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, growing at a CAGR of 5.08% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. Europe dominates the market with over 40.6% share currently. Growth drivers include rising demand in convenience foods, foodservice applications, and health-conscious consumers seeking protein-rich and innovative cheese variants.
Study Assumption Years
- Base Year: 2024
- Historical Years: 2019-2024
- Forecast Period: 2025-2033
Cheese Market Key Takeaways
- The global cheese market size was USD 93.27 Billion in 2024.
- The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.08% from 2025 to 2033.
- The forecast period of the study is from 2025 to 2033.
- Europe leads the market with over 40.6% share in 2024.
- Rising consumer demand for diverse dairy-based products, increasing popularity of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, and expanding foodservice applications are key factors.
- Health-conscious trends boosting demand for organic and plant-based cheeses support market growth.
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Market Growth Factors
The cheese market is expanding due to rising consumer preference for convenience and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods amid busy lifestyles, making cheese a key versatile ingredient across snacks, meals, and processed foods. Extended shelf life, ease of use, and recipe compatibility accelerate cheese adoption.
Increased applications in fast food and casual dining, namely pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, cater to evolving consumer habits and taste preferences, driving market growth. The U.S. contributes significantly with a 1.41% market share, fueled by high consumption and product diversity.
Innovation in product offerings such as plant-based, artisanal, and flavored cheeses is propelling production worldwide. Leading companies are investing in fermentation technologies and collaborations to enhance plant-based alternatives, appealing to health-conscious and vegan consumers.
Market Segmentation
Analysis by Source:
- Cow Milk: Largest segment in 2024 with around 91.4% share, valued for availability, versatility, protein, fat, and calcium content. Cow milk cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella dominate.
- Buffalo Milk
- Goat Milk
- Others
Analysis by Type:
- Natural: Leading with about 72.9% market share in 2024 due to consumer preference for authentic cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda, which offer appealing taste and nutritional benefits.
- Processed
Analysis by Product:
- Cheddar: Holds approximately 32.4% share in 2024 reliant on its widespread popularity, versatility in culinary uses, flavor, firmness, and affordability.
- Mozzarella
- Feta
- Parmesan
- Roquefort
- Others
Analysis by Format:
- Slices: Leading segment with 31.8% share driven by convenience and versatility for sandwiches, burgers, and RTE meals, satisfying fast-paced lifestyles.
- Diced/Cubes
- Shredded
- Blocks
- Spreads
- Liquid
- Others
Analysis by Distribution Channel:
- Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Largest channel with about 35.8% market share in 2024 due to extensive product variety, convenience, and strong partnerships with cheese producers.
- Convenience Stores
- Specialty Stores
- Online
- Others
Regional Insights
Europe dominates the cheese market in 2024 with a share exceeding 40.6%, supported by its rich tradition in cheese consumption and production by countries like France, Italy, and Germany. The region’s demand is fueled by the popularity of premium, organic, and specialty cheeses, alongside growth in plant-based and lactose-free options. A strong foodservice sector and established dairy infrastructure contribute further to the leadership.
Recent Developments & News
In July 2024, Credo Foods, US, launched the first oat milk-based vegan spray cheese in Cheddar and Smoky flavors, free from GMOs and artificial additives. In September 2024, Kovalus company RELCO® partnered with India's Milky Mist Dairy to build the country's largest cheddar cheese plant. October 2024 saw Pure Dairy partner with US-based Great Lakes Cheese for global expansion, while Britannia Bel Foods opened a cheese manufacturing facility in India. Kraft Heinz introduced NotCheese plant-based slices nationwide in November 2023.
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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