Feta Cheese Market Report 2025

The feta cheese market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $14.52 billion in 2024 to $15.45 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in mediterranean cuisine popularity, increasing health consciousness, globalization of food culture, rising demand for specialty cheeses, diverse applications in culinary, focus on natural and organic foods.

The feta cheese market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $20.45 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to continued emphasis on healthy eating, innovation in feta cheese products, increased focus on sustainable agriculture, consumer demand for authentic experiences, expansion of quick-service restaurants. Major trends in the forecast period include plant-based alternatives, flavored feta varieties, clean label and transparency, educational marketing, innovations in packaging.

An increase in milk production, particularly from sheep and goats, is expected to drive the growth of the feta cheese market. Milk, a liquid produced by animals such as cows, goats, and sheep, is commonly used for drinking and making dairy products like butter, cheese, and yogurt. Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep milk, although it can also be produced using a mixture of 70% sheep milk and 30% goat milk. As a result, higher goat and sheep milk production boosts demand in the feta cheese market. For example, in February 2024, the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs reported that UK dairies processed 1.2 billion liters of milk in July. The 12-month rolling average up to July reflected a 0.1% increase compared to the previous 12 months. Therefore, rising sheep and goat milk production is contributing to the growth of the feta cheese market.

The rising demand for protein-rich foods is expected to drive the growth of the feta cheese market. Protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds, are crucial for building and repairing body tissues. The increasing demand for these foods is fueled by growing health consciousness, the popularity of fitness and wellness trends, and the shift toward protein-based diets for muscle building, weight management, and overall nutrition. Feta cheese, being a flavorful source of protein and healthy fats, is frequently incorporated into protein-rich dishes like salads, wraps, and Mediterranean meals, enhancing both their nutritional value and taste. For example, in April 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that U.S. consumers were projected to have access to 224.6 pounds of red meat and poultry per capita in 2022, a 10.3-pound increase compared to the 2012-2021 average. Thus, the growing demand for protein-rich foods is playing a significant role in the expansion of the feta cheese market.

Major companies in the feta cheese market are increasingly focusing on developing technologically advanced products, such as feta SKUs, to enhance versatility, improve texture, and cater to the rising consumer demand for innovative and convenient cheese options. One example is the introduction of Whipped Feta SKUs, which reflects the growing preference for ready-to-use, creamy cheese products that make meal preparation easier and offer unique flavor profiles. For instance, in July 2024, Yamas, a UK-based cheese company, launched Whipped Feta SKUs. This product features a creamy texture ideal for spreading and boasts a rich flavor that elevates a variety of dishes. The convenient packaging makes it easy to use, whether as a dip or an ingredient in salads and pasta, aligning with the increasing trend toward innovative, premium dairy products.

Major companies in the feta cheese market are prioritizing the development of innovative products, such as cheese cubes, to meet the rising demand for plant-based options and specialty cheeses. Cheese cubes are small, uniform pieces cut from larger blocks or wheels, offering convenience for snacking, adding to salads, or incorporating into various recipes. For example, in June 2023, Bel France, a food company based in France, launched Vegan Feta Cubes & Goat’s Cheese. The product line, Nurishh dés Végétaux à la Grecque, provides a plant-based alternative to traditional feta cubes, produced at the company's factory in Saint-Nazaire, France. Another notable innovation is the Palet Végétal Saveur Chèvre, which is a wheel-shaped plant-based alternative to goat’s cheese. Both products are made from coconut oil and are targeted at both retail and food service markets.

In October 2023, Atalanta Corp., a US-based food importer, acquired Mt. Vikos for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows Atalanta to expand its product portfolio by including a range of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) imported Greek specialty cheeses made from non-GMO sheep and goat's milk, all produced using traditional methods. This move underscores Atalanta's commitment to providing exceptional quality to consumers. Mt. Vikos is recognized in the US for its Greek feta and spreads.

Major companies operating in the feta cheese market include Arla Foods amba, Lactalis American Group Inc., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Saputo Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, Dodoni S.A., Kolios S.A, Mevgal, Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company, Clover Leaf Cheese Ltd., Carr Valley Cheese, Agropur Cooperative, Churney Company Inc., Organic Valley, Amul, Bel Brands USA Inc., Fage International S.A., Epirus S.A., Karoun Dairies LLC, Vermont Creamery, Lemnos Foods, Mt Vikos, Pastures of Eden, Olympus Dairy, Crystal Farms, Arahova Products Distribution Inc., Old Europe Cheese, Bethel Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Sierra Nevada Cheese Co., Makedonia S.A., Valbreso, Verde Farm, Domi Greece, Kasseri S.A., Naxos Dairy, Tresomega Nutrition.

Europe was the largest region in the feta cheese market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the feta cheese market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the feta cheese market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the feta cheese market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Feta cheese refers to a soft, white-colored cheese with high sodium and saturated fat content, featuring a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy texture. It is typically made from the milk of sheep and goats.

The main types of feta cheese include Bulgarian feta, French feta, German feta, and others. Bulgarian feta is a white brined cheese with a creamy texture, produced from sheep milk, and is often used in grilling, barbecuing, salads, and cooked dishes, including pies and pastries. Feta cheese can be sourced from various milk types, including cow, sheep, and goat milk, and is distributed through both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) channels.

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

The feta cheese market consists of sales of crumbled feta, marinated feta, and vegan feta. 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.

This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.