Market Overview

The Italy cheese market size was valued at USD 2,276.89 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3,518.17 Million by 2034. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.95% from 2026 to 2034. Driven by centuries-old artisanal traditions and robust domestic consumption, the market benefits from strong consumer preference for premium quality products, extensive PDO and PGI certification systems, and the country's renowned gastronomy culture that positions cheese as a dietary staple. Explore more about the Italy Cheese Market.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Italy Cheese Market:

  • AI-enhanced quality control ensures consistent premium quality in PDO-certified cheeses, helping maintain Italy’s reputation for authenticity.
  • Machine learning optimizes dairy farming operations, supporting the dominant cow milk segment that accounts for 91.42% of the market.
  • AI-driven supply chain optimization enhances distribution efficiency in supermarkets and hypermarkets, which hold 35.82% market share.
  • Automated packaging technologies align with consumer demands for convenience formats like slices, dominating with a 31.86% share.
  • AI-assisted product innovation accelerates development of lactose-free and plant-based cheese alternatives, responding to health-conscious consumers.
  • Data analytics support market players like Granarolo in expanding premium portfolios, fostering competitiveness internationally.

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Market Growth Factors

Italy's strong domestic consumption culture and deep-rooted culinary heritage significantly drive the cheese market's growth. Cheese is considered essential across all meal occasions, supported by the Mediterranean diet and high per capita consumption rates in Italian households. Traditional recipes integrate cheese widely, from antipasti to pasta dishes, creating diverse consumption occasions that sustain volume growth. This cultural embeddedness continues to fuel consistent demand for varied cheese products across demographic segments.

Robust protected designation systems (PDO and PGI) underpin the premium positioning of Italian cheeses. The certification framework assures quality and provenance, enhancing consumer trust and enabling producers to command price premiums. In 2025, scientific monitoring initiatives expanded to safeguard authenticity and counter imitations, reinforcing the market's competitive differentiation. These protections also expand export opportunities as international buyers increasingly seek genuine Italian cheese varieties.

Expanding tourism and hospitality sectors bolster foodservice demand for authentic Italian cheeses. Italy's stature as a premier global tourism destination contributes substantial cheese consumption via restaurants, hotels, and catering serving international visitors. Gastronomic tourism targeting cheese-producing regions drives direct sales and awareness. The hospitality industry’s focus on authentic cuisine ensures steady procurement, while culinary tourism, including cheese-making demonstrations and tasting tours, enhances consumer engagement and supports producer revenues.

IMARCs report provides a deep dive into the Italy cheese market analysis, outlining the current trends, underlying market demand, and growth trajectories.

Market Segmentation

Segment Category Leading Segment Market Share

Source

  • Cow Milk
  • Buffalo Milk
  • Goat Milk
  • Others

Type

  • Natural
  • Processed

Product

  • Mozzarella
  • Cheddar
  • Feta
  • Parmesan
  • Roquefort
  • Others

Format

  • Slices
  • Diced/Cubes
  • Shredded
  • Blocks
  • Spreads
  • Liquid
  • Others

Distribution Channel

  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online
  • Others

Region

  • Northwest
  • Northeast
  • Central
  • South
  • Others

Recent Developement & News

  • May 2025: Granarolo inaugurated a €25 million cheese plant in Gioia del Colle, enhancing production capacity for Apulian-style cheeses. The facility processes 60,000 tonnes of milk into 10,000 tonnes of cheese, doubling workforce by 2027, and introduced new products including frozen burrata and expanded PDO portfolio.
  • 2025: Regione Lombardia allocated €3.7 million across 20 projects to promote PDO and PGI agri-food products, boosting visibility and consumer trust in regional cheeses, particularly among affluent urban demographics seeking premium provenance.
  • 2025: Granarolo launched an expanded “Benessere” line featuring lactose-free, high-protein cheeses such as Burrata with less than 0.1% lactose and 40% less fat, addressing the health- and nutrition-conscious market segment, reflecting increasing consumer demand for functional dairy products.

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