Europe Cheese Market Outlook, 2027

The European cheese market continues to gain momentum with the rapid development of the food industry. Cheese is one of the most popular foods across the world because of the variety it offers. Cheese is prepared using cow milk, buffalo milk, and goat milk. However, buffalo milk consists of large amounts of fat. The majority of cheese factories use buffalo milk to make their products. Cheese is a vital ingredient in the dishes of many countries. Cheese plays a pivotal role in the local cuisines of numerous European countries. This represents one of the primary factors propelling the growth of the cheese market in the region. Moreover, the increasing consumption of authentic regional cheese, along with the escalating demand for cheese ingredients, is strengthening the growth of the market.

According to the research report, Europe Cheese Market Outlook, 2027 the market is anticipated to add USD 43.64 Billion from 2021 to 2027. An increasing variety of cheese with different flavours on the market, a growing preference for high-protein food items, and changing eating habits are expected to drive the European cheese market. However, cheese has a high fat content, which restricts its consumption amongst the obese population, thus hampering the growth of the cheese market. But, growing cheese demand from developing economies along with an increasing focus on research for innovation in cheese products will propel the growth of the cheese market during the forecast period. The European cheese market is primarily being driven by the escalating demand for different product flavours in local cuisines. Other than this, increasing consumption of authentic regional cheese in the region is further contributing to the market's growth. Moreover, the rapid premiumization of cheese by numerous brands in the region is fueling market growth.

Cheese has traditionally been considered the preferred outlet for milk from the European Union (EU) after local fresh-milk requirements have been satisfied. The EU cheese market is the largest in the world, and despite very high per capita consumption levels, growth has remained attractive and stable. The high production costs of milk in most of the EU rule out a competitive role in supplying the world’s net importing markets with low-priced dairy commodities. Cheese has therefore provided much better export opportunities than any other dairy product, as the willingness to pay for quality European cheese has always been high and the impact of higher raw material costs is less problematic.

In the Europe region, processed cheese, in addition to its constant use in fast food products, is used in local cuisines because of its distinct flavour profile. In addition, the rise of private brands in developing nations, as well as demand for western cuisine, has bolstered the market for processed cheese. Moreover, the online market for the buying of food items, including cheese, has grown rapidly in the previous 3-4 years as internet access has increased. This area has attracted a number of vertical experts, like Amazon, Walmart, Carrefour, and others, who are riding the wave of e-commerce growth and vying for a piece of the online cheese pie. Further, the growth of this region is owing to a surging intake of cheese like cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese in the European region. The soaring application of Parmesan cheese shredded over pasta dishes is further propelling the growth of the cheese industry, thereby contributing to the cheese industry outlook in the European region.
Also, the expanding fast food industry is primarily driving the European cheese market. Additionally, the widespread product adoption, owing to its several associated health benefits that help build strong bones and muscles, is further catalyzing the market's growth. For example, Italian cheese is one of the most traditional cheeses, with a history that dates back more than 2,000 years. The diversity and quality of Italian cheese provide tasty, variable choices to customers. For example, Robiola piemonte, an Italian cheese, is produced by processing a mixture of cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and sheep’s milk altogether. There are approximately 600 different types of cheese in Italy.

In addition to that, Roquefort (France), Gruyères (Switzerland), Parma (Italy), Gouda (Netherlands), Emmental (Switzerland), Pag (Croatia), Streefkerk (Netherlands), Asturias (Spain), and Camembert (France) are some of the famous destinations for cheese-lovers across Europe. France, Switzerland, and Italy are well-known for their cheese. Grana Padano, Gruyère, Serra da Estrela, Halloumi, Cheddar, Manchego, Morbier, Bitto, and Havarti are some of the popular cheese names across the European region.

Covid-19 Impacts:

The pandemic situation has brought positive results to the cheese market in Europe. The market is predicted to grow significantly in the forecast period despite the pandemic situation. The primary factor driving the growth of the cheese market before COVID-19 was the change in taste preferences among consumers. Even after the complete lockdown, consumers prefer to have delicious food at home with special sauces in their main course food items and diverse types of cheese. The factor majorly responsible for the growth of the European cheese market at this time of the pandemic is the shutdown of many offline stores. Despite high demand for the product, supply has been hampered by the closure of many offline stores. Moreover, online distribution channels have created more opportunities for manufacturers to reach customers and increase the growth of the cheese sauce market during the pandemic. The major problems with cheese are shelf life and handling, which the manufacturers have overcome by manufacturing processed cheese with an increased shelf life.

Major Companies present in the market

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

Considered in this report

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

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe 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

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia

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.