Global Blue Cheese Market - 2023-2030
Global Blue Cheese Market reached US$ 1.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 2.0 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
Blue Cheese is a rich source of various nutrients including calcium, protein, and vitamins. The beneficial bacteria present in blue cheese help in digestion and boost the immune system. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Nutritional benefits associated with the blue cheese positively drive the market growth.
With the increasing prevalence of various types of allergies among consumers, manufacturers are introducing allergy-free blue cheeses to help consumers choose among their favourable products. For instance, in October 2021, Follow Your Heart brand, announced the launch of dairy-free crumbles bleu cheese. The product is lactose-free and soy-free and is actively adopted by lactose and soy allergy people.
Initiatives by the key market players to improve the brand and product reach to consumers and improve the product popularity in various regions. For instance, in August 2023, Treasure Cave, America’s original cave-aged blue cheese brand, announced the launch of a new brand campaign, You Might Love It Here. The campaign helps consumers explore the brand's blue cheese flavor.
Dynamics
High Applications of Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is used as dressing for various types of food products. It can be used as a food product topping, dressing, and others. People with various food preferences use multiple combinations of food products with blue cheese. Fruits, chocolates, jams and chutneys are best paired with blue cheese and are highly used in food & beverage and dairy industries.
The high use of blue cheese as dressing is driving consumers to launch new products into the market. For instance, in March 2022, Plant Junkie, a division of BetterBody Foods, introduced new products into their product offering through the launch of avocado-based Blue Cheese and Caesar dressings into the market. The newly released products are made from plant-based ingredients and are claimed to be free from dairy, gluten, and non-GMO.
New and Innovative Product Launches
Blue cheese has wide applications in combination with various food products. With the increasing popularity of plant-based food products, manufacturers are also introducing plant-based blue cheese, to meet the demand of the vegan population. According to the World Animal Foundation, there are 80 million vegans in the world.
To meet the demand for the vegan population, manufacturers are releasing new plant-based vegans into the market. For instance, in November 2022, Violife, a vegan cheese brand by Upfield, announced the launch of 100 % Vegan Blue Cheese into the market. The product is claimed to be free from preservatives and nuts and is highly popular among the vegan population.
Increasing Health Concerns
Cheese is used traditionally in all regions for various applications. But the increasing health concerns related to the consumption of various types of cheeses including blue cheese can restrain the market growth. Blue cheese is high in sodium, calories and fats. The high consumption of blue cheese can lead to various health risks including high blood pressure, obesity and heart issues.
Excess fat in blue cheese can harm heart health and lead to heart diseases. Rich calorie sources can lead to extra weight gain and ultimately obesity. According to the World Health Organization 2022, there are more than 1 billion obese people in the world. The organization estimates that around 650 million adolescents and 39 million children are suffering from obesity. With the increasing health concerns among consumers, the demand for blue cheese may decrease, negatively affecting the market growth.
Segment AnalysisThe global blue cheese market is segmented based on source, type, texture, distribution channel, and region.
High Popularity of Roquefort Among Consumers
The global blue cheese market is segmented based on type into Gorgonzola, Castello Double Creme Blue, Roquefort, Stilton and Castello Traditional Danish Blue. Roquefort type of cheese accounted for the largest share of the global blue cheese market. Roquefort cheese is considered to be one of the oldest types of blue cheese.
Roquefort blue cheese can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Proteins in this cheese are considered to lower cholesterol levels and help in preventing heart diseases. People usually combine Roquefort with figs, walnuts and pears. The sweet, salty and smoky kind of flavor of this Roquefort blue cheese increases its popularity among consumers increasing its adoption among the global population.
Geographical Penetration
High Production and Consumption in Europe
Europe dominated the global blue cheese market, with France, Germany and U.K. leading the market growth. Cheese is used as a staple ingredient in various European cuisines including German, and French. Europe is considered to be one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of cheese.
Europe is famous for its traditional cheese-making due to its favourable climatic conditions. According to the USDA 2021 report, EU cheese production is forecast to increase to 10.4 MMT, which is 50,000 MT more than in 2021 and 168,000 MT more than in 2020. 96% of French people eat cheese. The International Dairy Federation estimated that France is considered to be the most cheese-consuming country.
According to World Population Review 2023, France accounted for the most cheese-eating country with 57.9 pounds per capita per year, followed by Germany with 53.20 pounds per capita. High production and consumption of various types of cheese can be one of the major driving factors for the largest share of the European blue cheese market.
Competitive LandscapeThe major global players in the market include Saputo Cheese USA Inc., Climax Foods Inc., Arla Foods amba, Savencia SA, Organic Valley Family of Farms, The Kraft Heinz Company, Great Hill Dairy, Inc, Emmi Group, Hook's Cheese and Shafts Cheese Company, LLC.
COVID-19 Impact AnalysisThe outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the global blue cheese market. Manufacturers of every industry, including blue cheese faced challenges in raw material sourcing and labor maintenance for product production at the manufacturing units. The pandemic conditions also made it difficult the distribute the product to the end-users.
The strict regulations from the government resulted in the shutdown of food service outlets that had high use of cheese in food product serving. The high use of blue cheese at the household level positively impacted the market growth. In addition, the increased use and accessibility of the e-commerce sector and the wide availability of these products in online sales increased market demand.
Russia- Ukraine War Impact
Various industries around the world were affected by to Russia-Ukraine war. The food and beverage industries also faced numerous challenges and losses due to improper supply chain activities and decreased product sourcing and distribution among various regions of the world. The disrupted import and export transactions of the product affected the price of the product resulting in the high costs of the final product as well.
By Source
• Dairy-Based
Sheep’s Milk
Cow’s Milk
Goat’s Milk
• Plant-Based
By Type
• Gorgonzola
• Castello Double Creme Blue
• Roquefort
• Stilton
• Castello Traditional Danish Blue
By Texture
• Hard Blue Cheese
• Soft Blue Cheese
By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores
• E-commerce
By Region
• North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
• South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
Key Developments
• In May 2023, Elite Imports, the UK and Ireland’s sole importer partnered with Carron Lodge to introduce waxed Grand Noir Wedge, a semi-soft creamy blue cheese with a spicy blue character. This blue cow’s milk cheese is waxed to improve its shelf life up to 55 days more than the conventional one.
• In March 2023, Climax Foods Inc., a U.S.-based food tech company introduced speciality cheese alternatives plant-based blue cheeses into the market.
Why Purchase the Report?• To visualize the global blue cheese market segmentation based on source, type, texture, distribution channel, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of blue cheese market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global blue cheese market report would provide approximately 101 tables, 103 figures and 234 Pages.
Target Audience 2023• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies