Market Analysis

The Non-dairy cheese market has experienced a rapid growth in the past couple of years in developed and developing economies alike. This market is anticipated to grow at an alluring CAGR over the assessment period (2020-2027). Non-dairy cheese is casein and lactose free as it is made from milk that is plant-based. So, what is non-dairy cheese made of? The most widely used dairy free cheese ingredients include seed such as sunflower and sesame, nut such as almond, pine nut, cashew and peanuts, soybeans, coconut oil, tapioca, nutritional yeast, rice amid others. It is generally made from milk that is plant-based- rice milk, coconut milk, almond milk and soy milk. The various applications of non-dairy or vegan cheese include in bakery and confectionery and fast-food snack.

There are a couple of factors that is driving the growth of the non-dairy cheese market size. Some of the market trends and factors in this market as per an analysis conducted by Market Research Future (MRFR) include rising concern on the environment, human health and welfare, trend towards healthy lifestyle, increasing obese population, influence of social media, awareness through promotional activities and advertisements, globalization, changing consumption pattern, increase in vegan consumers, rising awareness of lactose intolerance, growth of the organized retail industry and rising demand for cheese especially in the food service industry. On the contrary, soaring cost of vegan cheese alternatives is likely to hinder the growth of the non-dairy cheese market.

Market Segmentation

Market Research Future report provides a comprehensive segmental analysis of the non-dairy cheese market overview based on source, application, product type and distribution channel.

Based on source, it is segmented into rice milk, coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk and others. Of these, soy milk is projected to have the largest market share and also hold its dominance over the assessment period.

Based on application, the non-dairy cheese market is segmented into bakery and confectionery, dips and sauces, fast food snack and others. Of these, fast food and snack will lead the market.

Based on product type, it is segmented into cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, dairy free mozzarella cheese and others. Of these, cheddar is anticipated to have the maximum share in the non-dairy cheese market during the assessment period.

Based on distribution channel, the non-dairy cheese market is segmented into non-store based and store based.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the non-dairy cheese market covers growth opportunities and latest trends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Of these, APAC region is expected to be at the vanguard during the assessment period. India and China are anticipated to have the biggest market share in this region. In Europe the demand for non-dairy cheese market is exceptionally high owing to the rising demand for various non-dairy products. Germany and the UK are projected to hold maximum share in the market in the European region. The non-dairy cheese market in North America is anticipated to have a healthy share in the market over the assessment period. Canada and the US accounted for largest market share in this region due to rising incidences of lactose intolerance and changing consumption pattern.

Competitive Analysis

The global non-dairy cheese market is highly competitive and fragmented. The market players are investing largely on product development and constant product improvement to cater to the needs of the consumers. Manufacturers are depending on arrowroot flour and tapioca to make dairy-free cheeses owing to its ability of dissolving easily and clearly as well as holding up better together with acids, having low protein content compared to grain starches. The dairy-free manufacturers’ strategic sales plan includes using online marketing channels and product distribution together with promotion of products in exhibitions and other forms of platforms. They are choosing the right marketing strategies that conveys a clear message to the target audience and is not aggressive in delivering anti-milk message. The key industrial players are creating and running awareness campaigns for educating consumers and driving them in making a rational choice. The dairy free producers have joined hands with medical and healthcare advisors in arranging consumer awareness campaigns to assist those in selecting healthier products and helping lactose intolerant in shifting to dairy alternatives.

Key Players

Leading players profiled in the non-dairy cheese market include Follow Your Heart (U.S.), Bute Island Foods Ltd (U.K.), Tofutti Brands Inc. (U.S.), Kite Hill Cheese (U.S.), Violife Foods (Greece), Galaxy Nutritional Foods, Inc. (U.S.), and Foods Inc. (Canada).

Nov 2018- Norseland has launched its first ever vegan smoked cheese- Applewood Vegan. This coconut-based cheese is fortified with vitamin b12 and calcium to offer same nutritional benefits as that of its dairy cheese range. It can be melted, grated or sliced while maintaining its smoky flavor.