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. But the story appears to be changing a bit, at least at the retail level.
“The cheese category continues to grow as a whole, but at a very slow pace, ultimately making only 3% gains since 2014,” global market research firm Mintel says in its October 2019 “Cheese — US” report. “The next five years are expected to see this trend continue, as consumer interest in healthier and natural options offset the struggles in processed cheese segments.”