China Cheese Market Research Report, 2030

The cheese market in China has experienced notable growth in recent years, reflecting the country's evolving dietary habits and increasing openness to global culinary trends. Traditionally, Chinese cuisine has not featured cheese as a key ingredient, but as the country becomes more urbanized and its middle class expands, consumer preferences have shifted, leading to increased cheese consumption. Western influences, particularly from countries like the United States, Italy, and France, have driven a growing interest in cheese, with international varieties such as mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese making their way into Chinese households. The rising popularity of fast food, pizza chains, and international restaurants has further accelerated this trend, as cheese plays a central role in many Western dishes. Additionally, the younger generation in China, more exposed to global food culture through media and travel, has become more adventurous in their food choices, contributing to the surge in demand for cheese. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and e-commerce platforms are the primary distribution channels for cheese products in China, allowing for convenient access to a wide range of domestic and imported cheeses. In urban centers, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, cheese has found a place in the daily diets of middle and upper-income households, with consumption rising steadily. However, cheese remains a niche product in rural areas, where traditional Chinese foods dominate, and consumers may still be unfamiliar with the taste and use of cheese. According to the research report "China Cheese Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the China cheese market is anticipated to add to more than USD 0.90 Billion by 2025–30. Innovation and product diversification are key drivers shaping the growth of the cheese market in China, as manufacturers introduce a variety of cheese products that cater to local tastes and preferences. The demand for processed cheese, such as sliced cheese, cream cheese, and cheese spreads, is growing, particularly as it aligns with convenience and affordability, which are important factors for Chinese consumers. While Western-style cheeses are popular, there is also increasing interest in products that blend local flavors, such as cheese with Chinese spices or cheese variants that are more suited to local culinary traditions. Additionally, cheese consumption in China has been boosted by a growing health-conscious segment of the population that seeks natural and organic cheese products, as well as cheese options that cater to those with lactose intolerance. However, the cheese market in China is still in its developmental phase compared to mature markets like Europe or the U.S., and there are challenges to overcome, such as educating consumers on the diverse uses of cheese and addressing cultural preferences for dairy. Regulatory frameworks ensure that imported cheeses meet safety standards, while local production is ramping up to meet rising demand. As the market continues to evolve, sustainability concerns are becoming more prominent, with both local and international brands adopting eco-friendly practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving packaging sustainability. Social media marketing, celebrity endorsements, and food influencers have further popularized cheese, especially among younger consumers, contributing to its integration into the broader Chinese food landscape. The cheese market in China, while still in a nascent stage, is expanding rapidly, driven by the country's growing middle class, increasing exposure to Western food culture, and evolving consumer preferences.

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Asia-Pacific dominates the market and is the largest and fastest-growing market in the animal growth promoters industry globally

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The cheese market in China is still in a nascent stage compared to other regions, but it is rapidly evolving, with different product types like Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Feta gaining popularity. Mozzarella, known for its soft and mild flavor, is particularly favored in the growing pizza market, which has been heavily influenced by Western fast food chains and a rising consumer appetite for Italian cuisine. The increasing presence of international food outlets and the popularity of home-cooked pizza kits have also contributed to Mozzarella’s growth. Cheddar, with its sharper and more distinct flavor, has found a niche in the fast food sector, particularly in burgers and sandwiches. It is also being incorporated into local dishes to add a unique flavor twist, catering to the younger, more experimental generation of consumers. Feta, although less common in Chinese cuisine, has made inroads due to the growing trend of health-conscious eating and a demand for more diverse culinary experiences. This cheese is often found in salads or paired with vegetables in a growing number of restaurants catering to middle-class consumers who are becoming more exposed to Mediterranean and European dishes. Other specialty cheeses like Parmesan and Roquefort are also gradually making their way into high-end restaurants and food stores, catering to China’s increasingly affluent consumer segment that seeks luxury and international flavors. As the Chinese cheese market develops, these cheeses are slowly but steadily becoming more integrated into the country's diverse food culture. In China, the preference for natural versus processed cheese is gradually evolving, with natural cheese varieties like Mozzarella and Cheddar being favored for their authentic taste and versatility. Natural cheeses are made through traditional methods and without artificial additives, which appeals to Chinese consumers seeking cleaner, more authentic food options. As consumers in China become more health-conscious and discerning about the quality of their food, natural cheeses are gaining favor, particularly in premium segments where quality is prioritized over convenience. The growing demand for natural cheeses is particularly noticeable in urban areas, where a more affluent population seeks out premium products to incorporate into their diverse diets. In contrast, processed cheeses are still popular due to their affordability, longer shelf life, and convenience. Processed cheese slices and spreads are used extensively in quick-service restaurants, school lunches, and household kitchens, where their ease of use and ability to blend smoothly into various dishes like sandwiches and burgers is highly valued. Processed cheese is also seen as a suitable ingredient for local snack foods and dishes, often used to appeal to the younger demographic looking for quick and tasty food options. While natural cheese continues to gain momentum among health-conscious consumers, processed cheese maintains a strong presence in the mass market, providing a cost-effective and convenient alternative for everyday use. This combination of natural and processed cheese varieties ensures that the Chinese cheese market can cater to a wide range of consumer preferences, from those looking for authenticity and quality to those seeking convenience and affordability. The source of cheese in China is largely animal-based, with cow’s milk being the predominant source for the majority of cheese products like Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmesan. The dairy industry in China has expanded significantly over the years to support the rising demand for cheese, particularly in urban areas where Western-style food has become more popular. Cow’s milk is widely available, and it forms the base for many cheese varieties in both traditional and Western-influenced dishes. Goat’s milk and sheep’s milk are less common in China but are used for specialty cheeses like Feta and Roquefort, which are gaining traction among more affluent consumers and those seeking premium or imported products. However, the plant-based cheese segment is experiencing growth, driven by the rising interest in vegan, lactose-free, and dairy-free alternatives. Plant-based cheeses made from ingredients like soy, almond, and coconut are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the health-conscious and environmentally aware consumer segment. These cheeses cater to the growing demand for dairy alternatives due to concerns about lactose intolerance, animal welfare, and sustainability. The plant-based cheese market in China is still in its infancy, but it is expected to grow as more consumers explore plant-based diets and alternatives to traditional dairy. The presence of both animal-based and plant-based cheeses offers a diverse range of options for the Chinese market, catering to traditional preferences as well as the rising trend of plant-based and vegan products, creating a balanced and inclusive market for cheese in China

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Considered in this report • Historic year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product • Mozzarella • Cheddar • Feta • Parmesan • Roquefort • Others

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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.