Cheese Market Expected to Reach $222 Billion by 2033

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Cheese Market," The cheese market size was valued at $172.6 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $222 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2024 to 2033.

Cheese is prepared from the curdled or coagulated milk of animals, typically cows, goats, and sheep. The process of making cheese involves separating the milk into curds and whey, with the curds being further processed through pressing, shaping, and aging to produce a wide variety of textures, flavors, and types of cheese. Cheese is a versatile ingredient used in cooking, as a topping, and it serves as a significant source of nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins.

Changing dietary preferences and culinary trends play a pivotal role in driving the growth of the cheese market. As consumers become more adventurous in their culinary endeavors, they are increasingly seeking out diverse and exotic flavors, textures, and ingredients. Cheese, with its wide array of varieties ranging from mild to sharp, creamy to crumbly, and smoky to tangy, perfectly fits into this trend. The versatility of cheese allows it to be incorporated into various cuisines and dishes, catering to the evolving tastes of consumers. Additionally, the rising popularity of global cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisine, which prominently feature cheese as a key ingredient, further fuels its demand.

Moreover, the emergence of gourmet cheese varieties and artisanal cheese producers has captured the attention of discerning consumers who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, unique cheese offerings. This trend towards premiumization reflects consumers' desire for authenticity, craftsmanship, and indulgence in their culinary experiences. As a result, cheese producers and retailers are responding by introducing innovative and artisanal cheese products, expanding the market, and appealing to a broader consumer base. Overall, changing dietary preferences and culinary trends are driving the growth of the market by stimulating demand for diverse cheese varieties and premium offerings which is expected to create more cheese market opportunities during the forecast period.

Implementing sustainable and ethical practices within the market not only addresses growing consumer concerns about environmental and ethical issues but also creates significant opportunities for producers to differentiate their products and capture market share. With the ongoing cheese market trend, manufacturers adopting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, such as sourcing milk from organic or pasture-raised cows and minimizing waste and energy consumption during production, cheese producers can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Transparent labeling and certifications related to animal welfare, such as free-range or grass-fed, assure consumers seeking ethically sourced products, further enhancing brand reputation and consumer trust which expected to propel growth of cheese industry during forecast period.

According to the market analysis, the cheese market is segmented into source, type, product, distribution channel, and region. By source, the market is divided into cow milk, sheep milk, goat milk, and buffalo milk. By type, the market is segmented into natural cheese and processed cheese. By product, the market is divided into mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, Roquefort, and others. By distribution channel, the market is divided into B2B and B2C. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

By source, the cow segment accounted for more than 82.9% of the market share, in terms of revenue, in 2023. The presence of protein and fat in the milk is the key ingredient, giving proper flavor and texture to the cheese. Cow’s milk from different breeds produces a different type of cheese such as Jersey and Guernsey.

By type, the natural segment led the market and accounted for more than 72.3% of the global cheese market share in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Natural cheese is made from fresh milk derived from farm animals. The color, texture, taste, and smell of the cheese come from the milk used while preparing cheese, the processes by which the cheese is made, environmental factors such as temperature & pressure, and the time required to age the cheese.

By product, the cheddar segment led the market and accounted for more than 33.9% of the global cheese market in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Cheddar cheese is highly popular owing to its harder texture, creamier & sharp taste, and longer shelf life. This cheese is widely used in fast food, savory snacks, and bakery products. The price of cheddar cheese is low as compared to that of other cheese such as mozzarella cheese. This increases its affordability among the buyers. Therefore, propelling the demand for cheddar cheese during the cheese market forecast.

As per the distribution channel, the B2C segment led the market and accounted for more than 56.6% of the global cheese market in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are gaining high popularity owing to the availability of a broad range of consumer goods under a single roof, ample parking space, and convenient operation timings. Moreover, an increase in urbanization, a rise in the working-class population, and competitive pricing boost the popularity of supermarkets/hypermarkets in the developed and developing regions.

Region-wise, Europe was the largest market in 2023 and had the highest market share of 48.6%. Cheese is a popular food ingredient utilized on a regular basis in the cuisines of various European countries, which is one of the primary factors driving the cheese market growth in the European region. In addition, the surge in consumption of authentic cheese, and the rise in demand for cheese as a major ingredient in cuisines, are escalating the growth.

Some of the key players profiled in the cheese market analysis include Arla Foods, Bel Group, Fonterra Food, Kraft Heinz, Lactalis Group, SAVENCIA SA, Britannia Industries Limited, Associated Milk Producers Inc., Saputo Inc., and Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.

Key findings of the study

• By source, the buffalo milk segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 3.5%, in revenue terms, during the forecast period.
• By type, the processed cheese segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 3.0%, in revenue terms, during the forecast period.
• By product, the roquefort segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 4.2%, in revenue terms, during the forecast period.
• By distribution channel, the B2B segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 2.6%, in revenue terms, during the forecast period.
• By region, Latin America is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate, registering a CAGR of 4.0% from 2024 to 2033.