texture defects.
Ripening/aging requires controlled conditions to achieve target flavor and texture and to manage rind development.
Atmosphere Control
Vacuum packaging and MAP are commonly used to slow mold growth and oxidation for portioned formats.
Coated rinds (e.g., wax/film) are used on some wheel formats to protect the surface during handling and aging.
Shelf Life
Shelf life varies strongly by format: intact wheels and vacuum-packed blocks typically hold longer than sliced formats; once opened, quality decline accelerates under refrigeration.
Longer-aged products are supported by aging inventory and working-capital capacity, which influences trade availability and pricing.
Risks
Animal Disease HighFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary livestock disease that can rapidly disrupt milk production logistics and trigger immediate regional or international trade restrictions on animals and animal products, including dairy and cheese, affecting availability and prices for Gouda-style supply chains.Maintain multi-origin sourcing options, monitor WOAH alerts and importing-country measures, and pre-qualify alternative suppliers/packers to switch volumes quickly.
Price Volatility MediumGouda costs are tightly linked to raw milk availability and global dairy price cycles; swings in dairy commodity markets can quickly shift contract pricing, private-label margins, and the competitiveness of export offers.Use indexed pricing and hedging where available, diversify contract structures (spot vs. term), and align aging inventory policy to expected price cycles.
Food Safety MediumRipened cheeses can face contamination risks (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes) particularly through post-process handling, portioning, and slicing operations; recalls can disrupt brands and cross-border shipments.Strengthen environmental monitoring, hygienic zoning for portioning lines, validated sanitation, and supplier verification against Codex-aligned hygiene programs.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMarket access and labeling requirements vary by destination (e.g., compositional standards, additive permissions, allergen labeling, and rules governing use of protected EU GI names), increasing compliance risk for exporters and private-label packers.Map destination requirements by SKU (wheel/block/slice; pasteurized vs. raw milk), maintain label/legal review workflows, and document GI claim substantiation where applicable.
Cold Chain Logistics LowChilled transport disruptions and temperature excursions increase spoilage, mold growth, and quality defects, especially for sliced formats with higher surface area and more handling.Specify temperature monitoring, validate packaging performance for the route, and use quality release checks at receiving hubs.
Sustainability
Greenhouse gas emissions and methane intensity associated with dairy farming drive increasing scrutiny and reporting requirements in some markets.
Manure and nutrient management, water stewardship, and land-use impacts in major milk-producing regions influence ESG risk profiles and supplier qualification.
Labor & Social
Worker safety and labor conditions in dairy farming and cheese processing (including cleaning/chemical handling and cold-room work) are recurring audit themes in global supply chains.
Traceability and authenticity expectations (especially when using EU GI names) elevate documentation and compliance burdens for exporters and private-label packers.
FAQ
Is “Gouda” a protected name in the European Union?In the EU, the protected names are “Gouda Holland” (PGI) and “Noord-Hollandse Gouda” (PDO). The European Commission notes that Gouda is widely recognized as a type of cheese, but only those two names are protected by the EU.
Which HS code is typically used for Gouda cheese in international trade data?Gouda is generally captured under HS heading 0406 (“Cheese and curd”). Many Gouda shipments are reported within subheadings that cover “other cheese,” meaning trade statistics usually reflect aggregated cheese categories rather than Gouda-specific flows.
What is the most critical global trade disruption risk for Gouda-style cheese supply chains?A major outbreak of a transboundary livestock disease such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) can rapidly trigger movement restrictions and trade bans affecting animals and animal products, including dairy. This can disrupt milk supply and cross-border cheese trade on short notice.
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