Parmesan Cheese Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source (Animal-based and Plant-based), By Form (Block, Powdered, Shredded, Grated, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and Online Retail), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global parmesan cheese market size was valued at USD 12.54 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 13.18 billion in 2025 to USD 20.41 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.44% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the parmesan cheese market with a market share of 60.53% in 2024.

Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a famous hard, granular cheese that originates from Italy. The product is mainly used in cooking and is well known for its nutty and rich flavor. The global market is expected to witness significant growth in the near future, owing to the growing popularity of specialty and gourmet foods. Moreover, the key players in the market are also focusing on new product launches, strategic partnerships, and expansion of distribution channels to stay competitive in the market.

The Kraft Heinz Company, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Arla Foods amba (Arla Foods Group), Saputo Inc., and others are some prominent players in the global market.

Global Parmesan Cheese Market Snapshot & Highlights

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 12.54 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 13.18 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 20.41 billion
• CAGR: 6.44% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• Europe dominated the parmesan cheese market with a 60.53% share in 2024, driven by strong dairy processing industries, traditional cheese consumption, and rising demand for plant-based cheese alternatives. The grated segment led the global market owing to its convenience and versatile applications in cooking, while the animal-based segment remained dominant due to traditional consumption patterns and nutritional value.

Key Country Highlights:

• Europe: Dominates the global market due to strong dairy infrastructure, snacking culture, and rising demand for both traditional and plant-based cheese varieties. The value of plant-based cheese grew by 7% between 2022 and 2023.
• United States: Leads the North American market with record cheese production and a strong export presence, supported by companies like BelGioioso, Sargento, and Kraft Heinz.
• Australia: A major exporter in the Asia Pacific region, shipping cheese to countries like China and UAE, with USD 699 million in exports in 2023.
• Brazil: Largest cheese consumer in South America, supported by ideal conditions for dairy farming and an average per capita consumption of 5.6 kg/year.
• UAE: Demand for Italian cheeses like parmesan is rising due to a diverse population, growing expat community, and increasing interest in premium, international cuisines.

PARMESAN CHEESE MARKET TRENDS

Trend of Vegan Parmesan Cheese is Emerging Rapidly in Western Countries

The trend of a plant-based diet has been evolving rapidly over the last few years. Consumers in developed countries who can afford to pay premium prices for parmesan cheese are leaning toward plant-based varieties of cheese for better health and to avoid animal-based products. However, due to the high cost related to the plant-based products, the plant-based cheese category has mainly been adopted in the western regions such as North America and Europe. With the trend expected to spread vividly over the next few years, this factor will benefit the overall growth of the market on the global landscape. Europe witnessed a growth from USD 7.33 Billion in 2023 to USD 7.59 Billion in 2024.

Download Free sample to learn more about this report.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Escalating Demand for Convenience and Fast Foods to Fuel Market Growth

The market is significantly influenced by rising demand for convenience and fast-food items. These products are easily prepared or pre-prepared and offer quick consumption, necessitating little cooking or prep time. Moreover, there is also an increase in demand for processed cheese owing to its appealing flavor, versatility, and increased shelf life, further fueling the global parmesan cheese market growth. The players operating in the cheese market segment would need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and also invest in innovation and technology to stay competitive in the evolving cheese market.

Emerging Italian Cuisine's Popularity Across the Globe to Aid Market Growth

The growth of the global market is driven by increasing consumer preference for Italian cuisine. The expanding use of cheese in various food products such as gourmet dishes, pasta, pizza, and similar food items contributes to the market’s expansion. This trend is particularly strong in regions where Italian cuisine is gaining traction, driving both local and export markets for cheese. The versatility of parmesan cheese as a flavoring, grating, and melting cheese makes it a popular choice for both traditional and fusion dishes.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Counterfeiting and Imitation to Hamper Product Sales

The global market faces several challenges. One of the significant challenges includes counterfeit products that mimic their name and appearances. Despite stringent regulations, counterfeit cheeses have been finding ways into the market, diluting the brand's reputation and misleading consumers. Moreover, the rising cost of raw materials such as milk has a direct impact on production costs, which may lead to supply chain disruptions, posing a threat to the industry.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Capitalizing on Growing Demand for High-Quality Artisanal Cheese to Pave Growth Opportunities

One of the significant opportunities for cheese producers in the market is capitalizing on the growing demand for high-quality, artisanal cheese. Consumers are increasingly interested in high-quality and unique cheeses, often seeking out varieties with distinct textures, flavors, and origins. This factor has reflected a growing appreciation for traditional cheese-making methods, premium ingredients, and regional specialties. Therefore, artisanal cheese manufacturers are capitalizing on this demand by offering innovative and handcrafted cheeses, further catering to diverse consumer preferences and driving market growth.

• For instance, in April 2025, Sartori Cheese, a Wisconsin-based artisan cheese company, launched brand-new Cheese Bites. The new product is available in two flavors: MontAmoré cheddar cheese bites, consisting of aged Parmesan and white cheddar, and Italian herb cheddar cheese bites.

Segmentation Analysis

By Source

Animal-based Segment Dominated Market Due to Widespread and Traditional Consumption

Based on the source, the global market is segmented into animal-based and plant-based.

The animal-based segment held the dominant share in 2024, owing to the widespread and traditional consumption of cheese derived from animal milk, reflecting familiar tastes and preferences among consumers. Moreover, animal-based cheese offers a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, making it popular among various diets.

The plant-based category is expected to grow with the highest CAGR over the forecast period. One of the significant factors behind the rise in vegan cheese’s popularity is the rising trend toward plant-based diets. Consumers are opting for vegan options due to environmental concerns, health reasons, or animal welfare, and hence reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products.

By Form

Grated Segment Led Market Owing to Convenience and Versatility

Based on form, the global market is categorized into block, powdered, shredded, grated, and others.

The grated segment dominated the global parmesan cheese market share in 2024, owing to versatility, convenience, and a more intense flavor. The grated form has various cooking applications, from pizzas and pasta to sauces, further contributing to its popularity.

The block segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The block form allows for a longer shelf life and is available in both hard and soft variants. The product is a popular ingredient for use in prepared foods and ready-to-eat meals.

By Distribution Channel

Promotional Offers and Discounts in Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Lead to Segmental Growth

Based on the distribution channel, the market is classified into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, and online retail.

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment dominates the global market, owing to its diverse product offerings, accessibility, and competitive pricing. These establishments also offer a wide array of cheese types, from common varieties to more specialized ones, under one roof. These also offer promotional offers and discounts, attracting price-conscious consumers and further fueling the segment's growth.

The online retail segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period, owing to a rise in internet penetration. Personalized product offerings, attractive pricing, and ease of shopping are significantly contributing to segment growth.

Parmesan Cheese Market Regional Outlook

By region, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Europe

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Download Free sample

Europe dominates the global market, which holds a 60.55% share. This region is known to be a prominent market for the cheese industry, owing to the prominent EU dairy processing industries, which focus solely on cheese production over butter and milk powders, and robust cheese demand. Moreover, cheese is traditionally considered the preferred outlet for milk from the European Union (EU). The region is also witnessing the emergence of snacking culture, where consumers recognise dairy foods as natural and nutritious snacks. Therefore, prominent players in the market are looking to gain a strong foothold in the dairy industry, including parmesan cheese, as a new prospect of growth within the healthy foods sector. Consumers in the region have also been adopting vegetarian and vegan diets for ethical reasons, such as animal welfare, health concerns, and the environmental impact of the dairy industry. These factors have been reflected in the cheese industry, further driving the demand for plant-based cheese. According to the Good Food Institute, in Europe, the value of plant-based cheese grew by 7% between 2022 and 2023, and unit sales grew by 10%.

North America

The market in North America is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The robust product demand across the U.S. and Canada primarily drives the North American cheese market. The U.S. leads the cheese market in terms of innovation, production, and consumption, supported by a strong presence of food service chains and a mature dairy infrastructure. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), cheese production in the U.S. totaled a record 14.11 billion pounds, up by 0.3% compared to 2022. The country is also home to some of the top Cheese exporters in the world, including BelGioioso Cheese, Sargento Foods, and Kraft Heinz, which export high-quality cheese products to global markets.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is known to be home to over half of the world's population. The emergence of the middle-class population and urbanization have led to increased dairy consumption. Moreover, as people migrate to urban areas and disposable incomes rise, their dietary preferences shift, leading to increased demand for increased demand for high-quality dairy products, such as cheese, fueling the growth of Asia Pacific market. Australia is known to be one of the key players in the global cheese trade, which exports cheese to China and UAE. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in 2023, Australia exported USD 699 million of cheese, making it the 16th largest exporter of cheese across the globe.

South America

The South American cheese market is primarily driven by the rising demand for protein-rich and convenient food products fueled by changing dietary habits and a growing working population. The South American market spans diverse geographies, including Brazil and Argentina. Brazil is known to be the largest consumer of cheese in the region, owing to the country's diverse landscape and climate, which provide ideal conditions for dairy farming and cheese production. According to the Brazilian Association of Cheese Industries (ABIQ), Brazil is known to have 5.6 kg/year of average per capita consumption of cheese.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is known to be a significantly growing market for the food and beverage industry, with a particular interest in premium and high-quality products. Among these, Italian cheese has been increasing in popularity, owing to its rich and unique taste and flavor. In a country such as UAE, the diverse population, coupled with the rise in the expatriate community, has further contributed to the demand for Italian cuisines and cheeses, including parmesan. The growing consumer spending per capita and GDP per capita in developing countries such as South Africa influence consumer demand and preferences, driving higher cheese consumption in the market.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Innovative Product Launches by Top Companies to Occupy Considerable Market Share

The global market is competitive owing to the presence of large international and domestic players. Some of the major players in the market include The Kraft Heinz Company, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Arla Foods amba (Arla Foods Group), Saputo Inc., and others. The majority of the players in the market are actively focused on new product launches, coupled with base expansion strategies. These aforementioned strategies help the key players to sustain their dominance and fuel the growth of the market.

• For instance, in January 2025, Fonterra Group launched Perfect Italiano Grated Parmesan Canisters in Australia. The new range includes two dry-grated parmesan cheese varieties, including Traditional and Garlic Herb.

LIST OF KEY PARMESAN CHEESE COMPANIES PROFILED

• The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.)
• Sargento Foods (U.S.)
• Zanetti S.p.A. (Italy)
• Bertinelli (Italy)
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (New Zealand)
• Arla Foods amba (Arla Foods Group) (Germany)
• FrieslandCampina (Netherlands)
• Saputo Inc. (Canada)
• Organic Valley (U.S.)
• SAVENCIA SA (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• January 2025: Schuman Cheese launched delve dips and spreads, which are made with cheeses from the Schuman Cheese portfolio. The new range includes basil pesto parm made with copper kettle parmesan cheese, garlic herb asiago, and whipped feta.
• November 2024: Armored Fresh, a South Korean food tech company, expanded its zero-dairy lineup, including Grated Kimchi Parmesan and Grated Parmesan. The new range is ideal for use as a topping for garlic bread, salads, soups, pasta, and other dishes.
• September 2024: Armored Fresh filed a new patent for a manufacturing technology that can replicate the texture and taste of traditional hard-aged cheese in grated form.
• April 2024: Domino's Pizza Inc. launched a new parmesan cheese-stuffed crust pizza across the U.S.
• April 2024: Eau Galle Cheese, a U.S.-based parmesan cheese maker, expanded its two Wisconsin cheese plants and boosted its procurement of hard Italian-style cheese.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global parmesan cheese market report analysis provides the market size & forecast by all the segments included in the report. It includes details on the market dynamics and global market trends expected to drive the market in the forecast period. It offers information on the prevalence of Parmesan Cheese in key regions/countries, key industry developments, new product launches, and details on partnerships, mergers & acquisitions in key countries. The report includes the global market analysis, a detailed competitive landscape with information on the market share, and profiles of key players.

To gain extensive insights into the market, Download for Customization

Report Scope & Segmentation