Blue Cheese Market Expected to Reach $2.2 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Blue Cheese Market," The blue cheese market size was valued at $1.5 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $2.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2032.

The growth of the blue cheese market trends primarily stems from the surging fascination with epicurean and handcrafted delicacies. Consumers are progressively gravitating towards top-tier, artisanal offerings that boast distinctive flavors and attributes. This shift in preferences has catapulted blue cheese to the forefront as a coveted choice among gourmands and aficionados. Its allure lies in its meticulous craftsmanship and unmistakable flavor profile, often derived from time-honored methods and meticulous aging processes. These artisanal practices yield cheeses that exude unparalleled depth, complexity, and opulence.

The North American and Asia-Pacific regions present remarkable growth potential for the blue cheese market. The rising consumption of fast-food staples like pasta, pizza, and burgers in QSRs significantly fuels the demand for cheese. Furthermore, the extended shelf life of cheese and the escalating demand for protein-rich food products further amplify blue cheese market growth.

Nonetheless, blue cheese faces the challenge of a relatively short shelf life compared to other cheese varieties. The distinct aging process and the presence of mold render it susceptible to spoilage if not handled and stored with utmost care. This limited shelf life poses inventory management hurdles for producers and retailers, necessitating waste reduction efforts and a steadfast commitment to product freshness. Additionally, the specialized production methods and aging requirements of blue cheese contribute to its higher price point. The premium positioning of blue cheese may render it less accessible to cost-conscious consumers, potentially restricting its market penetration and adoption. These factors present obstacles to the market's growth.

In essence, the blue cheese market thrives due to the growing allure of gourmet and handcrafted epicurean offerings. North America and Asia-Pacific emerge as promising regions for market expansion. However, challenges related to shelf life, inventory management, and pricing impede its growth trajectory. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on consumer preferences, blue cheese producers can pave the way for sustained success in this distinct and evolving market.

The blue cheese market analysis is segmented on the basis of type, source, texture, distribution channel, and region. By type, the market is classified into gorgonzola, castello double crème blue, roquefort, stilton, and castello traditional danish blue. As per source, the market is classified into sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk. Depending on texture, the market is classified into hard blue cheese and soft blue cheese. By distribution channel, the market is classified into online retail, specialty stores, supermarket/hypermarket, and others. Region-wise, it is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, KSA, and Rest of LAMEA). 

By type, the blue cheese market forecast is classified into gorgonzola, castello double crème blue, roquefort, stilton, and castello traditional danish blue. The roquefort segment accounted for a major Blue Cheese Market Share of market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.  Roquefort, a globally acclaimed blue cheese hailing from France, stands out for its exquisite attributes. Crafted from the milk of sheep, this cheese showcases a crumbly consistency, robust and piquant taste, and unmistakable marbling of blue-green veins. The escalating appetite for premium and artisanal cheeses serves as a catalyst for Roquefort's expansion. Its unparalleled production technique, entailing maturation in natural caverns, and the prestigious protected designation of origin (PDO) recognition further heighten its allure.

By source, the market is classified into sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk. The cow’s milk segment accounted for a major share of the blue cheese market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The Blue Cheese Market Opportunities is seeing an increase in demand for blue cheeses made from cow's milk for a number of reasons. The familiarity and ubiquitous accessibility of cow's milk, which makes it a preferred option for many customers, is one motivating element. Cow's milk is also renowned for having a creamy, mild flavor that is ideal for making blue cheese.

By texture, the market is classified into hard blue cheese and soft blue cheese. The hard blue cheese segment accounted for a major share of the blue cheese market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

By distribution channel, the market is classified into online retail, specialty stores, supermarket/hypermarket, and others. The supermarket/hypermarket segment accounted for a major share of the blue cheese market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Due to a number of causes, there is a noticeable increase in the demand for supermarkets and hypermarkets in the blue cheese industry. The shifting consumer preferences for convenience and altered consumer behavior are two key factors. 

Region-wise, it is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, KSA, and Rest of LAMEA).  The proliferation of the cheese sector across Europe is primarily propelled by the pervasive incorporation of cheese as a beloved culinary element in the gastronomic traditions of numerous European nations. 

The major players operating in the market focus on key market strategies, such as mergers, product launches, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. They have been also focusing on strengthening their market reach to maintain their goodwill in the ever-competitive market. Some of the key players in the blue cheese market report include Rogue Creamery, The Exmoor Blue Cheese Company, The Kraft Heinz Company, Organic Valley Family of Farms, Maytag Dairy Farms, Blue Cow Cheese Company, Cashel Blue Cheese, The Kroger Co., Arla Foods amba, and Bel.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY   

• By type, the roquefort segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
• By source, the cow’s milk segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
• By texture, the hard blue cheese segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
• By distribution channel, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
• By region, the Europe region was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.