In 2023, global cheese production amounted to about 22.15 million metric tons. The European Union was by far the top producer of cheese worldwide, with a production volume of around 10.4 million metric tons of cheese that year.

In 2024, the European Union consumed about 9.5 million metric tons of cheese, an amount that far exceeded consumption numbers in other parts of the world. In 2019, China, which has a population three times as large as that of the EU, only consumed an estimated 409 thousand metric tons of cheese. Cheese in Canada Not only did Canadians consume a considerable amount of cheese in 2022, but they also produce significant quantities of it. In 2021, the country produced an estimate of 540 million kilograms worth of cheese. Firm and semi-soft cheese were the two types to be produced the most in Canada. Vegan cheese market Vegan alternatives to established foods and dishes have become increasingly popular in recent years and the concept is still a growing market. One specific market in this vein is the global vegan cheese market. What was approximately worth about two billion U.S. dollars in 2015, is projected to grow to almost four billion U.S. dollars by 2024.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global specialty cheese market size will be 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.

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.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Specialty Cheese Market

Many industries faced difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, but the specialty cheese market proved resilient and even grew in some regions. A rise in home cooking coincided with individuals spending more time at home, which raised the desire for specialty cheeses to enhance culinary adventures. During the epidemic, e-commer...

The volume of cow milk produced worldwide has risen steadily over the last several years. In 2015, *** million metric tons of cow milk was produced worldwide, by 2024 that figure had risen to around *** million metric tons. Liquid milk made up the largest share of the dairy market in terms of market value. Top producers of cow milk The world region with the most cow milk production is the European Union, which generated around *** million metric tons of cow milk in 2023. In that year, the EU was home to almost ** million dairy cows, second only to India with ** million milk cows. Dairy products production Cow milk is often not consumed in liquid form but as cheese, butter, or yogurt. The European Union and the United States are the top two producers of cheese in the world. Additionally, India was by far the top producer of butter. The European Union came in second with about half the production. Yogurt is one of the most widely consumed dairy products, and the global yogurt market is expected to increase significantly in market value in the coming years.

Taking into account the closure of the HoReCa sector worldwide due to the pandemic, a decrease in consumer incomes and possible disruptions in the work of international supply chains, global cheese consumption is expected to stagnate in 2020.

The global cheese market rose remarkably to $153.6B in 2024, increasing by 5.9% 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 throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the global market reached the maximum level at $183B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

US Cheese Market Report, size, Growth, Industry Analysis, Share, Scope, Trends, Global Opportunities & Forecast, 2020-2027

Portugal Livestock Production: Dairy Products: Cheese data was reported at 5,498.180 Ton in May 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,078.533 Ton for Apr 2020. Portugal Livestock Production: Dairy Products: Cheese data is updated monthly, averaging 4,868.000 Ton from Jul 2004 (Median) to May 2020, with 190 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,802.618 Ton in May 2019 and a record low of 143.000 Ton in Jul 2006. Portugal Livestock Production: Dairy Products: Cheese data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Portugal. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Portugal – Table PT.B013: Livestock Production.

China is the fourth-largest milk producer in the world in 2020, after India, the United States and Pakistan. However, per capita consumption of dairy products in China is less than one-third of the global average and lower than in many other developing countries. Due to traditional Chinese dietary patterns and lower living standards, the routine consumption of dairy products is limited across the country.Moreover, dairy product consumption varies considerably across China. Consumption in rural regions is less than 10% of that in urban areas. Industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized 8.6% over the five years through 2023, to $86.6 billion, increasing by 6.4% from 2022. Rising household incomes, peoples' rising consciousness on health, the implementation of China's three-child policy, the introduction of new dairy products and growing demand from rural markets have driven this growth.This industry covers a wide range of products, and profit margins depend on different kinds of products. Industry profit makes up approximately 7.1% of industry revenue in 2023. In 2021, China's per capita milk consumption was 14.4kg, far below the world average. China's dairy demand is expected to maintain a relatively high growth in the next few years. The driving factors include rural consumption upgrades, urbanization and multiple types of dairy products.The dairy industry was temporarily affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic in early 2020. However, the formation and development of greater national health awareness accelerated with the promotion from the Chinese government and authoritative organizations. Consumption of dairy products, in particular liquid milk, increased as consumers began to realize the importance of consuming high-quality milk protein to supplement nutrition and enhance immunity.Industry revenue is projected to grow at an annualized 5.5% over the five years through 2028, to $113.2 billion. Middle- and high-end market segments will account for an increasing share of total revenue, while the share of low-end product segments will decrease slightly. However, the low-end market will continue growing in terms of volume, particularly in less developed parts of China, where per capita incomes are lower.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Plant-based Cheese Market size will be USD 3125.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.0% 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 1250.0 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 937.5 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 718.8 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 156.2 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% 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 62.50 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Soy Milk category is the fastest growing segment of the Plant-based Cheese Market industry

Market Dynamics of Plant-based Cheese Market

Key Drivers for Plant-based Cheese Market

Increased Vegan and Vegetarian Diets to Boost Market Growth

Plant-based diets are gaining traction among health-conscious individuals due to their significant nutritional benefits. These diets, which are high in fiber, can help lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, contributing to overall health. As vegetarianism becomes increasingly popular, more people are opting for plant-based cheese options like plant-based parmesan, driving substantial growth in the non-dairy cheese market. The interest in vegan dining is evident, with searches for vegan restaurants with dedicated vegan menus tripling over the past four years. In 2017, there were 60,000 searches for vegan restaurants, but this number surged to over 200,000 by 2020. In the US, approximately 2% of the population is vegan, but a larger number are reducing their meat consumption. According to the Alliance for Science, one in ten Americans avoids meat, and research by One Poll in 2021 revealed that nearly half of Americans are eating more plant-based meals than meat. Additionally, 54% of individuals aged 24 to 39 identify as flexitarians.

Increasing public awareness of the health benefits of plant-based cheese to Drive Market Growth

Growing awareness of the health benefits associated with plant-based cheese, such as its high calcium and protein content, is significantly contributing to the expansion of the market. As obesity and cholesterol issues become more widespread due to shifts in dietary habits, more consumers are turning to healthier food alternatives. In 2022, one in eight people globally were living with obesity, and 2.5 billion adults aged 18 and older were classified as overweight, with 890 million of them suffering from obesity. Additionally, 43% of adults aged 18 and above were overweight, while 16% were obese. Among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19, over 390 million were overweight, with 160 million experiencing obesity. The prevalence of overweight individuals varies by region, ranging from 31% in the WHO South-East Asia and African Regions to 67% in the Region of the Americas. As more people seek to manage their weight and improve their overall health, they are looking for dietary alternatives that offer nutritional benefits without the downsides associated with traditional dairy products. Plant-based cheeses, which provide essential nutrients like calcium and protein while being lower in unhealthy fats and cholesterol, align well with these health-conscious trends.

Restraint Factor for the Plant-based Cheese Market

Higher production costs compared to traditional dairy cheeses will Limit Market Growth

Plant-based cheeses often have higher production costs compared to traditional dairy cheeses. This can be attributed to the cost of specialized ingredients, advanced manufacturing processes, and smaller production scales. These higher costs can result in higher retail prices, potentially limiting consumer adoption. Due to their higher cost, plant-based cheeses are often priced at a premium. This can make them less accessible to price-sensitive consumers and hinder widespread adoption....

Organic Cheese Market Research Report, SIze, identifies new revenue, Global Industry Analysis & segmentation By Product Type, By Distribution Channel, By Form & forecast 2027

Global IQF Cheese market predicted to reach around USD 1010 Million by 2026. The anticipated CAGR for the global IQF cheese market is around 5% from 2020 to 2026.

The global Cream Cheese market size is expected to grow from USD 31000 million in 2019 to USD 53000 million by 2026, at a CAGR of 8% from 2020-2026

Global Halloumi Cheese Market was valued at USD 490.34 Million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 910.55 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 10.87% during the forecast period.

The global cheese powder market is estimated to be USD 400 million in 2019 and is projected to surpass USD 600 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of greater than 7%. The growth of this market is expected to be driven by the varied application of the product in the food industry.
Cheese powder is food item produced using cheddar and other unfermented dairy ingredients blended in with emulsifiers. Extra ingredients, for example, vegetable oils, salt, nourishment colouring, or sugar might be incorporated. Subsequently, numerous flavours, hues, and surfaces of processed cheese exist. Cheese makers are concentrating on giving customized enhances in cheese powder fragment. Also, makers are investigating inventive ingredients to grow new profiles and item contributions.

Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities:

• Rise in disposable income among consumers is leading to higher living standards which in turn are driving the growth of the market.
• Increasing developments on increasing the shelf life of the product is acting as a favourable factor driving the market growth.
• Rising inclination of consumer to good taste and flavor for food items is also a key driver for the market growth.
• Growing consciousness related to ill effects of excessive consumption of cheese powder can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol is a restraint in the market growth.
• Increasing dairy products cost is increasing the cost of production which in turn is acting as a restraint in the market growth.
• Availability of substitutes such as cashew and pesto is acting as a restraint for the market growth.
• Proper branding of the product as high on vitamin, protein, and nutrients with low calories in the consumers’ mind will create lucrative opportunities for the growth of the market.

Scope of the Report

Agricultural Production: Livestock: Cheese data was reported at 38.500 kg mn in Jun 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 39.400 kg mn for May 2020. Agricultural Production: Livestock: Cheese data is updated monthly, averaging 27.100 kg mn from Jan 1995 to Jun 2020, with 306 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 42.200 kg mn in Mar 2016 and a record low of 19.700 kg mn in Dec 2011. Agricultural Production: Livestock: Cheese data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Denmark. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Denmark – Table DK.B009: Livestock Production: Volume.

dairy processing equipment market size was worth at approximately USD 8,624.3 Million in 2019, and is estimated to grow to USD 12,629.1 Million by end of 2026

In 2024, the United States was the fourth largest exporter of cheese worldwide with exports amounting to a value of 2.47 billion U.S. dollars, followed by Denmark with 2.28 billion dollars in cheese exports. Cheese production worldwide In the dairy industry, cheese production ranks second after cow milk in terms of production volume: in 2021, approximately 544 million metric tons of cow milk were produced, compared to about 21.86 million metric tons of cheese. The European Union was the major global producer of cheese in 2021, with over 10.35 million metric tons of cheese produced in the EU-27. The United States came second with a cheese production volume of 6.2 million metric tons. Wisconsin and California were the two leading U.S. states for cheese production in 2021. Cheese consumption worldwide Per capita cheese consumption in the EU-27 was the highest in the world, followed by the United States and Canada. Per capita consumption of cheese in the European Union reached 20.44 kilograms in 2021. In France, a country renowned for its cheese culture, the per capita consumption was much higher than the EU average and reached 26.8 kilograms in 2019. Popular French cheeses include Camembert, Brie, Comté, Roquefort and Bleu d’Auvergne.

The global rennet market, valued at $758.72 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.39% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. The increasing demand for cheese and other dairy products globally, particularly in developing economies, significantly boosts rennet consumption. Furthermore, the rising adoption of vegetarian and vegan diets is driving innovation in the rennet market, with the development of microbial and vegetable rennet alternatives gaining traction. These plant-based options cater to the growing consumer preference for ethical and sustainable food products, reducing reliance on animal-derived rennet. Technological advancements in rennet production, leading to improved quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness, also contribute to market growth. However, potential restraints include fluctuations in raw material prices and stringent regulatory requirements regarding food safety and labeling. The market segmentation reveals a diverse landscape, with animal-derived rennet currently holding a significant share, although microbial and vegetable rennets are exhibiting rapid growth. The liquid form of rennet remains the most prevalent, though powder and paste formats are gaining popularity due to ease of handling and storage. Geographically, North America and Europe are established markets, while the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates substantial growth potential due to increasing cheese consumption and a rising middle class. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging companies, leading to ongoing innovation and competition. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued expansion, with the market likely exceeding $1.2 billion by 2033. Key players are focusing on strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and product diversification to enhance their market position. The increasing emphasis on traceability and transparency within the food industry will influence future market trends, necessitating robust quality control and sustainable sourcing practices across the rennet supply chain. The market's future trajectory is expected to be influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, evolving regulatory frameworks, and economic conditions in key regions. The market's overall growth will likely be influenced by a balance between the traditional and emerging forms of rennet, with an emphasis on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Recent developments include: August 2020: AFFCO's Renco invested multi-millions of dollars in increasing their rennet production capacity. The company has partnered with The Cheese Connection, a distributor that supplies Renco's rennet to the United States. The expansion had doubled the company's production capacity of rennet, which in turn strengthened its relationship with The Cheese Connection., January 2020: PunatureFood Ingredient Co. Ltd. started the production of chymosin, also known as rennin, in their China manufacturing unit., November 2019: DSM announced its acquisition of specialty dairy solutions provider Koninklijke CSK Food Enrichment CV in a deal worth around EUR 150 million. CSK's modernized dairy application center in Food Valley, Wageningen, will be included in the deal. With its high-tech fermentation plant in Leeuwarden, it will also become part of DSM's global production network.. Notable trends are: Growing Cheese Market Boosting Demand for Rennet.

The global lactase market, a significant segment within the broader enzyme market, is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing lactose intolerance prevalence and the rising demand for lactose-free dairy products. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.37% from 2019 to 2024 suggests a considerable expansion, projected to continue throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). Key drivers include the growing awareness of lactose intolerance, particularly in regions with high dairy consumption, and the increasing demand for healthier and more digestible food options. This has spurred innovation in food processing technologies, leading to the development of more efficient and cost-effective lactase production methods. The market segmentation reveals a strong emphasis on the milk and dairy industry, with applications in cheese, yogurt, and ice cream driving a significant portion of demand. The infant formula segment also presents substantial growth opportunities, reflecting the focus on providing easily digestible nutrition for infants. While challenges such as fluctuations in raw material prices and stringent regulatory requirements exist, the overall market outlook remains positive, fueled by consumer demand and technological advancements. Major players like Novozymes, Chr. Hansen, and DuPont are at the forefront of this growth, constantly innovating and expanding their product portfolios to meet the evolving market needs. Geographic expansion, especially in developing economies with rising disposable incomes and changing dietary habits, also contributes to the market's overall expansion. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large multinational corporations and smaller specialized enzyme manufacturers. Strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and product diversification are common strategies employed to gain a competitive edge. Future growth will be influenced by the continuous development of novel lactase enzymes with improved performance characteristics, such as higher activity and stability under varying processing conditions. Furthermore, increased research and development efforts focusing on the application of lactase in other food segments, such as bakery and confectionery, could unlock significant growth potential. Regulatory landscape changes concerning food additives and labeling regulations will also play a crucial role in shaping the market trajectory. Overall, the lactase market is poised for sustained growth, driven by a confluence of factors pointing towards increasing demand and technological advancements within the food and beverage sector. Recent developments include: In June 2021, International Flavors & Fragnances Inc (IFF) launched a new enzyme for dairy products, "Nurica" in the United States. Nurica harnesses the lactose present in milk to naturally generate a high yield of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides fibers. The ingredient reduces sugar and lactose levels., In March 2021, Amano Enzyme released umamizyme pulse, a non-GMO enzyme designed for use in various plant protection products to produce a pleasant savory flavor., In March 2020, Novozyme launched Saphera Fiber, a new lactase enzyme to increase the fibers' content while reducing sugar in fermented and non-fermented dairy products. The lactase enzyme works by converting lactose contained in the milk into GOS fibers ( galactooligosaccharides).. Notable trends are: Increasing Digestive Heath Concerns are Boosting the Demand for Probiotic Products.