Online cheese sales are experiencing major growth, according to Madison, Wis.-based Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. By the end of 2019, e-commerce sales will surge past $440 million, the organization said, citing data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

Sales are expected to surpass $500 million in 2020. The 54% annual growth in online sales over the past four years signals that shoppers are embracing the convenience and variety available when ordering cheese online, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin said.

This holiday season, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is offering a selection of award-winning Wisconsin cheeses online. Curated by specialty retailers and Wisconsin cheese experts, the 12 holiday gift baskets include free shipping from Black Friday through Cyber Monday and may be ordered at WisconsinCheese.com/gift-basket, the organization noted.

"Consumer research shows that cheese aligns with on-trend food preferences because it is packed with protein and good fat," said Suzanne Fanning, senior vice president at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and chief marketing officer for Wisconsin Cheese. "To make it easy for consumers to get the best Wisconsin has to offer, our experts have curated a list of the best holiday gift baskets from retailers across our state."