Parent Product
Cheddar Cheese
HS Code
040690
Last Updated
2026-06-23
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese market coverage spans 134 countries.
- 40 exporter companies and 43 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 93 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 4 countries.
- 0 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
- Wholesale sample entries: 0; farmgate sample entries: 0.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2024.
- Page data last updated on 2026-06-23.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Analyze 93 supplier-linked transactions across the top 4 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Sharp Cheddar Cheese to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Sharp Cheddar Cheese: United States (+0.9%).
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-07, benchmark Sharp Cheddar Cheese country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-12, countries with visible Sharp Cheddar Cheese transaction unit prices: United States (13.62 USD / kg), Ireland (6.81 USD / kg).
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-07 | 2025-08 | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | +0.9% | 88 | 9.15 USD / kg (13,147.876 kg) | 8.45 USD / kg (32,392.988 kg) | 6.47 USD / kg (9,971.087 kg) | 6.64 USD / kg (39,255.151 kg) | 9.58 USD / kg (9,467.51 kg) | 13.62 USD / kg (1,403.65 kg) | ||||||
| Ireland | - | 2 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 6.81 USD / kg (28,400 kg) | ||||||
| Malaysia | - | 2 | - (-) | - (-) | 11.20 USD / kg (6,100.2 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| Uruguay | - | 1 | 5.73 USD / kg (1,913.6 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) |
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Global Supply Chain Coverage
83 companies
40 exporters and 43 importers are mapped for Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Sharp Cheddar Cheese, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
40 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 40 total exporter companies in the Sharp Cheddar Cheese supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(United Kingdom)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingRetail
Exporting Countries: South Korea, Ukraine
Supplying Products: Cheddar Cheese, Aged Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese +2
(Costa Rica)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Food Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama
Supplying Products: Polydextroses, Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese
(France)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: South Korea
Supplying Products: Swiss Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Mimolette Cheese +3
(Estonia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Logistics
Exporting Countries: Kazakhstan
Supplying Products: Cheddar Cheese, Blue Veined Cheese, Gorgonzola Cheese +5
(United States)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-16
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: South Korea
Supplying Products: Yogurt, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese +5
(Ireland)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: South Korea, Vietnam, India, Philippines, United States
Supplying Products: Fresh Cream, Concentrated Cream, Cow Milk +5
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Global Exporter Coverage
40 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Sharp Cheddar Cheese supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Sharp Cheddar Cheese opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Sharp Cheddar Cheese (HS Code 040690) in 2024
For Sharp Cheddar Cheese in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 737,774,138.112 kg | 4,211,116,497.527 USD |
| 2 | Italy | 217,024,720 kg | 2,609,661,122.166 USD |
| 3 | Germany | 417,419,804 kg | 2,222,965,223.524 USD |
| 4 | Ireland | 247,445,587.313 kg | 1,223,545,693.976 USD |
| 5 | Greece | 122,656,101 kg | 1,038,059,425.26 USD |
| 6 | United States | 207,838,543 kg | 1,011,187,018 USD |
| 7 | Denmark | 153,793,228.112 kg | 835,721,785.979 USD |
| 8 | New Zealand | 190,258,902 kg | 835,285,954.083 USD |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 125,057,873.196 kg | 776,890,017.793 USD |
| 10 | Switzerland | 58,265,847.154 kg | 723,115,600.317 USD |
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Sharp Cheddar Cheese exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
43 importer companies are mapped for Sharp Cheddar Cheese demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 43 total importer companies tracked for Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Canada)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFood PackagingFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-23
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(United States)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Industries: Food ManufacturingOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(South Korea)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-23
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: -
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-23
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Food WholesalersOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(United States)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-23
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
43 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Sharp Cheddar Cheese buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Sharp Cheddar Cheese (HS Code 040690) in 2024
For Sharp Cheddar Cheese in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 658,577,513.513 kg | 4,538,749,778.826 USD |
| 2 | United States | 178,906,040 kg | 1,739,637,367 USD |
| 3 | Italy | 297,408,611.598 kg | 1,599,338,980.795 USD |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 193,337,480.082 kg | 1,354,394,600.133 USD |
| 5 | Belgium | 211,969,819.717 kg | 1,243,683,094.066 USD |
| 6 | Netherlands | 229,704,270.691 kg | 1,117,060,884.598 USD |
| 7 | Japan | 169,667,027 kg | 807,930,850.88 USD |
| 8 | Mexico | 128,840,000.239 kg | 655,432,899 USD |
| 9 | Greece | 120,254,871 kg | 616,495,637.156 USD |
| 10 | Sweden | 106,892,643.532 kg | 580,636,401.796 USD |
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Sharp Cheddar Cheese origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormAged, Refrigerated
Industry PositionValue-Added Dairy Product
Market
Sharp cheddar cheese is an aged, rennet-coagulated dairy product traded globally in commodity blocks and branded retail formats, with demand tied to foodservice (burgers, sandwiches) and use as an ingredient in processed foods. Production is concentrated in major dairy regions with established milk supplies and industrial cheesemaking capacity, notably North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Oceania, and parts of the European Union. International trade is influenced by tariff-rate quotas and sanitary/phytosanitary controls, while aging programs and cold-chain logistics shape inventory and pricing behavior. Because “sharp” is primarily an aging/flavor segment rather than a distinct customs category, globally comparable sharp-cheddar-specific market sizing is typically not published in official trade statistics.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Major Producing Countries
- United StatesLarge-scale industrial cheddar production for retail, foodservice, and ingredient use.
- United KingdomCheddar-style cheese is a major domestic and export category, including matured (“sharp”) formats.
- IrelandSignificant cheddar-focused manufacturing and export orientation linked to milk production seasonality.
- CanadaMajor cheddar producer within a managed dairy supply framework; trade influenced by quota regimes.
- New ZealandExport-oriented dairy sector producing cheddar blocks for international ingredient and foodservice channels.
- AustraliaProduces cheddar-style cheeses for domestic consumption and regional export markets.
Major Exporting Countries
- IrelandMajor exporter of cheddar-type cheeses into the EU/UK and wider global markets.
- New ZealandProminent exporter of cheddar blocks used in processing and foodservice supply chains.
- United KingdomExports mature cheddar and value-added retail formats; trade patterns are policy-sensitive.
- AustraliaExports cheddar-type cheeses into Asia-Pacific and regional markets.
- NetherlandsMajor EU dairy trading hub; re-exports and intra-EU distribution can be significant for cheese categories.
Major Importing Countries
- JapanLarge cheese import market with significant foodservice and processed-food demand.
- United StatesImports specialty and commodity cheeses under quota/tariff frameworks; composition varies by product type.
- South KoreaHigh reliance on imported cheeses for retail and foodservice; cold-chain and labeling compliance are important.
- MexicoSignificant importer of cheeses for foodservice and processing, including cheddar-type products.
- ChinaImports increasing volumes of cheese for western-style foodservice and ingredient use; specifications often buyer-driven.
Supply Calendar
- United States (major dairy regions):Mar, Apr, May, JunMilk production seasonality can influence cheese make schedules; aging programs smooth availability across the year.
- Ireland / United Kingdom:Apr, May, Jun, JulSpring grass-based milk flush supports higher milk output; cheddar manufacturing and storage/aging help balance supply.
- New Zealand:Oct, Nov, Dec, JanSouthern Hemisphere peak milk season; export flows often reflect post-peak manufacturing and inventory release.
- Australia:Sep, Oct, Nov, DecSeasonal milk supply in key regions; product availability supported by cold storage and staged exports.
Specification
Major VarietiesSharp cheddar, Extra sharp cheddar, White cheddar, Colored cheddar (annatto-colored), Clothbound / vintage-style cheddar
Physical Attributes
- Firm to slightly crumbly texture with aging; more pronounced brittleness in very mature formats
- Color ranges from pale cream (white cheddar) to orange (when colored), depending on formulation and market preference
- Flavor intensity increases with maturation, with sharper and more complex notes developing over time
Compositional Metrics
- Buyer specifications commonly reference moisture, fat (including fat-in-dry-matter), salt, and pH/acid development targets
- Maturation/age statements (where used) are a key commercial differentiator for “sharp” positioning
- Microbiological criteria and absence of defects (gas formation, bitterness, off-odors) are common acceptance requirements
Packaging
- Vacuum-sealed blocks for foodservice and industrial users
- Retail sliced packs (often under modified atmosphere) for convenience use
- Shredded packs (often with anti-caking systems) for retail and foodservice
- Waxed or clothbound formats for specialty/retail premium segments
ProcessingCheddaring and milling steps are characteristic of cheddar manufacture and influence final textureAging under controlled temperature/humidity is central to “sharp” flavor development and inventory economicsShredding and slicing increase surface area and can reduce usable life versus intact blocks, raising hygiene and packaging performance requirements
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Raw milk collection and testing -> standardization and pasteurization -> starter culture addition -> rennet coagulation -> cutting/cooking -> cheddaring -> milling and salting -> pressing/hooping -> aging (maturation) -> cutting/shredding/slicing -> packaging -> refrigerated distribution
Demand Drivers
- Foodservice demand for burgers, sandwiches, and loaded fries where sharp flavor carries through other ingredients
- Ingredient use in sauces, snacks, ready meals, and processed foods requiring consistent melt and flavor profiles
- Retail demand for mature flavor positioning (sharp/extra sharp) and convenience formats (sliced/shredded)
- Private label and commodity block demand linked to downstream manufacturers’ reformulation and cost management
Temperature
- Continuous cold-chain handling is required to limit microbial growth and preserve texture and flavor during distribution
- Temperature abuse can increase surface moisture (“sweating”), accelerate mold risk after opening, and affect shred/slice performance
Atmosphere Control
- Vacuum packaging and modified-atmosphere systems are commonly used to manage oxygen exposure and slow mold growth
- Packaging integrity and seal quality are critical for long-held inventory during aging and downstream distribution
Shelf Life
- Intact, vacuum-sealed blocks generally retain quality longer than sliced or shredded formats under equivalent cold-chain conditions
- Once opened, exposure to oxygen and handling increases mold risk; hygienic handling and resealing are important
- Frozen storage is used in some channels, but texture and shredding/melt performance can change after freeze-thaw
Risks
Animal Disease HighTransboundary livestock disease outbreaks (notably foot-and-mouth disease) can trigger rapid movement controls and import restrictions, disrupting milk collection, processing continuity, and cross-border cheese trade from affected zones.Diversify approved origins, maintain robust supplier biosecurity and traceability programs, and align contracts to recognize regionalization/compartmentalization where accepted by authorities.
Trade Policy MediumCheese trade is frequently governed by tariff-rate quotas, licensing, and bilateral access conditions; policy changes can quickly shift competitiveness, landed costs, and supplier preferences across importing markets.Monitor quota utilization and regulatory changes, qualify alternative market routes, and structure sourcing to flex between quota-eligible and out-of-quota channels.
Dairy Input Cost Volatility MediumMilk, feed, and energy price volatility can materially affect cheddar production costs and pricing, especially where aging inventories must be financed over long maturation periods.Use procurement hedging where available, balance spot vs. contract coverage, and manage aging inventory policies to reduce exposure to price swings.
Food Safety MediumPathogen contamination events (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes) and allergen labeling errors can result in recalls, import holds, and brand damage; risks increase with shredding/slicing and post-process handling.Strengthen environmental monitoring, sanitation validation, and packaging/handling controls; verify label compliance and allergen change-control programs.
Cold Chain MediumRefrigerated storage, transshipment delays, and temperature excursions can accelerate spoilage or quality defects and reduce usable life, particularly for shredded/sliced products.Specify temperature logging, prioritize packaging suitable for long-distance chilled distribution, and build contingency plans for rerouting and accelerated distribution.
Sustainability
- Greenhouse gas emissions (enteric methane) and climate-policy scrutiny affecting dairy supply chains
- Manure management and nutrient runoff risks influencing permitting, compliance costs, and community acceptance in major dairy regions
- Feed supply exposure (drought/heat impacts on forage and grain) affecting milk availability and cost volatility
- Energy intensity of refrigerated storage and long aging programs, increasing sensitivity to electricity price and decarbonization requirements
- Animal welfare expectations and assurance schemes influencing buyer requirements and market access
Labor & Social
- Reliance on skilled and semi-skilled labor in dairy farming and processing plants; worker safety and retention are recurring concerns
- Migrant and temporary labor usage in some dairy regions increases scrutiny of recruitment practices, housing, and working conditions
- Food safety culture and training requirements in processing facilities to reduce contamination and recall risk
FAQ
Why is it hard to find official global trade statistics specifically for “sharp cheddar”?Most official trade datasets (such as ITC Trade Map and UN Comtrade) publish flows under broader cheese HS categories rather than by aging term. “Sharp” is mainly a maturity/flavor segment defined by producer and buyer specifications, so it is not consistently separated in customs reporting.
Which regions are most important in global cheddar supply?Major cheddar-style supply comes from large dairy regions with industrial cheesemaking capacity, notably North America (especially the United States and Canada), the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Oceania (notably New Zealand and Australia). FAO’s FAOSTAT provides country-level dairy and cheese production context, while ITC/UN Comtrade can be used to analyze broader cheese trade flows.
What is the biggest global trade risk for cheddar cheese?Livestock disease shocks—especially foot-and-mouth disease—are a major systemic risk because they can trigger rapid movement controls and import restrictions that disrupt milk supply and cross-border dairy trade. This risk is managed through biosecurity, traceability, and diversified sourcing across approved origins.
What typically makes cheddar “sharp” in commercial terms?“Sharp” generally refers to a more mature flavor profile developed through longer controlled aging, with producers and buyers using internal maturity targets and sensory/quality specifications. This connects directly to the supply chain because aging requires inventory financing and stable refrigerated storage conditions.
Sources
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Sharp Cheddar Cheese market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
Germany
Kazakhstan
Netherlands
France
Uzbekistan
United States
Italy
Denmark
United Kingdom
Belgium
New Zealand
Ireland
All country market pages: Germany, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, France, Uzbekistan, United States, Italy, Denmark, United Kingdom, Belgium, New Zealand, Ireland, Philippines, Mexico, Switzerland, Chile, Poland, Australia, Costa Rica, Lithuania, Spain, Greece, Japan, Austria, Sweden, Cyprus, Czechia, Canada, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua, Latvia, Romania, Turkiye, Hungary, Portugal, Finland, China, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Egypt, Morocco, Croatia, Jordan, South Africa, India, Ukraine, Slovenia, Brazil, Kuwait, Norway, Serbia, Dominican Republic, Israel, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, Honduras, El Salvador, Malaysia, Andorra, Albania, Armenia, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Burundi, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bolivia, Bahamas, Botswana, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lesotho, Moldova, Montenegro, Madagascar, Macedonia, Myanmar [Burma], Mongolia, Macao, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Nepal, Oman, Panama, Peru, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Singapore, Senegal, Swaziland, Togo, Thailand, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Related Sharp Cheddar Cheese Product Categories
Browse parent, sub, derived, and raw-material product market pages related to Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
Parent product: Cheddar Cheese
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