In late April, DATCP hosted 12 cheesemongers, buyers, and influencers from France, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands for an inbound trade mission to Wisconsin. The delegation came to explore the state’s world-class cheesemaking heritage, build connections with local producers, and gain firsthand insight into the diversity and quality of Wisconsin specialty cheeses. Funded by the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, the objective of this activity was to raise international awareness of Wisconsin specialty cheese, encourage relationship-building with European buyers, and promote future export opportunities in key markets.
The group visited Carr Valley Cheese, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, Klondike Cheese Company, BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Sartori Cheese, LaClare Creamery, a local dairy farm, and Fromagination in Madison — where they also engaged in discussions with Professor Dean Sommer at the Center for Dairy Research. In Green Bay, the delegation participated in a mini trade show and reception, where they connected directly with several more companies and partners.
Driss Azzoug of La Meulerie–Fromagerie in Marseille shared, “These past few days were filled with emotion, great cheese, and beautiful family stories—like Widmer’s, still pressing cheese with bricks since 1922! I wasn’t expecting so much kindness, curiosity, and passion. Magical!”
Evert Schonhage, World Champion Fromager from the Netherlands, added, “It changed my perception! You are proud, friendly, knowledgeable people—love you all!”
Special thanks to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the New North, and all the producers who helped make this visit a success.
