Holland's Cheese and Cheese Markets

The Dutch produce 650 million kilos of cheese every year. Two third is exported, which makes Holland the largest cheese exporter in the world. On average the Dutch eat 14,3 kilos of cheese per person per year. No wonder Holland has a worldwide reputation for being a cheese country.

Dutch Cheese Brands

The most popular cheeses from Holland are Gouda and Edam. There are many other types of Dutch cheese, however, such as: Frisian, Limburger, Kernhem, Bluefort, Subenhara, Maasdam, Old Amsterdam, Old Alkmaar, Mimolette Commission, Maasland, Texelaar-Kollumer, Leyden and Leerdammer. 

History of Dutch Cheese

The Dutch association with cheese dates back to pre-Christian times. Archaeologists have found remains of cheese-making equipment dating back to 200 B.C. By the Middle Ages, making and trading cheese had assumed a central position in Dutch life. Cheese markets flourished and towns that were granted weighing rights were able to build Weigh Houses and enjoyed special status. De Waag in Gouda is one of the most beautiful weigh houses in Holland. From that time on, Holland further developed as a world leader in the dairy industry.

Dutch Cheese Markets

See how sellers and wholesalers do business as they have for 600 years at a cheese market in the cheese capitals Gouda, Edam and Alkmaar. The latter is also home to a cheese museum. You can also go to one of the numerous cheese shops in Holland and enjoy and compare the different flavors of cheese.