Sector Trend Analysis – Cheese trends in the United States and Canada
August 2018
Executive summary
The top three supplying countries to the United States (U.S.) in 2017 were Italy (with 25.6% market share), France (with 14.0% market share), and Spain (with 8.2% market share). Of these countries, Spain is the only cheese supplier that experienced positive growth over the last five years, increasing 24.2% in value at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 5.6%.
The top three supplying countries to Canada in 2017 were the U.S., Italy, and France. The U.S. held 25.0% market share in 2017, while Italy represented 23.5% market share and France represented 16.0% market share.
Although there is an increasing trend in the U.S. to reduce dairy consumption, it has not noticeably affected the cheese market as overall cheese sales have continued to experience stable growth, increasing in value by 10.7% over the last five years at a CAGR of 2.6%, and increasing in volume by 3.7% at a CAGR of 0.9%.
Cheese sales in Canada have experienced similar growth to the U.S. cheese market, increasing in value by 11.6% from 2013 to 2017 at a CAGR of 2.8%, and 2.8% in volume at a CAGR of 0.7%.
In both in the U.S. and Canada, top claims for cheese products launched in 2017 included low/no/reduced allergen, fat and lactose. Other common claims included convenient packaging, Kosher, and no additives/preservatives.
Trade overview
The top three supplying countries to the United-States (U.S.) in 2017 were Italy (with 25.6% market share), France (with 14.0% market share), and Spain (with 8.2% market share). Of these countries, Spain is the only cheese supplier that experienced a positive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years, increasing 24.2% at a CAGR of 5.6%. Germany's cheese exports to the U.S. saw the most growth of the top ten supplying countries, increasing 100.6% from 2013 to 2017 at a CAGR of 19.0%. Canada was the 10th largest cheese supplier to the U.S. in 2017, worth US$35.3 million (2.9% market share).
In 2017, Canada imported US$253.4 million worth of cheese from the world. The top three cheese supplying countries to Canada were the U.S., Italy, and France. The U.S. held 25.0% market share in 2017, while Italy represented 23.5% market share, and France represented 16.0% market share. Of the top ten countries supplying cheese to Canada, only Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom (U.K.) registered positive compound annual growth rates from 2013 to 2017, with 1.1%, 3.9%, 0.7%, and 5.6% respectively. Germany's cheese exports to Canada saw the largest decline of the top ten supplying countries, decreasing 32.2% from 2013 to 2017 at a CAGR of −9.3%.
Country | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 | Market share (%) in 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
World | 1,191.4 | 1,328.7 | 1,349.6 | 1,308.2 | 1,230.3 | 0.8 | 100.0 |
1. Italy | 323.1 | 320.6 | 317.1 | 319.2 | 314.8 | −0.6 | 25.6 |
2. France | 201.0 | 205.9 | 172.3 | 176.5 | 171.9 | −3.8 | 14.0 |
3. Spain | 80.8 | 98.8 | 102.7 | 95.8 | 100.4 | 5.6 | 8.2 |
4. Netherlands | 78.3 | 100.4 | 92.0 | 86.8 | 87.6 | 2.9 | 7.1 |
5. Switzerland | 84.6 | 85.1 | 91.8 | 79.3 | 78.3 | −1.9 | 6.4 |
6. Germany | 24.5 | 37.4 | 45.8 | 42.5 | 49.0 | 19.0 | 4.0 |
7. United Kingdom | 52.2 | 64.6 | 66.9 | 64.9 | 45.4 | −3.4 | 3.7 |
8. Norway | 40.1 | 45.4 | 42.7 | 46.0 | 42.2 | 1.3 | 3.4 |
9. Denmark | 56.5 | 58.1 | 50.3 | 44.6 | 42.1 | −7.1 | 3.4 |
10. Canada | 31.6 | 33.4 | 27.6 | 28.5 | 35.3 | 2.7 | 2.9 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using Harmonized System (HS) Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Country | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 | Market share (%) in 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
World | 265.7 | 270.6 | 243.2 | 241.3 | 253.4 | −1.2 | 100.0 |
1. United States | 69.1 | 70.0 | 68.5 | 65.6 | 63.5 | −2.1 | 25.0 |
2. Italy | 56.9 | 52.2 | 44.1 | 48.8 | 59.5 | 1.1 | 23.5 |
3. France | 51.1 | 47.6 | 41.4 | 40.3 | 40.5 | −5.6 | 16.0 |
4. Switzerland | 22.3 | 25.5 | 25.8 | 25.2 | 26.0 | 3.9 | 10.3 |
5. Denmark | 12.8 | 14.2 | 12.9 | 12.8 | 13.2 | 0.7 | 5.2 |
6. Norway | 13.7 | 15.7 | 12.2 | 11.3 | 12.1 | −3.1 | 4.8 |
7. United Kingdom | 9.2 | 11.5 | 11.1 | 10.1 | 11.5 | 5.6 | 4.5 |
8. Netherlands | 13.6 | 14.8 | 12.2 | 9.2 | 9.9 | −7.6 | 3.9 |
9. Greece | 6.5 | 6.6 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.0 | −6.3 | 2.0 |
10. Germany | 4.6 | 4.8 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | −9.3 | 1.2 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
In terms of world cheese imports, Germany has maintained its position as the world's largest importer of cheese with US$4.2 billion worth of cheese imports in 2017, representing 15.4% of world cheese imports. German cheese imports have, however, declined 4.0% from 2013 to 2017. Its main suppliers were the Netherlands, France, and Italy.
Of the top ten cheese importers, the Netherlands, France, Japan, and the U.S. were the only countries to have a positive compound annual growth rate from 2013 to 2017, with 5.6%, 1.1%, 1.0%, and 0.8% respectively. Russia saw the quickest decrease in cheese imports during the same period, falling 57.3% from 2013 to 2017 at a compound annual growth rate of −19.2%. This was due to the Russian embargo from western countries that imposed sanctions on Russia.
Although not in the top ten world importers of cheese, it is worth noting that China's cheese imports have increased by an impressive 115.4% in value over the past five years. Nearly half of China's cheese imports in 2017 came from New Zealand, followed by Australia with 17.5% market share, and the U.S. with 12.1% market share.
Country | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017-November | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 | Market share (%) in 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
World | 29,337.0 | 30,752.7 | 25,171.2 | 25,030.3 | 27,467.4 | −1.6 | 100 |
1. Germany | 4,398.6 | 4,646.7 | 3,753.3 | 3,839.2 | 4,223.6 | −1.0 | 15.4 |
2. United Kingdom | 2,267.5 | 2,400.8 | 1,990.1 | 1,823.7 | 2,031.0 | −2.7 | 7.4 |
3. Italy | 2,437.7 | 2,441.5 | 1,783.7 | 1,734.1 | 1,802.1 | −7.3 | 6.6 |
4. France | 1,662.9 | 1,797.5 | 1,487.3 | 1,504.2 | 1,734.3 | 1.1 | 6.3 |
5. Netherlands | 1,041.6 | 1,224.3 | 1,092.8 | 1,024.2 | 1,293.0 | 5.6 | 4.7 |
6. Belgium | 1,492.6 | 1,573.8 | 1,239.1 | 1,298.1 | 1,258.1 | −4.2 | 4.6 |
7. United States | 1,191.4 | 1,328.7 | 1,349.7 | 1,308.2 | 1,230.3 | 0.8 | 4.5 |
8. Japan | 1,117.9 | 1,188.2 | 1,051.1 | 976.5 | 1,162.8 | 1.0 | 4.2 |
9. Spain | 1,197.7 | 1,223.8 | 963.1 | 963.2 | 1,156.8 | −0.9 | 4.2 |
10. Russia | 2,177.0 | 1,582.0 | 742.5 | 732.5 | 929.0 | −19.2 | 3.4 |
26. Canada | 265.7 | 270.6 | 243.2 | 241.3 | 253.4 | −1.2 | 0.9 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Country | Top suppliers and market share (%) | Canada's share (%) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | |||||
1. Germany | Netherlands | 28.5 | France | 20.2 | Italy | 11.0 | 0.00 |
2. United Kingdom | Ireland | 24.9 | France | 14.5 | Italy | 12.6 | 0.04 |
3. Italy | Germany | 46.2 | France | 10.5 | Netherlands | 7.5 | N/A |
4. France | Italy | 30.5 | Netherlands | 20.6 | Germany | 15.8 | 0.00 |
5. Netherlands | Germany | 39.1 | Belgium | 20.6 | Denmark | 6.6 | N/A |
6. Belgium | Netherlands | 34.8 | France | 33.7 | Germany | 14.3 | N/A |
7. United States | Italy | 25.6 | France | 14.0 | Spain | 8.2 | 2.87 |
8. Japan | Australia | 27.3 | New Zealand | 21.1 | United States | 12.5 | 0.20 |
9. Spain | France | 24.9 | Germany | 22.1 | Netherlands | 18.7 | N/A |
10. Russia | Belarus | 83.3 | Argentina | 4.4 | Serbia | 3.3 | N/A |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 N/A: Not applicable |
Most of cheese products imported into both the U.S. and Canada in 2017 fell under the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System code (HS code) 040690, cheese (excluding fresh cheese, including whey cheese, curd, grated or powdered cheese). However, there has been an increasing demand for fresh cheese "unripened or uncured cheese", including whey cheese and curd in the U.S. with imports of this product increasing by a CAGR of 10.4% from 2013 to 2017, and grated or powdered cheese, of all kinds with imports increasing at a CAGR of 36.2% over the same period. In Canada, imports of grated or powdered cheese, of all kinds have been increasing at a CAGR of 5.0%, and those of fresh cheese "unripened or uncured cheese", including whey cheese and curd have increased at a CAGR of 17.1% over the same period (2013 to 2017).
Product | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 | Market share (%) in 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total cheese and curd | 1,191.4 | 1,328.7 | 1,349.7 | 1,308.2 | 1,230.3 | 0.8 | 100 |
Cheese (excluding fresh cheese, including whey cheese, curd, grated or powdered cheese) | 1,067.5 | 1,171.7 | 1,185.6 | 1,167.8 | 1,092.5 | 0.6 | 88.8 |
Fresh cheese "unripened or uncured cheese", including whey cheese and curd | 47.0 | 70.6 | 85.3 | 70.0 | 69.9 | 10.4 | 5.7 |
Blue-veined cheese and other cheese containing veins produced by "penicillium roqueforti" | 42.0 | 45.8 | 41.4 | 37.4 | 34.1 | −5.1 | 2.8 |
Processed cheese, not grated or powdered | 34.0 | 38.6 | 33.4 | 28.5 | 30.7 | −2.5 | 2.5 |
Grated or powdered cheese, of all kinds | 0.9 | 2.0 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 3.1 | 36.2 | 0.2 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Product | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 | Market share (%) in 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total cheese and curd | 265.7 | 270.6 | 243.2 | 241.3 | 253.4 | −1.2 | 100.0 |
Cheese (excluding fresh cheese, including whey cheese, curd, grated or powdered cheese) | 224.5 | 227.4 | 203.4 | 200.6 | 209.2 | −1.8 | 82.6 |
Grated or powdered cheese, of all kinds | 15.8 | 16.4 | 18.6 | 18.4 | 19.2 | 5.0 | 7.6 |
Blue-veined cheese and other cheese containing veins produced by "penicillium roqueforti" | 11.8 | 13.5 | 11.8 | 10.9 | 11.6 | −0.5 | 4.6 |
Fresh cheese "unripened or uncured cheese", including whey cheese and curd | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 5.1 | 6.8 | 17.1 | 2.7 |
Processed cheese, not grated or powdered | 9.9 | 9.6 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.6 | −9.7 | 2.6 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
U.S. cheese exports grew at a compound annual growth rate of 1.7% since 2013, reaching US$1.5 billion in 2017. Canadian cheese exports increased at a compound annual growth rate of 0.4% during the same period, and were valued at US$62.3 million in 2017. Of the U.S.'s top ten export markets for cheese, cheese exports to Australia saw the most growth, increasing by an impressive 104% in value since 2013. Of Canada's top ten cheese export markets, exports to United Arab Emirates saw the most growth, increasing 137% in value during the same period (2013 to 2017).
Country | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 | Market share (%) in 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
World | 1,362.7 | 1,710.7 | 1,393.1 | 1,208.7 | 1,455.2 | 1.7% | 100.0% |
1. Mexico | 348.7 | 398.8 | 380.2 | 362.6 | 391.8 | 3.0% | 26.9% |
2. South Korea | 201.4 | 311.5 | 237.9 | 170.0 | 212.8 | 1.4% | 14.6% |
3. Japan | 141.2 | 249.0 | 162.8 | 117.3 | 143.6 | 0.4% | 9.9% |
4. Australia | 57.2 | 89.4 | 81.0 | 59.1 | 116.4 | 19.5% | 8.0% |
5. Canada | 76.9 | 76.6 | 71.5 | 71.1 | 68.7 | −2.8% | 4.7% |
6. China | 46.8 | 55.2 | 53.5 | 43.3 | 63.0 | 7.7% | 4.3% |
7. Taiwan | 31.9 | 38.6 | 35.5 | 33.7 | 36.7 | 3.6% | 2.5% |
8. Chile | 23.9 | 30.8 | 33.0 | 33.6 | 36.0 | 10.9% | 2.5% |
9. Saudi Arabia | 50.1 | 70.4 | 45.2 | 27.9 | 32.7 | −10.3% | 2.2% |
10. Dominican Republic | 22.3 | 22.0 | 22.4 | 27.0 | 29.3 | 7.1% | 2.0% |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Country | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 | Market share (%) in 2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
World | 61.3 | 66.8 | 53.1 | 52.9 | 62.3 | 0.4% | 100.0% |
1. United States | 31.9 | 33.9 | 32.9 | 34.9 | 41.7 | 6.9% | 66.9% |
2. Saudi Arabia | 10.5 | 10.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.6 | −7.8% | 12.2% |
3. Japan | 2.6 | 3.8 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | −0.4% | 4.1% |
4. Bahamas | 0.6 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 21.5% | 2.0% |
5. United Arab Emirates | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 24.0% | 2.0% |
6. United Kingdom | 5.1 | 8.8 | 3.7 | 1.1 | 0.8 | −36.3% | 1.4% |
7. Jamaica | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 19.7% | 1.1% |
8. Kuwait | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.7 | −2.9% | 1.1% |
9. Singapore | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 7.2% | 1.1% |
10. Australia | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 3.4% | 1.0% |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Regional breakdown
In 2017, 60.9% of cheese imports going into the U.S., went to New Jersey, followed by New York (15.3%) and California (7.5%). Of the top 20 states, cheese imports to Delaware saw the most growth, increasing 404.8% from 2013 to 2017.
State | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Jersey | 646.7 | 693.8 | 699.5 | 719.8 | 721.3 | 2.8 |
New York | 241.1 | 258.3 | 239.5 | 189.5 | 181.3 | −6.9 |
California | 64.5 | 78.3 | 90.8 | 89.5 | 88.8 | 8.3 |
Illinois | 62.9 | 94.9 | 113.7 | 100.4 | 61.7 | −0.5 |
Florida | 29.3 | 35.6 | 37.7 | 36.2 | 30.9 | 1.4 |
Pennsylvania | 8.4 | 15.9 | 22.1 | 38.6 | 25.0 | 31.3 |
Wisconsin | 39.5 | 32.0 | 11.4 | 12.8 | 17.1 | −18.9 |
Puerto Rico | 6.8 | 7.5 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 7.4 | 2.1 |
Michigan | 8.9 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 8.5 | 7.0 | −5.9 |
Virginia | 4.7 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 4.1 | 6.8 | 9.6 |
Georgia | 5.7 | 7.4 | 4.3 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 1.3 |
Texas | 3.0 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 17.8 |
Oklahoma | 3.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 5.3 | 4.7 | 7.7 |
Connecticut | 2.1 | 4.6 | 6.7 | 3.1 | 2.7 | 6.9 |
Massachusetts | 3.2 | 2.8 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 2.6 | −4.4 |
Washington | 1.6 | 5.0 | 17.8 | 9.1 | 2.3 | 9.0 |
Maryland | 2.0 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 3.5 | 2.0 | −0.9 |
Missouri | 0.5 | 0.5 | 3.6 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 39.2 |
Delaware | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 49.9 |
Minnesota | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 33.7 |
Total | 1,147.8 | 1,282.8 | 1,299.3 | 1,259.0 | 1,183.7 | 0.8% |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
In terms of cheese imports from Canada in 2017, 51.9% went to New Jersey, followed by Wisconsin (20.4%), and Michigan (10.4%). Washington's imports of Canadian cheese increased by an impressive 2997.2% from 2013 to 2017 at a CAGR of 135.9%.
State | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Jersey | 14,509,603 | 16,254,000 | 15,863,154 | 15,288,854 | 18,105,740 | 5.7 |
Wisconsin | 11,223,409 | 11,572,998 | 5,578,438 | 4,810,976 | 7,123,966 | −10.7 |
Michigan | 762,198 | 501,296 | 1,391,153 | 2,533,686 | 3,618,857 | 47.6 |
Washington | 66,560 | 47,814 | 25,746 | 2,316,352 | 2,061,500 | 135.9 |
Pennsylvania | 792,450 | 572,040 | 1,689,360 | 33,916 | 1,633,805 | 19.8 |
New York | 503,160 | 190,515 | 168,385 | 200,702 | 726,375 | 9.6 |
Massachusetts | 280,028 | 215,948 | 416,688 | 264,756 | 506,314 | 16.0 |
California | 1,455,597 | 1,085,440 | 621,607 | 898,976 | 481,784 | −24.2 |
Florida | 595,711 | 447,252 | 479,235 | 267,409 | 253,231 | −19.3 |
Maine | 245,869 | 191,409 | 357,536 | 448,418 | 182,518 | −7.2 |
Illinois | 223,174 | 603,361 | 213,162 | 639,629 | 123,505 | −13.7 |
Rhode Island | 78,897 | 38,557 | 50,754 | 10,161 | 35,526 | −18.1 |
Texas | 86,864 | 66,149 | 81,694 | 128,128 | 15,518 | −35.0 |
North Carolina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42,566 | 5,920 | |
Minnesota | 222,731 | 249,819 | 0 | 94,835 | 4,843 | −61.6 |
Tennessee | 0 | 0 | 16,481 | 39,074 | 3,420 | |
Georgia | 8,078 | 6,253 | 115,622 | 104,639 | 2,394 | −26.2 |
Virginia | 4,767 | 3,736 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
South Carolina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10,460 | 0 | |
Puerto Rico | 0 | 50,948 | 34,797 | 23,596 | 0 | |
Total | 31,239,621 | 33,012,065 | 27,331,676 | 28,361,304 | 34,885,216 | 2.8 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
The majority of Canada's cheese imports went to Québec (47.5%) and Ontario (46.5%) in 2017, followed by British Columbia (2.9%), and Alberta (2.5%). Albertan cheese imports from the world saw the most significant increase from 2013 to 2017, with 590.4% period growth. World cheese imports into Saskatchewan have also increased significantly, with a period growth of 345% during the same period.
Province | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Québec | 136,059,845 | 130,554,993 | 119,304,274 | 122,213,200 | 120,440,549 | −3.0 |
Ontario | 113,357,290 | 123,271,453 | 107,859,501 | 106,250,634 | 117,760,048 | 1.0 |
British Columbia | 13,090,470 | 13,464,875 | 13,201,502 | 6,526,572 | 7,380,724 | −13.3 |
Alberta | 931,616 | 1,446,600 | 1,385,915 | 4,934,338 | 6,431,431 | 62.1 |
Manitoba | 1,706,995 | 1,579,500 | 1,203,712 | 1,153,203 | 1,313,592 | −6.3 |
Saskatchewan | 18,851 | 716 | 90,782 | 68,129 | 83,891 | 45.2 |
New Brunswick | 531,962 | 312,580 | 146,446 | 47,501 | 29,847 | −51.3 |
Nova Scotia | 20,665 | 15,077 | 5,740 | 137,869 | 7,312 | −22.9 |
Total | 265,717,694 | 270,645,794 | 243,197,872 | 241,331,446 | 253,447,394 | −1.2 |
Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2018. [1]: For the purpose of this report, "cheese" was defined using HS Code 0406 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Retail sales
Although there is an increasing trend in the U.S. toward reducing dairy consumption, it has not affected the cheese market, as overall cheese sales have continued to experience stable growth, increasing 10.7% in value at a CAGR of 2.6% over the last five years, and 3.7% in volume at a CAGR of 0.9% during the same period. With the increasing demand for more natural products, the main shift can be seen when comparing the performances of processed and unprocessed cheeses.
Unprocessed cheese sales in the U.S. have increased 13.8% in value and 10.9% in volume over the last five years, while those of processed cheese have increased 1.0% in value and have decreased 12.9% in volume. This is mainly due to the decrease in sales for the "other processed cheese" subcategory, which has fallen 6.0% in value and 16.9% in volume from 2013 to 2017.
According to Euromonitor International (2017), American consumers have not shown a disinterest in cheese, but rather a preference for unprocessed, natural cheese, particularly packaged and premium varieties. The unprocessed cheese category is mainly dominated by cheddar, with 31% value market share in 2017, and mozzarella, with 19% value market share.
It is expected that unprocessed cheese sales in the U.S. will reach a value of US$23.1 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.5%, and processed cheese sales will reach a value of US$5.4 billion, at a CAGR of 1.3% from 2018 to 2022.
Similar health trends can also be seen with Canadian consumers, valuing cheese for its calcium and protein content. As Canadians adopt busier lifestyles, there is also a trend toward replacing sit-down meals with on-the-go snacking which has created an opportunity for cheese in convenient portion packaging.
The unprocessed cheese category in Canada also performed slightly better than the processed cheese category over the review period (2013 to 2017). Although all cheese subcategories maintained positive growth in terms of value, the "other processed cheese" subcategory decreased 2.6% in volume at a CAGR of −0.7% over the last five years. Consequently, the Canadian processed cheese category had weaker growth, increasing 8.6% in value at a CAGR of 2.1% over the last five years, and decreasing in volume by 0.2% during the same period (2013 to 2017). Comparatively, the Canadian unprocessed cheese category increased 12.3% in value since 2013 at a CAGR of 3.0%, and increased 4.0% in volume at a CAGR of 1.0% from 2013 to 2017.
It is expected that unprocessed cheese sales in Canada will continue to increase at a value CAGR of 5.8% from 2018 to 2022, reaching US$3.3 billion in 2022, while those for processed cheese will increase at a CAGR of 4.9%, reaching US$801.0 million.
Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 5,178.8 | 5,352.4 | 5,367.1 | 5,280.4 | 5,232.6 | 0.3 |
Unprocessed cheese | 15,986.8 | 16,882.5 | 17,603.4 | 17,916.6 | 18,197.8 | 3.3 |
Total U.S. cheese | 21,165.6 | 22,234.9 | 22,970.5 | 23,197.0 | 23,430.4 | 2.6 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 580.2 | 578.8 | 581.6 | 603.2 | 629.9 | 2.1 |
Unprocessed cheese | 2,274.4 | 2,293.0 | 2,373.8 | 2,478.1 | 2,554.9 | 3.0 |
Total Canadian cheese | 2,854.5 | 2,871.8 | 2,955.4 | 3,081.3 | 3,184.8 | 2.8 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 5,166.0 | 5,188.5 | 5,264.8 | 5,355.0 | 5,450.2 | 1.3 |
Unprocessed cheese | 19,385.4 | 20,367.5 | 21,368.8 | 22,260.0 | 23,115.2 | 4.5 |
Total U.S. cheese | 24,551.4 | 25,555.9 | 26,633.5 | 27,615.0 | 28,565.4 | 3.9 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 662.6 | 697.6 | 732.8 | 767.1 | 801.0 | 4.9 |
Unprocessed cheese | 2,699.6 | 2,870.3 | 3,043.1 | 3,213.8 | 3,378.3 | 5.8 |
Total Canadian cheese | 3,362.2 | 3,567.9 | 3,776.0 | 3,980.8 | 4,179.3 | 5.6 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 546.2 | 525.9 | 508.9 | 489.8 | 475.7 | −3.4 |
Unprocessed cheese | 1,257.7 | 1,245.3 | 1,312.3 | 1,368.7 | 1,394.8 | 2.6 |
Total U.S. cheese | 1,803.9 | 1,771.1 | 1,821.2 | 1,858.5 | 1,870.5 | 0.9 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 55.4 | 54.2 | 53.3 | 54.1 | 55.3 | 0.0 |
Unprocessed cheese | 136.7 | 134.5 | 135.9 | 139.3 | 142.1 | 1.0 |
Total Canadian cheese | 192.1 | 188.7 | 189.2 | 193.4 | 197.4 | 0.7 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 460.4 | 453.5 | 448.6 | 445.4 | 442.9 | −1.0 |
Unprocessed cheese | 1,429.4 | 1,455.0 | 1,476.6 | 1,496.6 | 1,517.1 | 1.5 |
Total U.S. cheese | 1,889.8 | 1,908.5 | 1,925.2 | 1,942.0 | 1,960.0 | 0.9 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processed cheese | 56.6 | 58.0 | 59.2 | 60.3 | 61.4 | 2.1 |
Unprocessed cheese | 145.8 | 149.6 | 153.3 | 156.5 | 159.1 | 2.2 |
Total Canadian cheese | 202.4 | 207.6 | 212.6 | 216.9 | 220.4 | 2.2 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Key categories
Hard unprocessed cheese
The hard unprocessed cheese subcategory was the largest subcategory in terms of value and volume in both the U.S. and Canada in 2017. In the U.S., this subcategory was worth US$9.8 billion and 731.9 thousand tonnes in 2017. In Canada, hard unprocessed cheese was worth US$1.5 billion and 80 thousand tonnes. Increasing 17.5% with a CAGR of 4.1% from 2013 to 2017, hard unprocessed cheese was the most dynamic subcategory in Canada in terms of value growth. This subcategory may have performed better than others due to the shift away from heavily processed products in both the U.S. and Canada, and a growing preference for fewer ingredients.
Main brands
- The Kraft brand led the hard unprocessed cheese subcategory in the U.S. with a market share of 12.4%. The Sargento brand ranked second in term of market share with 6.1%, followed by the Tillamook brand (3.5%).
- Of the top three brands in the U.S., Tillamook experienced the most growth, with sales of hard unprocessed cheese increasing 18.5% over the last five years. Sargento's sales increased 12.4%, and Kraft's' sales increased 2%.
- Kraft also led the hard unprocessed cheese subcategory in Canada with a larger market share of 20.1% in 2017, followed by Saputo (14.6%), and Black Diamond (9.5%).
- Of the top three hard unprocessed cheese brands in Canada, Black Diamond saw the most growth from 2013 to 2017 with sales increasing 28.2%, followed by Kraft (17.2%), and Saputo (15.5%).
Forecast for 2018-2022
- It is expected that the hard unprocessed cheese subcategory will continue to experience stable growth over the forecast period (2018 to 2022), with an anticipated value CAGR of 4.5% in the U.S., and 5.6% in Canada, reaching US$12.4 billion and US$2.0 billion respectively.
- Volume sales are expected to increase as well, at a slower CAGR of 1.9% for the U.S., and 2% for Canada, reaching 812.5 thousand tonnes and 89.1 thousand tonnes respectively.
Sub-sector | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. hard cheese sales value, US$ millions | 8,722.8 | 9,164.2 | 9,653.5 | 9,731.7 | 9,878.5 | 3.2 |
U.S. hard cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 683.0 | 675.8 | 691.7 | 718.6 | 731.4 | 1.7 |
Canadian hard cheese sales value, US$ millions | 1,299.3 | 1,340.1 | 1,386.3 | 1,452.7 | 1,526.5 | 4.1 |
Canadian hard cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 74.7 | 74.9 | 75.7 | 77.9 | 80.0 | 1.7 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Sub-sector | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. hard cheese sales value, US$ millions | 10,476.6 | 11,009.3 | 11,546.2 | 12,023.8 | 12,495.2 | 4.5 |
U.S. hard cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 754.6 | 770.8 | 785.1 | 798.5 | 812.5 | 1.9 |
Canadian hard cheese sales value, US$ millions | 1,617.2 | 1,717.9 | 1,817.4 | 1,914.8 | 2,007.9 | 5.6 |
Canadian hard cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 82.2 | 84.4 | 86.3 | 87.9 | 89.1 | 2.0 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Soft unprocessed cheese
In 2017, the soft unprocessed cheese subcategory was the second-largest in value and volume, both in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., the subcategory reached sales worth US$8.3 billion (663.5 thousand tonnes) in 2017, and in Canada, it reached sales worth US$1 billion (62.2 thousand tonnes). Sales in the U.S. experiences a 14.5% value increase at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2013 to 2017, and a 15.5% volume increase with a CAGR of 3.7% during the same period. Sales of soft unprocessed cheese in Canada saw a 5.5% value increase at a CAGR of 1.3% since 2013, and a 0.3% increase in volume at a CAGR of 0.1% during the same period.
Main brands
- In the U.S., the Kraft brand led the soft unprocessed cheese subcategory in 2017 with 13.5% market share, followed by Sargento (9.1%), and Galbani (by Lactalis) with 3.5%.
- Of the top three brands in the U.S., Sargento saw the most value growth from 2013 to 2017, increasing 15.6%.
- The top brand in Canada for the soft unprocessed cheese subcategory in 2017 was L'Extra by Agropur Co-operative Agro-Alimentaire with 27.8% market share. The second-ranked brand was Saputo (by the Saputo Inc. company) with 19.1% market share, followed by Stella (by Saputo Inc.) with 7.4% market share.
- Of the top three brands in Canada, L'Extra experienced the most growth over the past five years with sales increasing 6.3%. Saputo's value sales increased 5.5% during the same period, while Stella's increased 4%.
Forecast for 2018-2022
- It is expected that soft unprocessed cheese in the U.S. will see a strong value CAGR of 4.5% over the next five years, reaching $10.6 billion in 2022. It is expected to see a more moderate volume CAGR of 1.1%, reaching 704.6 thousand tonnes in 2022.
- Soft unprocessed cheese sales in Canada are anticipated to reach US$1.3 billion and 69.9 thousand tonnes in 2022, with a value CAGR of 6.1% and a volume CAGR of 2.4% from 2018 to 2022.
Sub-sector | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. soft cheese sales value, US$ millions | 7,264.0 | 7,718.3 | 7,949.9 | 8,184.9 | 8,319.3 | 3.4 |
U.S. soft cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 574.7 | 569.5 | 620.6 | 650.1 | 663.5 | 3.7 |
Canadian soft cheese sales value, US$ millions | 975.1 | 952.9 | 987.5 | 1,025.4 | 1,028.4 | 1.3 |
Canadian soft cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 62.0 | 59.6 | 60.2 | 61.4 | 62.2 | 0.1 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Sub-sector | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. soft cheese sales value, US$ millions | 8,908.7 | 9,358.2 | 9,822.5 | 10,236.3 | 10,620.0 | 4.5 |
U.S. soft cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 674.8 | 684.2 | 691.5 | 698.1 | 704.6 | 1.1 |
Canadian soft cheese sales value, US$ millions | 1,082.5 | 1,152.4 | 1,225.7 | 1,298.9 | 1,370.4 | 6.1 |
Canadian soft cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 63.5 | 65.2 | 67.0 | 68.6 | 69.9 | 2.4 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
"Other" processed cheese
"Other" processed cheese was the third-largest subcategory in value and volume, both in the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. market for "other" processed cheese was worth US$2.7 billion and 278.8 thousand tonnes in 2017, and the Canadian market for this subcategory was worth US$331.9 million and 30.2 thousand tonnes that same year. Sales in the U.S. declined in value by 6% at a CAGR of −1.5% from 2013 to 2017, and 16.9% in volume at a CAGR of −4.5% during the same period. Sales in Canada increased at a moderate value CAGR of 0.6% and decreased in volume at a CAGR of −0.7% over the last five years.
Main brands
- In the U.S., the top three brands in the "other" processed cheese subcategory were Kraft Singles with 29.9% market share in 2017, followed by Velveeta (24.3%), and Kraft (6.4%).
- Of the top three brands in the U.S., Velveeta grew 9.9% in terms of value sales over the last five years and Kraft's sales grew 4.1%. Kraft Singles, however, saw a decline of 15.8% over the same period (2013 to 2017).
- Kraft was the leading brand for "other" processed cheese in Canada in 2017 with 47.7% market share. Black Diamond by Lactalis was the second ranked brand with 31% market share, followed by Swiss Knight by Emmi Group with 7.1% market share.
- Of the top three brands for "other" processed cheese in Canada, Black Diamond experienced the most value growth, increasing 4.1% over the last five years. Kraft's retail sales grew 3.1% over the same period, and those for Swiss Knight grew 2.3%.
Forecast for 2018-2022
- It is expected that "other" processed cheese in the U.S. will continue to decrease in volume during the forecast period (2018 to 2022) at a CAGR of 1.2%, but will increase in value at a CAGR of 0.7%, reaching US$2.7 billion in 2022 (254 thousand tonnes).
- The "other" processed cheese subcategory in Canada is expected to see a value CAGR of 4.9% from 2018 to 2022, reaching US$421 million in 2022. Sales volume is expected to increase as well, at a CAGR of 2% over the next five years, reaching 33.5 thousand tonnes by 2022.
Sub-sector | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. "other" processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 2,954.2 | 3,053.5 | 3,010.7 | 2,881.2 | 2,778.0 | −1.5 |
U.S. "other" processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 335.6 | 322.5 | 303.5 | 289.2 | 278.8 | −4.5 |
Canadian "other" processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 324.0 | 315.0 | 313.9 | 320.9 | 331.9 | 0.6 |
Canadian "other" processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 31.0 | 30.1 | 29.5 | 29.7 | 30.2 | −0.7 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Sub-sector | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. "other" processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 2,670.1 | 2,655.5 | 2,683.5 | 2,716.1 | 2,744.0 | 0.7 |
U.S. "other" processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 266.6 | 262.2 | 258.9 | 256.6 | 254.0 | −1.2 |
Canadian "other" processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 347.6 | 366.0 | 384.8 | 402.9 | 421.0 | 4.9 |
Canadian "other" processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 31.0 | 31.7 | 32.4 | 33.0 | 33.5 | 2.0 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Spreadable processed cheese
The spreadable processed cheese subcategory, which includes squeeze cheese and cheese packaged in aerosol cans, declined in terms of volume over the past five years in the U.S. at CAGR of 1.7%, but increased in value at a CAGR of 2.5%. In Canada, the subcategory increased at a value CAGR of 3.9%, reaching US$298 million in 2017, and at a volume CAGR of 0.6%, reaching 25 thousand tonnes.
While consumers are developing distaste for many heavily processed products within this subcategory, cream cheese, particularly premium varieties that offer unique flavours, are remaining a staple for many Americans and Canadians alike. The shift away from less expensive heavily processed products toward premium cream cheese varieties within this subcategory may explain the decrease in volume in the U.S. and slow volume growth in Canada, compared to the faster value growth.
Main brands
- Philadelphia by Kraft Heinz Co. was the leading brand for spreadable processed cheese in the U.S. in 2017, with 54.9% market share. Easy Cheese by Mondelez International Inc. was the second ranked brand with 6% market share, followed by Cheez Whiz by Kraft Heinz Co. (4.4%).
- Of the top three brands for spreadable processed cheese in the U.S., Philadelphia saw strong value growth from 2013 to 2017 increasing 21.5%. Both Easy Cheese and Cheez Whiz experience a decline in value sales over the same period, decreasing 4.3% and 11.2% respectively.
- In Canada, Philadelphia by Kraft Heinz Co. also led sales for spreadable processed cheese with 43.5% market share in 2017. The Black Diamond brand by Lactalis Group held 15.4% market share in 2017, followed by Lactantia by Lactalis Group (11.8%).
- Of the top three brands for spreadable processed cheese in Canada, Black Diamond's sales grew 20.8% over the last five years, those for Philadelphia grew 17.3%, and those for Lactantia grew 10.9%.
Forecast for 2018-2022
- It is expected that spreadable processed cheese in the U.S. will increase at a value CAGR of 2% from 2018 to 2022 and decrease at a volume CAGR of 0.6%, reaching US$2.7 billion and 188.9 thousand tonnes by 2022.
- In Canada, this subcategory is expected to increase in value at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2018 to 2022, reaching US$380 million by 2022. Sales volume for this subcategory is expected in increase at a CAGR of 2% over the next five years, reaching 27.8 thousand tonnes by 2022.
Sub-sector | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. spreadable processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 2,224.5 | 2,299.0 | 2,356.4 | 2,399.1 | 2,454.6 | 2.5 |
U.S. spreadable processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 210.6 | 203.4 | 205.4 | 200.6 | 196.9 | −1.7 |
Canadian spreadable processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 256.1 | 263.8 | 267.7 | 282.3 | 298.1 | 3.9 |
Canadian spreadable processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 24.4 | 24.1 | 23.8 | 24.5 | 25.0 | 0.6 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Sub-sector | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. spreadable processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 2,495.9 | 2,533.0 | 2,581.3 | 2,638.9 | 2,706.3 | 2.0 |
U.S. spreadable processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 193.8 | 191.4 | 189.7 | 188.8 | 188.9 | −0.6 |
Canadian spreadable processed cheese sales value, US$ millions | 315.0 | 331.6 | 348.0 | 364.1 | 380.0 | 4.8 |
Canadian spreadable processed cheese sales volume, 000' tonnes | 25.7 | 26.3 | 26.8 | 27.4 | 27.8 | 2.0 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Health and wellness
Consumers in both Canada and the U.S. are increasingly seeking products that are healthy. Although many consumers are decreasing their consumption of dairy products in general, this trend has not affected the cheese market. Consumers value cheese as a good source of protein and calcium, and view it as a suitable snack to be paired with fresh fruit. There has been, however, a noticeable shift toward unprocessed cheeses, which are perceived to be healthier. The health and wellness cheese category includes the following three subcategories: fortified/functional cheese, organic cheese, and reduced fat cheese.
Main subcategories
- In the U.S., reduced fat cheese was also the largest health and wellness cheese subcategory in 2017, worth US$2.7 billion and representing 75.4% market share.
- Organic cheese was the second largest health and wellness subcategory in the U.S. in 2017, worth US$643.6 million and representing 17.7% market share, followed by fortified/functional cheese, which was worth US$252.9 million and represented 6.9% market share.
- Organic cheese was the only health and wellness cheese subcategory in the U.S. to see positive growth over the past five years, increasing 82.8% from 2013 to 2017. Fortified/functional cheese declined in value by 41.3% over the past five years, and reduced fat cheese decreased 13.4%.
- In 2017, "reduced fat cheese" was the largest subcategory in Canada within health and wellness cheese, with a value of US$119.9 million and accounting for 85.6% of the health and wellness cheese market.
- Fortified/functional cheese in Canada had a value of US$13.1 million in 2017, accounting for 9.4% market share, and organic cheese was worth US$7 million, accounting for 5% market share. Organic cheese experienced the most growth, increasing 34.6% in value from 2013 to 2017.
Main brands
- Health and wellness cheeses in the U.S. such as fortified/functional, organic, and reduced fat cheeses, are very fragmented in terms of brand shares. Philadelphia by Kraft Heinz Co. led the health and wellness cheese category in 2017 with 9.9% market share, followed by Kraft Singles by Kraft Heinz Co. (9.6%), and the Borden brand by Grupo Lala SAB de CV (3.6%). "Other" brands held 71.1% market share.
- The top three brands in Canada for health and wellness cheese in 2017 were Philadelphia by Kraft Heinz Co. with 49%, followed by Black Diamond by Lactalis Group with 5.2%, and Tre Stelle by Arla Foods Amba with 4.3%.
Forecast for 2018-2022
- It is expected that the health and wellness cheese category in both Canada and the U.S. will continue to grow in the coming five years, increasing in value by an anticipated 28.2% in Canada and 5% in the U.S.
- Although it is expected to decrease in value by 1.5% over the next five years, the American reduced fat cheese subcategory is expected to maintain its position as the lead subcategory through to 2022 with a value of US$2.6 billion.
- The organic cheese subcategory in the U.S. is expected to grow in value by 31.5% from 2018 to 2022, reaching 24.4% market share by 2022, and fortified/functional cheese is expected to increase 0.4% reaching 6.4% market share by 2022.
- In Canada, it is expected that the reduced fat cheese subcategory will continue to lead with US$161.5 million by 2022. However, organic cheese is expected to experience the most growth, increasing in value by 53.9% from 2018 to 2022.
Sub-sector | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fortified/functional cheese | 430.5 | 442.4 | 298.5 | 272.2 | 252.9 | −12.5 |
Organic cheese | 352.1 | 421.1 | 508.3 | 580.3 | 643.6 | 16.3 |
Reduced fat cheese | 3,170.7 | 3,105.9 | 2,981.7 | 2,814.0 | 2,745.2 | −3.5 |
Total health and wellness cheese in the U.S. | 3,953.3 | 3,969.5 | 3,788.5 | 3,666.5 | 3,641.7 | −2.0 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Sub-sector | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* (%) 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fortified/functional cheese | 10.6 | 11.1 | 11.7 | 12.4 | 13.1 | 5.4 |
Organic cheese | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.7 |
Reduced fat cheese | 98.5 | 103.7 | 109.0 | 114.5 | 119.9 | 5.0 |
Total health and wellness cheese in Canada | 114.2 | 120.1 | 126.7 | 133.4 | 140.0 | 5.2 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Sub-sector | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fortified/functional cheese | 245.5 | 244.2 | 243.6 | 244.6 | 246.6 | 0.1 |
Organic cheese | 712.6 | 777.9 | 837.2 | 889.4 | 936.8 | 7.1 |
Reduced fat cheese | 2,699.7 | 2,683.2 | 2,669.0 | 2,660.2 | 2,658.5 | −0.4 |
Total health and wellness cheese in the U.S. | 3,657.8 | 3,705.3 | 3,749.8 | 3,794.2 | 3,841.9 | 1.2 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Sub-sector | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | CAGR* (%) 2018-2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fortified/functional cheese | 14.1 | 15.1 | 16.2 | 17.3 | 18.5 | 7.0 |
Organic cheese | 7.6 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 10.6 | 11.7 | 11.4 |
Reduced fat cheese | 127.6 | 135.7 | 144.0 | 152.5 | 161.5 | 6.1 |
Total health and wellness cheese in Canada | 149.4 | 159.3 | 169.7 | 180.4 | 191.6 | 6.4 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018. *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Top companies and distribution
The American cheese market is mainly dominated by Kraft Heinz Co. with many product offerings spread across multiple categories.
The Canadian market is mainly split between the top three companies, Saputo Inc., with 25.7% market share in 2017, followed by Kraft Canada Inc. (22.8%) and Agropur Cooperative Ltd. (21.4%).
# | Company | Market share (%) |
---|---|---|
1 | Kraft Heinz Co. | 25.8 |
2 | Sargento Foods Inc. | 5.8 |
3 | Walmart Inc. | 3.5 |
4 | Saputo Cheese USA Inc. | 1.7 |
5 | Tillamook County Creamery Association | 1.7 |
6 | Bel Brands USA Inc. | 1.4 |
7 | Michael Foods Inc. | 1.3 |
8 | Sorrento Lactalis | 1.2 |
9 | Dairy Farmers of America Inc. | 1.1 |
10 | BelGioso Cheese Inc. | 1.0 |
Source: Euromonitor, 2018 [1]: National – Latest Owner |
# | Company | Market share (%) |
---|---|---|
1 | Saputo Inc. | 25.7 |
2 | Kraft Canada Inc. | 22.8 |
3 | Agropur Cooperative Ltd. | 21.4 |
4 | Parmalat Canada Ltd. | 13.9 |
5 | Loblaw Cos Ltd. | 2.4 |
6 | Arla Foods Canada Inc. | 1.7 |
7 | Sobeys Inc. | 1.5 |
8 | Metro Inc. | 0.8 |
9 | Switzerland Cheese Marketing Inc. | 0.7 |
10 | Wal-Mart Canada Inc. | 0.1 |
Source: Euromonitor, 2018 [1]: National – Latest Owner |
With a combined market share of 83% in the U.S. and 79% in Canada, hypermarkets and supermarkets are the dominant channels through which cheese products are sold. This may be due to consumers' preference to purchase cheese during larger grocery shopping trips.
While independent small grocers are losing market share for cheese sales in the U.S., they are maintaining steady growth in Canada, increasing at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2013 to 2017.
Although American cheese sales via internet retailing still only held 0.9% market share in 2017, they have increased at an impressive CAGR of 17.1% over the last five years. Canadian cheese sales via internet retailing have also increased from 2013 to 2017, but at a more moderate CAGR of 5.8%.
Outlet | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grocery retailers | 92.8 | 92.9 | 92.9 | 92.1 | 92.3 | 2.4 |
Convenience stores | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 7.4 |
Discounters | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 4.8 |
Forecourt retailers | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 7.1 |
Hypermarkets | 38.1 | 38.2 | 38.3 | 38.8 | 39.2 | 3.3 |
Supermarkets | 44.9 | 44.8 | 44.5 | 44.2 | 43.9 | 2.0 |
Food/drink/tobacco specialists | ||||||
Independent small grocers | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 3.2 | 3.2 | −6.0 |
Other grocery retailers | ||||||
Non-grocery specialists | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2.8 |
Health and beauty specialist retailers | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2.8 |
Other foods non-grocery specialists | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||||
Mixed retailers | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 6.7 | 3.1 |
Internet retailing | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 17.1 |
Total | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 0.0 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate |
Outlet | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | CAGR* 2013-2017 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grocery retailers | 97.0 | 96.9 | 96.9 | 96.9 | 96.9 | 2.7 |
Convenience stores | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Discounters | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 3.1 |
Forecourt retailers | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 2.9 |
Hypermarkets | 19.3 | 19.5 | 19.7 | 19.9 | 20.0 | 3.7 |
Supermarkets | 59.3 | 59.1 | 58.9 | 58.7 | 58.6 | 2.4 |
Food/drink/tobacco specialists | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2.2 |
Independent small grocers | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 2.6 |
Other grocery retailers | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.6 |
Non-grocery specialists | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 11.0 |
Health and beauty specialist retailers | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 11.0 |
Other foods non-grocery specialists | 0.0 | |||||
Mixed retailers | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
Internet retailing | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 5.8 |
Total | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 0.0 |
Source: Euromonitor International, 2018 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate |
New product launch analysis
From 2008 to 2017, there were 5,396 cheese products launched in the U.S. and 1,705 cheese products launched in Canada. While 37% of product launches in the U.S. were new varieties/ranges; 29% were new products, 29% were new packaging, 4% were relaunches, and 1% were new formulations.
Canada saw a similar division amongst launch types with 36% of product launches being new varieties/ranges, 27% being new products, 30% being new packaging, 6% being relaunches, and 1% being new formulations.
In 2017, 697 cheese products were launched in the U.S., more than half of which were hard cheeses and semi-hard cheeses. In Canada, 187 cheese products were launched. 49% of these products were hard cheeses and semi-hard cheeses.

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Year | United States | Canada |
---|---|---|
2008 | 612 | 83 |
2009 | 298 | 69 |
2010 | 548 | 139 |
2011 | 547 | 120 |
2012 | 503 | 145 |
2013 | 505 | 181 |
2014 | 636 | 313 |
2015 | 427 | 238 |
2016 | 623 | 230 |
2017 | 697 | 187 |
Source: Mintel, 2018.
Sub-category | Launches in the U.S. | Launches in Canada |
---|---|---|
Hard cheese and semi-hard cheese | 366 | 92 |
Soft cheese and semi-soft cheese | 167 | 51 |
Fresh cheese and cream cheese | 46 | 25 |
Processed cheese | 93 | 17 |
Soft cheese desserts | 25 | 2 |
Total sample | 697 | 187 |
Source: Mintel, 2018. |
Feature | Hard and semi-hard cheese | Soft and semi-soft cheese | Fresh and cream cheese | Processed cheese | Curd and quark |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top claims |
|||||
Low/no/reduced allergen | 106 | 45 | 5 | 28 | 10 |
Gluten free | 90 | 44 | 5 | 27 | 9 |
Convenient packaging | 139 | 37 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Hormone free | 67 | 36 | 12 | 1 | 2 |
Low/no/reduced fat | 31 | 53 | 6 | 11 | 10 |
Kosher | 12 | 28 | 26 | 6 | 18 |
No additives/preservatives | 25 | 17 | 9 | 17 | 5 |
Organic | 31 | 19 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
GMO free | 24 | 12 | 3 | 15 | 4 |
Social media | 17 | 14 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
Top formats | |||||
Block | 127 | 34 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
Shredded | 110 | 29 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
Sliced | 95 | 10 | 0 | 25 | 1 |
Spread | 0 | 13 | 38 | 42 | 3 |
Whole | 11 | 30 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Other | 4 | 30 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
Wedge | 19 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Ball | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Top packaging | |||||
Flexible | 142 | 34 | 5 | 27 | 2 |
Skinpack | 97 | 62 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
Tub | 20 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 20 |
Flexible stand-up pouch | 66 | 23 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Jar | 16 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
Tray | 17 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
Carton | 0 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
Flexible sachet | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Aerosol | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
Rigid box | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Top flavours | |||||
Unflavoured/plain | 292 | 121 | 24 | 53 | 18 |
Smoke | 16 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
Chili/chilli pepper (jalapeno) | 15 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Garlic | 3 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Herb/herbal | 1 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Chili/chilli pepper (habanero) | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Tomato | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Bacon/lardon/pancetta/speck | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Basil | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Blueberry | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Top ingredient preparation | |||||
Pasteurised | 330 | 157 | 43 | 41 | 6 |
Cultured | 100 | 37 | 14 | 33 | 13 |
Powdered | 86 | 21 | 3 | 15 | 1 |
Partly skimmed | 49 | 42 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
Skimmed | 1 | 6 | 7 | 22 | 11 |
Concentrate | 0 | 1 | 3 | 28 | 5 |
Modified | 3 | 3 | 3 | 23 | 2 |
Extract | 9 | 0 | 3 | 16 | 0 |
Reduced | 13 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
Whole | 5 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
Source: Mintel, 2018 |
Feature | Hard and semi-hard cheese | Soft and semi-soft cheese | Fresh and cream cheese | Processed cheese | Curd and quark |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top claims |
|||||
Kosher | 6 | 9 | 18 | 0 | 9 |
Convenient packaging | 25 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Low/no/reduced fat | 6 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
No additives/preservatives | 9 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
Functional - slimming | 6 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
Low/no/reduced allergen | 13 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
High/added protein | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Low/no/reduced lactose | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Halal | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Social media | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Top formats | |||||
Block | 44 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Sliced | 23 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
Spread | 0 | 3 | 23 | 1 | 6 |
Shredded | 16 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Whole | 1 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wedge | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ball | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Top packaging | |||||
Flexible | 33 | 17 | 1 | 12 | 0 |
Skinpack | 32 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Tub | 2 | 12 | 18 | 0 | 10 |
Tray | 13 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Flexible stand-up pouch | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Carton | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Flexible sachet | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Jar | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Clam-pack | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sleeve | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Top flavours | |||||
Unflavoured/plain | 74 | 41 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
Herb/herbal | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Chili/chilli pepper (jalapeno) | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Garlic | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Smoke | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Cranberry | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Siracha (hot chili sauce) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Spice/spicy | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Chili/chilli pepper (habanero) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Chocolate | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Top ingredient preparation | |||||
Pasteurised | 61 | 43 | 13 | 2 | 4 |
Modified | 45 | 23 | 7 | 15 | 2 |
Powdered | 4 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Partly skimmed | 5 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Skimmed | 0 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 2 |
Dry | 3 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Dehydrated | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Smoked | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Extract | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Concentrate | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Source: Mintel, 2018 |

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New variety/range | New product | New packaging | Relaunch | New formulation |
---|---|---|---|---|
37% | 29% | 29% | 4% | 1% |
Source: Mintel, 2018.

Description of above image
New variety/range | New product | New packaging | Relaunch | New formulation |
---|---|---|---|---|
36% | 27% | 30% | 6% | 1% |
Source: Mintel, 2018.
While the majority (71%) of cheese products launched in the U.S. in 2017 fell in the US$0.99 to US$5.18 price range, 49% of products launched in Canada fell in a slightly higher price range (US$4.40 to US$7.88).
Approximately 8% of products launched in the U.S. in 2017 were priced between US$9.39 and US$21.99, and approximately 15% of products launched in Canada were in the similar US$7.89 to US$18.32 range.
In both in the U.S. and Canada, top claims in 2017 included low/no/reduced allergen, and fat. Other common claims included convenient packaging, Kosher, no additives/preservatives, and social media.
Among the top ten claims for cheese products in the U.S. gluten-free, hormone-free, organic, and GMO-free. In Canada other claims among the top ten for cheese products launched in 2017 included slimming, high/added protein, and Halal.

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0.91 - 4.39 US$ | 4.40 - 7.88 US$ | 7.89 - 11.37 US$ | 11.38 - 14.86 US$ | 14.87 - 18.32 US$ |
---|---|---|---|---|
36% | 49% | 10% | 4% | 1% |
Source: Mintel, 2018.

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0.99 - 5.18 US$ | 5.19 - 9.38 US$ | 9.39 - 13.58 US$ | 13.59 - 17.78 US$ | 17.79 - 21.99 US$ |
---|---|---|---|---|
71% | 21% | 7% | 1% | 0% |
Source: Mintel, 2018.
Examples of new products in the United States
Président Organic Rondelé

Company | Lactalis American Group |
---|---|
Brand | Président Organic Rondelé |
Launch type | new variety / range extension |
Price in US dollars | $3.99 |
Description | Président Rondelé Salted Caramel Gourmet Spreadable Cheese is made with milk from cows not treated with the growth hormones and is ready to serve. It retails in a 6.5-ounce (oz.) pack featuring a QR code. The company is said to be Europe's leading cheese expert. |
Positioning claims | ease of use, hormone free, limited edition |
Lifeway

Company | Lifeway Foods |
---|---|
Brand | Lifeway |
Launch type | new variety/range extension |
Price in US dollars | $1.89 |
Description | Lifeway Apricot Farmer Cheese provides 14 grams (g) of protein and is made in small batches with milk that comes from grass fed cows that are not treated with antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. This dry curd cheese is kosher certified, made with renewable energy, contains probiotics and is free from gluten. It retails in a 5-oz. pack, bearing the Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram logos. |
Positioning claims | ethical – environmentally friendly product, gluten free, hormone free, Kosher, low/no/reduced allergen, social media |
Happy Farms Preferred

Company | Aldi |
---|---|
Brand | Happy Farms Preferred |
Launch type | new variety / range extension |
Price in US dollars | $3.49 |
Description | Happy Farms Preferred Golden Maple Cheddar Cheese with Fenugreek retails in a 7-oz. pack. |
Positioning Claims | Not applicable |
Examples of new products in Canada
Thornloe Cheese

Company | Thornloe Cheese |
---|---|
Brand | Thornloe Cheese |
Launch type | new product |
Price in US dollars | $6.21 |
Description | Thornloe Cheese Pride of The North Grass-Fed Mild Cheddar Cheese is made with milk from grass-fed cows and is said to be a unique food with a health promoting ratio of omega 6 and omega 3 fat. According to the manufacturer, the cheese is ideal for everyday use with a fresh and clean taste and contains 33% milk fat and 38% moisture. It retails in a 200g pack featuring Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Dairy Farmers of Canada logos. |
Positioning claims | social media |
Woolwich Dairy

Company | Woolwich Dairy |
---|---|
Brand | Woolwich Dairy |
Launch type | new variety/range extension |
Price in US dollars | $8.91 |
Description | Woolwich Dairy Goat Cheese Party Pack is kosher certified and is made with 100% Canadian fresh goat's milk. It retails in a pack bearing Facebook and Twitter logos and containing three 113g units, namely: pumpkin spice soft unripened goat cheese with 20% milk fat content; apple ginger soft unripened goat cheese with 20% milk fat content; and sriracha soft unripened goat cheese with 23% milk fat content. |
Positioning claims | Kosher, social media |
Neufchâtel

Company | Fromagerie Du Pays De Bray |
---|---|
Brand | Neufchâtel |
Launch type | new variety / range extension |
Price in US dollars | $9.01 |
Description | Neufchâtel Coeur de Bray Soft-Ripened Cheese contains 24% milk fat and 54% moisture, and retails in a 200g pack bearing the Protected Designation of Origin logo. |
Positioning Claims | Not applicable |
Conclusion
The U.S. and Canada are experiencing similar trends in cheese consumption, namely the shift from processed cheese toward unprocessed cheese. Both countries have growing opportunities for unprocessed natural cheese products. In Canada, there are particularly increased opportunities for cheese products that lend themselves well to snacking, in convenient and portioned packaging. Although processed cheese consumption in the U.S. is generally declining, Americans still view cream cheese as a staple to be paired with bagels. Premium varieties that offer unique flavours have done well in this category.
For more information
International Trade Commissioners can provide Canadian industry with on-the-ground expertise regarding market potential, current conditions and local business contacts, and are an excellent point of contact for export advice.
For additional intelligence on this and other markets, the complete library of Global Analysis reports can be found on the International agri-food market intelligence page, arranged by region.
Resources
- Euromonitor International, 2018.
- Euromonitor International, 2018 – Cheese in Canada
- Euromonitor International, 2018 – Cheese in the US
- Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), 2018.
Sector Trend Analysis – Cheese Trends in the United States and Canada
Global Analysis Report
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