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

• In 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.

• In February 2021, global cheese manufacturers focused on introducing more sustainable production methods for emmental cheese, responding to rising consumer concerns about eco-friendly food production​.

The global Emmental cheese market is segmented by type into semi-hard cheese and hard cheese, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to varying consumer preferences. Semi-hard Emmental cheese, with its smooth texture and slightly elastic consistency, is the more commonly consumed variety, prized for its ability to melt well and its milder, nuttier flavor. It is widely used in the food and beverage industry, particularly in sandwiches, fondues, and pizzas. Hard Emmental cheese, on the other hand, has a firmer texture and more intense flavor, making it a popular choice for grating and incorporating into pasta dishes, soups, and as a standalone snack. Both types play a vital role in the market, with semi-hard Emmental dominating in volume due to its versatility and ease of use across different applications.

Emmental cheese finds its main applications in food and beverage, bakery, and confectionery, contributing to its growth across diverse culinary sectors. In the food and beverage segment, Emmental cheese is widely used for its flavor and melting properties, especially in dishes like sandwiches, fondues, and savory pastries. The bakery segment also benefits from Emmental’s inclusion in items such as cheese breads, croissants, and savory pastries, where its creamy texture enhances the overall product. Though the confectionery sector represents a niche, Emmental cheese is increasingly incorporated into gourmet chocolates and innovative sweet-savory treats, helping expand its presence in the market and appealing to adventurous consumers seeking unique flavors.

The end-use segmentation of the Emmental cheese market includes food and beverage, foodservice, and household segments. The food and beverage industry is the largest end user, where Emmental cheese is used in mass production and packaged goods. The foodservice segment, which includes restaurants, cafes, and catering services, is a significant driver of demand, as Emmental cheese is a popular choice for chefs and consumers seeking premium ingredients for high-quality dishes. The household segment is also growing, driven by consumer interest in premium cheeses and the increasing popularity of home cooking. With the rising trend of at-home gourmet cooking and food enthusiasts experimenting with different cheese varieties, Emmental cheese is becoming a staple in kitchens worldwide. The diverse end-use applications ensure continued market expansion and consumer adoption across multiple sectors.

Global Emmental Cheese Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Emmental Cheese Market has been segmented by Type, Application, End Use and Geography.

Global Emmental Cheese Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Emmental Cheese Market has been segmented by Type into Semi-hard Cheese and Hard Cheese.

Semi-Hard Cheese: This type of Emmental cheese is known for its smooth texture and slightly elastic consistency. It typically has fewer and smaller holes compared to its hard cheese counterpart. Semi-hard Emmental cheese is favored for its mild and nutty flavor profile, making it suitable for a variety of applications. It is often enjoyed sliced on sandwiches, melted in fondues, or grated over dishes like pasta and salads.

Hard Cheese: Emmental hard cheese is characterized by its firmer texture and more pronounced flavor. It has a higher fat content and typically develops larger holes during the aging process. Hard Emmental cheese tends to have a sharper taste with a nutty undertone, which intensifies as it matures. This type of cheese is commonly used for grating over pasta dishes, shredding onto pizzas, or enjoying on cheese platters paired with fruits and nuts.

Global Emmental Cheese Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Emmental Cheese Market has been segmented by Application into Food and beverage, Bakery, and Confectionery.

The global Emmental cheese market is segmented by application into food and beverage, bakery, and confectionery, each contributing to the overall demand in distinct ways. The food and beverage segment is the largest and most prominent, where Emmental cheese is used in a wide variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to fondues and gourmet meals. Its distinct nutty flavor and smooth texture make it a popular choice for enhancing both savory and creamy dishes. Additionally, it is frequently found in pizzas, pastas, and traditional European dishes, further driving its demand in the global market.

In the bakery sector, Emmental cheese is increasingly used in the preparation of certain baked goods. Its melting properties and unique taste make it a favored ingredient for savory pastries, cheese breads, and croissants. Emmental cheese adds depth and flavor to these products, making them more appealing to consumers. As consumer demand for more premium and varied bakery offerings rises, Emmental cheese’s inclusion in these products has become more common, particularly in artisanal and specialty bakeries. This trend is contributing to the growth of Emmental cheese consumption in the bakery market.

The confectionery application for Emmental cheese, though smaller in comparison to food and beverage and bakery uses, is gaining traction. Emmental cheese is sometimes incorporated into high-end, gourmet chocolate and confectionery products to create innovative flavors that appeal to adventurous consumers. Its sweet, nutty profile can complement chocolate and other sweet ingredients, offering a unique flavor experience. This niche segment is expanding as more confectionery brands experiment with savory and sweet combinations, thereby introducing Emmental cheese into new markets and boosting its visibility in the global culinary landscape.

Global Emmental Cheese Market, Segmentation by End Use

The Global Emmental Cheese Market has been segmented by End Use into Food and Beverage, Foodservice and Household.

Food and Beverage Industries: Emmental cheese serves as a key ingredient in the food and beverage sector, particularly in food manufacturing and processing. It is used in a variety of products such as ready meals, sauces, snacks, and bakery items. Emmental's distinctive flavor and melting properties make it a popular choice for enhancing the taste and texture of processed foods, appealing to consumers looking for quality and flavor consistency in packaged products.

Foodservice: Within the foodservice sector, Emmental cheese is highly valued for its versatility in culinary applications. It is widely used by chefs and kitchen professionals in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering services. Emmental's ability to melt evenly and its mild, nutty taste make it suitable for a range of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and gourmet cheese boards. Its use in both cooking and as a standalone ingredient highlights its importance in delivering exceptional taste experiences to discerning customers in the foodservice industry.

Household Consumption: Emmental cheese is also enjoyed directly by households worldwide. Whether sliced for sandwiches, grated over pasta, or paired with fruits and wines on cheese platters, it appeals to consumers seeking high-quality cheese for everyday meals and special occasions. Its availability in supermarkets, specialty cheese shops, and online platforms ensures accessibility for households looking to incorporate Emmental cheese into their culinary repertoire.

Global Emmental Cheese Market, Segmentation by Geography

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

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

Europe: As the traditional home of Emmental cheese, Europe remains a dominant market characterized by stringent quality standards and strong consumer demand for authentic, locally-produced cheeses. Countries such as Switzerland, France, Germany, and Austria are major producers and consumers of Emmental cheese, with a focus on both domestic consumption and export to other regions.

North America: In North America, there is a growing appreciation for specialty cheeses including Emmental, driven by culinary trends favoring gourmet and artisanal products. The United States and Canada are key markets where Emmental cheese is used in various culinary applications, from upscale restaurants and bistros to household kitchens seeking premium cheese selections.

Asia-Pacific and Latin America: These regions are emerging as promising markets for Emmental cheese, fueled by increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving food preferences favoring international cuisines. Countries like Japan, China, Brazil, and Mexico are witnessing rising demand for imported cheeses, presenting opportunities for Emmental producers to expand their footprint and cater to a discerning consumer base eager to explore new flavors and culinary experiences.