Global Cheese Manufacturing Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, Russia-Ukraine War Impact, Tariff Analysis, By Milk Source (Cow, Goat, Buffalo, and Others), By Product (Processed cheese and Non processed cheese), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and Online retail), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2025 - 2035

Cheese Manufacturing Market Summary, Size & Emerging Trends

According to Spherical Insights, the Global Cheese Manufacturing Market Size is Expected to Grow from USD 151.8 Billion in 2024 to USD 185.5 Billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 1.84% during the forecast period 2025-2035. An increasing consumption of cheese in snacks, bakery, and cuisines is a key growth driver for the global cheese manufacturing market.

Key Market Insights

• Europe is expected to account for the largest share in the cheese manufacturing market during the forecast period.
• In terms of milk source, the cow segment is projected to lead the cheese manufacturing market in terms of milk source throughout the forecast period
• In terms of product, the processed cheese segment captured the largest portion of the market
• In terms of distribution channel, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment led the cheese manufacturing market during the forecast period.

Global Market Forecast and Revenue Outlook

• 2024 Market Size: USD 151.8 Billion
• 2035 Projected Market Size: USD 185.5 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2035): 1.84%
• Europe: Largest market in 2024
• Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market

Cheese Manufacturing Market

The cheese manufacturing market is the global and regional industry for producing and selling cheese products, including natural and processed varieties. Consumers' growing need for convenient foods, diverse cuisines, and health-conscious options is driving the cheese manufacturing demand. In cheese manufacturing, a variety of milks, bacterial cultures, enzymes, molds, environmental conditions, and technical processes are used. Hundreds of varieties of cheese are made throughout the world. Cheese making is considered a form of food preservation through the process of milk fermentation, requiring several essential steps. There is an increased use of cheese as an ingredient in popular fast food items like pizza, sandwiches, and other similar products, with increased adoption of ethnic cuisines like Italian and Mexican.   

Cheese Manufacturing Market Trends

• Plant-based and lactose-free alternatives, emphasizing health-conscious options such as low-fat and organic cheeses
• Demand for artisanal and specialty cheeses with unique flavors and the globalization of culinary trends
• Sustainable production methods and e-commerce expansion

Cheese Manufacturing Market Dynamics

Driving Factors: The increased consumption of natural cheese and demand for plant-based cheese are driving growth in the cheese manufacturing market

The growth of the cheese manufacturing market is driven by the growing consumption of natural and organic-based cheese, with increasing veganism trends, consumers' growing health consciousness, and the demand for products free from artificial ingredients. Natural cheese is widely used in various culinary applications. Manufacturers' growing focus on launching plant-based cheese products is anticipated to propel the market of cheese manufacturing.  

Restrain Factors: The cheese manufacturing market faces challenges due to increasing consumer awareness regarding the ill effects of cheese

The health effects related to excessive cheese consumption involve obesity, increased cholesterol levels, and heart disease. These factors may result in reduced adoption, thereby hampering the cheese manufacturing market.

Opportunity: High usage of cheese in snacks, bakery items, and fusion cuisines is creating growth opportunities in the cheese manufacturing market

There is an increasing demand for cheese, with changing inclination towards convenience and rich flavour driving the use of cheese in ready-to-eat snacks, stuffed breads, pastries, and cross-cultural dishes. Cheese-based products, including snacks, are increasingly consumed, particularly among urban youth and working professionals.

Challenges: In the Cheese Manufacturing market, fluctuation in raw material prices

Raw material price fluctuation owing to variable weather conditions affects the overall production cost, which may ultimately restrict the cheese manufacturing market growth.

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market Ecosystem Analysis

The Global Cheese Manufacturing Market ecosystem includes raw material suppliers, cheese makers, processors, distributors, retailers, and end-users. Advancement in cheese manufacturing, with increased focus on creating healthier and more sustainable products, includes biotechnological advancement and mechanization, and automation. Market growth is driven by the increased consumption of natural cheese and demand for plant-based cheese, while fluctuating raw material prices and the ill effects of cheese remain challenges. Opportunities lie in emerging markets, with increased usage of cheese in various bakery items and fusion cuisines.

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market, By Milk Source

The cow segment led the cheese manufacturing market, generating the largest market share. This dominance can be attributed to the widespread availability of cow milk and efficient processing methods. Well-known varieties of cheese manufactured from cow’s milk are Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, Swiss, and Mozzarella.

The goat segment in the cheese manufacturing market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, driven by consumers' increasing preference for goat cheese due to health benefits and lower lactose content. Goat cheese, also known as chèvre cheese, is a fresh, rindless log of goat cheese that has increased accessibility.

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market, By Product

The processed cheese segment held the largest share in the cheese manufacturing market, due to increased adoption of cheese in developing regions, due to its longer shelf life. An increasing consumer health awareness, driving demand for low-fat or reduced-sodium variants of processed cheese, is driving the market growth. 

The non processed segment in the cheese manufacturing market is projected to register a significant CAGR, driven by the lower or no presence of preservatives, which is appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market, By Distribution Channel

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment dominated the cheese manufacturing market during the predicted timeframe. This is attributed to consumers' prioritization of purchasing from this segment and adoption of convenient stores. Supermarkets/hypermarkets have a broad reach, convenience, and extensive product offerings.

The specialty stores segment held a significant share in the market during the projected timeframe, due to the growing popularity of specialty stores, as the stores provide local, imported, artisanal, and specialty cheese products.

Europe is expected to account for the largest share of the cheese manufacturing market during the forecast period, driven by the growing health awareness, innovation in cheese varieties, and popularity of convenient foods and snacks. The region's strong cultural connection to cheese consumption, especially in traditional cheese-producing nations, is propelling the market.

The United Kingdom is experiencing steady growth in the cheese manufacturing market, fueled by the growing internet penetration rates and increasing popularity of online grocery shopping. Consumers' inclination towards artisanal types and easy-to-eat snacking formats is propelling the cheese manufacturing market. 

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the cheese manufacturing market during the forecast period.

This rapid growth is driven by the extensive use of cheese for preparing burgers, pasta, pizza, and other fast food items. Adoption of Western food culture is driving the adoption of mozzarella and cheddar, thereby escalating the market growth.

South Korea is rapidly expanding in the cheese manufacturing market, due to the growing health awareness and demand for premium and artisanal variants. Further, the integration of IoT enables sensors and automation in cheese vats for enhancing process control, quality management, and traceability is propelling the market.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the cheese manufacturing market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

WORLDWIDE TOP KEY PLAYERS IN THE CHEESE MANUFACTURING MARKET INCLUDE

• Groupe Lactalis
• Arla Foods Group
• Fonterra Co-operative Group
• Saputo Inc.
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• FrieslandCampina
• Lactalis Ingredients
• Wensleydale Creamery
• Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
• Savencia SA
• Norseland Ltd.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Product Launches in Cheese Manufacturing

• In August 2025, Fonterra’s manufacturing site in Eltham is ramping up its cheese production to keep up with rising demand ahead of the upcoming season. The site is upgrading its production lines for processed cheese and adding a new shift for its Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) Mozzarella.

• In May 2024, NewMoo redefined Cheese production with plant-based innovation. Leveraging plant molecular farming, NewMoo's caseins offer the same taste, texture, and functionality as dairy proteins, ensuring no compromise on quality

Investment and Funding in Cheese Manufacturing

• In June 2025, Arla Foods announced a new investment of 59.4 mEUR in expanding the cream cheese capacity in Holstebro Dairy, Denmark, to address global cream cheese growth.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the cheese manufacturing market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market, By Milk Source 

• Cow
• Goat
• Buffalo
• Others

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market, By Product

• Processed Cheese
• Non processed cheese

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market, By Distribution Channel 

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail

Global Cheese Manufacturing Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa