Global Cheese Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• June 2022: In Wisconsin, United States, Land O Lakes Cheese introduced Land O Lakes® Shredded Cheese, a cheese line that includes seven cheese products in the grocery store's dairy case section. The cheese supply chain starts with Wisconsin farmers who supply the milk that gets shipped to the Land O'Lakes Kiel, Wisconsin plant, where the cheese is manufactured.

• May 2021: Danish dairy cooperative Arla Foods invested DKK 50 million (about USD 8.2 million) in constructing a new cheese production facility in Japan. Arla announced plans to build two additional ripening warehouses, install new cheese machinery, and construct a new drainage room in its home market, Troldhede Dairy, West Jutland.

The market segmented by source includes cow milk, sheep milk, goat milk, and buffalo milk, with cow milk further divided into whole milk and skimmed milk options. Cow milk remains the most widely used source due to its availability and versatility, supporting the production of a broad range of cheese types. Sheep milk and goat milk are preferred for their distinct flavors and nutritional profiles, often used in specialty and artisanal cheeses like feta and chèvre. Buffalo milk, known for its richness, is primarily used for high-fat content cheeses like traditional mozzarella di bufala, catering to premium markets.

By type, the market includes natural cheese, hard cheese, soft cheese, processed cheese, spreadable cheese, and block cheese. Natural and hard cheeses, such as parmesan and cheddar, are favored for their robust flavors and longer shelf lives, making them ideal for both cooking and snacking. Soft cheeses, like brie and camembert, appeal to consumers seeking creamy textures and mild flavors. Processed and spreadable cheeses provide convenience and versatility, commonly used in ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches, and spreads. Block cheese remains a staple in both retail and foodservice sectors for its ease of handling and wide-ranging applications.

The market is also segmented by distribution channel, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, food specialty stores, convenience stores, and others. Hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate the retail landscape, offering a diverse selection of cheeses catering to various tastes and budgets. Food specialty stores focus on high-quality, artisanal, and international cheese varieties, appealing to gourmet consumers. Convenience stores cater to on-the-go buyers with smaller, ready-to-use cheese packages. This multifaceted distribution network ensures accessibility for a wide range of consumers, driving the growth and expansion of the cheese market globally.

Global Cheese Market Analysis

The Global Cheese Market has been segmented by Source, Type, Product, Distribution Channel and Geography.

Global Cheese Market, Segmentation by Source

The Global Cheese Market has been segmented by Source into Cow Milk, Sheep Milk, Goat Milk and Buffalo Milk.

Cow milk serves as the predominant source for cheese production globally, owing to its widespread availability and higher milk yield compared to other sources. Cheeses made from cow milk range from mild and creamy varieties like Cheddar and Gouda to more complex and aged cheeses such as Parmesan and Swiss, catering to a wide range of culinary preferences and applications.

Sheep milk cheeses are esteemed for their rich and creamy texture, often associated with cheeses like Pecorino Romano and Roquefort, which boast distinctive flavors and textures derived from the unique composition of sheep milk. Similarly, goat milk cheeses offer tangy and earthy profiles, popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, with cheeses like Feta and Bucheron showcasing the characteristic sharpness and crumbly texture associated with goat milk products. Buffalo milk cheeses, while less common on a global scale, are prized for their high fat content and rich flavor, contributing to cheeses like Mozzarella di Bufala and Burrata known for their creamy consistency and distinct taste profiles. Understanding these milk sources allows cheese producers to cater to diverse consumer preferences and expand their product offerings in the global market.

Global Cheese Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Cheese Market has been segmented by Type into Natural Cheese, Hard Cheese, Soft Cheese, Processed Cheese, Spreadable Cheese and Block Cheese.

The segmentation of the Global Cheese Market by type into Natural Cheese, Hard Cheese, Soft Cheese, Processed Cheese, Spreadable Cheese, and Block Cheese reflects the diverse array of cheese products available worldwide, each with distinct characteristics and culinary uses. Natural cheeses are produced through traditional methods of curdling and aging, encompassing a wide range of textures and flavors from creamy Brie and Camembert to aged Parmesan and Gouda. Hard cheeses are known for their firm textures and intense flavors, suitable for grating and aging, while soft cheeses like Mozzarella and Ricotta offer mild and creamy profiles ideal for melting and spreading.

Processed cheeses undergo additional processing steps, including blending and melting, to achieve consistent textures and flavors, making them popular for sandwich slices and ready-to-eat meals. Spreadable cheeses, such as cream cheese and cheese spreads, are prized for their creamy consistency and versatility in dips and appetizers. Block cheeses, like Cheddar and Swiss, are commonly sold in solid blocks or wheels, offering convenience for slicing and grating in both culinary and retail settings. This segmentation allows cheese manufacturers to cater to diverse consumer preferences and culinary applications worldwide, leveraging innovation in cheese processing and product development to meet evolving market demands for convenience, flavor diversity, and quality.

Global Cheese Market, Segmentation by Product

The Global Cheese Market has been segmented by Product into Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, Roquefort and Others.

Mozzarella, known for its stretchy texture and mild flavor, is widely used in pizza and pasta dishes. Cheddar, characterized by its sharpness and versatility, is favored for snacking, sandwiches, and cooking applications. Feta, a crumbly and tangy cheese, is prominent in Mediterranean cuisine and salads, adding a distinct flavor profile.

Parmesan, renowned for its hard texture and nutty taste, is a staple in Italian cooking, grated over pasta and risottos. Roquefort, a blue-veined cheese with a sharp and tangy flavor, is esteemed as a gourmet cheese often enjoyed on its own or crumbled over salads and meats. Other cheeses encompass a broad range of regional and specialty varieties that cater to niche markets and specific culinary preferences globally.

Global Cheese Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Global Cheese Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Food Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores and Others.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets play a pivotal role in the cheese market, offering a wide assortment of cheese varieties ranging from mass-market to premium and specialty cheeses. These large-format stores cater to diverse consumer preferences, providing convenience and a one-stop shopping experience that includes cheese selections for everyday meals and special occasions.

Food specialty stores focus on curated selections of cheeses, often featuring artisanal and gourmet varieties that appeal to discerning consumers seeking unique flavors and high-quality products. These stores emphasize quality, origin, and the story behind each cheese, attracting enthusiasts and culinary explorers interested in discovering new tastes and experiences. Convenience stores also contribute to the cheese market by offering ready-to-eat cheese snacks, sandwich fillings, and portioned cheeses suitable for quick consumption, catering to on-the-go lifestyles and impulse purchases. Other distribution channels include online retailers and direct-to-consumer sales, which have grown in popularity, offering convenience, wider product availability, and the ability to reach consumers in geographically dispersed regions efficiently. This segmented approach to distribution allows cheese manufacturers to optimize their market reach and adapt to evolving consumer shopping habits and preferences globally.

Global Cheese Market, Segmentation by Geography

The Global Cheese Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Cheese Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America and Europe dominate the global cheese market, driven by established dairy industries, high per capita cheese consumption rates, and a diverse range of cheese varieties produced and consumed. These regions also benefit from robust distribution networks, advanced food processing technologies, and a strong tradition of cheese consumption in various culinary applications.

In contrast, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America represent emerging markets with increasing cheese consumption driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and Western food influences. These regions are witnessing growing demand for cheese products as consumer preferences shift towards convenience foods and international cuisines. Additionally, government initiatives supporting dairy farming and food processing infrastructure development contribute to market growth in these regions. Understanding these geographical segments allows cheese manufacturers to tailor their product offerings, marketing strategies, and distribution channels to meet local tastes, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics, fostering opportunities for growth and expansion in the global cheese market.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Cheese Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Key players in Global Cheese Market include:

• Almarai Co. Ltd
• SARGENTO FOODS INCORPORATED
• FrieslandCampina
• Gebrüder Woerle Ges.m.b
• Parag Milk Foods

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis