Guatemala Cheese Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The Guatemala cheese market size reached a value of USD 168.05 Million in 2024. The market is further expected to maintain a CAGR of 5.20% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a value of around USD 278.99 Million by 2034.

News and Developments in Latin America

In June 2023, Kraft Heinz Company released a statement that within the next five years, Latin America will grow at a rate twice as fast as the rest of the world's markets . The company may include dairy products such as cream, cheese, ketchups, snacks, and many more products.

The corporation intends to invest in expanding the capacity of its plants in the area since they see this as the largest driver of future business growth. The region is currently the fourth-largest market outside of the United States for Chicago-based Kraft Heinz, after Australia, Canada, and Britain.

Kraft Heinz, owned by Berkshire Hathaway and the 3G fund and run by Brazilian industrialists Jorge Paulo Lemann, Marcel Telles, and Carlos Alberto Sicupira, is broadening its product offerings to appeal to an area with around 650 million potential customers. This expansion is expected to drive the Guatemala cheese market growth.

Rising Number of Quick Service Restaurants, Availability of Flavoured Products, and Expanding Fast Food Industry to be Among the Key Trends

Cheese is a highly appetising dish made from milk that comes in a variety of textures, flavours, and aromas. It is currently accessible in thousands of different types worldwide. The raw material, such as the breed and type of milk-producing animals, grazing, and climatic elements taken into consideration during the manufacturing process, determines the differentiation between texture and taste.

Vitamin B found in the product can help lower blood pressure if the sodium content is modest. Some content of the product is also known for preventing cancer. The preparation process entails standardisation, pasteurisation, and other processes that result in the manufacture of various types.

• The increasing number of fast service restaurants is driving the market growth. The Guatemala cheese market value is rising with the rising number of these restaurants, which are extensively using the product in their dishes.
• The development of several flavoured products, such as red chilli flakes, pepper, oregano pickle, and garlic, among others is driving the market growth.
• The increasing size of the convenience and fast-food industry as a result of the expanding working population and their changing dietary habits, is increasing the demand for the product.
• Other factors driving the market growth include growing impact of western cuisines and rising disposable incomes.

Rising Innovations, Increasing Packaged Meals and Organised Retail Outlets to Provide Significant Opportunities to the Market

Rising Product Innovations

New prospects are opening up in the market due to the growing demand for low-fat cheese and numerous innovations to enhance the taste and quality of the products.

Increasing Demand for Packaged Meals

The demand is increasing due to the impacts of fast westernisation in the developing regions. The Guatemala cheese market share is anticipated to rise due to the rapid rise in consumer demand for packaged meals.

Increasing Number of Organised Retail Outlets

Numerous global companies are currently investing in the market as a result of the rise of organised retail stores, which is anticipated to fuel the market expansion in Guatemala.

Rising Health-Consciousness Among Consumers and Stringent Regulations to Pose as Major Challenges for the Market Growth

Rise in Health Consciousness Among People

The Guatemala cheese market development is anticipated to be hampered by the rising health issues like obesity, rising health consciousness among consumers, the unhealthy components found in processed cheese, and the perishable nature of the goods.

Stringent Regulatory Legislations

The strict regulatory laws governing the distribution of the product are expected to make it difficult for the market to expand. The labelling regulations may raise packaging and labelling costs, which has an impact on the end product's pricing. The limited customer acceptance is thus a challenge for the market.

Guatemala Cheese Market Segmentation

The report titled “Guatemala Cheese Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Source

• Cow Milk
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Others

Market Breakup by Type

• Fresco
• Double Cream
• Panela
• Amarillo
• Crema
• Chihuahua
• Manchego
• Oaxaca
• Others

Market Breakup by Format

• Slices
• Diced/Cubes
• Shredded
• Blocks
• Spreads
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channels

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Speciality Stores
• Online
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North and North East
• Central and Guatemala City
• North West
• South East and South West

Cow Milk, Buffalo Milk, and Goat Milk are the Key Sources

According to the Guatemala cheese market research report, the cow milk segment is expected to account for the highest revenue. This is driven by the fact that cow milk contains protein and fat, which give the product its flavour and texture.

Additionally, cow's milk is pasteurised before the manufacturing process begins by being heated to a certain temperature and then quickly being cooled. The bacteria in milk are then destroyed by heating.

Buffalo milk is abundant in calcium and protein and is also low in cholesterol, making this mozzarella cheese especially prized and sought after. Buffalo mozzarella is usually wrapped in brine; it has a mild yet sour flavour and pairs well with a variety of Italian antipasti dishes, including classics like the Caprese salad.

Feta, chévre, Crottin de Chavignol, Valençay, intoxicated goat cheese, and geitost are a few examples prepared traditionally from goat milk. Ricotta, mozzarella, paneer, yoghurt, cheddar, brie, and blues, among others, can also be made from goat milk. Such characteristics are increasing the use of cheese in the Guatemala cheese market value.

Major Types include Fresco, Double Cream, Panela, Amarillo, Cream, Chihuahua, Manchego, and Oaxaca

White cheese known as queso fresco or fresh cheese is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine because it is mild, soft, and slightly acidic. Similar to cotija cheese, it is readily crumbled and frequently used as a topping on foods like enchiladas and tacos.

Double cream cheese, often known as cream cheese, is a spreadable, soft, paste-like cheese with a little tart flavour. Panela cheese is a pasteurised cow's milk cheese that is white, fresh, and smooth. It is typically offered as a component of appetisers like nopal salads or quesadillas.

According to the Guatemala cheese market report, chihuahua cheese keeps its shape well when it melts. Major uses for it include enchiladas and quesadillas, fondues, breaded and fried or egg meals, and simple snacking.

Manchego is a type that can be eaten alone or with nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts . Additionally, it goes well with figs, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Oaxaca cheese is an ideal filling for quesadillas, enchiladas, and poblano peppers. It melts readily and has a mild, creamy flavour.

Slices, Diced/Cubes, Shredded, Blocks, and Spreads are the Several Formats Explored in the Guatemala Cheese Market Report

Cheese slice is made from a blend Colby and cheddar. Sliced cheese can be divided into processed, natural, blue, and soft cheese.

Cow, sheep, goat, or a combination of the three types of milk are used to make cheese cubes. They are prepared for consumption because they also include salt.

Shredded cheese is either blended with other ingredients or used as a topping in salads, sandwiches, soups, pizza, lasagna, and a variety of other savoury dishes. There are several flavours available, including mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss. These widespread uses of the product are adding to the Guatemala cheese market demand.

One or more semi-hard or semi-soft cheeses are blended with additional ingredients such vegetables, fruits, meat, herbs, and spices, and components that are spread on crackers or toast to make cheese spread.

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Speciality Stores, and Online Channels Among the Major Distribution Channels

The online market for the purchasing of food items, particularly cheese, is expanding quickly as a result of rising internet usage. Amazon, Walmart, Carrefour, and other vertical experts have been interested in this industry as it grows in e-retailing, and they are striving for a sizeable share of the online cheese industry. Thus, the increasing use of online channels is accelerating the Guatemala cheese market forecast.

Additionally, the easy access to products in supermarkets and convenience stores is fuelling the expansion of this segment. Nowadays supermarkets have also started home delivery, which is being increasingly preferred by the working population as it saves time.

Rising Consumption Likely to Propel the Regional Growth

The Guatemala cheese market is being driven by the growing consumption in Latin America. The inclusion of the product in packaged food and ready-to-eat meals is anticipated to gain traction due to the growing emphasis on natural and healthy components in food and beverage products, which will spur the expansion in the region.

The growing demand for premium cheese is forcing producers to release organic and premium cheese with product certifications. In the next years, the demand for authentic cheese and cheese-based products will be fuelled by rising interest in international cuisine and unique flavour profiles in culinary ingredients.

The consumers in the region are inclining towards environmentally friendly and vegan products as a result of growing awareness of animal cruelty. The preference is also changing due to the region's expanding carbon footprint brought on by the consumption of foods derived from animals, such as milk, honey, eggs, meat, pork, and seafood. This is increasing the consumption of vegan cheese, thereby increasing the Guatemala cheese market share in the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model and giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following companies in Guatemala, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, expansion, and investments plans.

Lactolac, SA de CV

Lactolac, SA de CV produces, distributes, and markets foods of high nutritional quality, competitive at an international level, exceeding the expectations of the customers. It is dedicated to manufacturing and marketing dairy products that adhere to high safety and quality requirements and follow local and international laws and regulations. Among other cheeses, it makes mozzarella, cheddar, and yellow processed cheese.

Lacteos de Honduras S.A. de C. V

Lacteos de Honduras S.A. de C. V- With a focus on the development, production, and marketing of milk, powdered milk, milkshakes, fruit juices, orange juice, creams, cheeses, yoghurt, and water, Lacthosa is the top company in the dairy industry in Honduras. The business has operations in Guatemala, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Grand Cayman.

Sigma Alimentos, S.A de C.V.

Sigma Alimentos, S.A de C.V.- Sigma Alimentos, S.A de C.V. deals with producing, distributing, and selling chilled and frozen goods such cold meats, dry meats, cheese, yoghurt, prepared meals, and beverages. More than 590,000 clients are served by its 69 production facilities, which are located in North, Central, South, the Caribbean, and Europe.