Europe Cheese Market Growth, Forecast, and Outlook 2025-2033

Market Overview

The Europe Cheese Market reached a size of USD 44.7 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 66.2 Billion by 2033. This growth is expected at a CAGR of 4.24% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. Factors such as increasing health awareness, innovations in cheese varieties, expanded distribution channels, and the rising popularity of convenience foods are driving this market growth. The report provides comprehensive insights on various segments and regional trends in the Europe Cheese Market (

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
• Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

Europe Cheese Market Key Takeaways

• Market Size in 2024: USD 44.7 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2033): 4.24%
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• The market growth is propelled by rising health consciousness, organic product focus, and an expanding foodservice sector.
• Growing consumer preference for sustainable and ethically produced food is escalating cheese demand.
• Innovations in cheese production techniques, from pasteurization to aging, support market expansion.
• France's strong cheese culture fuels consumption and innovation, while the UK sees growth from artisanal and specialty cheese interests.
• Challenges include high competition and health concerns like lactose intolerance, balanced by opportunities in healthier cheese options.

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Market Growth Factors

Health Consciousness and Organic Products

Factors driving the growth of the Europe cheese market include rising organic food consumption, growing demand for healthy food products, increasing snacking habits, and an expanding foodservice sector across Europe. Consumer demand for foods that are more sustainable and ethically produced has also increased cheese production using organic and responsibly farmed and sourced ingredients, which has been a major driver in the growth of market demand in Europe.

Innovation in Cheese Varieties and Production

A wide variety of methods is used in cheese production, including pasteurization, different curdling methods, and ripening. These processes and the flavors, textures, styles, and varieties of cheese produced continue to be refined. Cheese substitutes made with plants and other unique ingredients are also produced. Formo and Those Vegan Cowboys work together on research and development. They create animal-free cheeses that support market growth.

Expansion of Distribution Channels and Popularity of Convenience Foods

Distributing via supermarkets, specialty shops, convenience stores, and e-commerce increases accessibility. The growing demand for convenience food products, snacks, and cheese in various formats is also fueling the growth of the market. Furthermore, the increasing foodservice industry in various countries, including Germany, where foodservice is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.60% from 2024 to 2032, is expected to drive the demand for numerous cheese varieties.

Market Segmentation

Breakup by Source:

• Cow Milk: Produces mild, creamy, and versatile cheeses ranging from fresh mozzarella to aged cheddar and gouda.
• Buffalo Milk: Higher fat content than cow’s milk, resulting in richer and creamier cheeses like mozzarella di bufala and ricotta.
• Goat Milk: Known for distinct tangy and earthy flavors, with crumbly or creamy textures based on aging.
• Others

Breakup by Type:

• Natural: Demand driven by consumer preference for authentic, artisanal, and high-quality cheeses with rich flavors.
• Processed: Offers convenience in storage and preparation, popular for ease of slicing and melting, often used in foodservice and budget-conscious segments.

Breakup by Product:

• Mozzarella: Staple in Italian dishes such as pizza and lasagna, propelled by global popularity of Italian cuisine.
• Cheddar: Versatile in sandwiches, burgers, sauces, and snacks.
• Feta: Demand boosted by the Mediterranean diet known for health benefits.
• Parmesan: Valued for quality, strong nutty flavor, used in home cooking and professional kitchens.
• Roquefort
• Others

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Broad selection from everyday to specialty cheeses catering to diverse preferences.
• Convenience Stores: Catering quick meal and snack needs with packaged cheese sticks and single servings.
• Specialty Stores: Focus on high-quality, artisanal, and gourmet cheeses, appealing to enthusiasts.
• Online: Provides home delivery convenience, particularly beneficial for busy consumers or those lacking access to specialty stores.
• Others

Breakup by Format:

• Slices: Convenient for quick meals and sandwiches, popular among families and busy consumers.
• Diced/Cubes: Popular for snacks and appetizers, easy to serve in social settings.
• Shredded: Melts easily for cooking and baking in pizzas and casseroles.
• Blocks: Offers freshness and consumer control over slicing or shredding.
• Spreads: Ready-to-use for quick snacks and appetizers.
• Liquid: Used in ready-to-eat foods and sauces, enhancing preparation convenience.
• Others

Breakup by Country:

• Germany
• France: Renowned for extensive cheese production including Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, and Comté, deeply embedded in culinary traditions.
• United Kingdom: Market growth driven by artisanal and specialty cheese demand.
• Italy: Famous for parmesan, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and Pecorino, integral to Italian cuisine with strong export activity.
• Spain
• Others

Regional Insights

France dominates the Europe cheese market with its rich cheese culture and tradition, contributing significantly to high consumption and innovation in cheese varieties. Italy also plays a vital role, known for its famous cheeses and strong domestic and export markets. Germany's expanding foodservice sector with a projected CAGR of 10.60% during 2024-2032 further supports regional growth. The diversity in demand and production across these countries underscores Europe’s leading position in the global cheese market.

Recent Developments & News

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

Key Players

• 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

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