Top Cheese Producers in the World: A Competitive Analysis of 10 Key Players

Innovation to Emerge as the Cornerstone of Cheese Production in Coming Years

Over the recent years, advancements in dairy processing and innovation have led to a paradigm shift in the process of cheese production and distribution. The debut of advanced technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) in the food & beverage sector has benefited the global supply chain, with the cheese industry being no exception. The industry has also witnessed the rollout of advanced solutions for enhanced manufacturing, packaging, and distribution by food tech players.

An instance of the same is the launch of MaxirenEVO, a novel coagulant enzyme developed by DSM Firmenich, which hit the market in March 2025. This breakthrough is anticipated to address a range of cheese-making challenges, including the demand for enhanced flavor, texture, and processing flexibility.

Cheese as a Dairy Product: A Dive into the Different Types and the Evolving Demand

Cheese is used in several food preparations due to its creaminess, richness, and flavor. Made from the milk of goats, sheep, cows, and other mammals, the dairy product is rich in protein and calcium. The different varieties of cheese comprise American, Asiago, blue, Brie, Burrata, Camembert, Cheddar, and Mozzarella cheese, among others. The most consumed cheese in the U.S. is Mozzarella. As per the USDA FoodData Central, the annual per capita consumption of Mozzarella in the U.S. is 11.5 pounds (5.2 kg).

The demand for cheese is rising across several regions with an increase in the acceptance of ethnic cuisines such as Mexican and Italian. This has led top cheese producers in the world to focus on innovation to advance their production processes to meet the globally mounting demand. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market for cheese is touted to reach USD 283.10 billion by 2032 from USD 199.14, expanding at a CAGR of 5.15%. The market value hit USD 191.94 billion in 2024.

Against the backdrop of a soaring demand, market players are joining forces with other companies and considering investments to enhance their product portfolio. The expansion of manufacturing facilities and the takeover of companies aligning with their business objectives are other significant steps that are being adopted by industry participants.

The top 10 players in the cheese industry comprise:

1. Arla Foods Group:

Danish multinational cooperative Arla Foods has a rich portfolio of cheese products, with Arla, Puck, and Castello being renowned brands. It is one of the largest producers of dairy products in the U.K. and Scandinavia. The company is keen to undertake expansion initiatives and investments to consolidate its market position. In March 2024, the company invested USD 228.2 million for the upgradation of its mozzarella cheese manufacturing unit in Taw Valley, U.K. The investment is centered on securing the company’s position as a major mozzarella market player.

2. Fonterra Co-operative Group:

New Zealand-based Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited is one of the leading global manufacturers of cheese. The company is known for producing a range of cheese products with Anchor, Perfect Italiano, and Mainland being the well-known brands. Indonesia and China record a substantial demand for high-quality dairy products, which has led Fonterra to consider expansion in Asia. Besides, the region exhibits a rapidly soaring demand for cheese given the change in dietary habits.

3. Saputo Inc.:

Saputo Inc., based in Canada, is a specialized producer and distributor of cream products, fluid milk, cultured products, dairy ingredients, and a range of other dairy products. The dairy company has a strong presence in Argentina, Australia, Canada, U.S., and the U.K. Saputo emphasizes innovation, which is evident in its endeavor to bring new items to the market and improve the quality of its core offerings. The company in August 2022 launched a range of new products under the Montchevre brand. This launch comprised a line of Topped Goat Cheeses and a Hibiscus Berry Goat Cheese Log.

4. The Kraft Heinz Company:

The Kraft Heinz Company has an extensive portfolio of over 200 iconic brands that cover cheese and dairy, sauces, meat, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and other grocery products. The company is keen for innovation within both plant-based and traditional segments, core brands, enhanced marketing efforts and operational efficiency, and international expansion endeavors.

5. FrieslandCampina: 

Netherlands-based Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. has an extensive product portfolio and is one of the largest dairy companies at the global level. The multinational dairy cooperative is known for being one of the largest producers of Gouda cheese, which has a creamy texture and rich flavor, at the global level. FrieslandCampina sells its products in over 100 markets and has operations in more than 33 countries. The company deploys its cooperative structure for ensuring traceability from farm to table and reliable supply chains.

6. Lactalis Ingredients:

French dairy major Lactalis Ingredients, one of the top cheese producers in the world, has an array of products, including Cheddar, mozzarella, and Emmental cheese on its portfolio. The company places a high emphasis on investments in R&D efforts to bring innovative cheese products to the market. An instance of the same is the development of functional cheese ingredients aligning with food industry trends, such as low-fat or high-protein options, and specific dairy requirements.

7. Wensleydale Creamery:

U.K.-based renowned artisan cheesemaker Wensleydale Creamery is a producer of award-winning cheeses handcrafted using traditional methods. The company has a 1000-year long rich heritage and is known for producing the iconic Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, which in 2013 received the European Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. The cheese producer is keen on making substantial investments toward enhancing its manufacturing facilities. An example of the same is its February 2024 investment in new machinery in its Hawes, North Yorkshire, and facility for the production of smoked cheese. The move is aimed at meeting the escalating consumer demand for naturally smoked cheese and portfolio enhancement.

8. Dairy Farmers of America Inc.:

Dairy Farmers of America, a U.S.-based national milk marketing cooperative, has an extensive production and sales portfolio that involves cheese, fluid milk, butter, and other dairy products. The cooperative is specialized in raw milk marketing for cooperative members and independent producers and is committed to sustainability and community engagement. The cooperative provides tools and resources necessary for operations to its member farmers with a keen focus on environmentally sustainable practices.

9. Savencia SA:

Savencia SA is a specialized provider of cheese and dairy products and has a broad portfolio that covers traditional and innovative cheese varieties and high-quality cheeses. The company values the creation of unique offerings catering to the diverse tastes of consumers. Since the early 1970s, the cheesemaker has expanded its operations across various regions, comprising North America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Brazil.  

10. Norseland Ltd.: 

Norseland is one of the key suppliers of specialty blended cheese and has a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Jarlsberg. The company is known for the production of various cheeses for popular dairy and plant-based brands for supermarket retailers, food service, and wholesale customers at the international and domestic levels. The U.K.-based company is highly focused on building robust customer-resonating brand identities.

Blended Cheeses and Aged Flavors: Future of the Cheese Industry

In the coming years, an increased emphasis on flavor enhancements is poised to boost innovation in the cheese industry. Apart from classic cheeses, blended cheeses such as Cheddar Mozzarella and Colby Jack may become popular with the rising demand for various flavor profiles. Efforts to accelerate the process of cheese aging for aged flavor and texture profiles and reduced time and costs of production is another trend that is likely to emerge in the future.