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North America Cheese Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Source, Type, Product, Distribution Channel, Format, and Country 2025-2033

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    Report

  • 123 Pages
  • August 2025
  • Region: North America
  • IMARC Group
  • ID: 5682160
The North America cheese market size was valued at 6.08 Million Metric Tons in 2024. Looking forward, the publisher estimates the market to reach 7.85 Million Metric Tons by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.9% from 2025-2033. The North America cheese market share is expanding, driven by the rising food service establishments like restaurants and cafes, which require cheese to incorporate into different flavorful recipes, along with the expansion of retail channels and e-commerce sites that offer more cheese-infused items, making them easily accessible.

At present, technological advancements are improving cheese production efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Modern processing techniques enhance cheese texture, flavor, and shelf life, ensuring consistent quality across different varieties. Automation in cheese manufacturing helps to increase output while reducing labor costs, making cheese more affordable for people. Sophisticated packaging techniques, such as modified-atmosphere packaging and vacuum sealing prolong freshness and refine distribution. Additionally, innovations in dairy farming, including better feed and milking technologies, ensure a steady and high-quality dairy supply for cheese manufacturing. Moreover, food science advancements support the development of new cheese alternatives, catering to changing preferences.

The expansion of e-commerce and retail channels is impelling the North American cheese market growth. These platforms are making cheese more accessible and convenient for individuals. Online grocery platforms, supermarket websites, and specialty food stores offer a wide variety of cheese options, allowing people to shop from home. Subscription-based cheese delivery services and direct-to-consumer (D2C) models have also become popular, providing unique and artisanal cheese items to a broader audience. Apart from this, large retailers and grocery chains continue to broaden their cheese selections, including artisanal and specialty varieties. Discounts, promotions, and bulk purchasing options in supermarkets and hypermarkets further increase sales.

North America Cheese Market Trends:

Increasing dairy production

The growing dairy production is ensuring a steady and abundant milk supply for cheese manufacturing. The US and Canada have large dairy farms, particularly in states like Wisconsin and California, which produce high-quality milk needed for different cheese types. With advanced dairy farming techniques, farmers can maintain consistent production levels, keeping cheese affordable and widely available. A reliable milk supply allows manufacturers to experiment with new cheese varieties and meet the high consumer demand. Additionally, government support and investments in dairy farming help to sustain production efficiency. As per the information provided on the official website of the USDA, the overall cheese production (not including cottage cheese) was 1.20 Billion Pounds, with a rise of 1.7 percent from August 2023 and 0.5 percent higher than July 2024. This further allows the adoption of cheese across retail and foodservice sectors.

Rising demand for cheese-based items

The growing demand for cheese-based products, with people seeking flavorful and convenient food options, is offering a favorable North America cheese market outlook. Packaged food item companies and cafes employ cheese in pizzas, macaroni, burgers, pasta, and snacks, increasing overall consumption. In September 2024, STOUFFER’S®, a brand of frozen prepared food products, released the boxed mac and cheese STOUFFER’S® Supreme Shells & Cheese. It is available in two incredibly creamy and cheesy varieties. The item will be sold at specific national retailers starting this month for a suggested retail price of USD 3.99 per 12 oz. box, with further expansion planned for 2025. Besides this, the rising snacking trend is encouraging the utilization of cheese sticks, dips, and spreads. With individuals prioritizing taste, cheese remains a key ingredient in many meals.

Growing food service establishments

The rising food service establishments are fueling the market growth. With more restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains opening up, the need for cheese is high, as it is a key ingredient in many menu items. Food recipes often feature cheese, and as more food businesses emerge, they contribute to a higher consumption rate. Additionally, the foodservice industry is broadening its offerings of cheese-based dishes, providing variety and attracting customers who are looking for quality and savory meals. With the increase in quick-service restaurants and casual dining spots, cheese becomes even more of a staple in the food service sector. This growing number of food establishments ensures a consistent demand for cheese. According to the publisher, the United States food service market is set to reach USD 2.50 trillion by 2032.

North America Cheese Industry Segmentation:

The publisher provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the North America cheese market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on source, type, product, distribution channel, and format.

Analysis by Source:

  • Cow Milk
  • Buffalo Milk
  • Goat Milk
  • Others
Cow milk represents the largest segment. It is the most widely available and versatile option for cheese manufacturing. The US and Canada have large dairy farms primarily focused on cow milk, ensuring a steady and high-volume supply. Compared to milk from goats, sheep, or other animals, cow milk is easier to produce on a large scale, making it the preferred choice for commercial cheese manufacturers. It has an ideal composition of fats and proteins, allowing the creation of various cheese types, ranging from cheddar and mozzarella to specialty and processed cheeses. Moreover, the large scale employment of cow milk makes cheese more affordable for consumers, increasing demand in households, restaurants, and the fast-food industry. Additionally, well-established dairy farming practices, government support, and technological advancements in processing enhance cow milk cheese production. As a result, cow milk remains the dominant source of cheese in the region.

Analysis by Type:

  • Natural
  • Processed
Natural holds the biggest market share. People prefer fresh and high-quality dairy products with fewer additives. With more awareness about the clean-label and minimally processed food items, people choose natural cheese over processed alternatives. It is made using traditional methods with simple ingredients like milk, salt, enzymes, and cultures, making it a healthier option. Popular varieties, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, dominate grocery shelves and restaurant menus, further promoting their adoption. The rise of organic and artisanal cheese products also fuels the market growth, as individuals look for premium and specialty options. Additionally, natural cheese is widely utilized in cooking, snacking, and foodservice. Many manufacturers wager on expanding natural cheese production to meet changing preferences. As health-conscious eating trends continue to rise, natural cheese remains the top choice in the area.

Analysis by Product:

  • Mozzarella
  • Cheddar
  • Feta
  • Parmesan
  • Roquefort
  • Others
Cheddar exhibits a clear dominance in the market. It is one of the most popular, versatile, and widely consumed cheese products. Its rich flavor, smooth texture, and ability to age well make it a favorite for households, restaurants, and food manufacturers. Cheddar is used in a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and snack foods, driving consistent demand. It is also available in different forms, such as blocks, slices, shredded, and spreadable, making it convenient for people. The cheese’s ability to range from mild to sharp savors appeals to a wide audience, further enhancing its market share. Additionally, major dairy companies produce cheddar on a large scale, ensuring affordability and availability across grocery stores and foodservice channels. As consumer preference for flavorful and high-quality cheese continues to grow, cheddar remains the leading item in the market.

Analysis by Distribution Channel:

  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online
  • Others
Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead the market. They offer a wide variety of cheese options at competitive prices. These large retail stores provide convenient access to different types of cheese, including natural, processed, organic, and specialty varieties, catering to all consumer preferences. Shoppers prefer buying cheese from supermarkets and hypermarkets because they can compare brands, find discounts, and purchase in bulk. These stores also have dedicated dairy sections with proper refrigeration, ensuring cheese stays fresh. Many retailers team up with leading cheese brands to introduce new products and promotions, further increasing sales. Private-label cheese options have also become popular, providing affordable alternatives to branded products. The strong presence of supermarkets and hypermarkets across urban and suburban areas makes them the primary choice for cheese purchases.

Analysis by Format:

  • Slices
  • Diced/Cubes
  • Shredded
  • Blocks
  • Spreads
  • Liquid
  • Others
Slices represent the largest segment. They offer convenience, versatility, and easy portion control. Consumers prefer sliced cheese for sandwiches, burgers, and quick meals, making it a staple in households and foodservice establishments. Pre-sliced cheese saves time in meal preparation, which is especially important for busy lifestyles. Fast-food chains and restaurants also depend on cheese slices for consistency and efficiency in their menu offerings. Supermarkets and hypermarkets stock a wide variety of sliced cheese options, including cheddar, American, Swiss, and provolone, catering to different tastes. Many brands offer resealable packaging to keep slices fresh, further increasing their appeal. The rising need for ready-to-eat (RTE) and on-the-go food items also promotes the usage of sliced cheese. As people continue to prioritize convenience without compromising on taste and quality, sliced cheese remains the leading format across the area.

Country Analysis:

  • United States
  • Canada
United States enjoys the leading position in the market. It has a well-established massive dairy industry. Being the leading cheese producer in the area, the US enjoys a plentiful supply of milk, particularly in states, such as Wisconsin, California, and Idaho, where extensive dairy farms facilitate consistent cheese manufacturing. Brands and restaurants employ cheese in various food items, ranging from everyday meals to fast food products like burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches, driving continuous demand. In March 2024, Hidden Valley Ranch, the prominent developer of cheese products, teamed up with Cheez-It, a well-known cheese crackers brand, to launch the new item ‘Cheezy Ranch’ in the Hidden Valley Ranch innovation range for National Ranch Day. It is created with 100% authentic cheese and offers the tangy taste of ranch. It was sold at Walmart and Kroger grocery locations across the country for USD 5.99. Besides this, major food chains, supermarkets, and convenience stores offer a wide variety of cheeses, making them easily accessible. Innovations in cheese types, including artisanal and specialty cheeses, also help to expand the market. Additionally, strong export activities, particularly to Mexico, increase overall sales.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players work on introducing new varieties to meet the high North American cheese market demand. Big companies wager on advanced processing technologies to enhance quality and efficiency. They develop innovative cheese products, including artisanal and specialty cheeses, to cater to changing consumer choices. They also spend resources on strong branding and marketing strategies to help them to increase awareness and demand, particularly for premium and artisanal cheese options. These firms also strengthen their supply chains, ensuring consistent availability in supermarkets, restaurants, and foodservice channels. Additionally, investments in sustainable dairy farming and packaging appeal to eco-conscious people. Partnerships with fast-food chains and retailers further boost sales by making cheese more accessible. For instance, in August 2024, Bergader, a prominent producer of cheese specialties, teamed up with Abbey Specialty Foods, a well-known importer and distributor of specialty cheese, to unveil the new edelblu Blue Cheese range, designed to attract a younger audience. The edelblu range presents two new products: edelblu Cubes, offered in two distinct 50-gram packs, and edelblu Cream, a smooth and spreadable Blue cheese. They were accessible in the United States beginning in September.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the North America cheese market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Key Questions Answered in This Report

1. How big is the North America cheese market in the region?
2. What factors are driving the growth of the North America cheese market?
3. What is the forecast for the North America cheese market in the region?
4. Which segment accounted for the largest North America cheese source market share?
5. Which segment accounted for the largest North America cheese type market share?
6. Which segment accounted for the largest North America cheese product market share?
7. Which segment accounted for the largest North America cheese distribution channel market share?
8. Which segment accounted for the largest North America cheese format market share?

Table of Contents

1 Preface
2 Scope and Methodology
2.1 Objectives of the Study
2.2 Stakeholders
2.3 Data Sources
2.3.1 Primary Sources
2.3.2 Secondary Sources
2.4 Market Estimation
2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach
2.4.2 Top-Down Approach
2.5 Forecasting Methodology
3 Executive Summary
4 Introduction
4.1 Overview
4.2 Key Industry Trends
5 Global Cheese Market
5.1 Market Performance
5.2 Market Breakup by Source
5.3 Market Breakup by Type
5.4 Market Breakup by Product
5.5 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
5.6 Market Breakup by Format
5.7 Market Breakup by Region
5.8 Market Forecast
6 North America Cheese Market
6.1 Market Performance
6.2 Impact Of COVID-19
6.3 Market Forecast
7 North America Cheese Market: Breakup by Source
7.1 Cow Milk
7.2 Buffalo Milk
7.3 Goat Milk
7.4 Others
8 North America Cheese Market: Breakup by Type
8.1 Natural
8.2 Processed
9 North America Cheese Market: Breakup by Product
9.1 Mozzarella
9.2 Cheddar
9.3 Feta
9.4 Parmesan
9.5 Roquefort
9.6 Others
10 North America Cheese Market: Breakup by Distribution Channel
10.1 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
10.2 Convenience Stores
10.3 Specialty Stores
10.4 Online
10.5 Others
11 North America Cheese Market: Breakup by Format
11.1 Slices
11.2 Diced/Cubes
11.3 Shredded
11.4 Blocks
11.5 Spreads
11.6 Liquid
11.7 Others
12 North America Cheese Market: Breakup by Country
12.1 United States
12.1.1 Historical Market Trends
12.1.2 Market Breakup by Source
12.1.3 Market Breakup by Type
12.1.4 Market Breakup by Product
12.1.5 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
12.1.6 Market Breakup by Format
12.1.7 Market Forecast
12.2 Canada
12.2.1 Historical Market Trends
12.2.2 Market Breakup by Source
12.2.3 Market Breakup by Type
12.2.4 Market Breakup by Product
12.2.5 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
12.2.6 Market Breakup by Format
12.2.7 Market Forecast
13 SWOT Analysis
13.1 Overview
13.2 Strengths
13.3 Weaknesses
13.4 Opportunities
13.5 Threats
14 Value Chain Analysis
14.1 Overview
14.2 Raw Material Procurement
14.3 Manufacturing
14.4 Marketing
14.5 Distribution
14.6 Exports
14.7 End-Use
15 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
15.1 Overview
15.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
15.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
15.4 Degree of Rivalry
15.5 Threat of New Entrants
15.6 Threat of Substitutes
16 Price Analysis
17 Competitive Landscape
17.1 Market Structure
17.2 Key Players
17.3 Profiles of Key Players

List of Figures
Figure 1: North America: Cheese Market: Major Drivers and Challenges
Figure 2: Global: Cheese Market: Volume Trends (in Million Metric Tons), 2019-2024
Figure 3: Global: Cheese Market: Breakup by Source (in %), 2024
Figure 4: Global: Cheese Market: Breakup by Type (in %), 2024
Figure 5: Global: Cheese Market: Breakup by Product (in %), 2024
Figure 6: Global: Cheese Market: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in %), 2024
Figure 7: Global: Cheese Market: Breakup by Format (in %), 2024
Figure 8: Global: Cheese Market: Breakup by Region (in %), 2024
Figure 9: Global: Cheese Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in Million Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 10: North America: Cheese Market: Volume Trends (in Million Metric Tons), 2019-2024
Figure 11: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in Million Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 12: North America: Cheese Industry: SWOT Analysis
Figure 13: North America: Cheese Industry: Value Chain Analysis
Figure 14: North America: Cheese Industry: Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
Figure 15: North America: Cheese Market: Breakup by Source (in %), 2024
Figure 16: North America: Cheese (Cow Milk) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 17: North America: Cheese (Cow Milk) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 18: North America: Cheese (Buffalo Milk) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 19: North America: Cheese (Buffalo Milk) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 20: North America: Cheese (Goat Milk) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 21: North America: Cheese (Goat Milk) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 22: North America: Cheese (Other Sources) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 23: North America: Cheese (Other Sources) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 24: North America: Cheese Market: Breakup by Type (in %), 2024
Figure 25: North America: Cheese (Natural) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 26: North America: Cheese (Natural) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 27: North America: Cheese (Processed) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 28: North America: Cheese (Processed) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 29: North America: Cheese Market: Breakup by Product (in %), 2024
Figure 30: North America: Cheese (Mozzarella) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 31: North America: Cheese (Mozzarella) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 32: North America: Cheese (Cheddar) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 33: North America: Cheese (Cheddar) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 34: North America: Cheese (Feta) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 35: North America: Cheese (Feta) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 36: North America: Cheese (Parmesan) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 37: North America: Cheese (Parmesan) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 38: North America: Cheese (Roquefort) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 39: North America: Cheese (Roquefort) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 40: North America: Cheese (Other Products) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 41: North America: Cheese (Other Products) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 42: North America: Cheese Market: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in %), 2024
Figure 43: North America: Cheese Market: Sales through Supermarkets and Hypermarkets (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 44: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Sales through Supermarkets and Hypermarkets (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 45: North America: Cheese Market: Sales through Convenience Stores (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 46: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Sales through Convenience Stores (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 47: North America: Cheese Market: Sales through Specialty Stores (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 48: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Sales through Specialty Stores (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 49: North America: Cheese Market: Online Sales (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 50: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Online Sales (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 51: North America: Cheese Market: Sales through Other Distribution Channels (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 52: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Sales through Other Distribution Channels (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 53: North America: Cheese Market: Breakup by Format (in %), 2024
Figure 54: North America: Cheese (Slices) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 55: North America: Cheese (Slices) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 56: North America: Cheese (Diced/Cubes) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 57: North America: Cheese (Diced/Cubes) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 58: North America: Cheese (Shredded) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 59: North America: Cheese (Shredded) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 60: North America: Cheese (Blocks) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 61: North America: Cheese (Blocks) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 62: North America: Cheese (Spreads) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 63: North America: Cheese (Spreads) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 64: North America: Cheese (Liquid) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 65: North America: Cheese (Liquid) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 66: North America: Cheese (Other Formats) Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019 & 2024
Figure 67: North America: Cheese (Other Formats) Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 68: North America: Cheese Market: Breakup by Country (in %), 2024
Figure 69: United States: Cheese Market: Volume Trends (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2019-2024
Figure 70: United States: Cheese Market: Breakup by Source (in %), 2024
Figure 71: United States: Cheese Market: Breakup by Type (in %), 2024
Figure 72: United States: Cheese Market: Breakup by Product (in %), 2024
Figure 73: United States: Cheese Market: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in %), 2024
Figure 74: United States: Cheese Market: Breakup by Format (in %), 2024
Figure 75: United States: Cheese Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in '000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Figure 76: Canada: Cheese Market: Volume Trends (in '000 Metric Tons), 2019-2024
Figure 77: Canada: Cheese Market: Breakup by Source (in %), 2024
Figure 78: Canada: Cheese Market: Breakup by Type (in %), 2024
Figure 79: Canada: Cheese Market: Breakup by Product (in %), 2024
Figure 80: Canada: Cheese Market: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in %), 2024
Figure 81: Canada: Cheese Market: Breakup by Format (in %), 2024
Figure 82: Canada: Cheese Market Forecast: Volume Trends (in '000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
List of Tables
Table 1: North America: Cheese Market: Key Industry Highlights, 2024 and 2033
Table 2: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Breakup by Source (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Table 3: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Breakup by Type (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Table 4: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Breakup by Product (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Table 5: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Table 6: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Breakup by Format (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Table 7: North America: Cheese Market Forecast: Breakup by Country (in ‘000 Metric Tons), 2025-2033
Table 8: North America: Cheese Market: Competitive Structure
Table 9: North America: Cheese Market: Key Players

Table Information