U.S. Cheese Market Size

The global cheese market has experienced consistent demand and is projected to reach 29,398.75 kilo tons by 2023, marking a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.90% from 2017 to 2023. The market's growth is propelled by diverse demand across various food industries, particularly in fast-food snacks, cheese spreads, bakery foods, and cheese processing.

In 2017, Europe was the dominant market, capturing 57.11% of the market share, followed by North America with a share of 25.73%. Major cheese producers in Europe include Germany and France, where changing consumer consumption patterns, especially the rising use of cheese as an accompaniment to alcohol, have positively impacted the market. In North America, the United States is a key player, notably in the bakery food sector, which contributes significantly to the cheese market's growth globally.

In terms of cheese source, whole cow milk held the largest market share at 64.42% in 2017, followed by skimmed cow milk at approximately 28.86%. The consumer preference for cheese sourced from cow milk supports the dominance of cow milk-based cheese in the market.

When categorized by cheese type, fresh cheese accounted for the highest share, around 23.73% in 2017, followed by hard cheese with a market share of 19.59%. Consumer inclination towards fresh cheese varieties plays a pivotal role in meeting consumer satisfaction, while the longer shelf-life of hard cheese contributes to its popularity.

In the realm of cheese product types, cheddar cheese led the market with a share of approximately 27.54% in 2017, followed closely by mozzarella cheese at 25.98%. Mozzarella cheese dominates the North American market, whereas Cheddar cheese consumption is higher in Europe.

Considering cheese applications, fast-food snacks held a substantial share of about 24.48% in 2017, expected to rise to 25.72% by 2023. Bakery food applications are projected to hold a share of 16.81% by 2023. The demand for cheese in fast-foods remains strong, driven by global shifts in food consumption patterns.

Cheese is crafted through the meticulous processing of curd, a process that involves ripening to impart distinctive textures, flavors, and aromas to the final product. Its production hinges on a blend of enzymatic and acid activities, with aging playing a pivotal role in achieving the desired characteristics. Various milk sources like cow, buffalo, sheep, and goat contribute to the diverse array of cheeses available worldwide. There exists a myriad of cheese varieties, among them the commonly relished ones such as mozzarella, cheddar, feta, blue cheese, and many more. These cheeses are categorized based on their distinct processing techniques and aging periods.

Rich in calcium, protein, phosphorus, sodium, and saturated fat, cheese stands as a significant source of essential nutrients. Its versatility has made it a staple across numerous food industries, allowing for its widespread application in various culinary endeavors.