France Cheese Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Industry Analysis: By Type (Processed and Natural), By Source (Animal-Based, Plant-Based), By Form (Block, Spreadable, and Others), By Product Type (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Feta, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and Online Retail) and Country

The France cheese market size was valued at US$ 1,843.2 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 2,297.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2024-2030. This is through changing consumer tastes and preferences of various and exotic flavors in food products, increased demand for plant-based cheese products, new distinct cheese varieties, and globalization of culinary tendencies. The cheese sector is also changing to pursue sustainability and efficiency by noting the environmental impacts of traditionally used cheese-making processes. Innovative techniques based on specially prepared protein blends with a strong bias toward micellar casein are gaining importance as solutions to waste generations arising from the whey separation process.

Key Players

The cheese market in France is largely led by key players such as Lactalis, Danone, and Savencia Fromage & Dairy, who are major producers of traditional as well as innovative varieties of cheese. Lactalis is one of the world's biggest players in the dairy sector, with a specialization in traditional French cheeses like Camembert and Roquefort, among others. Although Danone is a dairy company, it still is sizeable in the market for cheese. Savencia produces a wide range of cheeses of the highest quality, and also producers like Pierre Oteiza and regional cooperatives create a market presence reflecting the rich cheese culture in France through local specialties.

The most significant players operating in the market for French cheese are Lactalis and Savencia Fromage & Dairy. Lactalis is among the largest milk producers in the world. As one of the leading producers of traditional French cheeses, its range gives it a comfortable position in both home as well as international markets. Its cutting-edge brand recognition and distribution networks worldwide have strengthened its competitiveness. At Savencia, the focus is on heritage but especially on high-quality cheese production and innovation. Having well-known French varieties in its portfolio, Savencia has largely succeeded in making a strong niche across both gourmet consumers and mainstream markets. Together, these companies epitomize the strength and diversity of the French cheese industry.

Key Takeaways

• Based on type, the market is categorized into natural and processed. The natural segment holds a 57.4% chees market share in France.
• Based on form, it includes block, spreadable, and others, the block segment holds a 32.1% market share.
• Based on the source, the market is bifurcated into animal-based and plant-based. Animal-based segment holds a 54.2% market share.
• Based on product type, the market is segmented into cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, feta, and others. The Mozzarella segment holds a 28.6% market share.
• Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, and online retail. Supermarket’s segment holds a 41.2% market share

Facts & Figures

• As of 2021, there are around 22,000 cheese producers in France, ranging from large industrial firms to small artisanal producers.
• France boasts 46 cheeses that have been granted Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) status, ensuring their authenticity and traditional production methods
• France is home to approximately 1,600 different types of cheese, making it one of the most diverse cheese-producing countries in the world.

Key Developments of Chees Market in France

• In April 2023: Lactalis expanded its production capabilities by acquiring UFF, enhancing its ability to produce specialty cheeses for both domestic and international markets.
• In May 2022: Danone announced the sale of its cheese division, which included various brands, to streamline its focus on health and wellness products, affecting its presence in the cheese market.

France Cheese Market Segmentation

By Type: Based on type, the market is categorized into natural and processed. Cheeses prepared from natural ingredients that contain low or no preservatives can be an attractive proposition for health-conscious consumers. Major giant natural and artisan manufacturers pay considerable attention to the flavor and texture and use herbs, spices, fruits, and nuts instead of artificial ingredients to give the cheese its flavor. The increasing demand for natural cheese is compelling manufacturers to launch new consumer products.

By Source:  Based on the source, the market is bifurcated into animal-based and plant-based. The animal-based segment is further bifurcated into cattle, sheep, goat, and camel; while the plant-based is segmented into soya, almond, cashew, and others. However, animal-based cheese constitutes the largest share of the global market; plant-based products have however gained huge growth in demand.

By Form: Based on form, it includes block, spreadable, and others. Block cheese is available in hard as well as soft forms. Popular hard cheeses among them are parmesan and feta. These products are highly nutritious and need a much longer time for ripening. They have low water content and can be grated and applied on various dishes. Soft cheese includes ricotta, cheddar, mozzarella, and camembert.

By Product Type: On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, feta, and others. Based on the type of milk used and the production process, the texture and flavor of the cheese vary. Mozzarella enjoyed a greater market share since it finds its usage in preparing home-cooked pasta, pizza, enchiladas, and risotto. Also, mozzarella has a strong consumption across the globe.

By Distribution Channel: Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, and online retail. Supermarkets/hypermarkets lead the distribution channel through which consumers like to buy their products because they are provided with a wide range of products and even the free sample offered by some of these outlets is availed of. Specialty stores are becoming popular among consumers, providing local, imported, artisanal, and specialty cheese products.