North America Non-dairy Cheese - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2017 - 2029

Easy availability of non-dairy cheese through wide retail sector is boosting the growth

• Hypermarkets and supermarkets register the maximum share among off-trade channels. Supermarkets and hypermarkets registered 81.95% of volume sales of non-dairy cheese in 2022. These stores operate widespread networks and allow easy access to consumers in different locations. As a result, key brands prefer supermarkets and hypermarkets for launching non-dairy cheese across regional markets. In November 2022, Armored Fresh introduced its plant-based cheese to the US market. It is available in more than 100 supermarkets located across New York City. Key distribution points of Armored Fresh Cheese include City Acres, Met Fresh, Key Foods, C Town, and associated stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
• The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel as modern consumers prefer online grocery purchases due to their busy lifestyles. Around 22% of Canadians bought groceries online regularly in 2021. Online sales of non-dairy cheese registered a growth rate of 126.45% during 2017-2022 to reach a market value of USD 8.52 million in 2022. Key online stores specializing in dairy-alternative cheese include Vegan Supply, Real Canadian Superstore, Good Rebel, Vegan Essentials, and NetCost Market. Vegan Supply offers non-dairy cheese such as Violife, Miyoko's, Kite Hill, and Daiya.
• The adoption of vegan breakfast menus across key restaurants and café chains is driving the on-trade consumption of non-dairy cheese. The United States is the primary country in North America for on-trade consumption, as the penetration of non-dairy cheese in foodservice channels across other countries is negligible. On-trade consumption in the United States is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.15% during the forecast period.

Rise in vegan population is boosting the market growth

• As plant-based cheese is not made from dairy, it does not contain any lactose or casein. It reduces the likelihood of intestinal permeability. While vegan cheese has a nice flavor and texture, it also has various nutritional benefits. For instance, several vegan cheese assortments available today are high in protein and make a great addition to a balanced diet. In 2022, non-dairy cheese registered increased growth in value and volume in North America. The sales value of plant-based cheese increased by around 14.7%, while its sales volume increased by 11.2% compared to 2021.
• North America is expected to lead the global market for vegan cheese due to the rising health problems brought on by consuming meat products on a regular basis. Consumers in the region, particularly those in the United States, are embracing a vegan lifestyle. The number of vegans in the United States has changed over time. For instance, as of 2021, more than 6% of US consumers were vegans, a 500% increase compared to just 1% in 2014.
• Canada is also one of the top countries consuming vegan cheese globally, as consumers believe that a diet rich in plant-based protein and fiber and containing nuts improves blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. Apart from animal proteins, growth hormones, and saturated animal fats, vegan cheese is a safe and healthy alternative and is also a good alternative for those with allergies or lactose intolerance. For instance, as of 2022, 10% of the adult Canadian population considered themselves vegan. Canada ranks ninth globally as a vegan-friendly country.

North America Non-dairy Cheese Market Trends

Health consciousness and consumer preference for vegan-based products is driving the consumption of vegan cheese

• In North America, the per capita consumption of non-dairy cheese is increasing yearly due to consumers' increasing health consciousness and preference toward vegan-based products. As plant-based cheese is dairy-free and does not contain any lactose or casein, it reduces the likelihood of intestinal permeability. With non-dairy cheese having a longer shelf life and a hard texture that can be shredded conveniently, consumers prefer this product. The per capita consumption of vegan cheese is anticipated to rise at a massive growth rate of 33.5% in 2024 from 2021.
• Consumers in North America, particularly those in the United States, are adopting a vegan lifestyle. In 2022, the per capita consumption of plant-based cheese increased by 10.4% compared to 2021, while the per capita consumption of conventional cheese declined by 2.5% in the same year. In the United States, as of 2021, 62% or 79 million US households bought plant-based products. The increased repeat rates of plant-based food over the years illustrate strong consumer commitment and interest. Thus, the percentage of consumers purchasing multiple products within the plant-based category grew from 78% in 2020 to 79% in 2021.
• In North America, Canada is ranked second in per capita consumption of vegan cheese, with a market share of 16.9%. Besides animal proteins, growth hormones, and saturated animal fats, vegan cheese is a safe and healthy alternative and is also a good alternative for those with allergies or lactose intolerance. In 2022, 10% of the Canadian adult population considered themselves vegan. Canada ranks ninth globally as a vegan-friendly country.

North America Non-dairy Cheese Industry Overview

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