Market Introduction

The global artisanal cheese market was valued at USD 50 billion in 2024 and grew at a CAGR of 5% from 2025 to 2034. The market is expected to reach USD 81.44 billion by 2034. The rising disposable income will drive the growth of the global artisanal cheese market.

Artisanal cheese is produced mainly by hand using age-old methods and is made in small quantities. Most of these cheeses are produced using good milk from nearby farms and some productions highlight different features of the region by making cheeses from just one herd’s milk. Artisanal cheese is known for using fewer additives or preservatives than many other cheeses. Normally, cheesemakers ferment their cheese in milk that is simply pasteurized or remains unpasteurized, thus avoiding the use of chemicals to develop strong flavours. Sometimes artisanal cheesemakers wait for months or even years as their cheeses mature through the aging process. Among artisanal cheeses, you might find soft selections, semi-soft, hard kinds with examples like Brie, Camembert, the classic Cheddar, Gouda and Roquefort. Consumers are supporting artisanal cheese for the same reasons they prefer delicious, eco-friendly food from local sources.

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Recent Development

• This summer, cheese aficionados have a new reason to rejoice in downtown LeClaire, as the Mississippi River Distilling Company is starting a collaboration with Cinnamon Ridge Farms to offer local artisan cheeses at the distillery. A news release stated that guests will be able to enjoy a selection of cheeses from the award-winning Cinnamon Ridge Farms in Donahue, either paired with cocktails or as take-home items. Offerings feature signature cheese curds, aged cheeses, and innovative exclusive items such as smoked cheese curds and “Whiskey Fingers”—a whiskey-soaked, aged cheese cut into snackable sticks that can only be found at the distillery.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

The growing consumer interest in artisanal cheeses – What makes people demand artisanal cheese are its qualities and the way it is made using age old techniques. The main attraction is the way it celebrates quality and authenticity. Smaller-scale artisanal cheese is prepared by hand with historically used and established traditional methods, so it has better character and taste, feels and smells better. In various cheeses, producers often get the milk from local sources, so natural enzymes and bacteria are preserved and give the cheese its unique and rich flavour. There is also much diversity and creativity in the different types of artisanal cheese. This flexibility allows cheesemakers to adjust to new trends in what people like to eat. Also, when food is produced by people selling local items, they tend to use milk from animals that graze outdoors, keep waste low and use eco-friendly packaging. Nowadays, many people prefer food that is produced using practices that are honest and environmentally friendly. All of these points set apart artisanal cheese by making it both special and desirable to those looking for real, healthy and environmentally aware food which is what the modern consumer desires and demands.

Restraints

High costs of artisanal cheese – Making artisanal cheese usually involves small quantities, hand work and high-quality ingredients gathered locally. This results in cheeses with higher costs, since making them only in small quantities is more expensive. That is why artisanal cheese is considered a luxury, as it is affordable to only a small group of consumers. They also face the issue of having a limited shelf life and high storage needs. Much of these cheeses spoil easily, so they must be stored properly by refrigerating and ensuring correct humidity. Not only does this increase the difficulty of moving and storing goods, but it also leads to more food being spoiled, mainly in areas with poor cold chain setups. Some stores might not be willing to keep these in stock because of the issues and challenges involved. Also, the difference in quality and short supply make the market challenging. Due to seasonal milk, diets of animals and different environmental factors, there may be differences in artisanal cheese. Because products from these farms are not the same, large retailers or distributors may see this as a challenge. Additionally, because they mostly produce on a small scale, it is tough for these businesses to fulfil greater demands or gain access to larger markets. As a result of these factors, artisanal cheese remains limited in availability and expensive which restricts the market’s growth.

Opportunities

Demographic changes and rising disposable income – The increase in demand for artisanal cheese is influenced chiefly by changes in how people consume and the wider trends present in the market. More people today are choosing authentic, unique and high-quality food products. Nowadays, consumers are more attentive and want to try unique dishes and that is what handmade artisanal cheeses provide with their special characteristics. People are paying more attention to healthy eating and prefer items free from artificial ingredients and additives. People are also choosing to buy specialty products, since they are willing to pay more for their higher quality. Moreover, the rapidly expanding farmers’ markets and online retail, artisanal cheese is now available and noticed by more consumers, allowing its small producers to connect with a larger market. People gain new insights and can participate in the product through different culinary events such as visiting farms, enjoying cheese tastings and participating in food festivals. They tend to increase people’s admiration for artisanal products which in turn increases their popularity. Furthermore, modern media and trends in food, including popular cookery programs, greatly influenced artisanal cheese so that it is now considered a must-have for gourmet food lovers.

Segment Analysis

Regional segmentation analysis

The regions analyzed for the market include North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Europe emerged as the most significant global artisanal cheese market, with a 42% market revenue share in 2024.

The reason Europe dominates the world artisanal cheese market is mainly because of its rich heritage, long tradition of cheese-making and high demand from buyers. The continent is famous for producing Roquefort, Brie, Parmesan and Manchego cheeses which are made using old traditional methods. Many of these cheeses have certifications that guard their traditional production from other areas and confirm their heritage, making Europe a leader in this area. Because cheese is so important to European cultures, people in these countries eat large quantities and are drawn to high-quality and unique cheeses. It also helps Europe that there is a well-established dairy farming infrastructure, availability of top-quality materials and great expertise in making cheese. Policies and aid from certain governments ensure that artisans thrive amid competition with industrial companies. A great variety of stores, farmers’ markets and restaurants support the many specialty cheeses available in Europe. All of these things allow Europe to maintain its leading global position in the artisanal cheese market, due to its traditions, premium products and infrastructure.

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Type of milk Segment Analysis

The type of milk segment is divided into cow milk cheese, goat milk cheese, sheep milk cheese, buffalo milk cheese and mixed milk cheese. The cow milk cheese segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 37% in 2024. Cow milk is produced and sold in high quantities around the globe which makes it easy for cheese producers to source the milk they need. Besides, cow milk has the ideal balance between fats, proteins and lactose, suitable for making cheese, so it offers different textures and tastes that are enjoyed in many countries worldwide. People’s preference and familiarity also play a big role in Cow Milk Cheese leading the industry. Most of the classic and popular artisanal cheeses such as Cheddar, Brie and Gouda, are made from milk produced by cows. This makes their culture and popularity widespread. Often, artisanal cow milk cheeses are easier for people to enjoy since the taste is more mellow than that of goat or sheep’s milk cheeses. As cow milk can be produced more simply and at a lower cost than milk from different animals, the company can grow its production without compromising the art of making cheese.

• The Cracker Barrel Cheese brand from Lactalis USA has expanded its product lineup with the introduction of two new artisan flavours: Truffle Cheddar and Dill Havarti. The brand stated that its skilled cheesemakers have fused Cracker Barrel Cheese’s white cheddar with “the earthy, robust taste” of truffle in its new Truffle Cheddar, and that Dill Havarti blends “the distinct, herbal taste of dill” with a “mild and buttery” Havarti. The brand noted that in addition to daily snacking, its new artisan cheeses are perfect for charcuterie boards and pair nicely with red grapes, prosciutto, and other essentials.

Product type Segment Analysis

The product type segment is divided into fresh cheese, aged cheese, soft cheese, hard cheese, semi-soft/semi-hard cheese and blue cheese. The fresh cheese segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 35% in 2024. What makes fresh cheeses unique is that they are not fully ripened or aged, so they feel soft, taste mild and contain a high amount of water. For this reason, you can enjoy fresh cheeses in recipes like salad, smooth spreads, desserts or ingredients to add to your cooking. Since artisanal cheeses often have a light flavour, many people find them appealing, even those who are new to eating these cheeses. Fresh cheese is favoured partly because it can be produced in less time. Since these cheeses are ready to sell shortly after production, the process is fast and storage of the products is minimized. More attention to health matters has increased the interest in consuming fresh cheese. There are many lighter types of cheese such as ricotta, cottage cheese and fresh mozzarella which usually contain less fat and fewer calories than aged cheeses. Besides, most fresh cheeses can now be conveniently purchased in numerous ways: from specialty stores, supermarkets and even online shops.

Distribution channel Segment Analysis

The distribution channel segment is divided into specialty stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, online retail, convenience stores and others. The specialty stores segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 44% in 2024. Many buyers of artisanal cheese prefer specialty stores because they have a special touch for quality, authentic cheeses and can offer personalized help to each buyer. They sell only gourmet and connoisseur foods, making the store feel more like a place for artisanal cheeses. Unlike most supermarkets or convenience stores, specialty shops usually give customers the choice between cheeses that are not readily found elsewhere. As a result, food lovers, experts and those who want top-quality products seek them out. A significant benefit of specialty stores is that they are focused on helping their customers learn and get involved. Most often, workers at these stores are very familiar with the produce and can help you decide on cheeses, recommend suitable wines to go with them and demonstrate their intended use. As a result, customers value the cheeses more and they become more loyal to the business. Many such stores also have events and tastings, helping consumers try and choose their favourite types of cheese. Shopping at specialty stores allows customers to enjoy local products, since these stores support small-scale cheesemakers and their businesses.

End-use Segment Analysis

The end-use segment is divided into household/retail consumption, foodservice and industrial use. The household/retail consumption segment dominated the market, with a share of around 46% in 2024. The majority of artisanal cheese is consumed in homes due to rising demands for premium, gourmet and specialty cheeses by consumers worldwide. Firstly, people are cooking and eating at home more often, encouraged by better finances, city life and healthier eating choices. Today’s customer wants experimental tastes, so they choose cheeses that are creative and handmade. Since many people consider artisanal cheeses to be less processed, this makes them a popular choice among consumers. It sits well with the trend to choose clean-label and organic foods. Besides, food tastings, press articles and posts from personalities on social media have influenced people to pay more attention to these cheeses and learn to appreciate them.

Some of the Key Market Players

• BelGioioso Cheese Inc.
• Bleu Mont Dairy
• Cowgirl Creamery
• Fromageries Bel
• Humboldt Creamery
• Jasper Hill Farm
• La Fromagerie
• Murray’s Cheese
• Neal’s Yard Dairy
• Rogue Creamery
• Roth Cheese
• Vermont Creamery

Report Description

• Market Introduction
• Market Dynamics
• Segment Analysis
• Some of the Key Market Players