Asia-Pacific Cheese Market Outlook, 2027

The rising prevalence of western food culture, along with hectic work schedules, represents one of the significant factors strengthening the cheese market's growth in the Asia Pacific region. Moreover, the presence of a wide variety of cheeses in the market, including mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, feta, and roquefort, is driving overall sales in the region. Apart from this, leading players are introducing unique spreadable cheese flavours to expand their consumer base. Cheese is one of the most popular foods across the world because of the variety it offers. Cheese is prepared using cow milk, buffalo milk, and goat milk. However, buffalo milk consists of large amounts of fat. The majority of cheese factories use buffalo milk to make their products. Cheese is a vital ingredient in the dishes of many countries. An increasing variety of cheese with different flavours on the market, a growing preference for high-protein food items, and changing eating habits are expected to drive the Asia Pacific cheese market. According to the research report, "Asia-Pacific Cheese Market Outlook, 2027," published by Bonafide Research, the market has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.83% from 2016 to 2021. The market is showcasing evident potential in the forecasting period as the market continues to gain momentum with the rapid development of the food industry. However, cheese has a high fat content, which restricts its consumption amongst the obese population, thus hampering the growth of the cheese market. But, growing cheese demand from developing economies along with an increasing focus on research for innovation in cheese products will propel the growth of the cheese market during the forecast period.

The availability of various flavours in cheese increases the demand among consumers, which is expected to drive the growth of the cheese market across the Asia-Pacific market. The rising technical innovations in the food processing market and the increasing consumption of flavorful food products in the region will create an opportunity for the growth of the cheese market. The manufacturers are dealing with the situation and trying to add more nutrients with a unique taste to cheese products, which is expected to act as a challenge for the growth of the cheese market. Asia Pacific is expected to showcase a dramatic shift in the consumption preferences of dairy products. The rising discretionary income levels of consumers in the region and relatively stable milk prices have considerably contributed to the growing sales of cheese varieties. The increasing utilization of cheese in various processed foods has increased demand across the foodservice industry. The regional market’s growth is attributable to factors such as the considerable shift towards a healthy plant-based diet, the increasing availability of vegan products, as well as rising disposable income. For instance, Indians are mostly believed to be vegetarians and a model for a world that debatably demands a significant reduction in animal food sources’ consumption for sustainability. Moreover, as per a 2019 survey, approximately 52% of Indian respondents asserted that they had consumed plant-based food products in order to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. On the other hand, South Korea generates tremendous potential as an industry, with the vegan market tripling in a decade and nearly a fifth of the country reducing its meat consumption. However, this development has not reached the mainstream or the older population, who regard animal meat as a healthy protein source. Therefore, the aforementioned factors are set to influence the vegan cheese market's growth in the Asia-Pacific over the forecast years. The cheese market is highly impacted by the increasing size of the convenience and fast-food industries and innovative offerings by cheese manufacturers. The growth rate of the fast-food industry is significant, owing to the changing lifestyles of people around the globe. While e-commerce gained share during the pandemic, it still remains a relatively small sales channel, with store-based retailing continuing to dominate. While modern grocery retailers lead the way in some countries, e.g., Japan and China, it is traditional grocery retailers in others, e.g., India and Pakistan. Mixed retailers also continue to play a key role in Japan, the region’s biggest market.

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Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

With per capita consumption rates in the region remaining typically low, there is a tremendous opportunity for additional growth in cheese sales in the Asia Pacific. Though the cheese-consuming habit continues in many countries in the region, particularly when compared to most Western nations, Moreover, the producers are dealing with the problem and attempting to add more nutrients with a distinct flavour to smoked cheese products, which is projected to provide a challenge to the market’s growth. Dangke (Enrekang, Indonesia), Rubing (Yunnan, China), Rushan (Yunnan, China), Akkawi (Acre, Israel), Chhena (Bangladesh), Kesong Puti (Philippines), Dil (Turkiye), Lor (Turkiye) and Paneer (India) are some of the most popular cheeses in Asia-Pacific region. Other factors, such as the ease of availability of a wide range of cheese in Australia and Japan, are anticipated to fuel the growth of the cheese market in Asia Pacific over the next few years. However, issues associated with the storage of cheese owing to its short shelf life are expected to restrain market growth. Furthermore, rising health concerns among citizens, especially in Japan and Australia, are expected to further hinder the growth of the market over the next few years. Nonetheless, the production of premium cheese that provides consumers with gastronomic experiences is expected to open new opportunities for the growth of the market in the near future. Covid-19 Impacts: The Asia Pacific Cheese Market is booming because of the expanding food industry. Also, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), consumers are eating and cooking more at home, and retail sales of cheese in the Asia Pacific have continued to expand. However, the outbreak and consequent lockdown restrictions imposed by the regional governments have resulted in supply chain disruptions. This, in turn, has adversely affected the growth of the market. The Asia Pacific cheese market is anticipated to experience growth once lockdown relaxations are introduced, owing to changes in consumer behavior and increasing developments by various manufacturers across the region.

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Major Companies present in the market Mondelez International Group, The Kraft Heinz Company, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, FrieslandCampina Professional, Arla Food Amba, Meiji Holdings, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Glanbia, Bel Group, The Ilchester Cheese Company (Tine SA), Parag Milk Foods, Britannia Industries Ltd., Lactalis Group Considered in this report • Geography: Asia-Pacific • Historic year: 2016 • Base year: 2021 • Estimated year: 2022 • Forecast year: 2027 Aspects covered in this report • Asia-Pacific Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Country-wise cheese market analysis • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation Countries covered in the report • China • Japan • India • Australia • South Korea By Product • Mozzarella • Cheddar • Feta • Parmesan • Roquefort • Others By Source • Animals • Plants By Type • Natural • Processed By Distribution Channel • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets • Convenience Stores • Specialty Stores • Online retail • Others The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Cheese industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.