What this market covers
Cheese made by melting and blending natural cheese with emulsifiers into a smooth, long lasting product. Sold as slices, spreads and blocks to households, quick service chains and food makers.
Typical segments
- Slices
- Spreads
- Blocks
- Cheese sauces
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 37% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Bahrain is gaining ground: its exports rose 277% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of processed cheese (HS 040630) were worth $3.93 billion in 2024. | 3.93 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 37% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($2.86 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +37 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Germany was the largest exporter in 2024, with 14% of world exports ($557.4 million). | 14 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Germany, Bahrain and France, shipped 34% of world exports in 2024. | 34 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Saudi Arabia was the largest importer in 2024, buying $431.3 million, or 11% of world imports. | 11 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 63 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 63 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $5.16 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 5.16 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 760.2 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 760.2 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Bahrain grew fastest, with exports up 277% from 2019 to 2024. | +277 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Supermarkets
- Quick service restaurants
- Food manufacturers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global processed cheese market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 040630 reached $3.93 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most processed cheese?
Germany led world exports in 2024 with 14% of the total, followed by Bahrain, France and Saudi Arabia.
Which countries import the most processed cheese?
Saudi Arabia was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United Kingdom, France and the United Arab Emirates.
Is world trade in processed cheese growing?
World exports were 37% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of processed cheese?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $5.16 per kilogram in 2024.
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