Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market Size

The Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives and the expansion of distribution channels, particularly in the off-trade segment. The market's expansion is facilitated by the rise of e-commerce, which allows for greater accessibility and convenience in purchasing non-dairy cheese products. Supermarkets and hypermarkets play a crucial role in the market's distribution, offering a wide range of brands and frequent promotions. The growing flexitarian and vegetarian populations in countries like Spain and Turkey are further propelling market growth. Additionally, heightened consumer awareness of plant-based nutrition and supportive macroeconomic policies are key factors influencing the market's trajectory.

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Market Size of europe non-dairy cheese Industry

Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 0.85 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 2.35 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Distribution Channel Off-Trade
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 22.49 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country United Kingdom

Major Players

Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market Analysis

The Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market size is estimated at 0.85 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.35 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 22.49% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

0.85 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

2.35 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

34.32 %

CAGR (2019-2023)

22.49 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Distribution Channel

96.15 %

value share, Off-Trade, 2023

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The product assortment and shelf space in off-trade retail channels is allowing consumers to compare the products, which has emerged to be one of the major factor driving segmental growth.

Largest Market by Country

34.25 %

value share, United Kingdom, 2023

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The rise in acceptance of vegan products due to intense for health oriented foods coupling with companies more willing to boost their R&D spending in the country is driving the segment.

Fastest-growing Market by Distribution Channel

22.61 %

Projected CAGR, Off-Trade, 2024-2029

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The rising preference to buy essential groceries online during the pandemic drove the off-trade channel. The growth is also assisted by better consumer reach through digital marketing

Fastest-growing Market by Country

30.54 %

Projected CAGR, Turkey, 2024-2029

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The growing awareness and importance of healthy diets in the country has become the major drivng factor in the country anticipated to drive in the forecasted period.

Leading Market Player

17.93 %

market share, Upfield Holdings BV, 2022

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The wider plant-based portfolio of Upfield Holdings BV with its presence in almost all the countries in the region and product diversity is driving the company's growth in the market.

Major retailers are adopting e-commerce platforms to captivate a larger market

  • The off-trade segment dominates the distribution channels of the Europe non-dairy cheese market. In the off-trade segment, the online retail channel sub-segment is the fastest-growing one and is projected to record a CAGR of 27.3% over the forecast period. The growth of e-commerce provides companies the opportunity to access a larger target market and effectively serve customer needs. Many people started ordering dairy alternatives like non-dairy cheese online due to their hectic schedules and the nationwide lockdown in 2020. The four main e-commerce channels for dairy alternatives were direct-to-consumer, click-and-collect, retail grocery delivery, and concierge services.
  • Globally, the sales of non-dairy cheese through on-trade channels in terms of value declined by 3.51% in 2020 compared to 2019 as foodservice sectors were shut down due to the outbreak. In 2020, there were 65,090 restaurants in Germany, a decrease of 8.49% from 2019. Based on the distribution channel, the overall non-dairy cheese consumption was around 0.03 kg per person in 2022. The rapid establishment of vegan restaurants and the introduction of vegan options in menus are likely to propel the non-dairy cheese market during the forecast period.
  • In the off-trade segment, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for a major share of 58.3% by value. These retail channels have a strong position due to the wide selection of brands offered, considerable shelf space, and frequent price promotions. The demand for dairy alternative products is rising, including non-dairy cheese that is widely accessible at supermarkets and online retailers. The omnichannel approach adopted by major retailers globally is driving the non-dairy cheese market.
Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market

The rise in flexitarian and vegetarian populations across Spain, Germany, and U.K. is estimated to drive future market demand.

  • The per capita consumption of non-dairy cheese is estimated to reach 1.69 kg annually in 2029, up by 103.56% from 0.83 kg in 2023. Non-dairy cheese has significant penetration across Germany and the United Kingdom, as vegetarians and flexitarians in the countries are most likely to replace conventional cheese with plant-based cheese products. Regarding plant-based cheese, 38% of UK consumers were looking for plant-based sliced cheese at supermarkets in 2020.
  • Turkey and Spain are identified as the fastest-growing markets in Europe. In Spain, the consumption of non-dairy cheese is anticipated to grow, registering a CAGR of 19.69% during the forecast period to reach a sales volume of 2,603.467 metric tonnes by the end of 2029. The rise in flexitarian and vegetarian populations across these countries is estimated to drive future market demand. In 2020, 30% of consumers were flexitarian in Spain, and 6% were vegan and vegetarian.
  • High consumer awareness about plant-based nutrition and favorable macroeconomic environments are the key factors shaping the European non-dairy cheese industry. The EU's 2022 promotional policy will encourage a shift to more plant-based diets after branding red and processed meat as a cancer risk. This will create opportunities across the foodservice industry. In Germany, Pizza Hut offers three permanent vegan pizzas topped with Violife plant-based cheese. Other fast-food chains such as Domino's, McDonald's, Greggs, and Subway also use non-dairy cheese in their vegan dishes. The sales value of non-dairy cheese in Germany is estimated to grow, registering a CAGR of 20.01% during the forecast period and reaching a market value of USD 613.87 million by 2029.

Europe Non-dairy Cheese Industry Segmentation

Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom are covered as segments by Country.

  • The off-trade segment dominates the distribution channels of the Europe non-dairy cheese market. In the off-trade segment, the online retail channel sub-segment is the fastest-growing one and is projected to record a CAGR of 27.3% over the forecast period. The growth of e-commerce provides companies the opportunity to access a larger target market and effectively serve customer needs. Many people started ordering dairy alternatives like non-dairy cheese online due to their hectic schedules and the nationwide lockdown in 2020. The four main e-commerce channels for dairy alternatives were direct-to-consumer, click-and-collect, retail grocery delivery, and concierge services.
  • Globally, the sales of non-dairy cheese through on-trade channels in terms of value declined by 3.51% in 2020 compared to 2019 as foodservice sectors were shut down due to the outbreak. In 2020, there were 65,090 restaurants in Germany, a decrease of 8.49% from 2019. Based on the distribution channel, the overall non-dairy cheese consumption was around 0.03 kg per person in 2022. The rapid establishment of vegan restaurants and the introduction of vegan options in menus are likely to propel the non-dairy cheese market during the forecast period.
  • In the off-trade segment, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for a major share of 58.3% by value. These retail channels have a strong position due to the wide selection of brands offered, considerable shelf space, and frequent price promotions. The demand for dairy alternative products is rising, including non-dairy cheese that is widely accessible at supermarkets and online retailers. The omnichannel approach adopted by major retailers globally is driving the non-dairy cheese market.
Distribution Channel
Off-Trade
By Sub Distribution Channels
Convenience Stores
Online Retail
Specialist Retailers
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Others (Warehouse clubs, gas stations, etc.)
On-Trade
Country
Belgium
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
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Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market Size Summary

The Europe non-dairy cheese market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives. This market is characterized by a robust expansion in the off-trade distribution channels, particularly through online retail, which is rapidly gaining traction. The shift towards e-commerce has been accelerated by changing consumer behaviors, such as the preference for convenient shopping options during the pandemic. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain dominant, offering a wide range of brands and frequent promotions, which further bolster the market's growth. The rise of vegan restaurants and the inclusion of vegan options in menus are also contributing to the market's expansion, as more consumers seek out dairy-free alternatives.

The market is witnessing a surge in popularity across several European countries, with Germany and the United Kingdom leading in the adoption of non-dairy cheese products. The increasing number of flexitarian and vegetarian consumers in countries like Turkey and Spain is expected to drive further demand. The European Union's promotional policies encouraging plant-based diets are creating additional opportunities within the foodservice industry. Innovations in non-dairy cheese varieties, such as fermented alternatives and simple cheese analogs, are also influencing consumer preferences. The market is fragmented, with key players like Bel Group, Danone SA, and Upfield Holdings BV actively expanding their product offerings to meet the growing demand for plant-based cheese solutions.

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Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.1.1 Off-Trade

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Sub Distribution Channels

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Convenience Stores

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Online Retail

          3. 1.1.1.1.3 Specialist Retailers

          4. 1.1.1.1.4 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

          5. 1.1.1.1.5 Others (Warehouse clubs, gas stations, etc.)

      2. 1.1.2 On-Trade

    2. 1.2 Country

      1. 1.2.1 Belgium

      2. 1.2.2 France

      3. 1.2.3 Germany

      4. 1.2.4 Italy

      5. 1.2.5 Netherlands

      6. 1.2.6 Spain

      7. 1.2.7 Turkey

      8. 1.2.8 United Kingdom

      9. 1.2.9 Rest of Europe

Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market Size FAQs

The Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market size is expected to reach USD 853.98 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 22.49% to reach USD 2.35 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market size is expected to reach USD 853.98 million.

Europe Non-dairy Cheese Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029