Division Historical background

Gouda Holland is an exponent of the Dutch tradition of cheese making, which stretches back to the Middle Ages and reached maturity as early as the 17th century (the Golden Age).

The cheese sold in Gouda became known as Gouda cheese from the 18th century onwards. Later, the name Gouda came to be associated with all full-fat cheeses produced in Holland and shaped like a flattened cylinder.

From its beginnings in farm-based production, Gouda Holland has developed, by way of production in local factories, to become a nationally produced product with a worldwide reputation and is an important, stable component in optimising the value of farm milk. At the beginning of the 20th century, national laws were introduced for Gouda cheese, and the name of Gouda Holland was established in the Landbouwkwaliteitsbeschikking kaasproducten [Agricultural Quality (Cheese Products) Decision].