2020 State of the U.S. Artisan/Specialty Cheese Industry Survey
The biennial study focuses on gaining an understanding of the current state of the U.S. artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheese industry. We believe that the best way to learn about the issues facing the industry is by surveying cheesemakers and asking them to share your thoughts, opinions, and insights into your unique operations.
The 2020 survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone that participated. Reports will be available in early 2021.
This is the third survey, and is once again being conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri on our behalf. The first State of the U.S. Artisan & Specialty Cheese Industry survey was completed in 2016 and the second in 2018. Your responses to the 2020 survey are important and will help to identify trends and guide benchmarking, policy recommendations, and advocacy for the cheese industry. Please contact us with any questions.
Cheesemakers that completed this survey by July 31 are eligible to receive a complimentary copy of the Key Findings Report produced from this survey and entered into a drawing for a complimentary 2021 conference registration or 2021 Small Business 1 membership.
Funding for the biennial survey is generously provided by the American Cheese Education Foundation.
2018 State of the U.S. Artisan/Specialty Cheese Industry Survey Reports
Report of Key Findings: This report (17 pages) includes highlights from the 2018 survey, including data on demographics, production, marketing, food safety, industry participation, and attitudes and perceptions.
See what’s inside!
Download the Report
Benchmarking Report: This report (30 pages), designed to help cheesemakers assess how their businesses have performed relative to others, includes data on geography, production methods, production volume, milk types, marketing and distribution practices, and profitability.
See what’s inside!
Download the Report
Food Safety Report: This report (21 pages) includes food safety-related findings such as milk type, aging practices, food safety planning, milk testing, regulatory knowledge, and inspections and audits.
See what’s inside!
Download the Report
2016 State of the U.S. Artisan/Specialty Cheese Industry Survey
Report of Key Findings: This report includes highlights from the 2016 survey, including data on demographics, production, marketing, food safety, industry participation, and attitudes and perceptions.
Download the Report