Cheese, a staple in diets worldwide, is produced in various forms and used across countless culinary applications, from cooking and baking to snacks and sandwiches. As one of the most popular dairy products, cheese prices are heavily influenced by factors such as milk prices, production costs, demand from consumers, and market trends. Understanding the cheese price trend is crucial for businesses in the food industry, retail, and wholesale distribution. This article explores the latest cheese price trend historical price movements, market forecasts, regional insights, and more.
Current Cheese Price Trends
As of 2025, cheese prices have seen moderate increases, driven by several factors including rising milk costs, labor shortages in dairy farming, and inflationary pressures across the global food supply chain. The price of cheese is closely tied to the price of milk, which is the primary raw material in cheese production. In recent years, milk prices have increased due to rising feed costs, weather conditions affecting dairy production, and increased global demand for dairy products.
In 2025, cheese prices have risen steadily across many markets, especially for popular varieties such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. This increase can also be attributed to higher production costs, including energy prices for processing, packaging, and transportation. The global demand for specialty cheeses, especially in emerging markets, has further driven the rise in prices.
In North America and Europe, where cheese consumption is historically high, prices have seen significant increases, particularly in premium cheeses. The increase in demand for plant-based cheese alternatives has also put upward pressure on traditional cheese prices, as dairy farmers and producers adapt to consumer preferences.
Historical Price Movement
Historically, cheese prices have fluctuated in response to changes in milk prices, which make up a significant portion of cheese production costs. In the early 2010s, cheese prices were relatively stable, ranging from USD 3,000 to USD 3,500 per metric ton, depending on the type of cheese. However, over the past decade, cheese prices have shown significant volatility, driven by a combination of factors.
In 2017, the price of cheese surged due to a combination of increased demand for dairy products in global markets, particularly in Asia, and a drop in milk production in key dairy-producing regions. The price of cheese reached approximately USD 4,000 per metric ton during this period.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global dairy supply chains, leading to temporary fluctuations in cheese prices. During the early stages of the pandemic, cheese demand from restaurants and foodservice industries declined sharply, causing a drop in prices. However, by 2021, the global dairy market recovered, and cheese prices began to rise as demand for packaged foods and home consumption increased.
By 2023, cheese prices had climbed to around USD 4,500 per metric ton due to rising production costs, higher demand for cheese in emerging markets, and ongoing supply chain challenges. Moving into 2025, the trend of steady price increases is expected to continue, with occasional fluctuations based on shifts in milk production, consumer demand, and global economic conditions.
Market Analysis and Forecast
The global cheese market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. In 2024, the global cheese market was valued at approximately USD 90 billion and is projected to reach USD 140 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. Several factors are contributing to this growth:
- Rising Dairy Consumption in Emerging Markets: The demand for cheese is increasing rapidly in emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. As urbanization and disposable incomes rise, consumers in these regions are adopting Western dietary habits, which include increased cheese consumption.
- Growth in Cheese Alternatives: While dairy-based cheese remains the dominant product, the growing popularity of plant-based cheese alternatives has contributed to overall cheese market growth. Many dairy producers are diversifying their offerings to cater to this growing market segment, which includes vegan and lactose-free cheese products.
- Demand from the Foodservice and Retail Sectors: The demand for cheese continues to be strong in both the foodservice and retail sectors. Cheese remains a key ingredient in many fast food items, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. As the foodservice industry recovers from the pandemic, the demand for cheese is expected to continue to rise.
- Technological Innovations in Cheese Production: Advances in cheese production techniques, such as automation and improved supply chain management, have helped dairy producers manage costs and improve efficiency. These innovations are expected to help stabilize prices in the long term, although fluctuations in raw material costs may continue to drive short-term price increases.
- Sustainability Trends: As sustainability becomes a major focus in the food industry, consumers are increasingly seeking ethically produced and environmentally friendly dairy products. This has led to a rise in demand for organic and sustainably sourced cheese, which may impact prices as producers adapt to these trends.
Given these factors, cheese prices are expected to rise steadily over the next decade, with occasional fluctuations due to supply-demand imbalances, raw material costs, and changing consumer preferences.
Regional Market Insights
North America
In North America, cheese remains a staple food product, with the United States being one of the largest consumers and producers of cheese globally. The demand for both traditional and specialty cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda, continues to grow, driven by increasing consumer preference for premium and artisanal cheeses.
In Canada, cheese consumption is also on the rise, particularly among younger generations seeking healthier, high-protein snack options. Despite these demand increases, cheese prices have been impacted by rising milk prices, labor shortages in dairy farming, and supply chain disruptions. In the U.S., cheese prices have seen steady increases, especially in premium and organic cheese segments.
Europe
Europe is home to some of the most iconic cheese-producing countries, including France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The demand for cheese in Europe remains strong, driven by a rich tradition of cheese production and consumption. However, cheese prices in Europe have been impacted by rising milk prices and the increasing cost of production.
The European Union’s emphasis on sustainability and organic farming has led to an increase in the demand for organic and sustainably produced cheese. While these products often come with a premium price tag, they cater to a growing consumer segment interested in health-conscious and eco-friendly options.
Asia-Pacific
In the Asia-Pacific region, cheese consumption is on the rise, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan. As these countries become more urbanized and consumer lifestyles shift, cheese is increasingly being incorporated into diets, particularly as a snack or ingredient in processed foods.
In China, demand for cheese has grown rapidly, particularly for processed cheese and cheese products like cheese-flavored snacks. This trend is expected to continue as the middle class expands and Western food products become more popular. However, price fluctuations in the Asia-Pacific region are influenced by local dairy production, import tariffs, and supply chain issues.
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Procurement Resource
Understanding cheese price trends and market conditions is essential for businesses involved in sourcing this key food product. Platforms like Procurement Resource provide real-time pricing, market analysis, and supplier insights, helping companies optimize their procurement processes. By leveraging these resources, businesses can secure competitive pricing and ensure a reliable supply of cheese.
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