The global cheese market is witnessing a positive growth thanks to the nutritional value cheese provides, along with the growing awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits of cheese. The market for cheese is also driven by the growing acceptance of cheese as one of the key ingredients in various styles of cooking. Cheese is being used as a snacking item, apart from being used in other forms of cooking. The growing disposable income of the people in the emerging nations and of the middle class population will also help the sales of cheese. Growing urbanization in emerging economies and the rising trend of eating out will help the market to grow.
The fast food industry is growing across the globe, thanks to busy lifestyle and growing affordability. The increasing distribution channels will also aid the growth of the market. On the other hand, the adverse health effects of eating junk food such as pizza, will be one of the key restricting factors for the cheese market. An increasing number of people are becoming health conscious as conditions such as obesity and diabetes are on the rise. Also, the short shelf life of cheese will act as a challenge, affecting demand.
Players within the global cheese market are making use of different processing techniques, texture, taste, and the period of ageing. Many flavors of cheese are being introduced to attract an increasing number of consumers, according to research presented by TMR Research.
Global Cheese Market: Overview
Cheese is one of the most popularly consumed dairy products across the world due to its nutritional value and is formed by the coagulation of casein – a milk protein. Available in a wide range of flavors, aromas, textures, and forms, cheese is either consumed as a standalone food or is used in making a variety of cuisines all over the world.
With changing dietary habits and rise in fast food retail chains, there is a soaring demand for cheese worldwide, especially in developed nations. A large number of quick service restaurants in various regions, particularly in developing countries, are using cheese to endow a creative blend to the regional cuisines. The increasing worldwide consumption of cheese and cheese-based products as healthy dairy staple bodes promising for the growth of the global cheese market over the forecast period.
Global Cheese Market: Trends
The rapid pace of urbanization and the stellar rise in fast food joints in various regions have boosted the consumption of cheese. Driven by the rising disposable incomes of the consumers in different emerging regions, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and bakeries have witnessed enormous demand for processed cheese. In addition, the growing popularity of cheese as a nutritious dairy product in developing regions has spurred the consumption of cheese in these regions.
On the other hand, a large demand for unprocessed or natural cheese comes from established markets of North America and Europe, such as the U.S., the U.K., and France. The increased inspection efforts by the U.S. FDA in different cheese production facilities have found the instances of cheese contaminated with Listeria, a common source of food poisoning. For instance, the presence of contaminated cheese found in supermarkets has led to recall of some cheese brands from diary manufacturers in the U.S., adversely affecting the production of cheese in some parts of the nation. In addition, the rising health concerns of consumers dining out and the short shelf-life of various dairy products are likely to impede the market growth to an extent.
Global Cheese Market: Market Potential
Dairy manufacturers and companies are investing in finding innovative methods of cheese production, creating lucrative opportunities for market players. Various local cheese-makers are consistently focused on bring innovations in traditional cheese making techniques to produce a wide variety of cheese that are gaining popularity among consumers. Over the last few years, there has been a spate of competitions, especially in various developed countries, that award innovations in cheese making techniques. As a result, different types of cheese with varied flavors and textures are gaining popularity.
Two Dutch cheese-makers from Waikato in New Zealand have won awards in different categories at the 2017 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards, the most renowned cheese award of the nation. Meyer Gouda Cheese Ltd and Mercer Cheese bagged awards for the best commercial product and in the artisan category respectively. Both the companies specialize in traditional Gouda cheese and won accolades for bringing innovation to their native cheese making traditions.
Global Cheese Market: Regional Outlook
Europe is a prominent market for the consumption of cheese. The regional market has witnessed the soaring demand for cheese driven by an increased dependence on fast food restaurants. A large part of the population in several European countries are including cheese and cheese-based products in daily diet, which has triggered the consumption of cheese. Different emerging markets in Europe, such as Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Greece, are anticipated to witness a substantial demand for cheese in the coming years.
Asia Pacific is fast emerging as a lucrative market for cheese; the growth is attributed to rising disposable incomes, the growing popularity of dairy products, and fast food chains experimenting with cuisines made of cheese. Furthermore, the dipping profits of many dairy manufacturers in developing countries, most notably China, have led them to majorly venture into the cheese business, positively impacting the global market. The changing eating habits of people in emerging nations, such as India, Japan, and China will stimulate the demand for cheese and cheese-based products.
Global Cheese Market: Competitive Landscape
Companies, especially in emerging and established market, are focusing on developing new cheese products to consolidate their shares across major regions. Major players operating in this market include Alra Foods Inc., Mondelez International Group, Bongrain S.A., Amul, Saputo Inc, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd., Almarai Company Ltd., and Fromageries Bel S.A.