Cheese fell to 1.81 USD/Lbs on September 23, 2025, down 0.06% from the previous day. Over the past month, Cheese's price has risen 2.49%, but it is still 20.55% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Cheese - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on September of 2025.

Learn about the factors that influence cheese market prices, including supply and demand, seasonality, location, and the role of milk prices. Discover how different types of cheese and regions impact pricing, and how you can stay up to date on the latest pricing information.

In 2024, the revenue of the cheese industry worldwide amounted to over 240 billion U.S. dollars. It is expected that revenue will reach 350.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2030.

The global cheese market rose markedly to $153.9B in 2024, picking up by 6.2% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the global market attained the peak level at $183.1B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The Europe cheese market totaled $74.4B in 2024, surging by 12% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +68.5% against 2015 indices.

The global cheese market is expected to reach a value of more than USD 102.09 Billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.80% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. The growing demand for natural, organic, and artisanal cheeses, driven by health-conscious consumers, is propelling the cheese market. As a result of this augment demand, the market is set to attain a valuation of USD 216.36 Billion by 2034.

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The cheddar cheese market share is expected to increase by USD 5.31 billion from 2020 to 2025, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 3.92%.

This cheddar cheese market research report provides valuable insights on the post COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers cheddar cheese market segmentations by distribution Channel (offline and online) and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and MEA). The cheddar cheese market report also offers information on several market vendors, including AJ & RG Barber Ltd., Almarai Co., Arla Foods amba, Bel Group, Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd., Dairygold Co-Operative Society Ltd., Fonterra Co operative Group Ltd., Groupe Lactalis, Ornua Co-operative Ltd., and The Kraft Heinz Co. among others.

What will the Cheddar Cheese Market Size be During the Forecast Period?

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Cheddar Cheese Market: Key Drivers, Trends, and Challenges

Based on our research output, there has been a positive impact on the market growth during and post COVID-19 era. The increased demand for convenience foods is notably driving the cheddar cheese market growth, although factors such as high operational cost of raw materials may impede market growth. Our research analysts have studied the historical data and deduced the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the cheddar cheese industry. The holistic analysis of the drivers will help in deducing end goals and refining marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Key Cheddar Cheese Market Driver

The increased demand for convenience foods is notably driving the cheddar cheese market growth. Rapid urbanization around the world has increased disposable income. The global urban population (% of the total world population) increased by 1% from 2016 to 2017. Rising urbanization creates job opportunities and encourages people from rural areas to migrate to urban areas, which increases their income. Also, it has increased the number of female workforces. According to the World Bank Group, the female participation in the global labor force was 39.29% in 2017, and it increased from 39.25% in 2012. These factors have increased the demand for food products that are ready to eat (RTE) with minimal preparation time. Moreover, the rise in the urban population is inculcating new food habits and trends of developing preferences for international food patterns. Hence, various supermarket and hypermarkets are increasing their stock of convenient packaged food. For instance, Le Groupe Bel offers MINI BABYBEL WHITE CHEDDAR VARIETY, which are RTE dairy snacks with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Similarly, SARGENTO FOODS offers Snack Bites Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar Cheese, which are RTE cheddar snack bites. Hence, the growing demand for convenience foods encourages vendors to expand their cheddar cheese offerings in the RTE segment, which drives the growth of the global cheddar cheese market.

Key Cheddar Cheese Market Trend

Improved accessibility to distribution channels is the key trend driving the cheddar cheese market growth. The rapid expansion of retail chains and specialty stores has increased access to different cheese variants. Furthermore, several vendors such as The Kraft Heinz Company, SARGENTO FOODS, Arla Foods also sell their products through third-party e-commerce retailers such as Amazon.com to provide easy purchasing options for customers. The penetration of the internet and the availability of smart gadgets increase access to online shopping platforms. For instance, global internet penetration was over 55% in 2018. This helps retailers utilize online platforms to expand their geographical reach and consumer base. On the other hand, the growing presence of various offline distribution channels such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and specialty stores is an indication for the global expansion of the organized retail sector. Cheddar cheese is sold by large, organized retailers such as Walmart and Tesco.com. The number of supermarkets is increasing with growing urbanization. As of 2017, the US has over 35,000 supermarkets, and this number is expected to increase during the forecast period. The improving economy in regions such as APAC and South America is driving the growth of the grocery retail sector in the region owing to the increased presence of international retailers. Hence, increased accessibility to distribution channels aids in driving the growth of the global cheddar cheese market.

Key Cheddar Cheese Market Challenge

The major challenge impeding the cheddar cheese market growth is the high operational cost of raw materials. The major raw materials used in the production of cheddar cheese are milk, curdl

Learn about the factors that affect the market price of mozzarella cheese, including milk availability, competition, quality, and seasonality. Discover how these factors impact the demand and supply for the product and the current average market price in the United States.

Global cheese consumption has gone up because there's more cheese to choose from, and people crave for more organic dairy products. Hence, the organic cheese market is on a trajectory of pure indulgence, holding potential to progress at a promising CAGR of 7.1% through.

Attributes	Details
Organic Cheese Market Size, 2024	US$ 8,452.30 million
Market Size, 2034	US$ 16,832.50 million
Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)	7.1%

Category Wise Insights

Attributes	Details
Product Type	Cheddar
Market share in 2024	45.3%

Attributes	Details
Service Type	Specialty Stores
Market Share in 2024	38.9%

Country wise insights

Countries	CAGR from 2024 to 2034
United States	5.8%
China	6.9%
Germany	6.3%
Japan	7.2%
India	8.1%

Processed Cheese Market Size Value in Estonia, 2021 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The cheese market is projected to grow from USD 105.5 billion in 2025 to USD 178.5 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Cheese Business Size (2025E)	USD 105.5 billion
Projected Global Cheese Business Value (2035F)	USD 178.5 billion
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.4%

Semi-Annual Market Update

Particular	Value CAGR
H1 (2024 to 2034)	4.9%
H2 (2024 to 2034)	5.5%
H1 (2025 to 2035)	5.1%
H2 (2025 to 2035)	5.6%

Country-wise Insights

Countries	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
The USA	4.61%
France	3.6%
Germany	3.9%
Italy	4.5%
The UK	3.12%

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US Cheese Market Size 2025-2029

The cheese market size in US is forecast to increase by USD 12.2 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The cheese market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing consumer demand for diverse and high-quality cheese products. This trend is fueled by the expanding foodservice industry and the rise of online retailing, making cheese more accessible than ever before. However, the market also faces challenges related to health concerns, as some types of cheese are high in saturated fat and sodium. Additionally, the food service industry's growing focus on offering healthier options has led to an increase in demand for cheese in sandwiches and pizzas.


Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking out lower-fat and lactose-free options. Consumer preferences for sustainable and ethically sourced options have fueled the growth of dairy alternatives, with sustainability initiatives and fair trade certifications becoming increasingly important. Navigating this complex market landscape requires a deep understanding of consumer preferences, competitive dynamics, and regulatory requirements. Stay informed to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks in the dynamic cheese market.

What will be the Size of the market During the Forecast Period?

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The cheese market encompasses a diverse range of products, from traditional dairy offerings to plant-based alternatives such as vegan cashew cheese and soy cheese. Price elasticity plays a significant role in the market, as consumers balance their desire for high-quality cheese spreads and snacks with concerns over cost. Spoilage organisms and foodborne illness are ongoing challenges for cheese producers, necessitating rigorous quality assurance measures and traceability systems. Automation in cheesemaking and inventory management have streamlined production processes, reducing waste and improving carbon footprint. Additionally, some cheese varieties, like organic and pasteurized cheese, use modified atmosphere packaging to minimize oxidation and preserve nutritional value.

Cheese's cultural significance extends beyond food applications, with culinary uses including wine pairing and cheese sauces. Regional cheese varieties and cheese blends offer unique culinary experiences, while brand loyalty is a key factor in consumer decision-making. Environmental impact and sustainability are key considerations in cheese production technology, with a focus on reducing waste and improving ingredient sourcing. Nutritional yeast and cheese substitutes cater to consumers seeking alternative sources of protein and nutrients. Cheese microbiology and food microbiology are essential fields in ensuring the safety and quality of cheese products. Pricing strategies and supply chain management are critical components of market success, with cheese pairing and culinary uses offering opportunities for differentiation and innovation.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Animal-based
  Plant-based


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product Type

  Mozzarella
  Cheddar
  Specialty cheeses
  Plant-based cheese


Geography

  North America

    US

By Source Insights

The Animal-based segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The creamy and versatile animal-based cheese segment, primarily sourced from cows' milk, holds a significant share in the US cheese market. Cows' milk cheese, recognized for its creamy texture and vast flavor profiles, includes popular varieties such as cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and gouda. Cow milk, which makes up the largest portion of global milk production, is expected to reach approximately 228 billion pounds by 2025. This growth is driven by an expanding dairy herd and increased milk yield per cow. The consistent milk supply ensures a stable cheese manufacturing environment, enabling producers to maintain steady production volumes and pricing strategies.

Food service is a significant market for cheese, with standardized milk and pasteurized cheese being the preferred choices due to their consistent quality and long shelf life. Unpasteurized cheese, with its unique flavor and texture, is gaining popularity in specialty markets. Cheese additives, such as salt, are used to enhance flavor and improve texture, while aging processes contribute to the development of distinct flavors and textures in hard and semi-hard cheeses. Additionally, the food service industry's growing focus on offering healthier options has led to an increase in demand for cheese in sandwiches and pizzas. Cheese blo

The Cheese Market is Segmented Into Product Type (Natural and Processed), Milk Source (Cow, Goat, Buffalo, and Others), Format (Blocks/Wheels, Slices, Shredded and Grated, Spreads, and Cubes and Sticks), Distribution Channels (Retail, and Foodservice), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global specialty cheese market size was USD 141251.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 56500.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 42375.36 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 32487.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 7062.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 2825.02 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The fresh category is the fastest growing segment of the specialty cheese industry

Market Dynamics of Specialty Cheese Market

Key Drivers for Specialty Cheese Market

Growing Interest in Combinations of Flavors to Boost Market Growth:

The inclination of consumers to explore novel and exotic flavors and cuisines has experienced a notable surge in the past few years. The increasing popularity of cheese flavor combinations in a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Mexican, has led to an acceleration of the usage of diverse forms of cheese in these culinary arts. The exponential growth of the food service business has driven leading product processors to create new goods like creamers and powder. Flavored cheese is a rapidly growing category that meets the contemporary consumer's desire for unique flavors such as fruit, spices, and herbs. The retail industry is seeing global growth due to the introduction of new products through improvements and innovations. For instance, in 2020, 980 artisan cheesemakers in the United States created handmade, naturally flavored, or fresh-from-the-farm goods that are gaining popularity among customers, according to a poll conducted by the American Cheese Society (ACS).

Growing Consumer Interest in Gourmet Food to Drive Market Growth:

A growing number of consumers are looking for high-end, handcrafted goods with distinctive flavors and sensations. Specialty cheeses are the ideal answer to this need because of their unique flavors and frequently local origins. Cheeses with distinctive regional qualities, like Spanish Manchego, French Camembert, and Italian Parmigiano Reggiano, are in high demand among consumers. The market for cheeses produced entirely of natural or organic ingredients—free of artificial additives or preservatives—is expanding. In order to produce distinctive and intriguing goods, specialty cheese producers are experimenting with various flavors and ingredients, including fruits, nuts, spices, and herbs. Specialty cheeses are becoming more and more popular when paired with wines, craft beers, and other drinks to provide a more upscale dining experience.

Key Restraint Factor for the Specialty Cheese Market

Price Sensitivity will Limit Market Growth:

Specialty cheeses are more expensive than their mass-produced counterparts. Still, because of their superior quality, distinct flavor, and other attributes, customers are frequently ready to pay a premium for them. Price sensitivity, however, can still play a role, particularly in recessionary times or when customers are dealing with tight finances. Specialty cheeses are seen by many as luxury goods, thus they are reluctant to pay higher prices. Economic downturns can have a big effect on how much consumers spend on high-end goods. Additionally, the presence of less expensive, mass-produced cheese substitutes may be a threat to market share.

Regulatory and Labeling Complexities: Protected designation of origin (PDO) stipulations restrict production. Import and export regulations differ greatly from one country to another. Labeling assertions necessitate comprehensive documentation. These compliance obligations elevate operational expenses.

Key Trends for Specialty Cheese Market

Plant-Based and Alternative Speci...

Revenue from the sales of vegan cheese is poised to reach US$ 3.58 billion in 2024, as stated in the newly published report by Fact.MR. The global vegan cheese market has been forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% and reach a valuation of US$ 8.1 billion by the end of 2034.

Report Attribute	Detail
Vegan Cheese Market Size (2024E)	US$ 3.58 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 8.1 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.5% CAGR
Market Share of Mozzarella Cheese (2034F)	18.9%
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	23.1%
South Korea Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	9.3% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Kite Hill; Reine Vegan Cuisine; Daiya Foods Inc.; Kinda Co.; Parmela Creamery; Galaxy Nutritional Foods, Inc.; Mad Millie; Bute Island Foods Ltd.; UPrise Foods; Vermont Farmstead; Tesco Free From; Punk Rawk Labs; Wayfare Inc.; Miyoko’s Kitchen, Inc.; Regal Vegan.

Country-wise Insights

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 380.9 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 897.2 Million

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 392.3 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 888.4 Million

Attribute	Japan
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 231.8 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 549.9 Million

Category-wise Insights

Attribute	Mozzarella
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 666.1 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.53 Billion

Attribute	Foodservice/HoReCa
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 1.3 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 3 Billion

Natural, cheddar cheese sold at the store, regardless of variety. Includes organic and non-organic cheese."

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Cheese in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The Europe Cheese Market is segmented by Product Type (Natural Cheese, Processed Cheese), by Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade) and by Country (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom). Market Value in USD and Volume are both presented. Key Data Points observed include Per capita consumption; Population; and Dairy production.

The revenue in the 'Cheese' segment of the food market in the United States was modeled to be ************* U.S. dollars in 2024. Following a continuous upward trend, the revenue has risen by ************* U.S. dollars since 2018. Between 2024 and 2030, the revenue will rise by ************* U.S. dollars, continuing its consistent upward trajectory.Further information about the methodology, more market segments, and metrics can be found on the dedicated Market Insights page on Cheese.

The global Processed Cheese Market is poised to reach a value of USD 17712.6 Million by 2025 and is projected to reach a value of USD 24443.3 Million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 3.3% over the assessment period 2025 to 2035.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Industry Size (2025E)	USD 17712.6 million
Projected Global Industry Value (2035F)	USD 24443.3 million
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	3.3%

Country wise Insights

Countries	CAGR 2025 to 2035
USA	5.7%
Germany	3.6%
India	7.0%

Category-wise Insights

Segment	Value Share (2025)
Functional Beverages (Application)	35%

Segment	Value Share (2025)
Citrus Flavour (Synthetic Flavour)	30%