Growing Wisconsin Cheese Exports Globally

Event date/time:  April 23, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (this is an In-person event only).

Location:  Global Water Center (The Water Council), 247 W Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI 53204

This event is presented in Partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and collaboration with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW), Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and Schreiber Foods.

Wisconsin is the largest cheese-producing state in the United States, producing roughly 25% of the nation’s cheese. If Wisconsin were a country, it would rank about 4th in the world in cheese production, behind the United States, Germany, and France. Today, Wisconsin cheese is enjoyed around the world, from Mexico to Germany, Australia to Thailand, and global demand continues to grow as international consumers discover the quality, craftsmanship, and innovation behind Wisconsin cheese.

In this session, speakers from government, industry, and research will share how Wisconsin’s unique collaboration, spanning global promotion, innovation, export programs, and industry leadership, continues to expand the state’s presence in international markets and strengthen demand for Wisconsin cheese worldwide.

Topics will include:

• Ag Export statistics overview of 2025, including a focus on dairy exports and government roles and programs (DATCP)
• Building global demand and branding

SPEAKERS and TOPICS:

Growing Wisconsin Agriculture Export:

• Ira Frydman, Bureau Director, Export and Business Development, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

Growing Global Demand for Wisconsin Specialty Cheese

• Ben Miller, Chief Operating Officer,  Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW)

Competing on the World Stage: A Business Perspective

• Alfiya Thomas, Vice President, Export Sales, Schreiber Foods

Supporting Cheese Export Growth through Research and Technical Expertise

• Tom Guerin, Assistant Director, Center for Dairy Research (CDR), University of Wisconsin–Madison

Cheese Pairing: Showcasing Wisconsin Specialty Cheeses to Global Customers

• Shannon Bonilla – Cheese Marketing Manager (Consumer and Export),  Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

AGENDA:

• 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Registration and Networking 
• 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM Opening and Sponsor Remarks 
• 2:40 PM – 4:00 PM Speaker presentations 
• 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM Cheese pairing  by DFW and Q&A
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Networking Reception 

Cost of Admission: In-person: MITA Members $35; Non-members $50.

The Key-program Sponsor for the April 23 event is the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association

MITA’s events are Co-sponsored by its Platinum Sponsors:  M.E. Dey &Co,  Husch Blackwell, WEDC,  Kroll,  OEC Group,  FTI Consulting and Star7