South Africa Cheese Market Overview, 2027

Cheese has been created in South Africa for generations, though most are reinterpretations of European varieties. Until recently, the most common cheeses were Cheddar and Gouda, and cheese represented only a small portion of the agricultural and food sector. Then, in the 1990s, a number of large and small cheese-making firms were established, increasing the volume of national output while also diversifying supply and enhancing quality. In the last 15 years, average per capita consumption has more than doubled; there is a growing range of cheeses available in shops; and cheese competitions and events have been established in recent years. Despite this, large dairy companies and national and international distribution chains continue to dominate the market. Some of the brands in the South African cheese market include some of the key cheese brands in South Africa are Parmalat, Bonnita, Clover, Lancewood, Melrose, President, Berg, Sacca, Cubitos, and Ladismith. In 2020, Parmalat led the market by both value and volume. Berg has shown the fastest growth during the review period.

According to the report, South Africa Cheese Market Overview, 2027 the market is anticipated to add USD 0.52 Billion by 2027. The increased spending power of consumers in developed economies is also expected to boost cheese sales. Furthermore, changing food preferences and an increasing number of working women are expected to fuel expansion potential in the Cheese market. Furthermore, increased consumption of pizza and other European-style fast foods appears to be one of the main trends, particularly among young people, to expand sales potential for cheese. The increasing demand for various product flavors in local cuisines drives the South Africa cheese industry. Aside from that, rising consumption of authentic regional cheese in the region is fueling market expansion. Furthermore, the rising premiumization of cheese by several regional brands is supporting market expansion.

African rural people have long consumed artisanal cheeses and other fermented milk products. Children in rural areas, where intake of amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphate, and polyunsaturated fatty acids may be restricted, need cheese as a source of nutrients for their development and growth. Popular African cheeses include Wara, Karish, Ayib, Takammart, Wagashi, Domiati, and Ras. It is important to increase the production of artisanal cheese in order to boost the local economy, improve people's nutritional status at a low cost, and support small-scale farmers.

South Africans Have Typically Favored The Milder Cheeses. According to the statistics, 31% of the 82,000 metric tonnes of cheese produced in South Africa each year is cheddar, and 20% is Gouda. Cream cheese, feta, and mozzarella are very popular due of their versatility. The first South African Cheese Festival was held annually in 2002 to capitalize on the industry's rising fame, but today it is hailed as the nation's premier food festival where cheese makers can showcase the novel and intriguing cheese varieties they have been creating. Kwaito, Wookie, and Bokmakiri, a soft goat's cheese topped with pepper and garlic, are a few of the new South African varieties.

Some of the key cheese brands in South Africa are Parmalat, Bonnita, Clover, Lancewood, Melrose, President, Berg, Sacca, Cubitos, and Ladismith. In 2020, Parmalat led the market by both value and volume. Berg has shown the fastest growth during the review period.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the South Africa Cheese Market due to the convenience of having all products in one area and many selections at the same time. Shoprite Holdings, Spar Group, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths Holdings Limited are the largest hypermarkets and supermarkets in South Africa. In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in internet usage and the use of e-commerce websites to acquire culinary items that include cheese. Carrefour, Walmart, Amazon, and other well-known vertical specialists are attracted to the market.

The population of South Africa was 60.04 Million, of which 29.56 Million are male and 30.48 Million are female. Of the total population, 20 million are under the age of 14, 34 million have age between 15-64 years. The urban population is 8.2 million and the rural population is 1.26 million. As per World Bank, The GDP of South Africa is USD 419.95 Billion in 2021, the inflation rate was 6%, and per capita income is US$6,994.2 (2021). Decreasing disposable Income, Increasing Inflation rate can be the limiting factors for growth of Cheese Market in South Africa.

Covid-19 Impact:

During the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the business was severely disrupted due to changing demand. The worldwide lockdowns prompted the foodservice industry to close, cutting demand for all processed food goods dramatically. Furthermore, costs are likely to reduce as high-quality products become less desirable. In contrast, increased adoption of low-cost varieties at wholesale prices from retail shops for home cooking is expected to balance the supply chain. Following the pandemic, the Cheese market is likely to benefit from the re-establishment of the foodservice sector and renewed cheese processing capacity.

Considered in this report

• Geography: South Africa
• Historic year: 2016
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report

• South Africa Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

By Source

• Animals
• Plants

By Type

• Natural
• Processed

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online retail
• Others

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Cheese industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.