Blue Cheese Market Report

Demand for blue cheese is anticipated to expand rapidly in emerging economies such as Asia Pacific and South America. Cheese consumption per capita has increased significantly in East Asia, due to rising incomes, changes in eating patterns, and the spread of restaurant chains that are using cheese as a key ingredient. The expanding urbanisation of Asia, along with rising family incomes and the increasing acceptance of the western lifestyle among the middle and upper classes, boosts the blue cheese market. Consumption of pizza and other European-style fast foods appears to be a fundamental consumer trend, particularly among young people. Consumer demand for packaged meals containing cheese has increased dramatically. Moreover, tariff reductions and enhanced tariff-rate limits have lowered cheese prices, boosting imports. Global milk production has climbed by more than 59% in the past three decades. According to the OECD iLibrary, global milk production is expected to reach 997 Mt by 2029. The milk industry's and consumers' positive outlooks are expected to boost the blue cheese market in the forecast period.

The rising incidence of lifestyle-related health issues associated with excessive fat consumption, such as obesity and diabetes, has a significant impact on the industry. Diabetes affects 537 million adults aged 20 to 79, according to the World Diabetes Federation. This number is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030, and 783 million by 2045. Consumers prefer low-fat diets to prevent these diseases and maintain overall health. As a result, the rising number of people suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease is likely to limit overall market growth during the forecast period. As consumers become more conscious of dietary choices and their impact on health, there is a growing shift towards lower-fat alternatives. This trend is likely to restrain the growth of the blue cheese market, as blue cheese is typically high in fat. Consequently, manufacturers may face challenges in maintaining market growth amid these changing consumer preferences.

Organized blue cheese market is relatively developing quickly because of the ameliorated channels of distribution and proper procurement techniques. Since July 2024, Climax Foods has made available for its clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles the Climax Blue cheese that was recently awarded through the Good Eggs grocery delivery service. Also, Newton, Iowa based AgCertain Industries, involved in cultivating, producing, and selling culinary, agricultural and bioproducts has declared acquisition of the Maytag Dairy Farms. Maytag Dairy Farms is also famous for manufacturing extraordinary specialty food and drink aside from the Maytag Blue Cheese. Midwest Growth Partners, the private equity firm that assisted in this deal and at the same owns AgCertain Industries, is increasing its stake in the firm. Midwest Growth Partners used to own Maytag Dairy Farms.

North America is the market's fastest-growing region, owing to rising disposable income and domestic company development. Furthermore, the North American blue cheese market is booming as a result of greater government support and the popularity of numerous cheese-based foods such as pizza, burgers, pasta and others. To remain competitive in both domestic and global markets, cheese processors rely on continuous innovation. The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced in 2022 that the Government of Canada would invest up to US$ 2 million in Quality Cheese in Vaughan, Ontario, under the Dairy Processing Investment Fund.   Overall dairy consumption in the United States stayed steady from 1979 to 2025, while daily cheese consumption more than doubled, according to USDA Economic Research Service loss-adjusted food availability statistics (ERS). However, daily cheese consumption increased from 0.34 cup-equivalents per person in 1979 to 0.82 cup-equivalents in 2023. Asia Pacific is expected to see a drastic shift in dairy product consumption patterns. Rising discretionary income levels in the region, along with relatively stable milk prices, have significantly contributed to increased demand of cheese varieties. India is the world's largest milk producer, accounting for 22% of global output. Increased milk production leads to an increase in dairy product consumption and cheese manufacture. China and Pakistan also contribute majorly in milk production, making Asia Pacific a prominent contributor to the global blue cheese market during the forecast period.