UAE Cheese Market Research Report, 2030

The UAE cheese market plays an integral role in the country’s diverse food industry, which is characterized by its strong global connections and growing consumer demand. The market’s development has been shaped by the country’s diverse population, where both local preferences and international influences contribute to the rising demand for cheese products. Cheese consumption has steadily increased, driven by changes in dietary patterns, the expansion of foodservice establishments, and the rapid rise of retail sales. The UAE's strategic location as a regional food distribution hub further promotes cheese imports and its availability across the Middle East and North Africa. Regulations surrounding food safety and quality are stringent in the UAE, ensuring that all dairy products meet international health standards. In addition, the government has emphasized food security policies, encouraging local production and investment in the dairy sector. These regulations, along with rising disposable incomes and an evolving culinary culture, are key factors driving the market’s growth. With a growing inclination towards Western-style cuisines and the expansion of the foodservice sector, cheese has found widespread use in both households and restaurants, further fueling the market demand. With increasing exposure to global food trends and a highly diversified population, the UAE cheese market presents a lucrative opportunity for manufacturers and retailers, ensuring its continued growth and evolution in the coming years. According to the research report “UAE Cheese Market Research Report, 2030,” published by Actual Market Research, the UAE cheese market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 4.81% from 2025 to 2030. The UAE cheese market is driven by several factors that make it one of the most dynamic sectors in the country’s food industry. With a growing population and an increasing preference for international flavors, the market is expanding rapidly. Among the major drivers, consumer demand for premium and specialty cheeses, including organic and flavored variants, is prominent. The market has also seen a shift toward convenience, with ready-to-eat and pre-packaged cheese products growing in popularity. Cheese consumption is further supported by the rising availability of cheese in various forms, from traditional blocks to more versatile options such as shredded and sliced varieties. Additionally, the market is benefiting from increased awareness of health benefits associated with cheese, such as its high protein content and nutritional value, which are appealing to both young and health-conscious consumers. Key players in the UAE cheese market include local and international brands such as Almarai, FrieslandCampina, and Lactalis, which are well-established in the region. These companies continuously innovate by introducing new flavors and product forms to cater to evolving consumer preferences. The growing trend of plant-based diets is also creating opportunities for plant-based cheese alternatives, which are gaining traction in the UAE as part of a broader shift toward healthier and more sustainable food options.

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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 UAE cheese market is diverse in terms of product types, with mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, and roquefort being some of the most popular variants. Mozzarella remains one of the top choices in the country, particularly due to its use in pizza, pasta dishes, and other Western cuisines, which are widely consumed in the UAE. Its soft texture and mild flavor make it appealing to a broad consumer base. Cheddar cheese follows closely in popularity, with its sharp flavor and versatility in sandwiches, burgers, and a variety of processed foods. Feta, a crumbly and tangy cheese, has found a strong presence in the UAE market due to the region’s preference for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where it is commonly used in salads, dips, and savory dishes. Parmesan is favored for its strong, nutty flavor, and it is commonly used in grated form as a topping for pasta and risotto. Roquefort, a blue cheese with a distinctive taste, caters to niche markets, appealing particularly to consumers with a taste for gourmet cheeses. Alongside these well-known types, other varieties of cheese, including processed and flavored options, continue to rise in demand as consumers seek new tastes and textures. These products are available through both local manufacturers and international imports, ensuring a wide variety of options for cheese lovers across the UAE. The form of cheese plays an essential role in meeting the preferences of different consumer segments in the UAE market. Cheese is available in several forms, each designed for convenience and specific culinary uses. Slices are among the most popular forms, particularly for sandwiches, burgers, and convenience foods, which are favored by busy consumers seeking quick and easy meals. Diced or cubed cheese is commonly used in salads, snacks, and as an ingredient in party platters, offering a ready-to-eat option. Shredded cheese is another key form that is widely used in cooking, particularly in baked dishes like lasagna, pizza, and casseroles. It is also a convenient choice for consumers who prefer ready-to-use ingredients. Blocks of cheese remain a staple in many households and restaurants due to their versatility, offering consumers the option to cut the cheese into preferred shapes or sizes. Additionally, spreads and liquid cheeses are growing in popularity, catering to consumers seeking convenience and versatility in their meals, particularly as spreads on bread or crackers. These forms of cheese cater to a wide range of applications, making it easier for consumers to incorporate cheese into their daily diets. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, manufacturers in the UAE are introducing new cheese formats that meet the demand for convenience, quality, and taste. The distribution channels for cheese in the UAE are diverse, catering to a wide variety of consumer preferences. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the dominant retail channels for cheese, offering a broad range of brands, varieties, and formats. These stores provide easy access to both domestic and imported cheese, with major retailers such as Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys stocking a wide selection. Convenience stores are also gaining prominence in the UAE cheese market, particularly in urban areas, where consumers seek quick and easy access to products. Specialty stores focused on dairy products, including cheese, also play a significant role in the market, offering premium, organic, and gourmet varieties. In addition to physical stores, online retail is expanding rapidly, driven by the growing trend of e-commerce in the UAE. Consumers increasingly prefer to shop online for cheese due to the convenience, competitive pricing, and the ability to compare different brands and product options. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon UAE, Carrefour Online, and Noon have become popular destinations for consumers looking to purchase cheese. The rise of online shopping, particularly in the post-pandemic era, is reshaping the distribution landscape, providing a convenient alternative to traditional in-store shopping. The UAE cheese market is experiencing robust growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, the rise of convenience products, and increasing demand for both traditional and innovative cheese varieties. The country’s strong retail infrastructure, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialty stores, and e-commerce platforms, supports the widespread availability of cheese products. The market is also being shaped by trends such as the demand for healthier options, the growing interest in plant-based alternatives, and the continuous innovation by key players in the dairy industry.

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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.