The UAE cheese market size reached USD 450.04 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 703.57 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.09% during 2025-2033. The market is fueled by changing eating habits, growing health consciousness, and expanding demand in both retail and foodservice channels. Cheeses, ranging from premium to functional to plant-based, are being increasingly adopted by consumers from around the world, demonstrating global dining trends. Population growth, urbanization, and a thriving hospitality industry further fuel the growth in consumption. Ongoing innovation in product range and packaging is also boosting market penetration, enabling the accelerating UAE cheese market share.
Report Attribute
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024 |
Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024 | USD 450.04 Million |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 703.57 Million |
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033 | 5.09% |
Increased Demand for Specialty and Premium Cheese
The UAE market for cheese is going through a radical change with an amplifying demand for specialty and premium cheese types among customers. The demand is influenced by escalating disposable incomes, increased expatriate communities, and changing dietary habits brought about by Western-style diets. With heightening health awareness and information among UAE consumers, the demand is shifting toward artisanal cheeses produced from goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, and imported specialty cheeses renowned for unique textures and flavors. Shoppers are boosting shelf space for these types in hypermarkets and gourmet food stores, reflecting a positive market response. Additionally, domestic manufacture is slowly evolving to satisfy the high quality of specialty products, guaranteeing freshness and supply chain continuity. According to the reports, in May 2024, ZHO, Ma'an, and SLB opened an inclusive cheese factory in Abu Dhabi run by People of Determination to enhance economic empowerment, local dairy industry, and sustainable development through strategic partnership. Furthermore, UAE cheese market growth is facilitated by such changing consumer aspirations and the general direction in the UAE toward premiumization of the food and beverages business, indicative of a matured market with varied tastes.
Impact of Healthy and Functional Diets
With the health movement gaining popularity throughout the UAE, cheese eating habits are being redirected towards healthier, low-fat, and high-protein choices. Shoppers are becoming more interested in purchasing products bearing additional nutritional benefits, such as calcium-enriched, probiotic, or low-sodium cheeses. As per the sources, in November 2024, Lifeway Foods broadened its UAE footprint by introducing kefir, lactose-free versions, ProBugs for children, and farmer cheese in response to increasing demand for functional and fermented dairy products. Moreover, this trend is seen especially among young working professionals and sports enthusiasts who view cheese as a functional food or ingredient to be used as part of their fitness objectives. Secondly, plant-based and lactose-free cheese substitutes are gaining traction among health-conscious groups such as those with dietary restrictions or ethical motivations. Urban eateries in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi also include such types on health-focused menus. These shifts in consumption patterns mirror the overall UAE cheese market trends, which are occasioned by an intersection of wellness, innovation, and functional food demand. Consequently, the market is quickly diversifying and meeting changing nutritional requirements without sacrificing flavor or culinary experience.
Increased Consumption of Cheese in Foodservice Sector
The foodservice segment is leading the growth in cheese consumption and is a key driver in the UAE. With a booming hospitality sector, with international restaurant chains, luxury hotels, and a thriving café culture, demand for cheese as a fundamental ingredient of Western and fusion food is growing steadily. All popular dishes like pizzas, burgers, baked goods, and salads are adding to the demand, and chefs are consistently experimenting with cheese-based foods to add to menu attractions. Furthermore, increasing popularity of quick-service restaurants and gourmet food trucks in urban areas has further opened up cheese consumption. Coupled with the nation's tourism-led economy, where varied culinary expectations of foreign tourists dictate menu structures, menu compositions become a resultant function. Against the backdrop of UAE cheese market trends, the foodservice industry is an active platform for innovation in bringing new types of cheese and formats. This guarantees ongoing interaction with consumers and sustains constant demand outside of family consumption.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on source, type, product, format, and distribution channel.
Source Insights:
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.
Type Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type have also been provided in the report. This includes natural and processed.
Product Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, roquefort, and others.
Format Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the format have also been provided in the report. This includes slices, diced/cubes, shredded, blocks, spreads, liquid, and others.
Distribution Channel Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online, and others.
Regional Insights:
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Million USD |
Scope of the Report |
Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
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Sources Covered | Cow Milk, Buffalo Milk, Goat Milk, Others |
Types Covered | Natural, Processed |
Products Covered | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, Roquefort, Others |
Formats Covered | Slices, Diced/Cubes, Shredded, Blocks, Spreads, Liquid, Others |
Distribution Channels Covered | Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online, Others |
Regions Covered | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Others |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Questions Answered in This Report:
Key Benefits for Stakeholders: