More cheese, please… In several cases, consumers are buying more. Natural cheese sales total $17.5B, with natural cheese chunks and shredded dominating the market with dollar and unit sales gains.
It has been a very, very good year for cheese, at least within the major retail channels.
Dollar sales within the natural cheese category shot up 17.0% to $15,449.5 million during the 52 weeks ending Oct. 4, 2020, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.
For decades, the story surrounding the cheese segment has been one of very strong growth, both at retail and foodservice. The category's versatility and abundance of varieties have worked in its favor, even as other dairy categories have weathered ups and downs.
The good news continues on the cheese front. According to Portland, Ore.-based Allied Market Research, the U.S. cheese market was valued at $32.3 billion in 2017, and is projected to reach $40.5 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%.
Consumers’ preference for natural over processed shows in cheese sales. While natural cheese sales remained positive, processed cheese continues to see declines. Consumers are opting for natural slices, sticks and shredded cheese.