The cheese market and cheese dairies - Italy

The global cheese market was valued at approximately $72 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $106 billion by 2026, showing a compound annual growth rate of 5.37%. Italy, known for its quality cheeses and as the leader in fresh cheese export, has seen its export value surpass that of imports significantly. Italian cheeses are highly valued as part of the Mediterranean diet, leading to a 3% increase in exports even amid the recent pandemic. Domestically, cheese is a staple in Italian spending, particularly packaged cheeses by fixed weight. In 2020, Italian businesses produced one million tons of cheese with a value of 10,568 billion euros, showing growth in fresh cheeses and a trade surplus across categories, except for processed cheeses. Covid-19 influenced consumer behaviors, with an increase in dairy product consumption, particularly UHT milk (+28%) and mozzarella (+21%), as people turned to foods with longer shelf life. Additionally, Italy is notable for its 52 PDO cheeses, reflecting its tradition of cheesemaking and contributing significantly (4.1 billion euros production value) to the PDO, PGI, and TSG sector. Italy's cheese exports primarily go to countries like France and Germany, while imports mostly come from Germany and other European countries with strong cheese traditions..Italian Cheese Market Trends and Consumer Preferences In the realm of dairy consumption, cheese stands out as a product of significant cultural and economic importance in Italy. The Italian cheese market encapsulates a variety of products ranging from natural cheese, made from fresh, quality ingredients, to processed cheese fortified with additional elements like emulsifiers and vitamins. With Italy leading the exports in fresh cheese globally, it's no surprise that Italian cheese is held in high regard internationally, thanks in part to its association with the Mediterranean diet. Delving into the numbers, the global cheese market, estimated to be worth over $72 billion in 2020, is forecast to burgeon to about $106 billion by 2026. Italy, riding high on its cheese-producing dominance, contributes significantly to these figures. In terms of its domestic market, hard and semi-hard cheeses command the lion's share of production value at over $6 billion, while fresh cheeses follow closely with a value of roughly $4 billion. The only segment posting a negative trade balance is processed cheese, suggesting a maturity stage in its consumption cycle within the country. At a consumer level, Italians display an insatiable appetite for cheese, with per capita consumption soaring above the global average to approximately 23 kilograms annually. Fresh cheese constitutes a significant portion of this consumption. While the pandemic did impose a slight decrease in fresh cheese consumption, the overall preference for cheese remained undeterred. The cheese consumer in Italy is diverse, yet some patterns emerge. Most notably, the majority of Italians enjoy cheese several times a week, and purchasing habits tend to be split almost evenly between those buying cheese regularly and those preferring to stock up. With regards to sales channels, modern distribution takes the lead in both volume and value, accounting for 60% and 84%, respectively. When exploring the trends driving cheese demand, health consciousness and environmental considerations come to the fore. Demand for lactose-free cheeses is on the rise, mirroring the general shift towards more health-oriented products. Likewise, organic products witnessed a strong resurgence post-pandemic. There is also a notable surge in interest for cheeses that are convenient in terms of portioning and packaging, those geared towards facilitating cooking processes, and products that align with sustainable agriculture and packaging initiatives. Italian consumers are gravitating towards familiarity but are not averse to innovation, with plant-based and flavored cheeses capturing a segment of the market. Additionally, less fatty cheese options are gaining traction, presenting a challenge for the industry to balance healthiness with flavor. Processors and manufacturers in the cheese industry have.### Prominent Players Steering the Cheese Market in Italy The Italian cheese market, renowned for its variety and quality, is steered by a number of key players who have established themselves through tradition, innovation, and quality production. Among these significant contributors, we find historical brands whose names are often synonymous with the cheeses they produce, as well as newer entities that are innovating and expanding the industry's horizons. **Lactalis Group**: A global heavyweight in the dairy industry, Lactalis has been a major innovator in the cheese market. With a wide-ranging portfolio of products across various cheese categories, Lactalis remains a force to be reckoned with, both in Italy and on the international stage. **Savencia**: As another major player, Savencia Fromage & Dairy offers a plethora of cheese types that cater to diverse consumer tastes. Savencia’s success can be attributed to its commitment to quality and its adoption of forward-thinking strategies in cheese production. **Grana Padano**: This cheese consortium is responsible for producing one of Italy's most beloved cheeses. Emblematic of Italian culinary tradition, Grana Padano's success lies in its strict adherence to traditional production methods, ensuring a product that resonates with cheese aficionados both locally and around the world. **Parmigiano Reggiano**: Another consortium, Parmigiano Reggiano represents producers of one of the most famous Italian cheeses. With its PDO status, this cheese is protected and celebrated for its unique flavor profile and artisanal production method, which has been passed down through generations. **Mozzarella di Bufala Campana**: The consortium behind this cherished cheese safeguards and promotes its PDO status. The buffalo mozzarella from Campania is a testament to the region's rich dairy heritage and is a favorite among consumers who value the distinctively creamy and tangy taste of this fresh cheese. **Gorgonzola**: The consortium for Gorgonzola cheese ensures that this pungent, blue-veined cheese maintains its high standards of quality. Recognizable by its bold flavors and creamy texture, Gorgonzola remains a popular choice for those seeking an authentic Italian cheese experience. These main actors, through their dedication to quality and innovation, significantly shape the Italian cheese market's landscape. From mass-produced varieties to artisanal products with protected designations, they offer an array of options for domestic and international consumers, keeping Italy's reputation as a world leader in the cheese industry firmly intact.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 24/10/2022

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• World cheese market value
• Value of Production and Trade Balance, by type
• Evolution of Cheese Exports and Imports
• Main Countries Of Origin Of Cheese Imports
• Main Countries of Destination Cheese Exports
• Cheese consumption in Italy, in 1000 of tons
• Favorite Type of Cheese among Italians
• % share of cheese sales, by type
• Frequency of weekly cheese consumption
• Cheese Production in Italy
• Dairy Industry Business Evolution
• Volume and Value of Cheese Sales by Distribution Channel
• Average cheese shelf length in supermarkets, by type of cheese
• Consumer Price Trends, by type of cheese

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