In 2025, the demand for soft cheese, particularly in the form of paneer, continued to surge as consumers increasingly prioritised high-protein foods as part of balanced meal routines. Rising health awareness among young professionals and fitness-conscious consumers has elevated paneer’s position as a preferred vegetarian protein alternative, leading to steady double-digit retail value growth. Moreover, the adaptability of paneer, suitable for pairing with breads at breakfast or as evening snacks

Value sales of cheese recorded a double-digit increase in Mexico in 2025. Driven by rising retail prices for meat, including beef, pork, and chicken, that outpaced inflation during the 2024–2025 period, and by growing consumer awareness of the health risks associated with excessive meat consumption, Mexican dietary habits have undergone a notable shift. As overall meat consumption declined, cheese emerged as an alternative source of protein, leading to strong growth across both hard and soft che

Cheese in South Africa is projected to continue to post fast growth in retail current value sales and a moderate increase in retail volume sales over 2025. Almost all categories are expected to register further double-digit rises in retail current value sales, with the exception, unpackaged hard cheese, set to see a further high single-digit increase. While unit price inflation plays a key role in driving the overall category retail current value sales performance, the resilience of retail volum

Value sales continue to be low for cheese in Nigeria in 2025 and while current value sales is expected to increase, volume sales are expected to fall, though not as significantly as in 2025. Cheese is mainly consumed by higher income consumers and is mainly imported and thus dependent on currency fluctuations. Despite the challenging conditions, cheese is benefiting from interest among some consumers in novel and diverse sources of protein, particularly as major sources of protein such as eggs h

Cheese sales in Morocco are expected to continue growing in current value terms in 2025, driven in part by the increasing influence of Western eating habits. Media exposure - including advertisements from fast-food chains like Pizza Hut and McDonald’s, as well as Western cooking programmes - has boosted consumer familiarity. However, cheese consumption remains less prevalent among lower-income groups due to the relatively high price of many offerings.

As dairy shows strong signs of recovery, cheese in Vietnam continues to see strong retail current value growth in 2025. Following the economic slowdown in 2023 and 2024, the country posted strong GDP growth in the first half of 2025; the highest since 2011. This rebound has supported consumer spending, especially in urban areas. Industry players have actively contributed to the momentum through research and development, new product launches, and targeted marketing. Cheese, although one of the sm

In Thailand, cheese is becoming increasingly mainstream as it is more widely consumed and used in recipes and local products. In 2025, retail volume and value sales increased at a steady pace as consumers continued to embrace Western cuisines and international dishes, such as pasta, pizza and cheesecake. Its growing popularity can be observed by the wider visibility of cheese in various distribution channels, where it is being allocated greater shelf space. In convenience stores, consumers can e

Volume sales of cheese in Taiwan stagnated in 2025, while moderate current value growth reflected higher average unit prices. Many Taiwanese consumers enjoyed the convenience of dining out prior to the pandemic and have continued this behaviour post-pandemic, resulting in lower levels of cheese consumption at home. The resurgence of interest in travel, particularly international travel, has also contributed to a decline in home cooking.

Retail and foodservice volume sales of cheese in the Philippines are expected to see moderate and good growth, respectively, in 2025, driven by its use in baking and cooking. In retail current value terms, cheese is set to see strong growth. Cheese continues to be a staple ingredient in popular local dishes and snacks. Leading players in cheese, such as Mondelez Philippines and Magnolia, have effectively capitalised on this trend through targeted brand building initiatives. Mondelez Philippines,

Sales of cheese in Singapore continue to see solid growth in current retail value terms in 2025, while retail volume sales remain stable. This trend suggests that while the overall quantity of cheese being purchased is growing, consumers are increasingly opting for higher-value or premium cheese products. Nonetheless, running somewhat counter to this is the fact that processed cheese excluding spreadable remains the largest category in cheese in 2025 and continues to see steady growth in retail

Cheese is maintaining stable sales in Croatia in 2025, in both value and volume terms. This growth reflects continued consumer demand for cheese across various formats, including hard cheese, processed cheese, and spreadable cheese. Despite inflationary pressures and a challenging economic climate, cheese maintained its role as a staple in Croatian households — from premium options to everyday cheese varieties, with packaged hard cheese making a notable contribution. This all suggests a resilien

Despite the higher price of cheese, consumption continued to rise well in Germany during 2025. Hard cheeses, such as Gouda, Emmental, and Parmesan, are popular with consumers who value their versatility when preparing meals, snacks, and general cooking. Hard cheese holds greater appeal compared to soft cheese as consumers value its longer shelf life. Nonetheless, soft cheese is also widely consumed, especially mozzarella which is used for preparing salads and cooking. Another increasingly popula

2025 is seeing low growth for cheese in Hong Kong in terms of retail value sales as the market stabilises after several years marked by intense price wars and heightened consumer sensitivity to costs. The competitive landscape has forced many brands to engage in aggressive discounting strategies, which have put downward pressure on unit prices. However, despite these challenges, cheese is showing signs of resilience, with local consumers are still willing to consume its products.

Retail value sales of cheese are expected to rise in current terms in the United Arab Emirates in 2025. Demand for cheese continues to rise in the country, supported by its widespread appeal across both traditional and modern cuisines. Its versatility makes it a popular choice throughout the day - from breakfast dishes to snacks and main meals - contributing to consistent demand across diverse consumer segments. As culinary habits evolve and fusion cooking becomes more mainstream, cheese is incr

Retail current value sales of cheese in Slovenia are projected to continue to see a strong increase in 2025. Growth is driven by price increases, informed by higher input costs and inflation, but also a robust demand for domestic, quality-assured products. The largest category, hard cheese, is set to see the highest retail current value sales growth in 2025 through the packaged format, in particular. Packaged and unpackaged hard cheeses benefit from traditional use in Slovenian diets, long shelf

Unlike other dairy categories that struggled to sustain retail volume growth, cheese showed positive growth in both current retail value and volume terms in the US in 2024, with this trend continuing in 2025. In fact, cheese is expected to see the third consecutive year of volume growth in 2025. Several factors have positively influenced cheese consumption during 2024 and 2025. A key driver is the health and wellness trend, which positions cheese as a natural and protein-rich snack. In line with

Value sales of cheese increased in New Zealand in 2025, continuing a trend of low single-digit growth seen in recent years. This growth has been primarily driven by rising unit prices rather than increases in volume. The strong international demand for New Zealand dairy products, including cheese, has sustained high producer prices, which have consequently been passed on to local consumers.

Cheese in North Macedonia is poised to record another solid performance in retail volume and current value growth terms in 2025. The category remains comparatively well insulated from the negative impact of population decline and still-elevated cost-of-living pressures, as this product type is a key staple in the local diet. Moreover, because it is inherently rich in vitamins, minerals and protein, sales continue to be buoyed by the growing tendency of people to make more nutritious and naturall

In 2025 cheese continues to enjoy strong retail value sales growth in Indonesia, nearing double-digit figures despite facing its slowest pace in a decade. The slowdown is largely attributable to ongoing economic uncertainties and a dip in consumer confidence. Nevertheless, cheese remains a rising star, driven by a surge in consumer awareness and evolving consumption habits. Much of this momentum stems from the strategic efforts of manufacturers and influencers leveraging social media platforms t

Cheese is expected to register positive current value and volume growth in 2025 in Pakistan. Spreadable cheese continues to account for most value and volume sales in 2025, but processed cheese is expected to register higher volume growth. The demand for processed cheese in Pakistan is experiencing strong growth, driven by the increasing consumption of fast food and the rising popularity of Western-style meals at home. As urban lifestyles become more fast-paced, consumers are seeking quick and c

Cheese has seen strong growth in current value terms in 2025, while volume sales have seen more moderate growth. Although inflation has stabilised in 2025 prices across dairy have continued to rise due to the rising cost of production, with this helping to drive value growth while also placing constraints on volume growth. Norwegian consumers are embracing traditional Norwegian options like yellow and brown cheese, indicating a growing preference for authenticity and natural ingredients in dairy

Cheese in Tunisia witnessed an uptick in retail volume sales over 2025, reflecting the ongoing demand for cheese products. Rising unit prices contributed to overall value growth as cheese prices continued to climb throughout the year 2025. Demand is still being affected by inflation, weaker consumer purchasing power, and the strong presence of smuggled cheese products, particularly in small local grocers and food and drinks specialists. Some of the brands that are commonly smuggled into the coun

Cheese is seeing robust value sales in Uzbekistan in 2025, at a slightly higher rate compared to 2024. Volume sales are also stable albeit at a lower rate of growth compared to value sales, and also slightly elevated from the previous year.

Value sales of cheese in Ukraine are projected to record a double-digit increase in 2025. This growth is supported by an expanding assortment driven by the development of wine culture, rising health and wellness trends, increased imports, and growing interest in craft cheese production. Consumers are increasingly opting for multiple cheese varieties but in smaller pack sizes, aiming to diversify their diets while staying cost-conscious. Cheese continues to be a popular choice for quick meals lik