Welcome to the Cheese Importers Association of America website. We encourage you to search our site and learn more about how we can help you, whether you are a current member or an organization considering membership.
The CIAA is the association that represents the firms that are responsible for the majority of the cheese imports into the United States. Our members import cheeses from all over the world to satisfy the demand here in the U.S. for these products with special flavors and attributes. Many other firms and companies find value in membership to our association because of either their service to our industry or their involvement in distribution of cheeses to the U.S. consumers. So whether your company is involved in importing, transportation, distribution, advertising or retailing; you will find value in being a member of the CIAA.
Our Association's primary mission is to help our members understand regulatory issues. It is our responsibility to communicate with all appropriate government agencies that have jurisdiction over our type of business and the products we sell. These agencies include the USDA, FDA, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, as well as, the USTR. We are very well positioned to stay abreast of and negotiate in regulatory, legislative and trade issues that impact our industry. We immediately analyze and communicate this type of information to our members through very up-to-date email bulletins on a regular basis. We take action with these U. S. agencies as necessary either working through our own committees or with the help of legal counsel and/or professional lobbyists.
It is through the efforts of our Association and our member companies that consumption and demand for imported cheeses has steadily grown. Fancy and upscale cheeses are now commonplace in retail and food service distribution throughout America. Many specialty cheese types are now also produced here in the United States due to the great demand created by our member companies and their suppliers.
We value your interest in this wonderful industry and hope you will be active in the Cheese Importers Association of America either by involvement in our organization and committees or by attending our functions.
