Germany Edges France As Global Top Producer Of Cheese

July 4, 2008 2:49 p.m. EST

Berlin, Germany (AHN) - Germany has overtaken France as the world's top exporter of cheese. In 2007 its cheese exports tipped $4.2 billion.

Aside from the value of its cheese exports, Germany also beat its competitors France, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Italy in terms of volume since 2006.

Germany is the world's third largest economy and the largest in Europe. Its exports in 2006 was valued at $1.133 trillion.

Despite the large volume of cheese produced by Germany, its local dairy farmers are not happy because of the low farm gates prices their milk commands ranging from $1.60 to $1.90 a gallon. Milk is the main ingredient used in manufacturing cheese.