Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is not a traditional part of China's culinary heritage, with the exception of some ethnic minorities such as the Mongols and Tibetans. However, cheese is gaining popularity in China, with the market growing from less than 2,000 metric tons in 2000 to more than 108,000 tons in 2017. This growth is fuelled by a variety of factors, including China's evolving food culture, rising incomes, and increasing health awareness, and the influence of Western food habits. As a result, China is expected to become the world's largest importer of cheese, with a market size of $14.52 billion in 2023 and projected consumption of 307.2 thousand metric tons by 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese consumption in China | Per capita consumption doubled from <0.1 kg in 2017 to 0.4 kg in 2023 |
| Cheese market size in China | $14.52 billion in 2023, with a projected market value of $105.93 billion in 2026 |
| Cheese imports to China | More than 108,000 tons in 2017, with a compound annual growth rate of 27% |
| Cheese production in China | Inner Mongolia has traditionally been a hub, but China is not a major cheese producer |
| Cheese equipment manufacturing in China | China manufactures and exports cheese-making equipment |
| Cheese in Chinese cuisine | Cheese is not part of traditional Chinese cuisine, but is gaining popularity, especially in urban areas |
| Cheese types consumed in China | Processed cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, and sliced cheese are popular |
| Cheese brands in China | Foreign brands dominate the market, with New Zealand, Australia, and the US as top exporters |
| Cheese and lactose intolerance in China | A high lactose intolerance rate of over 90% influences the market towards processed cheese |
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What You'll Learn
China's cheese market is growing
The Chinese cheese market is still developing, and it presents a unique set of challenges for foreign cheese brands. One significant factor is the high rate of lactose intolerance among Chinese adults, estimated at over 90% in a 1984 study. This has made processed cheese, which has a lower lactose content due to the fermentation process, more popular among Chinese consumers. Natural cheeses, obtained through milk fermentation or curdling, are more difficult to market in China. As a result, foreign brands have had to adapt their products to suit local tastes and preferences.
Another challenge for foreign brands is distribution. Currently, more than 90% of cheese is sold offline in China, with supermarkets and local stores being the primary distribution channels. This may be due to the premium nature of cheese in China, with an average price of $22.59 per unit in 2023, placing it in the premium range of products that a majority of people in China cannot afford. However, the growth of e-commerce and online grocery shopping may provide new opportunities for brands to reach consumers directly.
Despite these challenges, the Chinese cheese market presents a significant opportunity for international cheese producers. The market is expected to grow sustainably in the coming years, with an estimated value of $88.05 billion in 2023 and $105.93 billion in 2026. This growth is fuelled by China's evolving food culture, rising health awareness, and the increasing popularity of dairy products. By 2025, China's cheese consumption is projected to reach 307.2 thousand metric tons, compared to 276 thousand metric tons in 2018.
To tap into this growing market, foreign brands should consider adapting their products to suit local tastes and preferences, as well as investing in local production and distribution channels. China's cheese market is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to become one of the world's largest, providing a major boost to the dairy industries of exporting countries.
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Cheese is not part of China's culinary tradition
In recent years, cheese has gained popularity in China, with the market evolving significantly between 2017 and 2023. Per capita consumption doubled from less than 0.1 kg in 2017 to 0.4 kg in 2023, and the market is now worth over $14 billion. This growth is fuelled by China's evolving food culture, rising incomes, and increasing health awareness. Cheese is becoming especially popular among young people in big cities, with trends fuelled by the young and affluent.
The popularity of certain types of cheese in China is often related to their use. For example, mozzarella is popular due to its use on pizzas, which are becoming more common in China as Western food habits influence local diets. Similarly, cheddar and Gouda are used in hamburgers and other fast-food products, which are expanding in China's biggest cities. Many Chinese people are discovering cheese by eating a slice of pizza.
While cheese is gaining traction in China, the country is still far behind in terms of production and consumption compared to other countries. The average price of cheese in 2023 was 22.59 US dollars per unit, placing it in the premium range of products that most people in China cannot afford. However, China is already the seventh-largest cheese buyer in the world by volume and is predicted to become the world's top importer in the next ten years.
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China's demand for cheese is increasing
There are several factors contributing to the increasing demand for cheese in China. One of the main factors is the country's evolving food culture and the growing popularity of Western-style diets. As China's economy continues to grow and its society becomes more open to other cultures, there is more interaction with Western countries that produce and consume a lot of cheese. This has led to an increased acceptance and demand for cheese among Chinese consumers, especially in big cities and among young people.
Another factor is the increasing affluence of Chinese consumers and their rising disposable incomes. This has led to a shift towards premium and artisanal cheese products, as consumers seek more unique and high-quality options. Additionally, the growing trend of health consciousness and awareness of the environmental impact of dairy production has led to a rise in the demand for plant-based and lactose-free cheese alternatives, such as tofu-based and nut-based cheeses.
The increasing demand for cheese in China presents a significant opportunity for international cheese producers looking to expand their markets. However, entering the Chinese market comes with unique challenges, such as strict regulations on food imports, safety standards, and consumer preferences. Distribution channels and the large geographical size of the country also play a role in the complexities of the Chinese market.
Despite these challenges, the United States, in particular, views China as a vital part of its dairy industry's long-term strategy to increase exports. With an abundant supply of milk, U.S. dairy exporters are well-positioned to meet the growing Chinese demand for cheese and other dairy products. However, new tariffs imposed by both countries have created a competitive disadvantage for the United States against other cheese-exporting regions, such as New Zealand and the European Union.
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Foreign cheese brands dominate the Chinese market
Cheese is not a traditional part of China's culinary heritage, except for some ethnic minorities such as the Mongols and Tibetans. However, cheese is rapidly gaining popularity in China, with the market evolving significantly between 2017 and 2023, when per capita consumption doubled from less than 0.1 kg to 0.4 kg. This growth is driven by a variety of factors, including China's evolving food culture, rising incomes, and increasing health awareness. As a result, the Chinese cheese market is expected to be worth over $100 billion by 2026.
Despite the recent surge in demand, China is still far behind in terms of cheese production and consumption. However, as the country continues to open up to other cultures, there is increasing acceptance of cheese among Chinese consumers, particularly in big cities and among young people. This trend is further fuelled by the growing influence of Western-style foods such as pizza and fast food, which often incorporate cheese.
While French exportations to China only represent 4% of imported cheese, certain French brands, such as Bel Group, have found success with products like "Mini Babybel" and "Kiri". China's cheese market presents a prime opportunity for international cheese producers looking to expand, but it also comes with unique challenges related to consumer preferences, distribution channels, and regulations.
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China's cheese market is still developing
Cheese is not a traditional part of Chinese cuisine, except among some ethnic minorities near the country's borders, such as the Mongols and Tibetans. A few decades ago, cheese was mostly consumed and produced in Inner Mongolia, and it was common to purchase cheese as a souvenir. However, cheese was still considered rare in China at that time.
There are several reasons why cheese is gaining popularity in China. One factor is the increasing interaction and influence of Western cultures, which has led to the growing popularity of Western-style pizza and fast food in China's big cities. Another reason is the country's evolving food culture, rising incomes, and increasing health awareness. Additionally, there is a growing awareness that the fermentation process removes most of the lactose from cheese, making it a viable option for the large proportion of the Chinese population that is lactose intolerant.
The cheese market in China is dominated by foreign brands, with 94% of consumed cheese in 2014 being imported, mainly from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. Processed cheese, in particular, has gained popularity in China due to its use in pizzas and fast food. However, natural cheeses obtained by milk fermentation or curdling are more challenging to commercialize in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese is made in China, but it is not a significant part of China's culinary tradition, except for some ethnic minorities like the Mongols and Tibetans. China's cheese market is still developing, with foreign brands dominating the market.
Some of the cheeses made in China include Rushan, Rubing, and Nguri. Processed cheese is also popular in China due to the lactose intolerance of a large majority of the population. Mozzarella, creamy cheese, and sliced processed cheese are some of the most popular varieties.
The cheese market in China is experiencing rapid growth, with an increasing demand for cheese among Chinese consumers. In 2023, the market size was valued at 14.52 billion dollars, and it is projected to reach 105.93 billion dollars by 2026. China is already the seventh-largest cheese buyer in the world by volume and is expected to become the top importer in the next few years.
