The global cheese market was valued at USD 199.59 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 317.68 billion by 2032, exhibiting a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2024 to 2032.
The cheese market includes a wide array of products derived from milk, ranging from soft cheeses like mozzarella to hard cheeses like cheddar. Cheese is consumed globally in both household and food service settings, and it plays a key role in cuisines worldwide.
Key factors driving the growth of the cheese market include rising consumer demand for premium and artisanal cheese products, along with the growing popularity of Western food habits in developing regions. Additionally, innovations in packaging, along with product diversification—such as low-fat and lactose-free cheese options—are bolstering market growth. The increasing use of cheese in fast food and ready-to-eat meals also supports demand.
The cheese market is expected to expand, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where the demand for dairy products is rising. Product innovation and sustainable practices will shape the future of the industry, with growing interest in plant-based cheese alternatives. The rise of e-commerce platforms for grocery shopping will also provide new opportunities for market players.
Market Aspects and Concentration
The cheese market is currently in a medium growth stage, with an accelerating pace of expansion. Anticipated high levels of innovation are fueled by the increasing demand for diverse flavors and a rise in plant-based cheese alternatives. Consumers’ evolving tastes are encouraging manufacturers to introduce novel varieties and creative plant-based options to meet the preferences of health-conscious customers.
Collaborations and partnerships within the market are moderately high, as companies seek to enhance their market presence and diversify their cheese offerings. Notably, in December 2022, Britannia Industries announced plans for a joint venture with French cheese maker Bel, aiming for a fivefold increase in its cheese business over the next five years. Bel acquired a 49% stake in Britannia Dairy to capitalize on India’s growing cheese market, producing co-branded products under the “Britannia” and “The Laughing Cow” brands.
Product Insights
- Cheddar Cheese: Sales accounted for 37.3% of the market in 2023, attributed to its widespread popularity and versatile applications in various culinary preparations, including sandwiches and snacks.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2032, thanks to technological advancements in production that enhance quality, consistency, and shelf life.
Source Insights
- The animal-based cheese segment accounted for 97.4% of revenue in 2023, reflecting traditional consumption patterns. This segment is driven by high demand for cheese made from cow and goat milk. In contrast, the plant-based cheese segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% due to rising consumer interest in plant-based diets and innovations in sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives.
Type Insights
- Natural Cheese: Held a 79.4% revenue share in 2023, driven by consumer preferences for unprocessed options and an increase in the snacking culture.
- Processed Cheese: Projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9%, with cheese slices representing about 60% of processed cheese revenue, favored for their convenience in meals and snacks.
Distribution Channel Insights
The B2C distribution channel accounted for over 50% of sales in 2023, driven by consumer demand for diverse and high-quality cheese options. Retailers are enhancing their offerings and promoting domestic cheeses due to more stable pricing. Conversely, the B2B distribution channel is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1%, encompassing both food service and food processing industries, particularly for cheese-based snacks.
Regional Insights
- North America: Projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2032, with a strong focus on natural and clean-label cheese.
- U.S. Cheese Market: Accounted for 75% of the market in 2023, with per capita consumption rising from 32.7 pounds in 2010 to 39.8 pounds in 2022.
- Europe: Held 36.1% of the market in 2023, with strong growth driven by diverse culinary applications and innovative cheese varieties.
Key Insights on Cheese Companies
The global cheese market is fragmented, with key companies actively innovating and forming partnerships to maintain a competitive edge. Leading companies are focusing on healthier options, artisanal varieties, and plant-based alternatives to cater to a diverse consumer base. The following companies are among the leaders in the cheese market:
- Arla Foods Group
- Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.
- Glanbia Plc
- Saputo Cheese USA Inc.
- Bel Brands USA, Inc.
- FrieslandCampina
- Daiya Foods, Inc.
- Kite Hill
- Lactalis International
- Sargento Foods Inc.
These companies collectively hold significant market shares and are shaping industry trends through innovation and strategic collaborations.
Recent Developments
In August 2023, Agrocorp International launched HerbY-Cheese, a plant-based, nut-free cheese line under the brand HerbYvore in Singapore. This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), focusing on sustainable plant protein extraction methods. The resulting HerbY-Cheese offers dairy-free alternatives to cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Consumers can purchase HerbY-Cheese online and at select local retailers, catering to those seeking nutritious and sustainable dairy alternatives.
In March 2023, PlantWise, a company specializing in plant-based dairy alternatives, introduced a range of vegan cheese spreads, shreds, and cheesy nuggets that mimic the taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese. PlantWise employs a unique natural fermentation process to achieve an authentic cheese flavor.
In October 2022, Armored Fresh, a subsidiary of Korean company Yangyoo, launched a plant-based cheese in over 100 markets in New York City, with plans for expansion into New Jersey and nationwide. Made from almond milk and plant-based lactic acid, this cheese offers comparable protein content to animal-based cheese and is available in three varieties. The company secured substantial funding to support its entry into the U.S. market through national grocery retailers.
Global Cheese Market Report Segmentation
This report provides forecasts for revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, analyzing the latest trends in each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030. Beyond Market Insights has segmented the cheese market report based on product, source, type, distribution channel, and region:
Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2032)
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Blue Cheese
- Others
Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2032)
- Animal-based
- Cow Milk Cheese
- Goat Milk Cheese
- Sheep Milk Cheese
- Plant-based
- Soy-based
- Cashew-based
- Almond-based
- Coconut-based
- Others
Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2032)
- Natural
- Processed
- Slices
- Block
- Spreads
- Others
Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2032)
- B2C/Retail
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- Specialty Stores
- Online
- Others
- B2B
- Food Service
- Food & Beverage Processing
- Snacks
- Sauces, Dressings, Dips, & Condiments
- Bakery & Confectionery
- Ready Meals
- Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2032)
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- Central & South America
- Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
1.2. Market Definition
1.3. Information Procurement
1.3.1. Purchased Database
1.3.2. Internal Database
1.3.3. Secondary Sources & Third-Party Perspectives
1.3.4. Primary Research
1.4. Information Analysis
1.4.1. Data Analysis Models
1.5. Market Formulation & Data Visualization
1.6. Data Validation & Publishing
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Snapshot
2.2. Product Outlook
2.3. Source Outlook
2.4. Type Outlook
2.5. Distribution Channel Outlook
2.6. Regional Outlook
2.7. Competitive Landscape Snapshot
Chapter 3. Cheese Market Variables, Trends & Scope
3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.1. Parent Market Outlook
3.2. Industry Value Chain Analysis
3.2.1. Raw Material Trends
3.2.2. Technology/Manufacturing Trends
3.3. Market Dynamics
3.3.1. Market Driver Analysis
3.3.2. Market Restraint Analysis
3.3.3. Market Opportunities
3.3.4. Market Challenges
3.4. Industry Analysis Tools
3.4.1. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
3.5. Market Entry Strategies
Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis
4.1. Demographic Analysis
4.2. Consumer Trends & Preferences
4.3. Factors Affecting Buying Behavior
4.4. Consumer Product Adoption
4.5. Key Findings & Recommendations
Chapter 5. Cheese Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis
5.1. Cheese Market, By Product: Key Takeaways
5.2. Product Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2032
5.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by product, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
5.3.1. Cheddar
5.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
5.3.2. Mozzarella
5.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
5.3.3. Parmesan
5.3.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
5.3.4. Blue Cheese
5.3.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
5.3.5. Others
5.3.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
Chapter 6. Cheese Market: Source Estimates & Trend Analysis
6.1. Cheese Market, By Source: Key Takeaways
6.2. Source Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2032
6.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by source, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.1. Animal-based
6.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.1.2. Cow Milk Cheese
6.3.1.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.1.3. Goat Milk Cheese
6.3.1.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.1.4. Sheep Milk Cheese
6.3.1.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.2. Plant-based
6.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.2.2. Soy-Based
6.3.2.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.2.3. Cashew-Based
6.3.2.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.2.4. Almond-Based
6.3.2.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.2.5. Coconut-Based
6.3.2.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
6.3.2.6. Others
6.3.2.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
Chapter 7. Cheese Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
7.1. Cheese Market, By Type: Key Takeaways
7.2. Type Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2032
7.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by type, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
7.3.1. Natural
7.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
7.3.2. Processed
7.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
7.3.2.2. Slices
7.3.2.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
7.3.2.3. Block
7.3.2.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
7.3.2.4. Spreads
7.3.2.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
7.3.2.5. Others
7.3.2.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
Chapter 8. Cheese Market: Distribution Channel Estimates & Trend Analysis
8.1. Cheese Market, By Distribution Channel: Key Takeaways
8.2. Distribution Channel Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2032
8.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Distribution Channel, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.1. B2C/Retail
8.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.1.2. Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
8.3.1.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.1.3. Specialty Stores
8.3.1.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.1.4. Online
8.3.1.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.1.5. Others
8.3.1.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2. B2B
8.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2.2. Food Service
8.3.2.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2.3. Food & Beverage Processing
8.3.2.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2.3.2. Snacks
8.3.2.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2.3.3. Sauces, Dressings, Dips, & Condiments
8.3.2.3.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2.3.4. Bakery & Confectionery
8.3.2.3.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2.3.5. Ready Meals
8.3.2.3.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
8.3.2.3.6. Others
8.3.2.3.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
Chapter 9. Cheese Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
9.1. Cheese Market: Regional Outlook
9.2. Regional Marketplaces: Key Takeaways
9.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Region, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.1. North America
9.3.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.1.2. U.S.
9.3.1.2.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.1.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.1.3. Canada
9.3.1.3.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.1.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.1.4. Mexico
9.3.1.4.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.1.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.2. Europe
9.3.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.2.2. Germany
9.3.2.2.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.2.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.2.3. UK
9.3.2.3.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.2.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.2.4. France
9.3.2.4.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.2.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.2.5. Italy
9.3.2.5.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.2.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.2.6. Spain
9.3.2.6.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.2.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.3. Asia Pacific
9.3.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.3.2. China
9.3.3.2.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.3.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.3.3. Japan
9.3.3.3.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.3.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.3.4. India
9.3.3.4.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.3.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.3.5. Australia
9.3.3.5.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.3.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.4. Central & South America
9.3.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.4.2. Brazil
9.3.4.2.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.4.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.5. Middle East & Africa
9.3.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.5.2. South Africa
9.3.5.2.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.5.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
9.3.5.3. Saudi Arabia
9.3.5.3.1. Key country dynamics
9.3.5.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 – 2032 (USD Billion)
Chapter 10. Cheese Market: Competitive Analysis
10.1. Recent developments & impact analysis, by key market participants
10.2. Company Categorization
10.3. Participant’s Overview
10.4. Financial Performance
10.5. Product Benchmarking
10.6. Company Market Share Analysis, 2024 (%)
10.7. Company Heat Map Analysis
10.8. Strategy Mapping
10.9. Company Profiles
10.9.1. Arla Foods Group
10.9.1.1. Company Overview
10.9.1.2. Financial Performance
10.9.1.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.1.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.2. Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
10.9.2.1. Company Overview
10.9.2.2. Financial Performance
10.9.2.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.2.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.3. Glanbia plc
10.9.3.1. Company Overview
10.9.3.2. Financial Performance
10.9.3.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.3.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.4. Saputo Cheese USA Inc.
10.9.4.1. Company Overview
10.9.4.2. Financial Performance
10.9.4.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.4.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.5. Bel Brands USA, Inc.
10.9.5.1. Company Overview
10.9.5.2. Financial Performance
10.9.5.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.5.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.6. FrieslandCampina
10.9.6.1. Company Overview
10.9.6.2. Financial Performance
10.9.6.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.6.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.7. Daiya Foods, Inc.
10.9.7.1. Company Overview
10.9.7.2. Financial Performance
10.9.7.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.7.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.8. Kite Hill
10.9.8.1. Company Overview
10.9.8.2. Financial Performance
10.9.8.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.8.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.9. Lactalis International
10.9.9.1. Company Overview
10.9.9.2. Financial Performance
10.9.9.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.9.4. Strategic Initiatives
10.9.10. Sargento Foods Inc.
10.9.10.1. Company Overview
10.9.10.2. Financial Performance
10.9.10.3. Product Portfolios
10.9.10.4. Strategic Initiatives
Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Blue Cheese
- Others
Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- Animal-based
- Cow Milk Cheese
- Goat Milk Cheese
- Sheep Milk Cheese
- Plant-based
- Soy-based
- Cashew-based
- Almond-based
- Coconut-based
- Others
Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- Natural
- Processed
- Slices
- Block
- Spreads
- Others
Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- B2C/Retail
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- Specialty Stores
- Online
- Others
- B2B
- Food Service
- Food & Beverage Processing
- Snacks
- Sauces, Dressings, Dips, & Condiments
- Bakery & Confectionery
- Ready Meals
- Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- Central & South America
- Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
