UK Cheese Market Overview, 2030

The UK cheese market is a vital sector within the country’s broader food and beverage industry, reflecting both a long history and an ever-evolving landscape. Historically, the UK has had a rich tradition of cheese production, with iconic varieties such as Cheddar and Stilton becoming synonymous with British cuisine. The demand for cheese has grown steadily, driven by its central role in meals, snacks, and culinary innovation. With the increase in consumer demand for both traditional and exotic varieties, the UK has seen a significant rise in the consumption of premium and specialty cheeses. Government regulations and policies concerning food safety and quality control play a key role in maintaining standards within the industry, ensuring the integrity of products and consumer health. Additionally, environmental concerns and sustainability have become significant factors in cheese production, with a growing trend towards more eco-friendly production methods and packaging. The UK market is supported by strong domestic production, though it is also influenced by imports, as cheese is a highly traded commodity within Europe. The UK’s diverse cheese offerings cater to both local tastes and international preferences, with retail and foodservice sectors playing important roles in distribution.

According to the research report “UK Cheese Market Overview, 2030,” published by Bonafide Research, the UK cheese market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 5.2% from 2025 to 2030. The UK cheese market continues to evolve, with several factors driving its expansion. This growth is fueled by rising consumer preferences for premium and artisanal cheeses, as well as the growing trend of snacking. The convenience of cheese products, paired with the increasing variety available, has contributed to their popularity in both domestic and foodservice settings. Health-conscious consumers are also driving demand for cheeses that align with specific dietary needs, such as low-fat, reduced-sodium, or plant-based alternatives. Technological innovations in cheese production, packaging, and distribution further contribute to the market’s expansion. The UK's cheese sector features a competitive landscape, with prominent domestic and international brands vying for market share. Key players in the UK cheese market include companies such as Arla Foods, Dairy Crest, and Lactalis, who dominate the retail sector through both branded and private label products. The presence of artisanal and specialty cheese producers also adds to the market's dynamism, catering to niche markets and premium segments. Market opportunities are abundant, particularly in the growing demand for organic, sustainable, and plant-based cheeses, as well as the increasing popularity of cheese in ready-to-eat and convenience food formats.

The UK cheese market is segmented by product type, with key varieties including Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, Roquefort, and other cheeses. Mozzarella remains one of the most popular cheeses in the UK, driven by the rise in demand for pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. It is particularly favored for its soft texture and melting properties. Cheddar, a quintessential British cheese, holds a dominant position in the market due to its versatility and broad appeal, both in its mild and mature forms. Feta cheese, with its crumbly texture and distinctive salty flavor, has gained popularity, especially in Mediterranean-inspired dishes and salads. Parmesan, known for its nutty flavor and grated use, remains a staple in Italian cuisine, particularly in pasta dishes and as a topping. Roquefort, a blue cheese, appeals to consumers who seek strong-flavored cheeses for specific culinary applications. The “Others” category includes various specialty cheeses that cater to niche markets, such as goat cheese, Brie, and Camembert. These cheeses are in demand among consumers who appreciate a variety of flavors and textures. The product segmentation reflects the diverse tastes and preferences of the UK population, with different cheese types fulfilling specific culinary functions and catering to both everyday meals and gourmet experiences.

In terms of cheese form, the UK market offers a wide variety of options, including slices, diced/cubes, shredded, blocks, spreads, liquid, and others. Sliced cheese remains a popular format, particularly in sandwiches, burgers, and quick meals. Diced or cubed cheese is often used in salads, snacks, or charcuterie boards, offering convenience and portion control for consumers. Shredded cheese is in high demand due to its ease of use in cooking, particularly in baked dishes, pasta, and casseroles. Blocks of cheese are favored by consumers who prefer to slice or grate their cheese fresh, allowing for more versatility and better preservation. Cheese spreads are gaining popularity as an alternative for snacking, often marketed as a convenient and indulgent option for consumers. Liquid cheese, although less common, is used in processed cheese applications, such as in ready-made meals and sauces. Other formats may include specialty cheese products designed for specific culinary uses, such as cheese sauces or cheese-based dips. The choice of cheese form often depends on consumer convenience, as well as culinary application, with some consumers preferring freshly cut cheese while others opt for pre-packaged, ready-to-use options.As sustainability and dietary considerations become more central to consumer choices, the UK cheese industry will need to adapt and innovate to meet the growing demand for ethical, healthy, and convenient cheese products.

The UK cheese market is also categorized by type, primarily natural and processed cheese. Natural cheese includes varieties like Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Feta, which are produced through traditional methods of curdling and fermentation, often without the use of artificial additives or flavorings. Processed cheese, on the other hand, undergoes additional manufacturing processes to modify its texture, flavor, and shelf-life, resulting in products such as cheese slices, cheese spreads, and processed cheese blocks. Processed cheese is favored for its consistency, longer shelf-life, and convenience, making it ideal for use in fast food, ready-to-eat meals, and snack foods. The growing demand for natural cheeses, particularly among health-conscious consumers, reflects a shift toward cleaner, more natural ingredients. Furthermore, there is increasing interest in plant-based cheeses, which cater to vegan and lactose-free diets. Plant-based alternatives to traditional cheeses are becoming more widely available, with a growing number of options that replicate the texture and flavor of dairy cheese. The UK cheese market is well-positioned for continued growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and increasing opportunities in both traditional and emerging segments. The market benefits from a rich heritage of cheese production and consumption, alongside a growing trend toward innovation, sustainability, and healthier options. With the rise of plant-based products, as well as the increasing interest in premium and artisanal cheeses, the UK cheese market is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. The country’s diverse consumer base, coupled with a strong retail and foodservice sector, ensures a broad market for cheese across various price points, forms, and types.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

By Source
• Animals
• Plants

By Type
• Natural
• Processed

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online retail
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Cheese industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.