North America Cheese Market Outlook, 2027

Cheese is a dairy product that is made by coagulating the milk protein casein. Its variety primarily depends on the origin of the milk, pasteurization, butterfat content, bacteria, mould, processing, and aging. As compared to milk, cheese has a longer shelf life, and it provides protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and other vital nutrients. Some of the widely consumed varieties of cheese include mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, and Roquefort. The North American cheese market is experiencing moderate growth owing to its large consumer base, the on-the-go lifestyle of consumers, and the high demand for unprocessed cheese across the region. Moreover, the easy availability of the product and new flavour innovations are anticipated to strengthen the demand for cheese in the upcoming years.

According to the research report, North America Cheese Market Outlook, 2027 the market is anticipated to grow at a rate of 4.15% CAGR during the forecast period. With rapid industrialization and urbanization, the disposable income of the population has increased significantly. Hence, a large segment of consumers is spending on food items that are convenient and readily available. This has increased sales of cheese slices used to prepare sandwiches, salads, and other similar easy-to-prepare food products in the North American region. Furthermore, cheese products appeal to consumers as they can be easily included in the diet without additional cooking. Natural cheese products can be easily added in the form of spreads on toast and crackers. Hence, these products are highly appealing to younger consumers. Increased demand for convenience and nutritious food products among consumers is anticipated to promote market growth.

In recent years, the demand for cheese has surged in the processed snack industry owing to its exotic flavour and nutritional properties. The growth of the market in the United States is attributed to the increased demand for ready-to-eat food products such as sandwiches, snacks, and other similar food products. In addition, the country is heavily investing in upgrading and expanding its production facilities to take advantage of the abundance of raw materials. Thus, increased adoption of cheese in the food industry positively impacted the market's growth. As per the obtained data, the U.S. ranks second among the most pizza-consuming nations globally. Furthermore, various restaurants and food chains introduced a diverse range of cheese-based snacks and food products to the market for cheese enthusiasts. The occurrence of food intolerances and various food allergies is on the rise in the U.S., with lactose intolerance being one of the more prominent ones, resulting in the rising demand for cheese powders with lower quantities of lactose.

However, Canada is also one of the largest producers of cheese in the region. Canada has a high urbanisation rate. Higher per capita disposable incomes are also expected to boost the country's market growth. On the other hand, Mexico is expected to witness the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. Economic development is changing the demographics of the country, including the increasing urban population, changing lifestyles, and growing population. Mexico is the second-largest producer of cow milk in the region, and production levels will exceed 12 Million tonnes in 2020. The country has a significant level of cheese production owing to ample raw material availability. Cheddar, American, Mozzarella, Swiss, Pepper Jack and Colby Jack are some of the popular cheese types in North America.

The North American cheese market is moderately fragmented, consisting of several major and minor cheese companies. Some prominent players include Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, Saputo, Inc., Land O'Lakes, and Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. These companies have a significant presence in the cheese market due to their vast distribution network and enjoy strong brand loyalty among consumers. With the rising demand for high-quality cheese products on the market, companies are launching unique cheese flavours and forms to expand their market presence. Due to intense competition, collaboration and the acquisition of smaller companies have increased significantly in recent years. Furthermore, the increased use of cheese in the foodservice industry provided an opportunity for market participants to invest heavily in expanding product lines and increasing market sales.

Key industry developments:

• In August 2021, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. introduced a new cheddar cheese curd flavour in the market, namely, green onion. This product helps the company target squeaky cheese lovers in the market.
• In October 2020, Fonterra signed a sales and marketing agreement with Land O'Lakes, Inc., one of America's leading dairy cooperatives, to expand its U.S. foodservice business. Fonterra's foodservice products will be distributed in additional U.S. foodservice outlets under the terms of the agreement.
• In the same year, WHISPS launched a new flavour of cheese crisps named Hot & Spicy Cheese Crisps. With artisanal cheesemakers in charge, these new, snackable cheese crisps feature 100 percent cheddar cheese exclusively made for Whisps and premium spices and flavours. This launch will attract consumers and ultimately help the company grow.
• In February 2019, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) launched a new cheese brand, Craigs Creamery, collaborating with eight farm families from the New York area. The line consists of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Muenster, which are available in shreds, slices, chunks, and snack bars.
• America-based Associated Milk Producers Inc. is a well-known dairy manufacturing company that contributes 10 percent of the region’s cheese and other dairy products. Recently, this market leader invested in a new cheese-making technology that will increase cheddar cheese production in its Paynesville, Minnesota, plant (U.S.). This will mark an important boost to the growth prospects of the North American cheese market.
• Another leading brand in the North American cheese market is Kraft Heinz, which claims to produce natural cheese without the use of artificial rBST hormone. Furthermore, they unveiled a new unicorn-shaped Macaroni & Cheese, an enhancement of their previous macaroni and cheese pasta. These remarkable contributions are likely to elevate the North American cheese market's demand in the forthcoming years.

Covid-19 Impacts:

The COVID-19 crisis resulted in a decline in sales of cheese products during the analysis period. The retail sales of the products were significantly impacted due to the lockdown imposed in public spaces to prevent the spread of the virus. During the pandemic period, as people were forced to stay indoors to prevent the spread of the virus, home cooking increased significantly. This gave rise to the demand for cheese products such as cream, cottage, and other specialty cheeses to prepare a variety of cuisines. The cooking at home further increased retail sales of the products, which boosted market growth during the pandemic.

Major Companies present in the market

Mondelez International Group, The Kraft Heinz Company, FrieslandCampina Professional, Arla Food Amba, Saputo Inc., Dean Foods Co., Meiji Holdings, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Glanbia Almarai, Bel Group, The Ilchester Cheese Company (Tine SA), sargento foods, Parag Milk Foods, Lactalis Group.

Considered in this report

• Geography: North America
• Historic year: 2016
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report

• North America Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise cheese market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

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.