Cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed production in France
In 2023 France produced 61,090 t of cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed, the 4th largest in the world (11.7% of the world total). Over ten years it grew by 84%. The record was 68,690 t in 2021.
- Production, 2023
- 61,090 t
- World rank
- 4 of 35
- 10-year change
- +84%
- Record
- 68,690 t
- 2021
Cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed in France, 1961–2023 (tonnes)
France compared with the world, 2023
- Share of world total
- 11.7%
- 5.5% in 2013
- 10-year change
- +84%
- world −13%
Position in the world ranking
| # | Country | Tonnes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | China | 74,811 | 14.4% |
| 3 | Italy | 73,760 | 14.2% |
| 4 | France | 61,090 | 11.7% |
| 5 | Syria | 47,528 | 9.1% |
| 6 | Niger | 35,196 | 6.8% |
Map of world production of cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed
Share of the world total; France is outlined. Small island states are not drawn at this scale.
By year
| Year | Tonnes | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 61,090 | −5.4% |
| 2022 | 64,580 | −6.0% |
| 2021 | 68,690 | +2.6% |
| 2020 | 66,920 | +2.7% |
| 2019 | 65,150 | +3.7% |
| 2018 | 62,850 | −0.9% |
| 2017 | 63,440 | +0.2% |
| 2016 | 63,300 | +7.0% |
| 2015 | 59,140 | +14% |
| 2014 | 51,980 | +57% |
| 2013 | 33,140 | +15% |
| 2012 | 28,920 | +16% |
| 2011 | 25,010 | +3.1% |
| 2010 | 24,250 | −58% |
| 2009 | 57,500 | +8.5% |
| 2008 | 53,000 | +5.6% |
| 2007 | 50,200 | 0.0% |
| 2006 | 50,200 | +0.0% |
| 2005 | 50,178 | −9.9% |
| 2004 | 55,700 | +3.6% |
| 2003 | 53,773 | +2.6% |
| 2002 | 52,385 | +1.1% |
| 2001 | 51,816 | +0.9% |
| 2000 | 51,372 | +5.1% |
| 1999 | 48,897 | +4.6% |
| 1998 | 46,749 | +0.7% |
| 1997 | 46,445 | +13% |
| 1996 | 41,164 | −6.4% |
| 1995 | 43,981 | +7.6% |
| 1994 | 40,861 | +7.2% |
| 1993 | 38,100 | +4.8% |
| 1992 | 36,340 | −1.6% |
| 1991 | 36,920 | +8.1% |
| 1990 | 34,160 | +29% |
| 1989 | 26,500 | +4.7% |
| 1988 | 25,300 | +4.1% |
| 1987 | 24,300 | 0.0% |
| 1986 | 24,300 | 0.0% |
| 1985 | 24,300 | 0.0% |
| 1984 | 24,300 | +4.3% |
| 1983 | 23,300 | 0.0% |
| 1982 | 23,300 | +8.4% |
| 1981 | 21,500 | +0.9% |
| 1980 | 21,300 | +10% |
| 1979 | 19,300 | +5.5% |
| 1978 | 18,300 | −4.7% |
| 1977 | 19,200 | +19% |
| 1976 | 16,200 | −6.4% |
| 1975 | 17,300 | +1.2% |
| 1974 | 17,100 | +6.2% |
| 1973 | 16,100 | +4.5% |
| 1972 | 15,400 | +16% |
| 1971 | 13,300 | −2.2% |
| 1970 | 13,600 | +1.5% |
| 1969 | 13,400 | −2.9% |
| 1968 | 13,800 | −2.8% |
| 1967 | 14,200 | +1.4% |
| 1966 | 14,000 | 0.0% |
| 1965 | 14,000 | +24% |
| 1964 | 11,300 | −25% |
| 1963 | 15,000 | +15% |
| 1962 | 13,000 | −9.1% |
| 1961 | 14,300 | — |
Questions and answers
What is the production of cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed in France?
France produced 61,090 t in 2023, 11.7% of the world total, according to FAOSTAT.
Where does France rank in the world for production of cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed?
France ranked 4th of 35 countries in 2023. The largest producer was Spain with 14.5% of the world total.
How has the production of cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed in France changed?
It rose by 84% between 2013 and 2023, compared with −13% for the world. The record was 68,690 t in 2021.
Where does this data come from?
From FAOSTAT, the statistics database of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Shares, ranks and per-person figures are calculated by Husfarm.
Other large producers
All countries producing cheese from milk of sheep, fresh or processed
Source: FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 4 November 2026. fao.org/faostat. Licence: CC BY 4.0. Charts, rankings and changes calculated by Husfarm.