Market Overview

The global Cheese Market was valued at USD 93.27 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 153.03 Billion by 2033. The market will grow at a CAGR of 5.08% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. This growth is fueled by rising consumer demand for diverse dairy-based products, increasing popularity of ready-to-eat and convenience foods, and expanding applications in the foodservice sector. Health-conscious consumers seeking protein-rich and innovative product options like organic and plant-based cheeses also contribute to market expansion.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
• Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

Cheese Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 93.27 Billion in 2024
• CAGR: 5.08% (2025-2033)
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• Europe dominates the market with over 40.6% share in 2024, driven by strong cheese consumption traditions and diverse varieties.
• The U.S. holds a 1.41% market share, supported by high consumption, specialty cheese trends, and strong exports surpassing 1 million metric tons in 2023.
• Natural cheese leads with a 72.9% market share, favored for its authentic taste and nutritional profile.
• Cow milk is the predominant source, accounting for approximately 91.4% of the market in 2024 due to availability and versatility.
• Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead distribution with 35.8% market share owing to wide product selections and convenient access.

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Market Growth Factors

The cheese market is expanding primarily due to increasing consumer demand for diverse dairy-based products and ready-to-eat (RTE) convenience foods. Busy lifestyles intensify the need for quick meal solutions, positioning cheese as a versatile ingredient in various snacks, meals, and processed foods. Its extended shelf life and compatibility with numerous cuisines make it essential for households and foodservice providers. The rising popularity of cheese-based fast foods such as pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches further boosts demand by catering to evolving taste preferences.

Health-conscious trends substantially influence market growth. Consumers are seeking protein-rich diets and innovative products like organic and plant-based cheeses. Manufacturers are responding by developing flavored, artisanal, and plant-based options that align with these preferences. For example, companies such as Daiya Foods and Agrocorp International invest in fermentation technologies and sustainable plant protein extraction to create plant-based cheeses that mimic traditional dairy products�adding nutritional and environmental appeal.

Strategic collaborations and partnerships also drive market expansion. Alliances like the one between Britannia Industries and Bel enhance brand presence and product offerings, facilitating market penetration, especially in emerging markets like India. Emerging product innovations, such as oat milk-based vegan spray cheese by Credo Foods and Kraft Heinz's plant-based cheese slices "NotCheese," reflect the market's shift towards alternative and specialty cheese options, addressing increasing demand from health-conscious and vegan consumers.

Market Segmentation

Source:

• Cow Milk: Holds around 91.4% market share in 2024 due to availability and versatility in cheese production.
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Others

Type:

• Natural: Leads with approximately 72.9% share in 2024, favored for authentic taste and nutritional benefits.
• Processed

Product:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar: Accounts for about 32.4% market share in 2024, popular for versatility and flavor.
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

Format:

• Slices: Leading segment with 31.8% market share, prized for convenience in sandwiches and RTE meals.
• Diced/Cubes
• Shredded
• Blocks
• Spreads
• Liquid
• Others

Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Lead with 35.8% share due to wide product range and convenience.
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

Regional Insights

Europe is the dominant region in the global cheese market, holding over 40.6% share in 2024. This leadership is supported by strong cheese consumption traditions, diverse cheese varieties including artisanal products, and developed dairy infrastructure. Increasing demand for premium, organic, and specialty cheeses, along with a robust foodservice sector, contribute significantly to market growth. Europe also benefits from strong dairy production and export capabilities, strengthening its global market position.

Recent Developments & News

In July 2024, Credo Foods launched the world's first oat milk-based vegan spray cheese in Cheddar and Smoky flavors. In September 2024, RELCO 4 partnered with Milky Mist Dairy Food Private Limited to build India's largest Cheddar cheese production plant. October 2024 saw Pure Dairy form an alliance with Great Lakes Cheese to expand globally. Also in October, Britannia Bel Foods opened a cheese manufacturing facility in India to produce locally developed "The Laughing Cow" products. In November 2023, Kraft Heinz launched Kraft vegan cheese slices branded as "NotCheese," available nationwide.

Key Players

• Arla Foods amba
• Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
• FrieslandCampina
• Lactalis (The Kraft Heinz Company)
• Savencia SA

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