Dive into the world of cheese passion with Belgium, a nation that has captured the attention of cheese enthusiasts worldwide. Through meticulous analysis by Mintel, Belgium emerges as the third most fervent lover of cheese globally, trailing only behind the Netherlands and France. Despite its modest variety, Belgium’s profound commitment to cheese is evidenced by substantial per capita imports and a vibrant culture of exploration. Join us as we unravel Belgium’s cheese fervor and its significance in the global culinary landscape.
Belgium, a nation renowned for its culinary delights, has recently emerged as a significant player in the global cheese scene. Through a comprehensive analysis conducted by Mintel, Belgium has been recognized as the third most cheese-loving country worldwide, following closely behind the Netherlands and France. Despite its modest selection of only 13 cheese varieties, Belgium has secured its place in the top three, showcasing a profound passion for this dairy delight.
One of the key factors contributing to Belgium’s cheese enthusiasm is its substantial per capita cheese imports, surpassing $11 and 1.6 kg per person annually. This places Belgium in the second position globally in terms of cheese import value, demonstrating a significant financial commitment to this gastronomic pleasure. Moreover, the nation’s monthly Google searches for ‘cheese’ in native languages total an impressive 8,100 queries, highlighting a deep-seated interest in exploring and savoring the diverse world of cheeses.
While Belgium revels in its cheese fervor, neighboring countries like the Netherlands and France also boast impressive cheese cultures. The Netherlands leads the pack as the world’s foremost cheese enthusiasts, importing over 3.1 kg and $14 worth of cheese per person annually. Meanwhile, France, with its rich cheese heritage and staggering variety of 246 cheeses, remains the largest cheese importer globally. However, amidst these cheese-loving nations, Belgium’s exceptional ranking underscores its unwavering dedication to cheese appreciation, solidifying its position as a significant player in the global cheese community.
