The cheese market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• The scale of the cheese industry has seen significant expansion in the past few years. The market, which was worth $296.06 billion in 2024, is expected to rise to reach $320.15 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%.
Factors including dairy farming, culinary tradition, worldwide cheese production, international trade and export activities, as well as marketing and branding efforts have contributed to the growth observed in the historic period.
The cheese market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• The cheese market is set to experience robust expansion in the upcoming years, with projections estimating its worth to reach $437.18 billion by 2029, progressing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%.
Factors contributing to this anticipated growth during the forecast period involve the rising health awareness among consumers, sustainable and ethical methods of cheese production, the demand for artisan and specialty cheeses, the influence of digital marketing and e-commerce, and overall global market expansion. Key trends expected during this period include the growing popularity of plant-based and vegan cheeses, matured and craftsman cheese, cheese pairing and tasting experiences, cheeses characterized by clean labels and natural ingredients, as well as the advent of cheese boards and charcuterie.
The growth of the cheese market is predicted to be fuelled by the rising demand for local, sustainable, and organic food. This type of food is created using environmentally friendly methods, abstaining from artificial chemicals, and prioritizing the welfare of the environment and animals. The drive towards local, sustainable, and organic food is due to increased consumer awareness about its health benefits, environmental implications, and support for ethical farming methods. Cheese plays a significant part in this sustainable and organic food sector, backing local, organic dairy farms that employ green practices, decrease the usage of pesticides, and focus on the welfare of animals. Organic cheese, devoid of artificial chemicals, promotes robust ecosystems and offers customers natural, eco-aware choices. For example, the Good Food Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, reported in April 2023 that the worldwide industry for plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt amounted to $21.6 billion in 2022, marking a 7% increase from 2021. Hence, the escalating demand for local, sustainable, and organic food is fuelling the expansion of the cheese market.
The cheese market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Natural Cheese, Processed Cheese
2) By Product: Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, Roquefort, Other Products
3) By Distribution Channel: Super markets Or Hyper markets, Convenience Stores, E-Commerce, Other Distribution Channels
Subsegments:
1) By Natural Cheese: Fresh Cheese, Soft Cheese, Semi-Hard Cheese, Hard Cheese, Blue Cheese, Other Natural Cheese
2) By Processed Cheese: Processed Cheese Slices, Processed Cheese Blocks, Processed Cheese Spreads, Cheese Powder, Processed Cheese Sauces, Other Processed Cheese
Leading firms in the cheese market are concentrating on the creation of technologically enhanced solutions, like plant-based mac & cheese, to meet vital requirements of the industry. The plant-based mac & cheese is a dairy-free interpretation of the iconic dish, comprising pasta and a vibrant sauce created from either nuts or vegetables. This provides a vegan substitute that echoes the traditional flavors. For example, in November 2023, Kraft Heinz, a food organization based in the US, revealed their plant-based mac&cheese. This product was designed to meet the increasing demand for plant-based substitutes, ensuring a creamy, soothing experience similar to classic Kraft Mac & Cheese minus the dairy. Kraft Not-Mac &Cheese is scheduled to launch nationally by early 2024, catering to consumer tastes and augmenting Kraft Heinz's spectrum of plant-based products across diverse categories, utilizing AI technology for the production of appealing plant-based food products.
Major companies operating in the cheese market include:
• Groupe Lactalis S.A.
• Saputo Inc
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Fonterra Group Cooperative Limited
• Arla Foods amba
• Savencia Fromage & Dairy
• Frieslandcampina
• Alfa SA.B. de C.V.
• Agropur cooperative
• Land O'Lakes Inc.
• Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
• Bel Group
• Sargento Foods Inc.
• Tillamook County Creamery Association
• Cabot Creamery
• Leprino Foods Company
• Emmi Group
• Glanbia plc
• Murray's Cheese
• Cowgirl Creamery
• Cypress Grove Chevre Inc.
• Darigold Inc.
• DCI Cheese Company
• Gossner Foods
• Groupe Bel
• Marin French Cheese Co.
• Kraft Foods Group Inc.
• Alouette Cheese USA LLC
• Organic Valley
• Sartori Company
• Schreiber Foods Inc.
• Swiss Valley Farms.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the cheese market in 2023. North America was the second-largest region in the cheese market. The regions covered in the cheese market report include Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.