Feta Cheese Global Market Report 2024

The feta cheese market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $13.65 billion in 2023 to $14.52 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing popularity of Mediterranean cuisine, growing health consciousness, globalization of food culture, rising demand for specialty cheeses, diverse culinary applications, and a focus on natural and organic foods.

The feta cheese market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.01 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the continued emphasis on healthy eating, innovation in feta cheese products, increased focus on sustainable agriculture, consumer demand for authentic experiences, and the expansion of quick-service restaurants. Major trends in the forecast period include plant-based alternatives, flavored feta varieties, a focus on clean label and transparency, educational marketing, and innovations in packaging.

An uptick in sheep and goat milk production is anticipated to drive the growth of the feta cheese market in the future. Feta cheese, primarily crafted from sheep milk, occasionally includes a blend of 30% goat milk and 70% sheep milk. As global milk production, inclusive of cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, and camel milk, surged by 1.1% to approximately 887 million metric tons in 2021, according to The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the increased production of sheep and goats' milk significantly contributes to the demand for the feta cheese market.

The burgeoning demand for quick-service restaurants (QSRs) is poised to propel the expansion of the feta cheese market. Feta cheese, renowned for its versatility, affordability, and extended shelf life, has gained popularity in many Mediterranean dishes and is increasingly becoming a sought-after ingredient in quick-service restaurants (QSRs). MediaRadar reported a significant increase in consumer spending, soaring by 12% from 2020 to $300 billion in 2021, underscoring the escalating demand for QSRs. Hence, the surging inclination towards quick-service restaurants is a driving force behind the growth of the feta cheese market.

Innovative product developments are gaining traction as a prominent trend within the feta cheese market. Key industry players are actively exploring inventive solutions in the food service segment for feta cheese. For instance, in December 2021, Dodoni S.A, an agricultural dairy industry based in Greece, introduced an inventive spreadable cheese named DODONI Spread. Derived from PDO Dodoni Feta, this spreadable cheese incorporates whole pieces of feta and DODONI yogurt, boasting a low-fat content (16%) coupled with high protein. Its creamy texture enables easy spreading and comes in three flavors such as natural, tomato basil, and chili pepper, presenting consumers with a versatile and flavorful option for spreading.

Major players in the feta cheese market are directing their efforts towards introducing innovative products, such as Pure-Pak cartons, as a strategic edge in the market. These cartons, crafted from renewable and recyclable materials, are engineered to safeguard the freshness and quality of various beverages. An illustration of this innovation occurred in June 2021 when Elopak, a Norway-based liquid carton manufacturer, introduced feta cheese packaged in Pure-Pak cartons. Renowned for their barrier protection, these cartons preserve the taste, color, and texture of feta cheese for an extended period of up to three months. The lightweight nature of the Pure-Pak carton coupled with its user-friendly pourability caters to the convenience of both home cooks and professional chefs. Furthermore, featuring a resealable spout, it facilitates easy dispensing and storage of the cheese. This pioneering packaging solution possesses the potential to transform the packaging and consumption landscape of feta cheese worldwide.

In September 2021, Emmi Roth, a subsidiary of the cheese and dairy manufacturing giant Emmi Group based in the US, acquired Athenos for an undisclosed sum. The strategic acquisition aimed at fortifying Emmi Roth's standing within the specialty cheeses segment of the US market. Additionally, it sought to open up new export avenues for Swiss cheese leveraging Athenos' robust distribution network. Athenos, operating as a US-based feta cheese producer, constituted a strategic addition to Emmi Roth's portfolio, fostering market diversification and augmenting their position in the competitive cheese industry.

Major companies operating in the feta cheese market report are Arla Foods amba, Lactalis American Group Inc., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Saputo Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, Dodoni S.A., Kolios S.A, Mevgal, Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company, Clover Leaf Cheese Ltd., Carr Valley Cheese, Agropur Cooperative, Churney Company Inc., Organic Valley, Amul, Bel Brands USA Inc., Fage International S.A., Epirus S.A., Karoun Dairies LLC, Vermont Creamery, Lemnos Foods, Mt Vikos, Pastures of Eden, Olympus Dairy, Crystal Farms, Arahova Products Distribution Inc., Old Europe Cheese, Bethel Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Sierra Nevada Cheese Co., Makedonia S.A., Valbreso, Verde Farm, Domi Greece, Kasseri S.A., Naxos Dairy, Tresomega Nutrition.

Europe was the largest region in the feta cheese market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the feta cheese market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the feta cheese market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the feta cheese market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The main types of feta cheese include Bulgarian feta, French feta, German feta, and others. Bulgarian feta is a white brined cheese with a creamy texture, produced from sheep milk, and is often used in grilling, barbecuing, salads, and cooked dishes, including pies and pastries. Feta cheese can be sourced from various milk types, including cow, sheep, and goat milk, and is distributed through both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) channels.

The feta cheese market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides feta cheese market statistics, including feta cheese industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a feta cheese market share, detailed feta cheese market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the feta cheese industry. This feta cheese market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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