GITNUXREPORT 2026

Cheese Industry Statistics

Global cheese production and consumption is rising with diverse regional trends and innovations.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Global per capita cheese consumption was 18.3 kg in 2023.

Statistic 2

U.S. per capita cheese consumption reached 40.4 pounds in 2023.

Statistic 3

Europeans consumed an average of 26.5 kg of cheese per person in 2022.

Statistic 4

In Greece, annual cheese consumption per capita is 28 kg, highest in EU.

Statistic 5

France's per capita cheese intake was 26.2 kg in 2023.

Statistic 6

U.S. households consumed 38 billion pounds of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 7

Italy's per capita consumption stood at 25.8 kg in 2022.

Statistic 8

Germany's cheese consumption per capita was 27.1 kg in 2023.

Statistic 9

In 2023, 55% of U.S. cheese consumption was on pizza.

Statistic 10

Japan's per capita cheese consumption grew to 3.2 kg in 2023.

Statistic 11

China's cheese consumption reached 1.5 kg per capita in 2023.

Statistic 12

UK per capita cheese consumption was 11.5 kg in 2023.

Statistic 13

Mozzarella accounted for 45% of U.S. cheese consumption in 2023.

Statistic 14

In 2022, Brazil's per capita cheese intake was 5.2 kg.

Statistic 15

Australia's cheese consumption per capita hit 16.8 kg in 2023.

Statistic 16

Canada consumed 18.2 kg cheese per capita in 2023.

Statistic 17

42% of U.S. adults eat cheese daily, per 2023 survey.

Statistic 18

Netherlands per capita consumption was 20.4 kg in 2023.

Statistic 19

In 2023, snack cheese consumption in U.S. rose 8%.

Statistic 20

Switzerland's per capita cheese consumption was 22.5 kg in 2023.

Statistic 21

Turkey consumed 12 kg cheese per capita in 2022.

Statistic 22

30% of global cheese consumed fresh, 70% ripened in 2023.

Statistic 23

U.S. Hispanic population drives 15% cheese consumption growth.

Statistic 24

Spain's per capita intake was 9.5 kg in 2023.

Statistic 25

Poland consumed 13.2 kg per capita in 2023.

Statistic 26

India’s urban per capita cheese consumption reached 0.8 kg in 2023.

Statistic 27

65% of U.S. cheese sold in retail supermarkets in 2023.

Statistic 28

In 2023, 35% of cheese varieties worldwide were plant-based innovations.

Statistic 29

U.S. cheese consumption of low-fat varieties rose 15% in 2023.

Statistic 30

Global demand for aged cheeses increased 8% from 2020-2023.

Statistic 31

Automation in cheese production reached 70% in EU factories by 2023.

Statistic 32

Sustainable cheese packaging adopted by 60% of U.S. brands in 2023.

Statistic 33

Probiotic-enriched cheeses launched 200 new products globally in 2023.

Statistic 34

E-commerce cheese sales grew 22% in U.S. to $2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 35

Lab-grown cheese trials by 10 companies in Europe 2023.

Statistic 36

Organic cheese sales up 18% globally in 2023.

Statistic 37

Flavored cheese sticks popularity surged 25% in snacks 2023.

Statistic 38

Blockchain traceability implemented in 40% Swiss cheese supply chains 2023.

Statistic 39

Vegan cheese market CAGR 10.5% projected to 2030.

Statistic 40

AI-optimized cheese ripening reduced waste 20% in Dutch plants 2023.

Statistic 41

Subscription cheese boxes grew 30% in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 42

Carbon-neutral cheese certified for 15 brands in 2023.

Statistic 43

Microplastic-free cheese wraps introduced by 25 companies 2023.

Statistic 44

High-protein cheese variants for fitness market up 12% sales 2023.

Statistic 45

3D-printed cheese prototypes tested in 5 labs 2023.

Statistic 46

Regional cheese tourism generated $5 billion globally 2023.

Statistic 47

Lactose-free cheese demand rose 28% in Asia 2023.

Statistic 48

Robotic milking integration boosted cheese yield 10% in NZ farms 2023.

Statistic 49

Craft cheese festivals numbered 500 worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 50

Nano-encapsulated flavors in cheese extended shelf life 50% 2023 trials.

Statistic 51

Female-led cheese startups funded $100 million in 2023.

Statistic 52

Regenerative farming for cheese milk adopted by 20% EU dairies 2023.

Statistic 53

AR apps for cheese pairing downloaded 1 million times 2023.

Statistic 54

Upcycled cheese whey products launched 50 SKUs 2023.

Statistic 55

Gourmet cheese vending machines in 200 U.S. airports 2023.

Statistic 56

Precision fermentation cheeses approved in 3 countries 2023.

Statistic 57

In 2023, the global cheese market was valued at $155.6 billion.

Statistic 58

U.S. cheese market size reached $45.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 59

EU cheese market generated €85 billion in revenue in 2022.

Statistic 60

Wisconsin cheese industry contributes $45.4 billion to economy annually.

Statistic 61

Global cheese market projected to grow at 4.2% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 62

U.S. cheese exports valued at $2.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 63

Italy's cheese export revenue was €5.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 64

Cheese employs 850,000 people globally in production and processing.

Statistic 65

U.S. retail cheese prices averaged $5.23 per pound in 2023.

Statistic 66

New Zealand cheese industry worth NZ$10 billion in 2023.

Statistic 67

Organic cheese market grew 12% to $8.5 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 68

France cheese sector turnover €25 billion in 2023.

Statistic 69

China's cheese market valued at $12 billion in 2023.

Statistic 70

U.S. cheese processing employs 140,000 workers in 2023.

Statistic 71

Global artisanal cheese market $4.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 72

Netherlands cheese trade contributes 2% to GDP.

Statistic 73

Cheddar wholesale price $2.15 per pound U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 74

Brazil cheese market size $6.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 75

Australian dairy cheese sector $4 billion export value.

Statistic 76

Canada cheese industry $20 billion economic impact.

Statistic 77

German cheese market revenue €12 billion in 2023.

Statistic 78

Plant-based cheese alternatives market $2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 79

U.S. cheese imports cost $4.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 80

Swiss cheese industry generates CHF 3 billion annually.

Statistic 81

Turkey cheese market $3.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 82

Premium cheese segment grew 7% globally in 2023.

Statistic 83

Spain cheese production value €2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 84

Poland cheese exports €1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 85

India cheese market projected $1.5 billion by 2025.

Statistic 86

In 2023, global cheese production reached 22.35 million metric tons, up 1.8% from 2022.

Statistic 87

The United States produced 14.82 billion pounds of cheese in 2023, accounting for about 13% of global output.

Statistic 88

Wisconsin, known as America's Dairyland, manufactured 3.4 billion pounds of cheese in 2023, representing 26% of U.S. total production.

Statistic 89

Cheddar cheese production in the U.S. totaled 4.2 billion pounds in 2023, the most popular variety.

Statistic 90

Italy produced 1.3 million metric tons of cheese in 2022, with protected designation of origin (PDO) cheeses comprising 47% of output.

Statistic 91

In 2022, the European Union produced 10.2 million metric tons of cheese, led by Germany, France, and Italy.

Statistic 92

New Zealand's cheese production was 320,000 metric tons in 2023, primarily for export markets.

Statistic 93

France produced 1.88 million metric tons of cheese in 2022, with over 1,200 varieties recognized.

Statistic 94

In 2023, China's cheese production grew to 550,000 metric tons, driven by urbanization.

Statistic 95

The Netherlands exported cheese production equivalent to 900,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 96

U.S. natural cheese production increased by 2.3% to 13.1 billion pounds in 2023.

Statistic 97

Mozzarella cheese production in the U.S. reached 5.6 billion pounds in 2023.

Statistic 98

Global milk used for cheese production was 152 million metric tons in 2022.

Statistic 99

Ireland produced 250,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023, up 5% from prior year.

Statistic 100

Argentina's cheese production stood at 450,000 metric tons in 2022.

Statistic 101

Denmark's cheese output was 500,000 metric tons in 2023, famous for Danbo varieties.

Statistic 102

In 2023, U.S. cream cheese production hit 900 million pounds.

Statistic 103

Brazil produced 700,000 metric tons of cheese in 2022, mostly fresh cheeses.

Statistic 104

Australia's cheese production reached 400,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 105

Canada produced 550,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023, with cheddar dominant.

Statistic 106

Germany's cheese production was 2.3 million metric tons in 2022.

Statistic 107

In 2023, the U.S. had 1,200 cheese manufacturing plants.

Statistic 108

Switzerland produced 190,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023, 44% Emmental and Gruyere.

Statistic 109

Turkey's cheese production grew to 850,000 metric tons in 2022.

Statistic 110

In 2022, global cheese yield averaged 10.5 kg per 100 kg milk.

Statistic 111

U.S. processed cheese production was 2.5 billion pounds in 2023.

Statistic 112

Spain produced 400,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 113

Poland's cheese output reached 900,000 metric tons in 2022.

Statistic 114

In 2023, India produced 15,000 metric tons of cheese, still emerging.

Statistic 115

Belgium produced 120,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 116

In 2023, U.S. cheese exports totaled 1.2 million metric tons.

Statistic 117

Netherlands exported 1.1 million metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 118

New Zealand cheese exports reached 280,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 119

EU cheese exports hit 1.9 million metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 120

Ireland exported 240,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 121

Germany's cheese exports were 1.05 million metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 122

U.S. cheese exports to Mexico valued $1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 123

France exported 500,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 124

Denmark cheese exports 420,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 125

Italy's cheese exports totaled 450,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 126

Australia exported 250,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 127

Canada cheese exports 120,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 128

Poland exported 300,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 129

U.S. imported 1.5 million metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 130

China imported 200,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 131

UK cheese imports from EU 350,000 metric tons post-Brexit 2023.

Statistic 132

Belgium exported 280,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 133

Switzerland cheese exports 70,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 134

Turkey exported 50,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 135

Spain cheese exports 200,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 136

Brazil imported 30,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 137

Japan's cheese imports totaled 250,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 138

South Korea imported 80,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 139

Russia cheese imports fell to 200,000 metric tons in 2023 due to sanctions.

Statistic 140

Argentina exported 100,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 141

Middle East cheese imports grew 5% to 400,000 metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 142

ASEAN region imported 150,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Statistic 143

U.S. cheese trade surplus $1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 144

Global cheese trade volume 12 million metric tons in 2023.

Statistic 145

Plant-based cheese exports up 25% to 50,000 metric tons in 2023.

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From the bustling dairies of Wisconsin to the centuries-old cellars of Switzerland, the global cheese industry is a powerhouse that produced over 22 million metric tons of delightful curds in 2023, fueling economies and dinner tables alike.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, global cheese production reached 22.35 million metric tons, up 1.8% from 2022.
The United States produced 14.82 billion pounds of cheese in 2023, accounting for about 13% of global output.
Wisconsin, known as America's Dairyland, manufactured 3.4 billion pounds of cheese in 2023, representing 26% of U.S. total production.
Global per capita cheese consumption was 18.3 kg in 2023.
U.S. per capita cheese consumption reached 40.4 pounds in 2023.
Europeans consumed an average of 26.5 kg of cheese per person in 2022.
In 2023, the global cheese market was valued at $155.6 billion.
U.S. cheese market size reached $45.2 billion in 2023.
EU cheese market generated €85 billion in revenue in 2022.
In 2023, U.S. cheese exports totaled 1.2 million metric tons.
Netherlands exported 1.1 million metric tons of cheese in 2023.
New Zealand cheese exports reached 280,000 metric tons in 2023.
In 2023, 35% of cheese varieties worldwide were plant-based innovations.
U.S. cheese consumption of low-fat varieties rose 15% in 2023.
Global demand for aged cheeses increased 8% from 2020-2023.

Global cheese production and consumption is rising with diverse regional trends and innovations.

Consumption Statistics

Global per capita cheese consumption was 18.3 kg in 2023.
U.S. per capita cheese consumption reached 40.4 pounds in 2023.
Europeans consumed an average of 26.5 kg of cheese per person in 2022.
In Greece, annual cheese consumption per capita is 28 kg, highest in EU.
France's per capita cheese intake was 26.2 kg in 2023.
U.S. households consumed 38 billion pounds of cheese in 2023.
Italy's per capita consumption stood at 25.8 kg in 2022.
Germany's cheese consumption per capita was 27.1 kg in 2023.
In 2023, 55% of U.S. cheese consumption was on pizza.
Japan's per capita cheese consumption grew to 3.2 kg in 2023.
China's cheese consumption reached 1.5 kg per capita in 2023.
UK per capita cheese consumption was 11.5 kg in 2023.
Mozzarella accounted for 45% of U.S. cheese consumption in 2023.
In 2022, Brazil's per capita cheese intake was 5.2 kg.
Australia's cheese consumption per capita hit 16.8 kg in 2023.
Canada consumed 18.2 kg cheese per capita in 2023.
42% of U.S. adults eat cheese daily, per 2023 survey.
Netherlands per capita consumption was 20.4 kg in 2023.
In 2023, snack cheese consumption in U.S. rose 8%.
Switzerland's per capita cheese consumption was 22.5 kg in 2023.
Turkey consumed 12 kg cheese per capita in 2022.
30% of global cheese consumed fresh, 70% ripened in 2023.
U.S. Hispanic population drives 15% cheese consumption growth.
Spain's per capita intake was 9.5 kg in 2023.
Poland consumed 13.2 kg per capita in 2023.
India’s urban per capita cheese consumption reached 0.8 kg in 2023.
65% of U.S. cheese sold in retail supermarkets in 2023.

Consumption Statistics Interpretation

The global cheese board reveals a deliciously clear hierarchy: while the world politely nibbles its 18.3 kilograms per person, America has entered a full-blown, pizza-fueled love affair, single-handedly keeping the dairy industry afloat with a heroic 42% of its citizens eating cheese daily and 55% of it conveniently served in a circle.

Industry Trends and Innovations

In 2023, 35% of cheese varieties worldwide were plant-based innovations.
U.S. cheese consumption of low-fat varieties rose 15% in 2023.
Global demand for aged cheeses increased 8% from 2020-2023.
Automation in cheese production reached 70% in EU factories by 2023.
Sustainable cheese packaging adopted by 60% of U.S. brands in 2023.
Probiotic-enriched cheeses launched 200 new products globally in 2023.
E-commerce cheese sales grew 22% in U.S. to $2 billion in 2023.
Lab-grown cheese trials by 10 companies in Europe 2023.
Organic cheese sales up 18% globally in 2023.
Flavored cheese sticks popularity surged 25% in snacks 2023.
Blockchain traceability implemented in 40% Swiss cheese supply chains 2023.
Vegan cheese market CAGR 10.5% projected to 2030.
AI-optimized cheese ripening reduced waste 20% in Dutch plants 2023.
Subscription cheese boxes grew 30% in U.S. 2023.
Carbon-neutral cheese certified for 15 brands in 2023.
Microplastic-free cheese wraps introduced by 25 companies 2023.
High-protein cheese variants for fitness market up 12% sales 2023.
3D-printed cheese prototypes tested in 5 labs 2023.
Regional cheese tourism generated $5 billion globally 2023.
Lactose-free cheese demand rose 28% in Asia 2023.
Robotic milking integration boosted cheese yield 10% in NZ farms 2023.
Craft cheese festivals numbered 500 worldwide in 2023.
Nano-encapsulated flavors in cheese extended shelf life 50% 2023 trials.
Female-led cheese startups funded $100 million in 2023.
Regenerative farming for cheese milk adopted by 20% EU dairies 2023.
AR apps for cheese pairing downloaded 1 million times 2023.
Upcycled cheese whey products launched 50 SKUs 2023.
Gourmet cheese vending machines in 200 U.S. airports 2023.
Precision fermentation cheeses approved in 3 countries 2023.

Industry Trends and Innovations Interpretation

The cheese world is having an identity crisis, with our hearts torn between artisanal aged wheels, hyper-efficient AI factories, and guilt-free plant-based blocks, all while we snack more, trace everything, and somehow still find time for cheese tourism.

Market and Economic Data

In 2023, the global cheese market was valued at $155.6 billion.
U.S. cheese market size reached $45.2 billion in 2023.
EU cheese market generated €85 billion in revenue in 2022.
Wisconsin cheese industry contributes $45.4 billion to economy annually.
Global cheese market projected to grow at 4.2% CAGR to 2030.
U.S. cheese exports valued at $2.8 billion in 2023.
Italy's cheese export revenue was €5.2 billion in 2023.
Cheese employs 850,000 people globally in production and processing.
U.S. retail cheese prices averaged $5.23 per pound in 2023.
New Zealand cheese industry worth NZ$10 billion in 2023.
Organic cheese market grew 12% to $8.5 billion globally in 2023.
France cheese sector turnover €25 billion in 2023.
China's cheese market valued at $12 billion in 2023.
U.S. cheese processing employs 140,000 workers in 2023.
Global artisanal cheese market $4.2 billion in 2023.
Netherlands cheese trade contributes 2% to GDP.
Cheddar wholesale price $2.15 per pound U.S. in 2023.
Brazil cheese market size $6.8 billion in 2022.
Australian dairy cheese sector $4 billion export value.
Canada cheese industry $20 billion economic impact.
German cheese market revenue €12 billion in 2023.
Plant-based cheese alternatives market $2.5 billion in 2023.
U.S. cheese imports cost $4.1 billion in 2023.
Swiss cheese industry generates CHF 3 billion annually.
Turkey cheese market $3.2 billion in 2022.
Premium cheese segment grew 7% globally in 2023.
Spain cheese production value €2.5 billion in 2023.
Poland cheese exports €1.2 billion in 2023.
India cheese market projected $1.5 billion by 2025.

Market and Economic Data Interpretation

The global cheese trade, valued at a staggering $155.6 billion, proves that while the world may be divided on many things, our shared devotion to curds and whey is a deliciously lucrative common ground, with Wisconsin nearly out-cheesing the entire U.S. market and the EU forming a formidable continental bloc of fromage.

Production Statistics

In 2023, global cheese production reached 22.35 million metric tons, up 1.8% from 2022.
The United States produced 14.82 billion pounds of cheese in 2023, accounting for about 13% of global output.
Wisconsin, known as America's Dairyland, manufactured 3.4 billion pounds of cheese in 2023, representing 26% of U.S. total production.
Cheddar cheese production in the U.S. totaled 4.2 billion pounds in 2023, the most popular variety.
Italy produced 1.3 million metric tons of cheese in 2022, with protected designation of origin (PDO) cheeses comprising 47% of output.
In 2022, the European Union produced 10.2 million metric tons of cheese, led by Germany, France, and Italy.
New Zealand's cheese production was 320,000 metric tons in 2023, primarily for export markets.
France produced 1.88 million metric tons of cheese in 2022, with over 1,200 varieties recognized.
In 2023, China's cheese production grew to 550,000 metric tons, driven by urbanization.
The Netherlands exported cheese production equivalent to 900,000 metric tons in 2023.
U.S. natural cheese production increased by 2.3% to 13.1 billion pounds in 2023.
Mozzarella cheese production in the U.S. reached 5.6 billion pounds in 2023.
Global milk used for cheese production was 152 million metric tons in 2022.
Ireland produced 250,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023, up 5% from prior year.
Argentina's cheese production stood at 450,000 metric tons in 2022.
Denmark's cheese output was 500,000 metric tons in 2023, famous for Danbo varieties.
In 2023, U.S. cream cheese production hit 900 million pounds.
Brazil produced 700,000 metric tons of cheese in 2022, mostly fresh cheeses.
Australia's cheese production reached 400,000 metric tons in 2023.
Canada produced 550,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023, with cheddar dominant.
Germany's cheese production was 2.3 million metric tons in 2022.
In 2023, the U.S. had 1,200 cheese manufacturing plants.
Switzerland produced 190,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023, 44% Emmental and Gruyere.
Turkey's cheese production grew to 850,000 metric tons in 2022.
In 2022, global cheese yield averaged 10.5 kg per 100 kg milk.
U.S. processed cheese production was 2.5 billion pounds in 2023.
Spain produced 400,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Poland's cheese output reached 900,000 metric tons in 2022.
In 2023, India produced 15,000 metric tons of cheese, still emerging.
Belgium produced 120,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.

Production Statistics Interpretation

While America industrially churns out billions of pounds of cheddar and mozzarella to feed its cravings, Europe artfully curates a mosaic of protected originals, proving that the global cheese board is one of both massive scale and exquisite, deliberate craft.

Trade and Exports

In 2023, U.S. cheese exports totaled 1.2 million metric tons.
Netherlands exported 1.1 million metric tons of cheese in 2023.
New Zealand cheese exports reached 280,000 metric tons in 2023.
EU cheese exports hit 1.9 million metric tons in 2023.
Ireland exported 240,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Germany's cheese exports were 1.05 million metric tons in 2023.
U.S. cheese exports to Mexico valued $1.1 billion in 2023.
France exported 500,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Denmark cheese exports 420,000 metric tons in 2023.
Italy's cheese exports totaled 450,000 metric tons in 2023.
Australia exported 250,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Canada cheese exports 120,000 metric tons in 2023.
Poland exported 300,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
U.S. imported 1.5 million metric tons of cheese in 2023.
China imported 200,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
UK cheese imports from EU 350,000 metric tons post-Brexit 2023.
Belgium exported 280,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Switzerland cheese exports 70,000 metric tons in 2023.
Turkey exported 50,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Spain cheese exports 200,000 metric tons in 2023.
Brazil imported 30,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Japan's cheese imports totaled 250,000 metric tons in 2023.
South Korea imported 80,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Russia cheese imports fell to 200,000 metric tons in 2023 due to sanctions.
Argentina exported 100,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
Middle East cheese imports grew 5% to 400,000 metric tons in 2023.
ASEAN region imported 150,000 metric tons of cheese in 2023.
U.S. cheese trade surplus $1.2 billion in 2023.
Global cheese trade volume 12 million metric tons in 2023.
Plant-based cheese exports up 25% to 50,000 metric tons in 2023.

Trade and Exports Interpretation

It seems the world's cheese diplomacy is thriving, as the U.S. plays a serious heavyweight in the global dairy aisle, yet Europe collectively maintains its formidable, if not slightly fragmented, reign as the planet's premier fromage cartel.

Sources & References

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