The Netherlands is the world's cheese exporter. In fact, the Dutch association with cheese goes back to pre-Christian times. Archaeologists in Friesland have found remains of cheese-making equipment dating back to 200 B.C. But whichever prehistoric man or woman discovered that the curds from sour milk taste good, it's hardly surprising that cheese making took root in Holland.

With its clear skies, lush meadows and grass rich in minerals, Friesland in particular is a paradise for dairy cows. Our native breed of black and white Frisian cow is known the world over. 

Middle Ages
By the Middle Ages, making and trading in cheese had assumed a central position in Dutch life. Cheese markets grew up - and towns that were granted weighing rights were able to build Weigh Houses and enjoy special status. These included Haarlem in 1266, Leiden in 1303 and Alkmaar in 1365. Many old Weigh Houses and traditional cheese markets can still be visited today. Among others, look out for Edam, Gouda and Alkmaar, with its cheese museum. 

19th Centrury
Towards the end of the 19th Century, major changes happened in the dairy industry: cheese making moved off the farm to the creamery - which made the process more efficient and the results more consistent. 

Since then, the trend has been towards fewer and larger cheese makers. Chief among these in Frico, Holland's largest cheese manufacturer, which grew out of a co-operate of Frisian farmers and cheese makers. Today Frico makes a range of traditional and new Dutch cheeses in its modern creameries across the country. 

You and you family are welcome to visit our creameries and sample our cheese. You can be sure it will be a fun day out and a unique insight into the Dutch way of life.