Japan Cheese Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Category (Cheddar, Processed Cheese, Spreadable Cheese, Flavored Cheese, and Others), By Source (Cow Milk, Buffalo Milk, Goat Milk, Sheep Milk, and Others), and Japan Cheese Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

Japan Cheese Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Japan Cheese Market Size was Estimated at USD 6,013.32 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.52% from 2025 to 2035
• The Japan Cheese Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 10,857.17 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the Japan Cheese Market is anticipated to reach USD 10,857.17 Million by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 5.52% from 2025 to 2035.  The Japan cheese market is driven by the increasing adoption of Western cuisine, leading to higher cheese consumption among Japanese consumers.

Market Overview

The Japan cheese market refers to the industry focused on cheese production, distribution, and consumption within Japan. It includes various types of cheese, such as natural, processed, and specialty cheeses, sourced from cow, buffalo, and goat milk. A growing number of wealthy and discriminating consumers are driving a change in the Japanese cheese market toward specialty and premium cheeses. Premium cheese sales are growing due to the growing demand for gourmet, artisanal, and high-quality cheeses, particularly among younger and middle-aged consumers. Exotic flavors, organic products, and distinctive textures that suit their refined palates will fetch a higher price from these customers. Furthermore, the growing appeal of cheese among health-conscious people is fueling the demand for artisanal cheeses produced using premium milk and natural ingredients.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Japan cheese market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Japan cheese market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Japan cheese market.

Driving Factors

The growing appeal of Western cuisine and expanding cheese consumption among Japanese consumers are two major drivers propelling the cheese business in Japan. Demand for a variety of cheeses is being fueled by the increased popularity of specialty and premium cheeses, especially among city people. The market is also growing as a result of Japan's developing food service sector, which is seeing an increase in foreign eateries serving cheese-based cuisine. The market's potential is further increased by health-conscious consumers looking for cheese selections that are higher in protein and lower in fat. Additionally, the popularity of ready-to-eat meals and the ease of packaged cheese products are increasing cheese consumption. Production process technological developments combined with creative cheese varieties and flavors are responding to shifting consumer tastes and propelling market growth.

Restraining Factors

Japan's cheese market faces many difficulties, including its high reliance on imported cheese, which leaves the sector vulnerable to changes in international prices and trade uncertainties. A significant amount of cheese is imported into Japan, mostly from the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

Market Segmentation

The Japan cheese market share is classified into category and source.

• The processed cheese segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The Japan cheese market is segmented by category into cheddar, processed cheese, spreadable cheese, flavored cheese, and others. Among these, the processed cheese segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Processed cheese has a large market share since it is inexpensive, has a longer shelf life, and is frequently used in prepared foods and fast food.

• The cow milk segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The Japan cheese market is segmented by source into cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, sheep milk, and others. Among these, the cow milk segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to its extensive availability, well-established dairy infrastructure, and consumer familiarity with goods produced from cow milk, cow milk currently holds a dominant market share.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Japan cheese market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product 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.

List of Key Companies

• Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
• Yili Group
• Mengniu Dairy
• Fonterra Co-operative Group (APAC Operations)
• Vinamilk
• Mother Dairy
• Parag Milk Foods
• Others

Key Target Audience

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

Market Segment

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

Japan Cheese Market, By Category

• Cheddar
• Processed Cheese
• Spreadable Cheese
• Flavored Cheese
• Others

Japan Cheese Market, By Source

• Cow Milk
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Sheep Milk
• Others