Did you know California is the leading dairy state? Or that California makes more Monterey Jack than any other state? Could it be happy cows also make great cheese in greater quantities? Read on for more Real California Cheese facts.

• California produced 2.11 billion pounds of cheese in 2008 and is the second-largest cheese-producing state in the U.S. (CDFA)
• California produces nearly a quarter of the cheese produced in the U.S. (USDA, CDFA)
• California is the country’s largest milk producer and in 2008 produced 41.2 billion pounds. Forty-three percent of all California cow’s milk goes to make California cheese. (CDFA)
• California has more than 50 cheesemakers who produce 250 different varieties and styles of cheese.  (CDFA)
• California cheese production in 2008 was, by major types of cheese: 52.3 percent Mozzarella, 17.8 percent Cheddar, 13.8 percent Monterey Jack, 5.2 percent Hispanic, 2.9 percent Parmesan, 3 percent Provolone, 5 percent Other types. (CDFA)
• Total U.S. cheese consumption reached a record high in 2007 at 32.7 pounds per capita, a small (0.3%) increase over the previous record level set in 2006. (IDFA)
• Per capita cheese consumption has increased by more than seven pounds since 1990, more than 14 pounds since 1980, and 20 pounds since 1970. (USDA)
• California is the largest producer of Hispanic-style cheeses. In 2008, California produced 109 million pounds of Hispanic-style cheeses in more than 25 varieties and styles. (CDFA)
• California produces more Monterey Jack than any other state. Monterey Jack is a “California Original,” a descendant of a type of cheese produced in the California missions more than 200 years ago. In 2008, California produced 292 million pounds of Jack cheese. (CDFA)
• California is the country’s leading producer of Mozzarella and in 2007 produced 33 percent of the Mozzarella made in the U.S. (USDA, CDFA)
• California produces 15 percent of the Cheddar made in the U.S. (USDA, CDFA)
• California produces 100 types of spiced and flavored cheeses.
• The Real California Cheese seal certifies that a cheese is a natural cheese, made in California exclusively from California milk.

*All data provided by the California Milk Advisory Board, except as noted.