Cheese Market Report 2025

This Cheese market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market’s characteristics, size, and growth, including segmentation, regional and country-level breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends, and strategies. It also tracks historical and forecasted market growth across various geographies.

The cheese market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $296.06 billion in 2024 to $320.15 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to dairy farming, culinary tradition, global cheese production, global export and trade, marketing and branding.

The cheese market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $437.18 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to health-conscious consumer preferences, sustainability and ethical cheese production, artisan and specialty cheeses, digital marketing and e-commerce, global market expansion. Major trends in the forecast period include plant-based and vegan cheeses, aged and artisan cheese, cheese pairing and tasting events, clean label and natural cheeses, cheese boards and charcuterie.

The growing demand for local, sustainable, and organic food is anticipated to drive the expansion of the cheese market in the future. Sustainable and organic food refers to products created using eco-friendly methods that avoid synthetic chemicals and prioritize environmental and animal welfare. This demand is fueled by rising consumer awareness of health benefits, environmental issues, and a desire to support ethical farming practices. Cheese aligns with sustainability and organic food trends by supporting local, organic dairy farms that adopt environmentally friendly practices, minimize pesticide use, and emphasize animal welfare. Organic cheeses are produced without synthetic chemicals, fostering healthier ecosystems and offering consumers natural, eco-conscious choices. For instance, in April 2023, the Good Food Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, reported that the global market for plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt reached $21.6 billion in 2022, marking a 7% increase compared to 2021. Thus, the rising demand for local, sustainable, and organic food is boosting the growth of the cheese market.

The increasing demand for fast foods is expected to drive the growth of the cheese market in the future. Fast food refers to food that is prepared and served quickly, typically in restaurants and eateries specializing in providing quick service. Fast foods contribute to the growth of the cheese market because they often use cheese as a key ingredient or topping in various menu items to enhance flavor, texture, and appeal to consumers. For instance, in 2023, according to Budget Branders, a US-based food and beverage company, an estimated $200 billion was spent on fast food in the US, and this figure is expected to increase to $931.7 billion by 2027. Moreover, 50 million Americans consume fast food daily. Therefore, the increasing demand for fast foods is a driving force behind the growth of the cheese market.

Leading companies in the cheese market are increasingly focusing on the development of innovative solutions, such as plant-based mac & cheese, to meet critical industry demands. Plant-based mac & cheese is a dairy-free alternative to the classic dish, featuring pasta and a creamy sauce made from nuts or vegetables, offering a vegan option that replicates the traditional flavors. For example, in November 2023, Kraft Heinz, a US-based food company, launched its plant-based mac & cheese. This product is designed to meet the growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives, providing a creamy and comforting experience akin to traditional Kraft Mac & Cheese, but without dairy. Kraft Not-Mac & Cheese is set to be rolled out nationwide in early 2024, catering to evolving consumer preferences and expanding Kraft Heinz’s plant-based product offerings across various categories. The company is also leveraging AI technology to enhance the creation of appealing plant-based foods.

Prominent companies in the cheese market are placing their focus on product innovation, exemplified by Land O'Lakes Shredded Cheese, as a strategy to leverage the state's dairy resources, industry expertise, market presence, and logistical advantages. Land O'Lakes Shredded Cheese encompasses a range of pre-shredded cheese products known for their versatility and use of high-quality ingredients. In a noteworthy development from June 2022, Land O’Lakes Inc., an agriculture company based in the United States, introduced the Land O'Lakes Shredded Cheese line, featuring seven distinct products available in the U.S. These cheese products are crafted using milk sourced from Wisconsin farmers and are manufactured at Land O'Lakes' facility in Kiel, Wisconsin. Overall, Land O'Lakes Shredded Cheese stands out as a high-quality, convenient, and adaptable cheese option, catering to consumers seeking both delectable and nutritious cheese choices.

Major companies operating in the cheese market include Groupe Lactalis S.A., Saputo Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, Fonterra Group Cooperative Limited, Arla Foods amba, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Frieslandcampina, Alfa SA.B. de C.V., Agropur cooperative, Land O'Lakes Inc., Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Bel Group, Sargento Foods Inc., Tillamook County Creamery Association, Cabot Creamery, Leprino Foods Company, Emmi Group, Glanbia PLC, Murray's Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove Chevre Inc., Darigold Inc., DCI Cheese Company, Gossner Foods, Groupe Bel, Marin French Cheese Co., Kraft Foods Group Inc., Alouette Cheese USA LLC, Organic Valley, Sartori Company, Schreiber Foods Inc., Swiss Valley Farms.

Cheese refers to a dairy product produced through the coagulation of milk protein (casein), usually obtained from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk. It is used in a wide range of culinary applications, such as a topping for various dishes, an ingredient in sauces, a filling for baked goods, or enjoyed as a standalone snack.

The primary categories of cheese consist of natural cheese and processed cheese. Natural cheese encompasses cheese varieties made from milk to which salt, enzymes, and flavorings have been added. These products include mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, Roquefort, and others, sourced from various types of milk, such as cow milk, sheep milk, goat milk, and buffalo milk. Distribution of cheese occurs through multiple channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, e-commerce, and others.

The cheese research report is one of a series of new reports that provides cheese statistics, including global market size, regional shares, competitors with cheese shares, detailed cheese segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the cheese industry. This cheese research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the cheese market in 2024. North America was the second-largest region in the cheese market. The regions covered in the cheese market report include Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the cheese market report are Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, France, Germany, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa.

The cheese market consists of sales of mozzarella, cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, cottage cheese, brie, brick cheese, swiss cheese, spreads, and other cheese. The companies in the industry package and distribute their products through various distribution channels to both individual customers and commercial establishments. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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