Japan Vegan Cheese Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027

Japan's vegan cheese market was evaluated at US$5.461 million in the year 2020.

The factors that are driving the vegan trends in Japan are akin to those which are driving the market globally. They are namely governed by the preference for plant-based protein and concern about the environment as well as the need for guilt-free indulgence. Another factor that has added momentum to product innovation is the consideration of the Japanese Government to accommodate the preferences of foreigners who do not eat meat or fish, and vegans who do not eat eggs or dairy products can enjoy sightseeing in Japan with peace of mind. In light of the above, legislators of the ruling and opposition parties, in November 2020, established a parliamentary group to consider how vegetarians and vegans visiting Japan from abroad can enjoy their stay without worrying about food. This initiative comes as a response to meet the dietary requirement of an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan tourists as well as make the Japanese food and beverage industry more vegan-friendly, among others. Besides, cheese is considered one of the top ten growth food products among other mainstays that comprise animal products and vegetables, among others. With an estimated growth of 3% in the well-performing Japanese retail sector, where demand for cheese is strong [Source: USDA], this staple has also evolved into vegan variants driven by factors mentioned earlier.

Reaffirming the aforementioned, the following are certain developments in the vegan cheese space in Japan, which indicate robust growth in Japan's vegan cheese market. Product innovation has been exampled by developing a unique method of making fermented vegan cheese monikered as Beyond Tofu by Gunman prefecture-based tofu company Sagamiya Food which has been around for the past 60 years. Vegan cheese has been reported to have an authentic, cheesy flavour and can be melted or grated, and it has been derived from fermenting low-fat soy milk. Conversely, in November 2019, reportedly, the first-ever vegan convenience store & family restaurant “VEGAN STORE,” which offers all vegetable products, was reported to be unveiled in Asakusa, Taito-Ku, Tokyo, to cater to the growing vegan trend, which was then expected to be bolstered because 2020 Tokyo Olympics was on the horizon as well as to expand nationwide. The store is reportedly offering vegan cheese, among other hot and cold vegan offerings. Earlier in June 2019, it was reported that the world's first rice-derived cheese substitute, "Brown Rice Cheese," was developed by Mochi Cream Japan. This company is known for developing mochi ice cream and Daifuku and subsequently commercializing them. Another development that was announced
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By source, one of the most often-used sources in the creation of vegan cheese is almond milk cheese. Almond milk's naturally increased fat content provides the cheese with a smoother texture without an astringent flavour. The solid nutritional profile of almond milk has increased demand for it in the production of vegan cheese. Due to its low-calorie content, almond milk has drawn interest from people who are concerned about their health all around the world. Almond milk is widely endorsed by orthopaedics around the world for its calcium content, which has been shown to strengthen bones.

The parmesan section is predicted to hold a sizable share in terms of products during the projection period. Italian dishes including pasta, spaghetti, & macaroni frequently use vegan parmesan cheese. As a result, there is a growing demand for European cuisines and vegan parmesan cheese. Parmesan's demand is further increased by its strong flavour and gluten- and lactose-free composition when compared to dairy cheese. Additionally, it is anticipated that shortly, technological advancements and novel cheese-making methods that help produce high-quality cheese at a lower cost would present the profitable potential for market expansion.

Recent Developments and expansions

• In September 2020, IKEA in Japan announced the addition of seven plant-based dishes to its menu across the country, including Veggie dogs with a plant-based cheese sauce.
• In May 2020, FUJI OIL HOLDINGS INC. joined NIZO, HAS, Bel- Leerdammer, and Daiya Foods, to contribute specialist knowledge and pilot facilities aimed at producing cheese alternatives that utilize plant proteins to achieve qualities and characteristics similar to dairy cheese.

COVID-19 Impact

Due to the enormous global interest in cooking at home, the COVID-19 epidemic has provided some relief to the market. In addition, since the pandemic, individuals have grown more health concerned. As a result, the demand for vegan food items has dramatically expanded.

Segmentation

By Source

• Soy Milk
• Almond Milk
• Coconut Milk

By Product Type

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Cheddar

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline
• Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets