GITNUXREPORT 2025

Cheese Industry Statistics

Global cheese industry valued over $115 billion, driven by US, Europe growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

About 38% of total cheese consumption in the U.S. is in the form of sliced cheese

Statistic 2

The average American consumes about 38 pounds of cheese per year

Statistic 3

The global cheese consumption is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 4

Feta cheese sales in the U.S. increased by 15% in 2022

Statistic 5

The per capita cheese consumption in France exceeds 50 pounds annually

Statistic 6

Cheddar cheese remains the most popular cheese variety in the UK, with 35% of cheese sales

Statistic 7

Over 95% of U.S. households purchase cheese at least once a month

Statistic 8

The global sales of artisanal cheese grew by 7% in 2022, reflecting increased consumer interest in premium products

Statistic 9

The average age of cheese consumers in North America is 42 years, and this demographic trend influences marketing strategies

Statistic 10

The demand for lactose-free cheese has increased by 25% in Europe in 2023, driven by consumer health concerns

Statistic 11

Nearly 50% of U.S. cheese consumption occurs in restaurant and foodservice settings, indicating significant market segmentation

Statistic 12

The most common packaging format for cheese in North America is vacuum-sealed blocks, accounting for 60% of retail sales

Statistic 13

The rise of vegan cheese has led to a 12% increase in plant-based cheese sales globally in 2022, indicating a shift in consumer preferences

Statistic 14

Over 80% of cheese consumed globally is made from cow’s milk, with goat and sheep milk cheeses making up the remaining 20%

Statistic 15

The popularity of cheese in Asian markets is increasing, with projections suggesting a 10% CAGR through 2027, primarily fueled by Western cuisine influence

Statistic 16

In Australia, cheese consumption per capita is approximately 41 pounds annually, with an upward trend

Statistic 17

The most consumed cheese type in Mexico is Queso Fresco, accounting for 25% of cheese sales in retail outlets

Statistic 18

The use of probiotics in cheese production has increased by 20% in the last three years, aiming for health benefits and market differentiation

Statistic 19

Cheese is the second most consumed dairy product globally after milk, contributing significantly to dairy industry revenue

Statistic 20

Cheese sales in convenience stores increased by 12% in North America during 2022, reflecting changing shopping habits

Statistic 21

The average shelf life of processed cheese in retail is approximately 6 months under optimal storage conditions, affecting inventory and sales strategies

Statistic 22

Cheese packaging innovations, such as biodegradable wrappers, are expected to grow by 10% annually through 2025, driven by consumer demand for sustainability

Statistic 23

The top five cheese-consuming countries in 2022 were the United States, Germany, France, Italy, and Russia, contributing to over 60% of global intake

Statistic 24

The growth in specialty and organic cheese sales has contributed to an overall increase in the average retail price of cheese by about 4% annually over the past decade

Statistic 25

The average consumption of cheese per capita in Brazil is about 11 pounds annually, showing room for market growth

Statistic 26

The popularity of cheese in Middle Eastern cuisine is rising, with hummus and cheese-based snacks experiencing a 10% annual growth rate

Statistic 27

Cheese lactose content varies widely, with aged cheeses typically being lactose-free or low-lactose, influencing consumer choice

Statistic 28

The moisture content in soft cheese varieties like Brie and Camembert is typically between 50-60%, influencing texture and aging process

Statistic 29

The incidence of cheese-related food allergies reported in North America has increased slightly over the last five years, primarily in children under 5

Statistic 30

The global cheese market was valued at approximately $115 billion in 2022

Statistic 31

The cheese segment accounts for roughly 25% of the total dairy product market

Statistic 32

The global demand for plant-based cheese alternatives is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030

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Approximately 250 million people work in the cheese and dairy industry worldwide

Statistic 34

The U.S. cheese industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 35

Only about 10% of cheese sold in the U.S. is organic, indicating significant growth potential for organic cheese

Statistic 36

The world's leading cheese importing country is the United States, accounting for over 20% of total cheese imports

Statistic 37

The global organic cheese market is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8%

Statistic 38

The average retail price of cheese in the U.S. increased by 5% in 2023, partly due to supply chain costs

Statistic 39

The European Union subsidizes dairy farms, including cheese producers, to the tune of approximately €1 billion annually, to support rural economies

Statistic 40

The global halal cheese market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9%, driven by increasing Muslim population demands

Statistic 41

Artisan cheese producers constitute about 15% of the global cheese market, but their share is growing rapidly due to consumer interest in specialty products

Statistic 42

The average global cheese price increased by 3.5% in 2023, affected by inflation and supply chain issues

Statistic 43

The global cheese patents filed increased by 25% between 2019 and 2022, indicating ongoing innovation within the industry

Statistic 44

The global cheese market is segmented into natural cheese (70%), processed cheese (20%), and cheese alternatives (10%), by type, as of 2023

Statistic 45

The use of RFID technology in cheese supply chains has increased by 40% since 2019, improving traceability and quality control

Statistic 46

The United States is the largest producer of cheese, producing over 12 billion pounds annually

Statistic 47

Italy is the world's leading exporter of cheese, accounting for approximately 17% of global cheese exports

Statistic 48

Roquefort cheese production in France decreased by 10% in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions

Statistic 49

Approximately 70% of the world's cheese is produced in Europe

Statistic 50

Cheese production in New Zealand increased by 8% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Statistic 51

Cheese exports from the EU increased by 6% in 2022, reaching a total of 4.5 million tons

Statistic 52

Switzerland's Gruyère cheese production accounts for about 60% of the country's cheese exports

Statistic 53

In 2022, dairy farms in the U.S. produced over 220 billion pounds of milk, feeding the cheese industry

Statistic 54

The cheese aging process can take from several weeks up to 2 years, depending on type, influencing production costs and timelines

Statistic 55

The cheese industry has seen a 20% reduction in waste with improved inventory management practices in the last five years

Statistic 56

The adoption of automation in cheese production facilities increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022, improving efficiency and safety

Statistic 57

The average cheese rind thickness ranges from 0.2 to 2 centimeters, depending on cheese type and aging process, affecting ripening and flavor

Statistic 58

The sustainability of cheese production is increasingly important, with 45% of producers adopting sustainable practices by 2023, including waste reduction and renewable energy

Statistic 59

Over 65% of cheese production capacity in the EU is now automated, leading to higher consistency and lower labor costs

Statistic 60

The dairy industry’s carbon footprint per kilogram of cheese has decreased by 10% over the past five years due to efficiency improvements

Statistic 61

The production of vegan cheese alternatives has led to a reduction of approximately 150,000 tons of dairy cow milk annually since 2020, positively impacting cow welfare and environment

Statistic 62

The average size of dairy farms producing cheese varies worldwide, but in the U.S., it is approximately 200 cows per farm, impacting production scale

Statistic 63

The world's oldest cheese factory, dating back to 1810, is located in Switzerland

Statistic 64

The majority of cheese imports into China are from New Zealand and Australia, accounting for over 60% of total imports in 2022

Statistic 65

Cheese production employs an estimated 1.8 million workers globally, with the majority in Europe and North America

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Key Highlights

The global cheese market was valued at approximately $115 billion in 2022
The United States is the largest producer of cheese, producing over 12 billion pounds annually
About 38% of total cheese consumption in the U.S. is in the form of sliced cheese
Italy is the world's leading exporter of cheese, accounting for approximately 17% of global cheese exports
The average American consumes about 38 pounds of cheese per year
The cheese segment accounts for roughly 25% of the total dairy product market
Roquefort cheese production in France decreased by 10% in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions
Approximately 70% of the world's cheese is produced in Europe
The global cheese consumption is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2023 to 2030
Cheese production in New Zealand increased by 8% in 2022 compared to the previous year
Feta cheese sales in the U.S. increased by 15% in 2022
The global demand for plant-based cheese alternatives is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030
The per capita cheese consumption in France exceeds 50 pounds annually

From a $115 billion global market to growing consumer demand for organic, vegan, and artisanal varieties, the cheese industry is experiencing a dynamic transformation driven by innovation, sustainability, and shifting taste preferences worldwide.

Consumption and Consumption Trends

About 38% of total cheese consumption in the U.S. is in the form of sliced cheese
The average American consumes about 38 pounds of cheese per year
The global cheese consumption is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2023 to 2030
Feta cheese sales in the U.S. increased by 15% in 2022
The per capita cheese consumption in France exceeds 50 pounds annually
Cheddar cheese remains the most popular cheese variety in the UK, with 35% of cheese sales
Over 95% of U.S. households purchase cheese at least once a month
The global sales of artisanal cheese grew by 7% in 2022, reflecting increased consumer interest in premium products
The average age of cheese consumers in North America is 42 years, and this demographic trend influences marketing strategies
The demand for lactose-free cheese has increased by 25% in Europe in 2023, driven by consumer health concerns
Nearly 50% of U.S. cheese consumption occurs in restaurant and foodservice settings, indicating significant market segmentation
The most common packaging format for cheese in North America is vacuum-sealed blocks, accounting for 60% of retail sales
The rise of vegan cheese has led to a 12% increase in plant-based cheese sales globally in 2022, indicating a shift in consumer preferences
Over 80% of cheese consumed globally is made from cow’s milk, with goat and sheep milk cheeses making up the remaining 20%
The popularity of cheese in Asian markets is increasing, with projections suggesting a 10% CAGR through 2027, primarily fueled by Western cuisine influence
In Australia, cheese consumption per capita is approximately 41 pounds annually, with an upward trend
The most consumed cheese type in Mexico is Queso Fresco, accounting for 25% of cheese sales in retail outlets
The use of probiotics in cheese production has increased by 20% in the last three years, aiming for health benefits and market differentiation
Cheese is the second most consumed dairy product globally after milk, contributing significantly to dairy industry revenue
Cheese sales in convenience stores increased by 12% in North America during 2022, reflecting changing shopping habits
The average shelf life of processed cheese in retail is approximately 6 months under optimal storage conditions, affecting inventory and sales strategies
Cheese packaging innovations, such as biodegradable wrappers, are expected to grow by 10% annually through 2025, driven by consumer demand for sustainability
The top five cheese-consuming countries in 2022 were the United States, Germany, France, Italy, and Russia, contributing to over 60% of global intake
The growth in specialty and organic cheese sales has contributed to an overall increase in the average retail price of cheese by about 4% annually over the past decade
The average consumption of cheese per capita in Brazil is about 11 pounds annually, showing room for market growth
The popularity of cheese in Middle Eastern cuisine is rising, with hummus and cheese-based snacks experiencing a 10% annual growth rate

Consumption and Consumption Trends Interpretation

As cheese consumption globalizes and diversifies—from sliced staples and artisanal delights to lactose-free and vegan options—it's clear that whether you're munching on a slice or savoring a feta, the cheese industry is curdling ahead with innovation, health consciousness, and a slice of international flair.

Health and Dietary Information

Cheese lactose content varies widely, with aged cheeses typically being lactose-free or low-lactose, influencing consumer choice
The moisture content in soft cheese varieties like Brie and Camembert is typically between 50-60%, influencing texture and aging process
The incidence of cheese-related food allergies reported in North America has increased slightly over the last five years, primarily in children under 5

Health and Dietary Information Interpretation

As lactose content and moisture levels diversify across cheese types, highlighting care and preference in consumption, the slight rise in cheese-related allergies in young children underscores the importance of vigilant dietary choices amid evolving industry standards.

Market Size and Valuation

The global cheese market was valued at approximately $115 billion in 2022
The cheese segment accounts for roughly 25% of the total dairy product market
The global demand for plant-based cheese alternatives is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030
Approximately 250 million people work in the cheese and dairy industry worldwide
The U.S. cheese industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2023 to 2028
Only about 10% of cheese sold in the U.S. is organic, indicating significant growth potential for organic cheese
The world's leading cheese importing country is the United States, accounting for over 20% of total cheese imports
The global organic cheese market is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8%
The average retail price of cheese in the U.S. increased by 5% in 2023, partly due to supply chain costs
The European Union subsidizes dairy farms, including cheese producers, to the tune of approximately €1 billion annually, to support rural economies
The global halal cheese market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9%, driven by increasing Muslim population demands
Artisan cheese producers constitute about 15% of the global cheese market, but their share is growing rapidly due to consumer interest in specialty products
The average global cheese price increased by 3.5% in 2023, affected by inflation and supply chain issues
The global cheese patents filed increased by 25% between 2019 and 2022, indicating ongoing innovation within the industry
The global cheese market is segmented into natural cheese (70%), processed cheese (20%), and cheese alternatives (10%), by type, as of 2023
The use of RFID technology in cheese supply chains has increased by 40% since 2019, improving traceability and quality control

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

As the cheese market juggles a $115 billion valuation, a 25% share of dairy, and burgeoning segments like plant-based and organic varieties—fueled by innovation, globalization, and consumer demand—industry insiders are quietly savoring opportunities for growth while grappling with supply chain pressures and evolving preferences, all akin to a finely aged cheese developing complexity over time.

Production and Export Metrics

The United States is the largest producer of cheese, producing over 12 billion pounds annually
Italy is the world's leading exporter of cheese, accounting for approximately 17% of global cheese exports
Roquefort cheese production in France decreased by 10% in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions
Approximately 70% of the world's cheese is produced in Europe
Cheese production in New Zealand increased by 8% in 2022 compared to the previous year
Cheese exports from the EU increased by 6% in 2022, reaching a total of 4.5 million tons
Switzerland's Gruyère cheese production accounts for about 60% of the country's cheese exports
In 2022, dairy farms in the U.S. produced over 220 billion pounds of milk, feeding the cheese industry
The cheese aging process can take from several weeks up to 2 years, depending on type, influencing production costs and timelines
The cheese industry has seen a 20% reduction in waste with improved inventory management practices in the last five years
The adoption of automation in cheese production facilities increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022, improving efficiency and safety
The average cheese rind thickness ranges from 0.2 to 2 centimeters, depending on cheese type and aging process, affecting ripening and flavor
The sustainability of cheese production is increasingly important, with 45% of producers adopting sustainable practices by 2023, including waste reduction and renewable energy
Over 65% of cheese production capacity in the EU is now automated, leading to higher consistency and lower labor costs
The dairy industry’s carbon footprint per kilogram of cheese has decreased by 10% over the past five years due to efficiency improvements
The production of vegan cheese alternatives has led to a reduction of approximately 150,000 tons of dairy cow milk annually since 2020, positively impacting cow welfare and environment
The average size of dairy farms producing cheese varies worldwide, but in the U.S., it is approximately 200 cows per farm, impacting production scale

Production and Export Metrics Interpretation

Despite Europe's dominance with 70% of global cheese production and the EU's 6% export increase, the U.S. maintains its status as the largest cheese producer fueling a market increasingly streamlined by automation and sustainability practices, all while traditional cheese aging and rising vegan alternatives reshape the gooey global landscape.

Regional Preferences and Cultural Insights

The world's oldest cheese factory, dating back to 1810, is located in Switzerland
The majority of cheese imports into China are from New Zealand and Australia, accounting for over 60% of total imports in 2022
Cheese production employs an estimated 1.8 million workers globally, with the majority in Europe and North America

Regional Preferences and Cultural Insights Interpretation

Despite its age-old roots and global workforce, the cheese industry is now as much a matter of international diplomacy—particularly between China and Down Under—as it is a matter of tradition.