Cheese Market

Cheese Market Outlook (2022-2032)

The value of the global cheese market is US$ 92 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 133 billion by 2032-end. As per this study by Fact.MR, worldwide demand for cheese is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 3.7% through 2032.

Cheese is derived from the processing of yogurt that is ripened further to render it with a peculiar flavor, aroma, and texture. It is a highly palatable and nutritious milk-derived product. The production process of cheese comprises enzymatic activities.

The distinction between the taste and texture of the cheese is determined by the raw material used, such as breed and type of milk-producing animal, and climatic and grazing factors. Milk is derived from different sources that include cows, buffalo, sheep, and goats. Mozzarella, cheddar, feta, and blue cheese are some popular types of cheese that are available in the market and are segmented further based on processing techniques and their aging period.

One-tenth volume of milk is generally consumed by cheese which makes it more portable with a longer shelf life in comparison with milk. It is rich in different nutrients; for instance, calcium, fat, essential minerals, protein, and others. In addition, cheese also provides certain health benefits such as the prevention of osteoporosis, a healthy heart (with consumption in moderate quantity), stronger bones & teeth, and others.

Milk-allergic and lactose-intolerant people can easily consume Roquefort, parmesan, cheddar, and other variants of cheese without experiencing any adverse effects on their health. Cheese, in recent years, is proving its potential as an affordable, indulgent, and nourishing food. Manufacturers are highlighting better-for-you and nutritional attributes to attract more sales opportunities in the market. Further, the sustainable and natural qualities of cheese are also increasing with the launching of new products.

On the one hand, legislators will persuade customers to reduce the consumption of cheese, while on the other hand, new technologies will enable them to opt for more sustainable choices. People around the world are becoming more conscious related to the availability of a lot of nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, zinc, phosphorous, and calcium, in cheese. These are vital to building strong bones and have high-quality protein that serves as essential building blocks for stronger muscles.

The growing influence of Western cuisines; introduction of numerous flavored cheese products that include oregano pickle, red chili flakes, garlic, and pepper; and inflating disposable incomes are likely to contribute to the growth opportunities for cheese manufacturers over the coming years.

Report Attributes	Details
Cheese Market Size (2022)	US$ 92 Billion
Estimated Market Value (2032)	US$ 133 Billion
Anticipated Market Growth Rate (2022-2032)	3.7% CAGR
Revenue of North America (2022)	US$ 27 Billion
Revenue of Processed Cheese (2022)	US$ 5.1 Billion
Key Companies Profiled	Arla Foods amba Savencia SA Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V. Groupe Lactalis S.A. Almarai – Joint Stock Company

What are the Evolving Growth Opportunities in the Cheese Market?

“Rising Demand for Convenience Food across Geographies”

At present, there is an unstoppable requirement for convenience food around the world. Owing to their busy lifestyle, people didn’t get much time to make elaborate meals through traditional methods. These factors are predicted to stimulate the adoption of packaged food items with quick and easy meal options.

Demand for cheese is also impacted by the fact that people are using these products to prepare simple and fast food items while making the cooking procedure easier to cope with their routine fast-paced regime.

Cheese powder is used in different ready meals to add some specific cheese flavors to the meal or to enhance the already available flavors in it. Extended shelf-life, easy handling, ambient storage, flavor management, and application flexibility are some key benefits that are related to the use of cheese powder.

Increased demand for consumer-packaged meals that contain cheese and the growing demand for cheese from the food processing industry is further predicted to propel growth avenues in the global market. Furthermore, increased tariff-rate quotas and tariff reductions have reduced the prices of cheese and are thus likely to boost the demand for the same.

The rising purchasing power of people from developed economies is also likely to increase sales of cheese. In addition, shifting food habits and a growing count of working women are estimated to fuel expansion opportunities in the global market.

“Demand for Processed Cheese to Rise Rapidly”

At present, there is a significant increase in the demand for processed cheese, such as Romano, Parmesan, and Cheddar due to the catchy profile of processed cheese. Further, the enhanced shelf life of these products and the versatility provided by these products at the higher economic price point compared to other types of cheese are also expected to contribute to market growth.

Processed cheese is used in local cuisines in addition to its regular use in fast food products because of its unique flavor profile. Rising private labels in developing countries along with growing demand for western cuisines are also likely to boost demand for processed cheese across the global market.

Rising internet penetration and the use of e-commerce websites to purchase food items that include cheese is observing rapid growth in the past few years. Carrefour, Walmart, Amazon, etc. are some popular vertical specialists that are attracted to the market. These are riding on growing e-retailing along with vying for a noticeable pie in the e-commerce cheese space.

“Increasing Influence of Western Cuisines around the World”

In recent years, there is a noticeable increase in the influence of western cuisines on the global population. In addition, inflating disposable incomes along with the introduction of various flavored cheese products that include oregano pickle, red chili flakes, pepper, and garlic are likely to increase demand for these products in the years to come.

Although cheese is used as a staple food in a lot of western countries, such as the U.S. and Europe but its versatility enables the product to cater to numerous preferences and tastes of consumers around the world.

There is a diversity in the cuisines of western nations although there are some common characteristics that provide them some distinguish features compared to other regional areas. Hundreds of varieties of cheese and some other fermented milk products are available in western cuisines. In addition, increasing westernization has also resulted in increased demand for cheese in countries from the U.S. and Europe.

Changing food habits of consumers and the growing count of restaurant chains that use cheese as a key ingredient are predicted to increase its adoption. Further, the rising consumption of pizza and some other fast foods that are based on European style appear to serve as one of the fundamental trends, especially among young people to increase sales opportunities for cheese.

What’s Limiting the Sales Opportunities for Cheese Suppliers to Some Extent?

“Tremendous Amount of Fat Content in Cheese”

The higher content of fats that are available in cheese is likely to serve as one of the noteworthy factors among other restraints that are curtailing growth opportunities in the global cheese market. This higher fat content limits the consumption of cheese among the population who are suffering from obesity due to its adverse effects on their health.

The excessive consumption of cheese can result in some negative effects on the health of human beings such as increased cholesterol levels and cardiac arrests. Growing awareness related to the ill effects of the increased consumption of cheese among consumers in recent years is also predicted to restrict revenue generation opportunities in the global market.

“Unstable Economic Conditions in Several Underdeveloped and Developing Nations”

The economic conditions of people from underdeveloped and developing nations are not stable. It can further restrict the ability of consumers to spend more on various dairy products including cheese. Thus, their unstable economic status is likely to limit the growth opportunities in the global market in the years ahead.

Which Regional Market Dominates the Global Cheese Industry?

“North America Leading Regional Market for Cheese”

Among other regional areas, the market of North America holds a dominating position in the global cheese industry. The region is poised to hold around US$ 27 billion in revenue by the end of 2022.

The market in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and North America are projected to exhibit noticeable expansion opportunities that are similar to each other. However, the revenue share of the Middle East & Africa region is likely to remain substantially lower compared to the North American region.

The revenue share of the European market is expected to account for around one-fourth share of the global market in the years to come.

Country-wise Insights

Why is the U.S. a Portable Market for Manufacturers of Cheese?

“Growing Consumption of Italian Cuisines That Use Cheese in Food Industry”

In the United States, people are consuming Italian cuisine, i.e. pasta at an increased rate. To prepare these dishes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese are used in the food industry. In addition, the regional population is also eating some other fast foods such as pizza and burgers.

These factors are likely to encourage the demand for cheese in the market of the United States.

Category-wise Insights

Which Type of Cheese is Most Widely Consumed?

“Consumption of Processed Cheese Rapidly Rising”

Based on product type, processed cheese is likely to hold a noticeable share in the global market owing to its increased consumption. Romano, Parmesan, and Cheddar are some popular options that are available in the market.

The attractive flavor profile of this type of cheese and the enhanced shelf-life of this product are likely to drive sales opportunities. In addition, processed cheese is versatile in nature with a much more economical price compared to other options. Owing to its unique flavor profile, processed cheese is used in local cuisines in addition to its routine application for fast food products.

Rising demand for western cuisines and increasing private labels across developing nations have contributed to the demand opportunities in the global market. Penetration of e-commerce websites in recent years has also boosted sales of these food items, such as cheese. The revenue of this segment in the global market is likely to reach around US$ 5,100 million by 2022 end.

Why Do Modern Grocery Retailers Account for Major Revenue Generation?

“Growing Consumer Preference for Online Stores”

Based on sales channels, the cheese market is divided into modern, non-grocery, traditional, and other channels. Among these segments, modern grocery retailers are likely to hold a dominating position in the global market based on revenue share.

With one-third share in the global market, modern grocery retail is expected to gain 37 BPS in the industry share by end of 2022. Furthermore, traditional grocery retailers are likely to serve as the second most lucrative channel in the global market.

Competitive Landscape

Leading producers of cheese are concentrating on the expansion of their footprints across the globe with the adoption of key strategies. Interesting marketing campaigns, attractive packaging methods, and the introduction of some innovative products are some prominent strategies that are adopted by these players.

Some of the key manufacturers of cheese include Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Arla Foods amba, Savencia SA, Almarai – Joint Stock Company, Groupe Lactalis S.A., and Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V.

• Kraft Heinz, in November 2021, sold its natural cheese business to an affiliate of Groupe Lactalis.
• Arla Food Ingredients, in November 2020, launched an organic solution for the cooking of stable cheese.

Segmentation of Cheese Industry Research

• By Product Type:

  • Processed
  • Unprocessed

• By Sales Channel:

  • Modern
  • Traditional
  • Non-Grocery
  • Other Channels

• By Region:

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa