Australia and New Zealand Cheese Market Outlook Report - Market Size, Share Analysis and Forecast (2025-2034)

The Australia and New Zealand cheese market size reached around 404.10 KMT in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.70% between 2025 and 2034 to reach nearly 527.46KMT by 2034.

The cheese market in Australia and New Zealand is mainly driven by the increased consumption of cheese in restaurants and the foodservice industry. The growth is higher in the developing regions owing to rising disposable incomes and expanding fast-food joints or quick-service restaurants (QSR). In 2022, the dairy sector of Australia accounted for 7.8% of the GDP.

Some of the factors driving the Australia and New Zealand cheese market growth are the growing popularity of clean-labelled products and the availability of various categories of cheeses such as parmesan, cheddar, and blue cheese. Retailers in Australia and New Zealand support their local brands, and sometimes cheese brands invest in these retailers to maintain a strong distribution channel.

Key Trends and Developments

Growth in disposable income; availability of premium quality artisanal cheeses; the expansion of quick service restaurants; and wide availability of speciality cheese are the major factors aiding the Australia and New Zealand cheese market growth

Australia and New Zealand Cheese Market Trends

The sale and consumption of unpackaged hard cheese in the region is supported by speciality retailers who recommend local cheeses to customers. Manufacturers also provide tasting stocks to these retailers. As a result, consumers can purchase a variety of cheeses by tasting them at a store, which aids their satisfaction. In Australia and New Zealand, 40% of milk was utilised for cheese production in 2022.

Furthermore, the manufacturing of dairy commodity products for export is mainly concentrated in South-Eastern Australia and includes cheddar, mozzarella cheese and other specialised cheese types. In 2021/22, Australia's per capita annual cheese consumption was approximately 15.1 kilograms. There are more non-cheddar cheese options available in Australia, though cheddar variations are still the most popular kind of consumed cheese.

Figure: Utilisation of Produced Milk in Australia, 2021-22

Market Segmentation

Australia and New Zealand Cheese Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type:

• Natural Cheese
• Processed Cheese

Market Breakup by Product:

• Cheddar and Cheddar Type
• Semi Hard Cheese
• Hard Grating Cheese
• Fresh Types
• Mould Ripened

Market Breakup by End Use:

• Retail
• Institutional

Natural cheese is expected to hold significant share of the Australia and New Zealand cheese market as it is inherently gluten-free.

Natural cheese is perceived as a healthier alternative to processed cheese due to its minimal processing and lack of artificial additives. Natural cheese comprises natural ingredients, including natural salts, colours, enzymes, and high-quality milk. Natural cheese is increasingly being incorporated into quick-service restaurants and fast-food chains.

Processed cheese has a longer shelf life and is more cost-effective than natural cheese. As a result, it is ideal for the fast-food sector. The expanding pizzerias and quick-service restaurants are increasingly incorporating such cheese. Pizzeria Amore Mio, D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, Frankie's Pizza and Via Napoli.

Sales of cheese from supermarkets and hypermarkets are likely to increase in the forecast period

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are anticipated to dominate the Australia and New Zealand cheese market share in the coming years. Supermarkets boast diverse cheese options, like blocks, grated cheese, slices, and snaking products, to meet consumers' needs for cooking and snacking. 32% of Australians eat cheese each day, but the average intake is less than a third of the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Cheese with the ‘Australian Made/Product of Australia’ logo is available at local farmer’s markets. Speciality retailers distribute premium and unpackaged cheese brands to customers and play a crucial role in recommending local cheeses to buyers.

The preference for online channels is driven by the availability of a variety of cheeses, such as parmesan, cheddar, and blue cheese, among others, delivered right to the doorstep.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the Australia and New Zealand cheese market are increasing their collaboration, partnership, and research and development activities to gain a competitive edge

Other key players in the Australia and New Zealand cheese market include Kraft Foods Limited and Arla Foods Mayer Australia Pty Ltd., among others.

Australia and New Zealand Cheese Market Analysis by Country

Australians are fond of cheeseboards for hospitality purposes. These cheeseboards often contain different types and textures of cheese such as hard cheese, semi-hard cheese, cheesy dips, and others. The foodservice sector is also a significant consumer of cheese as Australians' demand for products, such as pizzas and burgers, continues to rise.

Meanwhile, dairy farming plays a significant role in New Zealand’s economy. The favourable climatic conditions, soil, and abundant water availability in New Zealand create an ideal environment for dairy farming. This provides the ease of procuring milk to produce cheese for manufacturers.

Furthermore, consumers in New Zealand are becoming more discerning about the brands and products they consume. Adding to this, the idea of the “Buy NZ Made” ethos is driving consumers to purchase locally-produced cheese.