Europe Cheese Market

Europe Cheese Market:

The Europe cheese market size reached USD 44.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 66.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.24% during 2025-2033. The increasing health awareness, ongoing innovations in cheese varieties, expansion of distribution channels, and the growing popularity of convenience foods and snacks, are primarily propelling the industry's growth.

Europe Cheese Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: An enhanced focus towards organic products, the rising health consciousness, increased snacking trends, and the expanding food service sector are propelling the market's growth. Moreover, the growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethically produced food products is influencing cheese production practices, with an emphasis on organic and responsibly sourced ingredients, thereby escalating the European cheese market demand.
• Key Market Trends: The growing trend towards healthier cheese options, such as low-fat, reduced-sodium, and lactose-free varieties, is driving the market's growth. Apart from this, the ongoing innovation in the field of cheese production, embracing sophisticated techniques from pasteurization to aging, is reshaping the landscape, further propelling the industry's demand.
• Competitive Landscape: The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
• Geographical Trends: The rich cheese culture and tradition in France drive high consumption and innovation in cheese varieties. Moreover, a growing interest in artisanal and specialty cheeses drives market growth in the United Kingdom, with consumers seeking unique products.
• Challenges and Opportunities: High competition among key players and rising health concerns, such as lactose intolerance, are hampering the market's growth. However, developing healthier cheese options, such as low-fat, reduced-sodium, or lactose-free varieties, presents an opportunity to attract health-conscious consumers and cater to dietary restrictions.

Europe Cheese Market Trends:

Growing Health Consciousness

Cheese is often perceived as a healthier alternative to many processed snacks due to its high protein and calcium content. For instance, according to an article published by Healthline, cheese is an excellent source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains significant levels of vitamin A and B12, as well as zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Additionally, with the availability of low-fat and reduced-sodium varieties, cheese is being marketed as part of a balanced diet, attracting health-conscious consumers. These factors are further positively influencing the Europe cheese market forecast.

Expanding Foodservice Sector

The expansion of the food service industry, including restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, has driven the demand for diverse cheese varieties. For instance, according to IMARC, the Germany foodservice market is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.60% during 2024-2032. Chefs and food service operators are increasingly incorporating specialty cheeses into their menus to offer unique and appealing dishes. These factors are further contributing to the Europe cheese market share.

Product Innovations

Continuous innovations in cheese production processes, including the development of new flavors, textures, and types of cheese, are stimulating market growth. This includes everything from plant-based cheese alternatives to exotic blends that cater to evolving consumer tastes. For instance, in March 2024, Formo and Those Vegan Cowboys formed an R&D partnership to develop casein proteins and introduce animal-free cheeses to the EU market. These factors are augmenting the market growth.

Europe Cheese Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Europe cheese market report, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on source, type, product, distribution channel and format.

Breakup by Source:

• Cow Milk
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, and others.

Cheese made from cow’s milk is typically mild, creamy, and versatile. Cow's milk is used to produce a wide range of cheeses, from soft and fresh varieties like mozzarella to aged cheeses like cheddar and gouda. Moreover, buffalo milk has a higher fat content than cow’s milk, which results in richer, creamier cheese with a slightly more intense flavor. Cheeses like mozzarella di bufala and ricotta are well-known products made from buffalo milk. Besides this, goat milk cheese is known for its distinct tangy and earthy flavors. The cheese often has a crumbly or creamy texture, depending on the aging process.

Breakup by Type:

• Natural
• Processed
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market has been provided based on the type. This includes natural and processed.

According to the Europe cheese market overview, the increasing interest in authentic, artisanal, and high-quality food products drives the demand for natural cheese. Consumers often seek out natural cheese for its rich flavors and traditional production methods. While processed cheese offers convenience in terms of storage, preparation, and consistency. It’s easy to slice, melt, and use in a variety of quick and easy recipes, making it popular for busy consumers. Also, processed cheese is generally less expensive than natural cheese due to its production methods and longer shelf life. It’s often used in large-scale foodservice operations and by budget-conscious consumers.

Breakup by Product:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market has been provided based on the product. This includes mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, Roquefort, and others.

Mozzarella is a staple in Italian dishes like pizza, lasagna, and Caprese salad. The global popularity of Italian cuisine drives the product demand. Moreover, cheddar’s versatility means it is used in a variety of products, from sandwiches and burgers to sauces and snacks. Apart from this, the popularity of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, boosts demand for feta, which is a key component of this diet. Furthermore, parmesan, particularly Parmigiano-Reggiano, is valued for its quality and complex flavor. Also, parmesan’s strong, nutty flavor makes it a favorite for grating over pasta, salads, and other dishes, expanding its use in home cooking and professional kitchens.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

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

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market has been provided based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online, and others.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer a broad range of cheese products, from everyday staples like cheddar and mozzarella to specialty cheeses like Roquefort and imported varieties. The extensive selection caters to diverse consumer preferences and needs. Moreover, convenience stores cater to consumers looking for quick and easy meal solutions or snacks. Packaged cheese, cheese sticks, and single-serving portions are popular in this setting. Besides this, specialty stores focus on high-quality, artisanal, and gourmet cheeses. They offer a curated selection that includes unique and rare varieties, appealing to cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Furthermore, online shopping provides the convenience of home delivery, making it easy for consumers to purchase cheese without visiting physical stores. This is particularly appealing for those with busy lifestyles or limited access to specialty stores, thereby positively influencing the Europe cheese market outlook.

Breakup by Format:

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

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market has been provided based on format. This includes slices, diced/cubes, shredded, blocks, spreads, liquid, and others.

Cheese slices offer convenience for quick meals, sandwiches, and snacks, making it popular among busy consumers and families. While diced or cubed cheese is popular for snacks, cheese platters, and appetizers, offering an easy-to-serve format for social gatherings and entertainment. Moreover, shredded cheese is convenient for cooking and baking, melting easily and evenly in dishes like pizzas, casseroles, and nachos. Furthermore, cheese blocks provide freshness and allow consumers to cut or shred their own cheese, offering control over the size and texture of the pieces. Besides this, cheese spreads are ready to use and easy to apply to crackers, bread, and vegetables, making them a popular choice for quick snacks and appetizers. Apart from this, liquid cheese is used in ready-to-eat foods, sauces, and snacks, offering convenience for quick preparation and consumption. As per the Europe cheese industry overview, this is acting as a significant growth-inducing factor.

Breakup by Country:

• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Others
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market has been provided based on country. This includes Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others.

According to the Europe cheese market statistics, France is renowned for its extensive cheese production and consumption. With a rich tradition of cheese-making, France produces a wide variety of cheeses, including Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, and Comté. The country’s cheese culture is deeply embedded in culinary traditions, driving both domestic consumption and exports. Moreover, Italy is famous for cheeses like parmesan, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and Pecorino. Italian cheese is integral to Italian cuisine, driving high domestic consumption and significant export activity. The rise of Italian restaurants and Italian cuisine worldwide also boosts the demand for Italian cheeses.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players, including:

• Meiji Holdings Co., Limited
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Mondelez International
• Arla Food
• Glanbia plc
• FrieslandCampina Professional
• Saputo Inc.
• Savencia Fromage & Dairy
• DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GMBH
• Bel Group
• The Ilchester Cheese Company
• Lactalis Group

Europe Cheese Market News:

• August 2024: SimplyV, a plant-based cheese manufacturer, launched their grated vegan parmesan, ParmVegan, made with a coconut and almond base, in Ocado, UK.
• May 2024: Boermarke, a Dutch dairy alternatives producer, developed a new range of plant-based cheese with added vitamins and 10% protein.
• March 2024: Formo and Those Vegan Cowboys formed an R&D partnership to develop casein proteins and introduce animal-free cheeses to the EU market.

Europe Cheese Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the Europe cheese market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the Europe cheese market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the source?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the product?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the distribution channel?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the format?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?
• What is the structure of the Europe cheese market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the industry?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Europe cheese market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Europe cheese market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within the region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Europe cheese industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.