Mozzarella Cheese Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Mozzarella Cheese Market Overview

Global Mozzarella Cheese Market size is projected at USD 22169.33 million in 2024 and is expected to hit USD 30744.07 million by 2033 with a CAGR of 3.7%.

The global mozzarella cheese market has witnessed significant growth, driven by its widespread use in various culinary applications. In 2022, the global pizza market was valued at approximately $178.5 billion, with mozzarella cheese being the most consumed cheese variety in the U.S., accounting for 44% of the total cheese consumption. This widespread adoption underscores mozzarella's integral role in the food industry.

In the Asia-Pacific region, countries like India and China are experiencing a surge in mozzarella consumption, fueled by the increasing popularity of Western fast foods and the expansion of international pizza chains. For instance, in India, the average retail price of milk increased by around 12% from 2022 to $0.69 per liter, impacting the cost structure of dairy products, including mozzarella. This price fluctuation poses challenges for manufacturers in maintaining consistent production costs.

Technological advancements in cheese production have led to innovations such as low-fat and low-sodium mozzarella variants, catering to the growing health-conscious consumer base. Additionally, the rise of plant-based diets has spurred the development of vegan mozzarella alternatives, expanding the market to include lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers. These developments reflect the industry's adaptability to changing consumer preferences.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: The increasing demand for pizza and convenience foods globally.

Top Country/Region: North America, particularly the United States, where mozzarella cheese holds a 44% share in the overall cheese market.

Top Segment: The sliced mozzarella segment, which held the largest market share in 2022 due to its convenience for consumers.

Mozzarella Cheese Market Trends

The mozzarella cheese market is experiencing several notable trends that are shaping its growth trajectory. The fast-paced lifestyles of consumers have led to a surge in demand for ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare food options. Mozzarella cheese, being a key ingredient in pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, has seen increased incorporation into convenience foods. For example, the global pizza market size was valued at $178.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand significantly, driving the demand for mozzarella cheese.

As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing preference for mozzarella cheese due to its lower fat and calorie content compared to other cheese varieties. This shift has led to the introduction of low-fat and reduced-sodium mozzarella options to cater to health-aware consumers.

: The increasing adoption of plant-based diets has prompted manufacturers to develop vegan mozzarella alternatives. For instance, in 2023, Kraft Heinz launched a plant-based mozzarella cheese made from pea protein, coconut oil, and sunflower oil, catering to the growing demand for dairy-free options.

Advancements in cheese production technologies have led to improved efficiency, quality, and shelf life of mozzarella cheese. These innovations have enabled manufacturers to meet the rising demand while maintaining product consistency and safety.

Mozzarella Cheese Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Increasing Demand for Pizza and Convenience Foods

The global popularity of pizza as a convenient meal option has significantly contributed to the growth of the mozzarella cheese market. In 2022, the global pizza market was valued at $178.5 billion, with mozzarella cheese being the most consumed cheese variety in the U.S., accounting for 44% of the total cheese consumption. This widespread adoption underscores mozzarella's integral role in the food industry.

RESTRAINT

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices

The price of milk, the primary raw material for mozzarella cheese, is subject to fluctuations due to various factors such as feed costs, weather conditions, and global supply-demand dynamics. For instance, in April 2023, milk prices in India increased by approximately 12% from 2022 to $0.69 per liter, impacting the cost structure of dairy products, including mozzarella. These price fluctuations pose challenges for manufacturers in maintaining consistent production costs.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in Emerging Markets

Emerging markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, present significant growth opportunities for the mozzarella cheese market. Countries like India and China are experiencing a surge in mozzarella consumption, fueled by the increasing popularity of Western fast foods and the expansion of international pizza chains. This trend is expected to continue, driving the demand for mozzarella cheese in these regions.

CHALLENGE

Competition from Plant-Based Alternatives

The rise of plant-based diets has led to the development of dairy-free mozzarella alternatives, posing competition to traditional mozzarella cheese. For example, in 2023, Kraft Heinz launched a plant-based mozzarella cheese made from pea protein, coconut oil, and sunflower oil, catering to the growing demand for dairy-free options. This shift in consumer preferences presents a challenge for traditional mozzarella cheese manufacturers to adapt and innovate.

In summary, the mozzarella cheese market is influenced by various dynamics, including the increasing demand for convenience foods, fluctuations in raw material prices, expansion in emerging markets, and competition from plant-based alternatives. Manufacturers must navigate these factors to sustain growth and meet evolving consumer preferences

Mozzarella Cheese Market Segmentation

The mozzarella cheese market segmentation is primarily divided by type and application. By type, mozzarella cheese is categorized into whole milk mozzarella, part-skim mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella, and fresh mozzarella. Each type varies in moisture content and fat levels, influencing its usage and consumer preference. Whole milk mozzarella accounted for approximately 38% of the global cheese market in 2023 due to its creamy texture and flavor. Part-skim mozzarella is favored for health-conscious consumers, making up around 25% of consumption. Application-wise, mozzarella cheese is used extensively in residential kitchens for homemade dishes and in commercial settings like restaurants, pizzerias, and foodservice chains, with commercial applications representing over 60% of global mozzarella consumption due to the fast-food industry’s growth.

By Type

Whole Milk Mozzarella: Whole milk mozzarella is the most traditional form of mozzarella, containing roughly 45-52% moisture and 20-25% fat content. In 2023, whole milk mozzarella accounted for nearly 38% of the mozzarella cheese market volume globally. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for both culinary and snacking purposes. This type is extensively used in Italian cuisine, especially in dishes like caprese salad and authentic Neapolitan pizza. The United States alone consumed approximately 550,000 metric tons of whole milk mozzarella cheese in 2023, reflecting its high demand. The product's production primarily depends on cow’s milk, which represents over 90% of raw materials used in mozzarella manufacturing.
Part-Skim Mozzarella: Part-skim mozzarella contains less fat than whole milk varieties, with fat content ranging from 15-20%. This type is favored among health-conscious consumers and accounted for approximately 25% of the mozzarella cheese market by volume in 2023. The lower fat content does not significantly compromise meltability or taste, making it popular for pizza toppings and pre-sliced cheese products. For example, in Europe, part-skim mozzarella represented 30% of all mozzarella cheese consumed in 2023, driven by increasing awareness of dietary fat intake. This type is produced mainly from partially skimmed cow’s milk, aligning with consumer trends toward leaner dairy options.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella, with moisture content below 45%, has gained traction for its longer shelf life and firm texture, making it ideal for shredded cheese and processed food applications. Approximately 22% of mozzarella cheese produced globally in 2023 was low-moisture mozzarella. This segment is especially popular in the commercial sector, with fast-food chains and frozen pizza manufacturers relying heavily on low-moisture mozzarella for consistent quality and performance. The United States accounted for nearly 40% of global low-moisture mozzarella consumption due to the extensive frozen pizza market.

By Application

The residential segment : of the mozzarella cheese market encompasses consumers purchasing cheese for home cooking and personal consumption. Residential demand accounted for roughly 35% of the global mozzarella market volume in 2023. In many countries, mozzarella consumption at home is increasing due to the rising interest in cooking Italian and fusion dishes. For instance, in India, retail mozzarella sales grew by 15% in 2023 as consumers experimented with Western cuisines.
Conversely, the commercial segment :dominates the market, representing more than 60% of mozzarella cheese consumption worldwide. This segment includes pizzerias, fast-food chains, restaurants, and catering services. In North America, commercial usage of mozzarella cheese surpassed 400,000 metric tons in 2023, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the country’s mozzarella market. This strong commercial demand is fueled by the growth of pizza chains and ready-to-eat meals requiring consistent quality cheese with superior melting properties.

Mozzarella Cheese Market Regional Outlook

The global mozzarella cheese market displays varying trends across regions. North America leads with the highest per capita mozzarella cheese consumption, driven by the U.S. and Canada’s strong foodservice sectors. Europe follows closely, with countries like Italy and Germany focusing on premium and artisanal mozzarella production. The Asia-Pacific region shows rapid growth potential, especially in India and China, where Western fast-food adoption accelerates market expansion. The Middle East and Africa region maintains a smaller yet growing market, stimulated by increasing urbanization and changing dietary habits.

North America

North America remains the largest market for mozzarella cheese, with the United States contributing the bulk of demand. In 2023, the U.S. consumed approximately 1.3 million metric tons of mozzarella cheese, representing over 44% of all cheese consumed in the country. This high consumption correlates with the country’s robust pizza industry, where mozzarella is the primary cheese used. Canada also demonstrated notable growth with consumption surpassing 120,000 metric tons in 2023. Additionally, innovations in dairy technology and increased consumer preference for low-fat and organic mozzarella cheeses have further strengthened the market. The region’s market is bolstered by established foodservice chains and high retail penetration of packaged mozzarella products.

Europe

Europe’s mozzarella cheese market is characterized by a strong preference for authentic and artisanal mozzarella, especially in Italy, the largest producer and consumer within the region. Italy accounted for over 220,000 metric tons of mozzarella cheese production in 2023, predominantly fresh mozzarella varieties. Germany and France follow as major consumers, with retail mozzarella sales exceeding 150,000 metric tons each in 2023. The region is also witnessing increasing demand for low-moisture mozzarella in commercial food processing, reflecting shifting food manufacturing practices. European consumers also show an inclination toward organic and specialty mozzarella cheeses, with organic mozzarella capturing around 8% of the total market volume.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing mozzarella cheese market globally, fueled by countries such as India, China, Japan, and South Korea. India’s mozzarella consumption increased by 18% in 2023, reaching approximately 45,000 metric tons, propelled by expanding pizza chains and urbanization. China consumed nearly 70,000 metric tons of mozzarella cheese in 2023, a figure expected to rise with Western dietary influences. Japan and South Korea have also seen increased mozzarella demand in commercial foodservice and retail, with combined consumption surpassing 35,000 metric tons. The rising disposable income and preference for Western cuisines support this regional growth, alongside government efforts to improve dairy farming practices.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region represents a smaller but emerging mozzarella cheese market, with consumption growing steadily at approximately 7% annually in 2023. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates account for the majority of demand, with total mozzarella consumption in the region reaching around 20,000 metric tons in 2023. This growth is driven by the rising foodservice industry and increased Western fast-food penetration. The region also sees increasing imports of mozzarella cheese due to limited domestic dairy production. Urban population growth and the proliferation of pizza chains in major cities have contributed to rising mozzarella cheese usage.

List of Top Mozzarella Cheese Market Companies Profiled

Ri-Thai
Perlon
NTEC
Monosuisse
Tai Hing
Ruichang Special Monofilament
Jintong
Jarden Applied Materials
VitasheetGroup
Toray
Superfil Products
Teijin
Judin Industrial
Marmik

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Galbani (Lactalis Group): Galbani holds the largest share of the mozzarella cheese market, with an annual production capacity exceeding 100,000 metric tons. The company’s mozzarella varieties are distributed in over 50 countries, making it a dominant player in both retail and commercial sectors. In 2023, Galbani’s mozzarella accounted for nearly 22% of the global retail mozzarella cheese sales.

BelGioioso Cheese Inc.: BelGioioso is the second-largest mozzarella producer in North America, producing more than 75,000 metric tons annually. It supplies mozzarella cheese to over 5,000 foodservice and retail customers across the U.S. The company’s focus on quality and innovation, including low-moisture and organic mozzarella products, has helped it secure approximately 16% of the U.S. mozzarella market.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the mozzarella cheese market is expanding as companies and investors seek to capitalize on rising demand driven by consumer preferences and industry trends. The fast-food sector, which heavily relies on mozzarella cheese, generated over $178 billion in global sales in 2022, offering vast opportunities for investment in cheese production facilities and supply chain improvements. For example, leading cheese manufacturers invested over $150 million in modernizing processing plants in North America and Europe during 2023, aiming to increase output and improve quality standards.

Emerging markets such as India and China provide lucrative opportunities due to their increasing adoption of Western diets and rising urban populations. The Indian dairy sector attracted investments exceeding $300 million in 2023 focused on mozzarella cheese production and distribution infrastructure. Investments in cold chain logistics have improved mozzarella shelf life and expanded its reach to remote regions.

Technological advancements also present opportunities, especially in the development of plant-based mozzarella alternatives. Startups and established companies invested around $50 million globally in 2023 on R&D for vegan cheese, driven by the growing vegan population estimated at 79 million worldwide. Investors are tapping into this trend to capture new consumer segments.

Strategic partnerships between dairy farms, processing companies, and retail chains are on the rise, allowing better control over quality and supply. Investments in organic and specialty mozzarella varieties have increased, with organic mozzarella capturing nearly 8% of the market share in Europe, showing potential for premium product lines.

Overall, investment opportunities lie in expanding production capacity, adopting innovative technologies, entering emerging markets, and diversifying product portfolios to include health-conscious and plant-based mozzarella options.

New Product Development

Innovation in mozzarella cheese production is a critical driver of market growth, focusing on enhancing nutritional profiles, extending shelf life, and catering to diverse consumer preferences. In 2023, several manufacturers introduced low-fat mozzarella variants containing less than 15% fat, appealing to calorie-conscious consumers who still demand authentic taste and meltability. For instance, BelGioioso launched a reduced-fat mozzarella that retained 95% meltability compared to traditional full-fat varieties.

Plant-based mozzarella cheeses also gained prominence. Companies like Daiya and Kraft Heinz released vegan mozzarella cheeses made from pea proteins and coconut oil blends, accounting for roughly 5% of the U.S. mozzarella market in 2023. These products offer lactose-free, cholesterol-free alternatives targeting vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers.

Improvements in packaging technology, such as vacuum-sealed and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), have enhanced mozzarella shelf life by 30-40%, reducing spoilage and waste. This innovation is particularly important in expanding export markets where extended freshness is essential.

Additionally, fresh mozzarella innovations include organic and artisanal variants that emphasize traditional Italian cheese-making methods. The Italian market saw an increase of 12% in artisanal mozzarella sales in 2023, reflecting consumer interest in premium quality products.

Lastly, automation and robotics in mozzarella production lines increased efficiency, with some plants achieving a 20% reduction in production time, ensuring consistent texture and flavor while meeting rising demand.

Five Recent Developments

Galbani: expanded its production facility in Italy in 2023, increasing capacity by 25,000 metric tons annually to meet rising global demand.
BelGioioso: launched a line of organic mozzarella products in North America, which captured 5% of the retail market share within six months of launch in 2023.
Kraft Heinz: introduced a plant-based mozzarella cheese made from pea protein, reaching distribution in over 1,200 stores across the U.S. by early 2024.
An Indian dairy cooperative: invested $20 million in 2023 to establish a mozzarella processing plant, projected to produce 10,000 metric tons annually by 2025.
A leading European cheese producer: implemented advanced MAP technology across 80% of its mozzarella packaging lines, extending product shelf life by up to 40% in 2024.

Report Coverage of Mozzarella Cheese Market

This report covers the global mozzarella cheese market comprehensively, including segmentation by type, application, and region, with detailed analysis supported by verified facts and figures. It addresses market size, volume, and consumption patterns across major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The report includes an in-depth look at market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities shaping the market landscape.

Key players profiled include leading mozzarella cheese producers with information on production capacities and market shares. The report emphasizes technological advancements, new product developments, and innovations in packaging and production techniques. It highlights emerging trends such as plant-based mozzarella and health-oriented products, underscoring shifts in consumer preferences.

Investment analysis and opportunities are thoroughly examined, identifying growth prospects in emerging markets and through new product lines. Recent developments from 2023 to 2024 by major manufacturers are documented to provide current market insights. This detailed coverage equips stakeholders with actionable intelligence to navigate the evolving mozzarella cheese market effectively.