Meta-Analysis of Global Cheese Market: Key Statistics and Trends

The global cheese market in 2024 is worth USD 187 billion and is projected to grow to USD 252 billion by 2033, with a 4.0% CAGR. 

Our figures are based on our analysis of five different market research reports. Our confidence in these figures is reasonably strong due to the converging nature of the estimates. A detailed description of our analysis methods is provided below.

Market Size and Growth Metrics

Current Size and Growth Projections

As of 2024, the global cheese market is valued at about USD 187 billion. Looking ahead, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0%, reaching USD 252 billion by 2033.

This growth is driven by rising demand for dairy products and changing consumer preferences.

Major Market Segmentation

By Product Type

1. Natural Cheese: This segment includes popular varieties such as cheddar, mozzarella, and feta. In 2024, the natural cheese segment is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4% from 2023 to 2030.
2. Processed Cheese: This category is also expanding, particularly in fast-food and convenience food applications. The processed cheese segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.7% during the same forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals and snacks.

By Price Point

1. Premium Cheese: This segment is gaining popularity, particularly among health-conscious consumers seeking high-quality and artisanal options. In 2024, the premium cheese market is growing at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030.
2. Mid-Range Cheese: The mid-range segment remains the largest, accounting for approximately 60% of the total cheese market in 2024. This category caters to consumers seeking quality products at reasonable prices.
3. Economy Cheese: The economy segment is expected to grow at a slower pace. However, this category still holds appeal for price-sensitive consumers and in developing markets where cheese is becoming more accessible.

By Region

1. North America: This region remains a key player in the cheese market, with the U.S. being the largest consumer. In 2024, the North American cheese market is projected to reach USD 32.5 billion, driven by high consumption rates and a robust dairy industry.
2. Europe: Europe continues to dominate the global cheese market, accounting for over 35% of the total share. The European cheese market is expected to reach USD 73.97 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.35% to USD 91.50 billion by 2029. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy are renowned for their rich cheese traditions and diverse offerings.
3. Asia-Pacific: The cheese market in this region is rapidly expanding, particularly in China and India, where rising disposable incomes and changing dietary habits are driving increased cheese consumption. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1%, reaching approximately USD 28.4 billion by 2024.
4. Latin America: The Latin American cheese market is experiencing steady growth, with Brazil and Argentina leading in production and consumption. The market is projected to reach USD 12.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in cheese products.
5. Middle East & Africa: Although still a smaller market, the Middle East and Africa are seeing increasing interest in cheese products, particularly in urban areas influenced by Western eating habits. The market is expected to reach USD 8.2 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.4% driven by urbanization and changing dietary preferences.

By Distribution Channel

1. Online: The online segment is rapidly gaining traction, especially post-pandemic, as consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of e-commerce for grocery shopping. In 2024, the online cheese market is reflecting a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030, driven by the growth of food delivery services and online grocery platforms.
2. On Site: Traditional retail channels, including supermarkets and convenience stores, remain dominant, providing consumers with immediate access to a wide range of cheese products. The on-site distribution channel accounted for over 50% of the cheese market share in 2023. This segment benefits from the growing trend of at-home cooking and the demand for fresh cheese varieties.
3. B2B: The B2B distribution channel, which includes food service and food & beverage processing, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030. In 2024, this segment is driven by increased demand for cheese-based snacks and culinary applications in restaurants and food manufacturers.

Industry Trends and Dynamics

Health and Wellness

The trend towards health-conscious eating continues to grow, with consumers increasingly seeking cheese products that are organic, low-fat, or enriched with additional nutrients. In 2024, the organic cheese market is anticipated a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030. This shift is driving innovation in product development and marketing strategies, as brands emphasize health benefits and clean labels.

Plant-Based Alternatives

The rise of plant-based diets has led to a significant increase in demand for dairy alternatives, including plant-based cheese. The plant-based cheese market is projected to increase with an impressive CAGR of 12.2% expected through 2034. This growth is driven by consumers seeking sustainable and cruelty-free substitutes for traditional dairy products, along with a growing awareness of health benefits associated with plant-based diets.

Globalization of Cheese Varieties

As culinary boundaries blur, consumers are becoming more adventurous, seeking out international cheese varieties. This trend is prompting manufacturers to expand their product lines to include diverse cheese types from around the world. The global cheese market is expected to increase with interest in artisanal and specialty cheeses driving sales across various regions. This globalization reflects a broader consumer trend towards exploring unique flavors and culinary experiences.

Industry Drivers and Challenges

Rising Demand for Convenience Foods

The increasing popularity of convenience foods, particularly in urban areas, is significantly driving cheese consumption, as cheese is a staple ingredient in many ready-to-eat meals and snacks. In 2024, the convenience food market is projected to grow by 6.5%, which will further boost cheese demand as consumers seek quick and easy meal solutions.

Health Concerns

Despite the growth in cheese consumption, rising health concerns regarding cheese’s fat and sodium content pose a challenge. In 2024, 45% of consumers express concerns about the health implications of high-fat dairy products. This shift towards healthier alternatives could potentially hinder growth in the cheese market if consumers increasingly opt for low-fat or plant-based substitutes.

Consumer Insights

Per Capita Consumption

In 2023, the average global per capita cheese consumption was approximately 9.5 kg. In 2024, this figure is projected to increase to around 9.8 kg, reflecting a steady growth trend in cheese consumption worldwide.

Europe remains the highest region for per capita cheese consumption, with an average of 18.5 kg per person in 2024, driven by strong cultural preferences for dairy products. Switzerland leads globally, with over 25 kg per person annually.

Shifts in Consumer Preferences

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing quality over quantity, showing a preference for artisanal and specialty cheeses. In 2024, the artisanal cheese market is growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2030.

There is a notable shift towards premium and organic cheese options, with 45% of consumers in 2024 indicating a preference for products labeled as organic or artisanal. This trend is influencing production practices and marketing strategies within the industry, as brands focus on transparency and quality to meet evolving consumer demands.

Conclusion

In 2024, the global cheese market is valued at USD 187 billion and is projected to reach USD 252 billion by 2033, with a 4.0% CAGR. Key takeaways include:

• Segment Growth: Natural cheese leads with a 2.4% CAGR, while premium cheese is rising quickly at 4.8%, as consumers seek high-quality, artisanal options.
• Health Trends: Demand for organic and low-fat cheese is increasing, with the organic segment growing at 6.5% annually. Plant-based alternatives are also booming, with a 12.2% CAGR expected through 2034.
• Regional Expansion: Europe holds 35% of the market, projected to reach USD 91.50 billion by 2029, while Asia-Pacific grows rapidly at 6.1%, driven by rising demand in China and India.

The global cheese market’s growth is propelled by innovation in healthier and plant-based options, despite challenges like health concerns over fat and sodium. 

References and Data Sources

How did we analyze our Sources?

To gain a complete understanding of the global cheese market, we’ve analyzed data from five different market research reports. Using our own weighted criteria, we selected the top three reports with the highest scores and based our estimate on their findings.

Please note: Data marked with * is estimated based on original sources.

How did we grade our Sources?

• 4 = Highly useful, clear, and resistant to manipulation
• 0 = Provides no indication of reliability

How did we determine our Market Size?

Understanding the market’s direction can be challenging based on these estimates. 

We removed Statista’s data for At Home as it was inconsistent. For the combined At Home and Out-of-Home market, we averaged data from the other four sources, estimating USD 187 billion. These figures align and support the growth trend.

We encourage you to critically assess the data and consider different perspectives to develop your own insights into the cheese market’s future.

Nathan Fitzgerald

Nathan has always been captivated by numbers and patterns. With a Master’s degree in Statistics, he’s honed his skills to decipher complex data sets and discern market trends.

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Over the past decade, Nathan has worked with various firms compiling and analyzing industry spending figures to forecast market movements.