The global cheese market was valued at USD 191.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand from USD 199.14 billion in 2025 to USD 283.10 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 5.15% over the forecast period. In 2023, Europe led the market with a 49.13% share. The U.S. cheese industry is expected to witness substantial growth, reaching an estimated value of USD 62.66 billion by 2032, driven by its widespread use in popular fast-food items like pizza and sandwiches.

The rising consumption of cheese is attributed to its versatility and wide variety. Additionally, the growing acceptance of ethnic cuisines, such as Italian and Mexican, which incorporate cheese extensively, further fuels market expansion.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), per capita cheese consumption in the U.S. reached 40.2 pounds in 2020, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year. Cheddar and mozzarella continue to be the most popular varieties.

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Market Segments

Longer Shelf Life and Demand for Natural Cheese to Drive Growth

By type, the market is categorized into processed and natural cheese. Artisan manufacturers emphasize texture and use of herbs, flavors, fruits, spices, and nuts over artificial additives, boosting demand for natural cheese. Meanwhile, processed cheese remains widely adopted in developing regions such as South America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

Animal-Based Cheese to Dominate Due to Widespread Availability

Based on source, the market is bifurcated into plant-based and animal-based cheese. The plant-based segment includes cashew, soy, almond, and others, while the animal-based segment covers cattle, camel, sheep, and goat cheese.

Animal-based cheese is expected to drive market growth due to its extended shelf life and attractive packaging. However, the plant-based segment is also gaining traction as consumers seek diverse alternatives.

Growing Use of Mozzarella in Various Cuisines Fuels Market Expansion

By product type, the market is segmented into feta, cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and others. The cheese’s flavor and texture depend on the type of milk and production process.

Mozzarella is projected to hold the largest market share due to its extensive use in pizza, home-cooked pasta, risotto, and enchiladas.

Block Cheese Availability Drives Market Growth

Based on form, the market is categorized into spreadable, block, and others.

Block cheese, available in both hard and soft varieties, requires a longer ripening period and is highly nutritious, contributing to its higher market share. Meanwhile, spreadable cheese is gaining popularity due to its ease of use in snacks, cakes, and sandwiches.

Expanding Product Availability to Boost Market Growth

By distribution channel, the market is divided into specialty stores, online retail, supermarkets/hypermarkets, and convenience stores.

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment leads due to its wide product selection and the availability of free samples in some stores.

The global market is analyzed across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Report Coverage

The report provides:

• Major growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges.
• Detailed regional market insights.
• A list of leading industry players.
• Strategies adopted by key market participants.
• Industry developments, including product launches, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.

Drivers and Restraints

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Cheese to Propel Market Growth

Plant-based cheese, made from ingredients like cashew, soy, and almond, is gaining popularity due to the increasing trend of veganism and plant-based diets. As consumer preferences shift, the introduction of more plant-based cheese products is expected to drive market expansion.

However, caesin, a protein found in traditional cheese, can cause allergic reactions such as acne, headaches, inflammation, and rashes. Health concerns associated with caesin consumption may pose a challenge to market growth.

Regional Insights

Increased Investments and Partnerships to Strengthen the European Market

European consumers prioritize health and wellness, opting for organic and non-GMO products, which positively impact the region’s cheese market.

In North America, the demand for nutritious and convenient food products is fueling market expansion. The region, especially among millennials, is witnessing evolving dessert and snack consumption habits, further driving growth.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players Introduce New Products to Maintain Market Position

Leading industry players are adopting competitive strategies, including new product launches, to enhance their market presence and expand distribution channels.

Major Market Players

• The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.)
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (New Zealand)
• Arla Foods amba (Arla Foods Group) (Germany)
• FrieslandCampina (Netherlands)
• Saputo Inc. (Canada)
• Lactalis Ingredients (France)
• Wensleydale Creamery (U.K.)
• Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (U.S.)
• SAVENCIA SA (France)
• Norseland Ltd (Tine Group) (U.K.)

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Notable Industry Developments:

• September 2021: Lactalis Canada launched two direct-to-consumer platforms, DairyMarketCulinary.ca and Cheeseworld.ca, to enhance access to cheese and dairy products.