Global Cheese Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

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Cheese Market Analysis

• The global cheese market is witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for diverse cheese varieties and the rising popularity of cheese-infused dishes in various cuisines

• For instance, in the U.S., per capita cheese consumption has been on the rise, with individuals consuming approximately 40.2 pounds in 2020, up from previous years. Cheddar and mozzarella remain the most popular varieties, reflecting consumers' expanding palates and interest in different cheese types

• Health-conscious consumers are seeking cheeses with reduced sodium and fat content, leading manufacturers to innovate and offer healthier options without compromising on taste. This trend is evident in the growing popularity of artisanal and functional cheese varieties that cater to nutritional preferences while delivering unique flavors. ​
• The surge in plant-based diets has prompted the development of dairy-free cheese alternatives made from ingredients such as nuts and soy, catering to vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers. This shift is reflected in the increasing demand for plant-based cheeses, which has surged by 12.5% annually, mirroring the broader movement toward vegan and vegetarian diets. ​
• E-commerce platforms have become significant distribution channels for cheese products, providing consumers with convenient access to a wide range of options, including specialty and international cheeses. The growth of direct-to-consumer models has boosted online sales, with online shopping offering convenience and accessibility, particularly appealing to consumers who may not have access to specialty cheese retailers in their local area. ​
• The influence of Western cuisine has led to increased cheese consumption in regions where it was previously less prevalent.

• For instance, in the Middle East, changing dietary habits and the increasing acceptance of cheese as part of local cuisine have resulted in higher consumption. Key players in this market have responded by diversifying their product portfolios to include cheeses such as labneh and halloumi, alongside more familiar varieties such as mozzarella and cheddar

Report Scope and Cheese Market Segmentation     

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Cheese Market Trends

“Increasing Consumption of Plant-Based Cheese Alternatives”

• The rise of plant-based cheese alternatives is driven by the increasing number of people adopting vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free diets, with brands such as Daiya and Violife gaining significant market share, particularly in North America and Europe, where plant-based products are increasingly popular
• Plant-based cheese is made from various ingredients such as almonds, cashews, soy, and coconut, catering to a broader audience beyond vegans

• For instance, Miyoko’s Creamery offers cashew-based cheeses, while Cocoon focuses on coconut-based options, expanding the diversity in the market

• The trend is fueled by growing environmental awareness, as plant-based products have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional dairy cheese. Research shows that producing plant-based cheese results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, making products such as Follow Your Heart and Chao highly appealing to eco-conscious consumers
• Large dairy companies are responding to this shift by expanding their plant-based offerings. Kraft launched a plant-based line under the “Cracker Barrel” brand, while grocery chains such as Whole Foods and Walmart now carry plant-based cheeses from brands such as Violife, reflecting how quickly these alternatives have entered the mainstream market
• As taste and texture improve, plant-based cheese is becoming more mainstream, with innovations such as plant-based mozzarella being used on pizzas at well-known chains such as Pizza Hut and Domino’s. These major players are increasingly offering plant-based cheese as part of their menu to cater to the growing demand for dairy-free options

Cheese Market Dynamics

Driver

“Increasing Demand for Convenience Foods”

• Increasing demand for convenience foods is driving the global cheese market, as consumers seek quick and easy meal options without sacrificing taste or nutrition

• For instance, McDonald's uses cheese in popular menu items such as the McChicken and Cheeseburger, while Subway offers cheese in a variety of subs such as the Italian B.M.T. and Turkey Breast sandwiches

• Cheese’s versatility makes it a staple in ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and fast-food products. Domino's Pizza incorporates cheese in multiple menu items, including its Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza and Cheesy Breadsticks, which are customer favorites, further highlighting cheese’s role in fast food offerings
• Pre-sliced, grated, and shredded cheese products are becoming increasingly popular for consumers looking to save time in meal preparation

• For instance, Kraft offers Pre-shredded Cheddar Cheese, while Sargento provides a range of pre-sliced cheese options, making it easier for consumers to quickly prepare sandwiches, salads, or snacks

• The rise of meal delivery services such as Uber Eats and DoorDash has fueled the demand for cheese in ready-to-serve dishes. Many restaurants such as Papa John’s and Pizza Hut now offer cheese-laden pizza options through these platforms, catering to the growing demand for convenient meals delivered directly to consumers
• Cheese's role as a quick, flavorful, and nutritious ingredient extends to home-cooked meals.

• For instance, Pre-grated Mozzarella from brands such as Galbani and Pre-sliced Cheddar from Land O'Lakes are commonly used in everyday recipes such as lasagna, sandwiches, and tacos in busy households across the U.S. and U.K.

Opportunity

“Rise of Plant-Based Diets and Veganism”

• The rise of plant-based diets and veganism presents a significant opportunity for the cheese market, as more consumers opt for dairy-free and lactose-free alternatives. Violife, known for its coconut-based cheese, and Miyoko’s Creamery, which offers cashew-based cheeses, are two key players leading this plant-based cheese revolution
• Companies are developing plant-based cheese options made from ingredients such as nuts, soy, coconut, and oats to cater not only to vegans but also to those with lactose intolerance and people reducing animal product consumption

• For instance, Daiya offers a variety of dairy-free cheese made from tapioca starch and coconut, while Miyoko’s has expanded with nut-based cheeses such as their Vegan Aged English Farmhouse Cheddar

• One of the notable opportunities is the increasing popularity of plant-based cheese among mainstream consumers. Once considered niche, the demand for dairy-free alternatives has skyrocketed, with major retailers such as Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target now stocking plant-based cheese options from brands such as Treeline (cashew-based) and Follow Your Heart (soy-based), which are gaining widespread appeal
• Fast-food chains such as Pizza Hut and Dominos have introduced plant-based pizza options to cater to the growing market, offering Daiya’s dairy-free cheese on their pizzas in several countries, including the U.S., the UK, and Canada, making it easier for customers to enjoy their favorite comfort food without animal-based products
• As plant-based cheese products improve in taste and texture, and as sustainability concerns drive consumer choices, the market for these products is expected to continue its rapid growth. Brands such as So Delicious and Earth Balance are innovating with more flavor options and environmentally friendly packaging to meet the increasing demand for both quality and sustainability in the plant-based cheese sector.

Restraint/Challenge

“Rising Cost of Raw Materials and Production”

• One of the significant challenges facing the cheese market is the rising cost of raw materials and production. The prices of milk, which is the core ingredient in traditional cheese, have been rising steadily

• For instance, in the U.S., dairy farmers have experienced volatile milk prices due to factors such as fluctuating feed costs and climate change affecting milk production, which has led to higher cheese prices for consumers, such as the price hike in cheddar cheese witnessed in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions

• The dairy industry also faces strict regulations regarding animal welfare, food safety, and environmental standards, which add to production costs. Manufacturers are being increasingly pressured to meet sustainability goals, requiring investments in new technologies, packaging solutions, and production methods.

• For instance, Nestlé has committed to reducing carbon emissions by investing in eco-friendly packaging and sustainable farming practices, raising production costs in the process

• Plant-based cheese alternatives also face production challenges due to the high cost of ingredients such as cashews, almonds, and coconut, which are key to producing creamy, flavorful substitutes. Companies such as Miyoko's Creamery use expensive cashew nuts for their cheeses, and while demand is growing, the higher production costs can make these products more expensive compared to traditional dairy cheese
• The complexities of manufacturing plant-based cheese alternatives, which require specialized processing methods to mimic dairy's taste and texture, also contribute to higher costs. Brands such as Daiya have improved their processes but still face challenges in scaling production efficiently, making it difficult to compete on price with traditional cheese, particularly in price-sensitive markets
• These increasing production costs, whether in dairy or plant-based cheese, present a challenge to the affordability of cheese products, particularly in regions where consumers are more price-conscious. In countries such as India or parts of Southeast Asia, where dairy and plant-based cheese options are still considered premium products, affordability remains a significant challenge

Cheese Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of source, type, format, product, and distribution channel

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Cheese Market Regional Analysis

“Europe is the Dominant Region in the Cheese Market”

• Europe dominates the global cheese market due to its deep-rooted cheese-making tradition and cultural significance, with countries such as France, Italy, and the U.K. being known for their rich history of producing internationally recognized cheeses
• The region offers a wide variety of cheese styles, including soft, hard, and semi-soft varieties, which cater to a broad spectrum of consumer preferences, both within Europe and globally
• Europe is home to renowned dairy cooperatives and producers that contribute to the continuous growth of the cheese market, supported by the European Union’s agricultural policies that promote high-quality standards in cheese production
• The production of artisanal and specialty cheeses in local dairies further strengthens Europe’s market position, as consumers increasingly seek unique, high-quality cheese products that reflect regional traditions
• Cheese in Europe extends beyond traditional forms and is widely incorporated into gourmet dishes, fast food, and ready-to-eat meals, ensuring its role as a key ingredient in various food sectors, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in the global cheese market

“North America is Projected to Register the Highest Growth Rate”

• North America is emerging as the fastest-growing region in the global cheese market, driven by the growing integration of cheese into fast food and quick-service restaurant menus, with cheese being a central ingredient in items such as burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas offered by global brands such as McDonald's, Subway, and Domino's
• The demand for processed cheese products such as shredded and sliced cheese is increasing as these forms are quick and easy to incorporate into high-volume food offerings, catering to the fast-paced nature of the food service industry in North America
• As consumers focus more on protein-rich diets, cheese has gained popularity as a nutritious snack and meal option, with products such as cheese sticks, cheese dips, and crackers gaining traction, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, where snacking culture is on the rise
• The plant-based cheese market in North America is expanding rapidly due to the growing shift toward plant-based diets for ethical, health, and environmental reasons, with companies offering alternatives made from almonds, cashews, and coconut, helping to cater to the increasing demand for dairy-free options
• The improvement in taste, texture, and variety of plant-based cheese products is further boosting their acceptance, ensuring that North America remains a key player in the global cheese market, with a strong potential for continued growth in both dairy and plant-based cheese segments

Cheese Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

The Major Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Kite Hill (U.S.)
• Nush Foods (U.S.)
• Follow Your Heart (U.S.)
• Field Roast (U.S.)
• Miyoko's Creamery (U.S.)
• GOOD PLANeT Foods (U.S.)
• Brownstoner LLC (U.S.)
• Tofutti Brands, Inc. (U.S.)
• Bute Island Foods Ltd. (U.K.)
• Kinda Co. (U.K.)
• Reine, LLC. (U.S.)
• Uhrenholt A/S (Denmark)
• Kalpavriksha Foundation (India)
• Parmela Creamery (U.S.)
• Daiya Foods (Canada)

Latest Developments in Global Cheese Market

• In November 2021, Nush Foods announced the relaunch of its dairy-free cream cheese in recyclable cups. This development aims to enhance sustainability by offering eco-friendly packaging for their plant-based cream cheese. The move is expected to reduce plastic waste and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. In addition, it supports Nush Foods' commitment to providing healthier, plant-based alternatives while maintaining product quality. This relaunch is likely to strengthen Nush Foods' position in the growing dairy-free market, aligning with current consumer demand for both sustainable and vegan-friendly products. The impact on the market will be significant as it not only caters to the increasing preference for plant-based options but also sets a trend for eco-conscious packaging in the food industry
• In March 2021, DalterFood Group launched its new cheese matchsticks. This product innovation is designed to offer a convenient, snack-sized cheese option that appeals to busy consumers looking for easy-to-consume, portion-controlled products. The cheese matchsticks are expected to tap into the growing demand for on-the-go snacks, offering a healthier alternative to traditional snack foods. The product is likely to have a positive impact on the market by catering to the increasing popularity of convenient and portion-controlled cheese options, further expanding DalterFood Group’s presence in the snacking segment and meeting the preferences of modern consumers 

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