Cheese Market Report 2026

The cheese market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $303.14 billion in 2025 to $324.75 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in dairy farming activities, rising consumption of western food products, expansion of cold chain infrastructure, increased availability of processed cheese formats, growth of foodservice sector.

The cheese market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $437.61 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for premium cheese products, rising adoption of clean-label dairy products, expansion of plant-based and specialty cheese alternatives, growing e-commerce dairy sales, increasing focus on sustainable dairy practices. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand for artisanal and specialty cheeses, rising consumption of processed cheese products, expansion of cheese-based food applications, enhanced focus on product quality and consistency, increasing innovation in cheese varieties.

The rising demand for fast food is anticipated to drive the growth of the cheese market in the coming years. Fast food includes meals that are prepared and served quickly, typically by restaurants and food outlets designed for rapid service. Fast food supports cheese market growth, as cheese is commonly used as a core ingredient or topping in many fast-food items to enhance taste, texture, and overall consumer appeal. For instance, in 2023, according to Budget Branders, a U.S.-based food and beverage company, approximately $200 billion was spent on fast food in the United States, a figure projected to increase to $931.7 billion by 2027. Additionally, around 50 million Americans consume fast food daily. Therefore, the growing demand for fast food is contributing to the expansion of the cheese market.

Leading companies in the cheese market are increasingly focusing on the development of innovative solutions, such as plant-based mac & cheese, to meet critical industry demands. Plant-based mac & cheese is a dairy-free alternative to the classic dish, featuring pasta and a creamy sauce made from nuts or vegetables, offering a vegan option that replicates the traditional flavors. For example, in November 2023, Kraft Heinz, a US-based food company, launched its plant-based mac & cheese. This product is designed to meet the growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives, providing a creamy and comforting experience akin to traditional Kraft Mac & Cheese, but without dairy. Kraft Not-Mac & Cheese is set to be rolled out nationwide in early 2024, catering to evolving consumer preferences and expanding Kraft Heinz’s plant-based product offerings across various categories. The company is also leveraging AI technology to enhance the creation of appealing plant-based foods.

In April 2025, Gellert Global Group, a U.S.-based multinational food and beverage company specializing in imported food products, acquired Heartisan Foods, LLC, for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Gellert Global Group seeks to broaden its specialty cheese portfolio and enhance its manufacturing, packaging, and distribution capabilities across the United States, particularly in branded and private-label cheese offerings. Heartisan Foods, LLC, is a U.S.-based cheese manufacturing company focused on producing flavored and smoked cheese varieties.

Major companies operating in the cheese market are Groupe Lactalis S.A., Saputo Inc, The Kraft Heinz Company, Fonterra Group Cooperative Limited, Arla Foods amba, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Frieslandcampina, Alfa SA.B. de C.V., Agropur cooperative, Land O'Lakes Inc., Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Bel Group, Sargento Foods Inc., Tillamook County Creamery Association, Cabot Creamery, Leprino Foods Company, Emmi Group, Glanbia plc, Murray's Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove Chevre Inc., Darigold Inc., DCI Cheese Company, Gossner Foods, Groupe Bel, Marin French Cheese Co., Kraft Foods Group Inc., Alouette Cheese USA LLC, Organic Valley, Sartori Company, Schreiber Foods Inc., Swiss Valley Farms.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the cheese market in 2025. North America was the second-largest region in the cheese market. The regions covered in the cheese market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the cheese market report are China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa.

The cheese market consists of sales of mozzarella, cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, cottage cheese, brie, brick cheese, swiss cheese, spreads, and other cheese. The companies in the industry package and distribute their products through various distribution channels to both individual customers and commercial establishments. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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