Cheese Market

The cheese market was valued at $175,026.00 million in 2023 and is estimated to reach $252,169.30 million by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.1% from 2024 to 2035. 

Cheese is a flavorful food product made from milk that is transformed into a solid form by curdling and draining. It comes in many tastes and textures, from creamy and mild to firm and sharp, and is used in a wide range of dishes—from sandwiches and salads to pizzas and desserts. Rich in calcium and protein, cheese is a popular ingredient in both everyday cooking and gourmet cuisine.

The global expansion of the foodservice industry is a significant driver for the cheese market, as restaurants, cafes, fast-food chains, and catering services increasingly incorporate cheese into a wide range of menu offerings. Cheese is a staple ingredient in pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and baked goods—items that are central to both Western and increasingly global cuisines. Quick-service restaurants and casual dining establishments are also introducing cheese-based innovations to attract customers, further fueling consumption. In addition, the growth of international food chains in emerging economies introduces local consumers to new cheese varieties, expanding market reach. As foodservice players prioritize consistent quality, melt-ability, and flavor, cheese producers have the opportunity to supply customized solutions, thereby strengthening their position in this expanding channel and supporting overall market growth. 

However, fluctuating prices and the inconsistent availability of raw milk pose a significant restraint on the cheese market, as milk is the primary raw material in cheese production. Variations in milk supply due to seasonal changes, feed costs, disease outbreaks among livestock, and climate-related challenges can lead to unpredictable pricing and supply shortages. This directly impacts production costs for cheese manufacturers, making it difficult to maintain stable pricing and profit margins. Moreover, the increased usage of cheese in snacks, bakery items, and fusion cuisines is creating significant opportunities for growth in the cheese market. As global eating habits shift toward convenience and flavor-rich experiences, cheese is becoming a key ingredient in ready-to-eat snacks, stuffed breads, pastries, and cross-cultural dishes. Britannia relaunched The Laughing Cow cheese range in India, now produced locally in Maharashtra. The updated products feature improved taste, smoother texture, and enhanced packaging, catering to the Indian palate. In addition, Kraft Singles introduced three new bold flavors: Jalapeño, Garlic & Herb, and Caramelized Onion. These additions aim to meet the demand for diverse and adventurous cheese experiences.

Segment Overview:

The cheese market is segmented into source, type, product, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of source, the market is categorized into sheep milk, goat milk, buffalo milk, and cow milk. On the basis of type, the market is divided into natural and processed. On the basis of product, the market is divided into Mozzarella, Feta, Roquefort, Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Parmesan, Blue Cheese, Gouda, Ricotta, Mascarpone, and others. On the basis of distribution channel, the market is divided into B2B and B2C. Region-wise, the cheese market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Key Findings:

By type, the natural cheese segment dominated the market in 2023.

By source, the cow milk segment dominated the market in 2023.

By product, the cheddar segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023.

By distribution channel, the B2C segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023.

By region, Europe dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023.

The key players profiled in the report include Arla Foods Amba, The Bel Group, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, The Kraft Heinz Company, Groupe Lactalis S.A, Savencia SA, Britannia Industries Limited, Associated Milk Producers, Saputo Inc. and Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. 

Key Market Segments

By Product

Mozzarella
Feta
Roquefort
Cream Cheese
Cheddar
Parmesan
Blue Cheese
Gouda
Ricotta
Mascarpone
Others

By Source

Cow Milk
Sheep Milk
Goat Milk
Buffalo Milk

By Type

Natural Cheese
Processed Cheese

By Distribution channel

B2B
B2C
Sub Type
Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
Specialty Stores
Online Retail
Others

By Region

North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan
Uzbekistan
Georgia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Rest of Middle East And Africa
Key Market Players
Arla Foods Amba
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
Groupe Lactalis S.A
Savencia SA
Saputo Inc.
Associated Milk Producers
The Bel Group
The Kraft Heinz Company
Britannia Industries Limited
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.The research methodology of the global market involves extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research includes about over 12 hours of interviews and discussion with a wide range of stakeholders, including upstream and downstream participants. The primary research typically is the bulk of our research efforts; however, coherently supported by extensive secondary research. Researchers have reviewed over 6,765 product literatures, industry releases, annual reports, and other such documents of key industry participants to obtain better market understanding and gain competitive intelligence. In addition, authentic industry journals, trade associations' releases,and government websites have also been reviewed for generating high-value industry insights.