UAE Cheese Market Research Report: Forecast (2024-2030)

Market Definition

Cheese is referred to as a dairy product that is produced in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulating the milk protein casein, usually derived from the milk of cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep. The widespread usage of cheese for the preparation of dishes in the hospitality sector comprising hotels and restaurants is driving the demand for cheese.

Market Insights & Analysis: The UAE Cheese Market (2024-30):

The UAE Cheese Market size was valued at USD 362 Million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 4.40% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30. The factors attributing to the growth of the cheese market in the UAE are the widespread use of cheese in the preparation of traditional as well as international delicacies. In the UAE, traditional Emirati food holds cultural importance, since it reflects a common ground of multicultural conviviality, and also acts as a gateway for introducing and teaching Emirati culture to foreigners.

Therefore, the conventional dishes of the UAE are prepared at every hotel, restaurant, and individual home which augments the sales of cheese since these delicacies require cheese during their preparation.  Apart from the traditional cuisine, the hotels also offer foreign delicacies such as Italian Pizza, Pasta, etc., which further drive the market of cheese in the UAE.

Moreover, the UAE is an oil-rich country and to diversify its economy the government of UAE is investing in construction projects comprising hotels, malls, restaurants, etc., to improve leisure and attraction spots in the UAE, and facilitate tourism in the country. As a result, multiple hotel chains have been opened in the UAE, such as, in 2022, the hotel Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah, opened in the UAE, which comprises a selection of restaurants to cater to any palate. Therefore, the growing expansion of the hospitality sector would promote the usage of cheese in the making of cuisine for guests or tourists.

Moreover, the policies laid down by the government to promote industrialization in the country are also positively impacting the sales of cheese in the UAE. The zero taxation policy of the government and other lucrative policies by the government have propelled several global brands to set up their manufacturing plants in the UAE, such as in 2021, the Italian Dairy Products company doubled its plant capacity in the Sharjah Food Park, the UAE, to cater to the growing demand for products made with high-quality local ingredients and provide high-quality foodstuff at affordable prices.  As a result, cheese and other dairy products are more accessible at a lower cost to the residents of the UAE, therefore, the demand for cheese from the lower & and middle-class population will also arise in the forthcoming years.

The UAE Cheese Market Driver:

Expanded Usage of Cheese in the Preparation of Cuisines at Hotels / Homes – Cheese has been an important ingredient in the preparation of several cuisines and dishes such as; pizza, cheesecake, and others, therefore, the increased preference for these dishes is driving the market of cheese in the UAE. The rapid urbanization in the country, expansion of the retail and hotel chains, and the change in the consumer lifestyle have led to an increase in the dine-in rate in the country.

The per capita expenditure of the residents in the UAE has been surging for the past few years owing to the no-individual taxation policy laid by the government of the UAE, therefore the average spending on food is also increasing. Moreover, the usage of cheese in the preparation of some of the traditional dishes such as; Baleelat, Beidh Wa Tomat, or Shakshuka, etc., is increasing due to the surge in the number of visitors to the hotels, restaurants, Café, etc., thereby facilitating the demand for cheese. Hence, the innovative product offering in the hotels & restaurants that include dishes made from cheese is further amplifying the market of cheese in the UAE.

The UAE Cheese Market Opportunity:

Growing Partnership Between the Cheese Manufacturing Companies and Food & Beverage Companies – The growing partnership between cheese manufacturing companies and the food & beverages industry is anticipated to present a growth opportunity for dairy product manufacturing companies. This type of partnership accelerates the cheese production expansion.

Moreover, the collaborations involve the introduction of a new premium specialty cheese range in redefining the culinary landscape in the UAE. Further, the exports of cheese to other countries like New Zealand, India, etc., support the growth of the cheese market in the country. Hence, these growing partnerships to provide excellent products to consumers would amplify the demand for the UAE Cheese Market.

The UAE Cheese Market Challenge:

Increasing Consumer Awareness About Cholesterol/Obesity to Restrain the Market Growth – Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the adverse effects caused due to the high consumption of cheese such as high cholesterol, obesity, etc., owing to which the consumers prevent themselves from eating cheese, thereby restraining the sales of cheese in the UAE.

Further, the government of the UAE is also running campaigns and programs to spread awareness about diseases such as; obesity, and others. As a result, consumers are becoming more health conscious, thereby adapting to a healthy lifestyle and inclining towards other cheese alternative options such as nutritional yeast, etc. Therefore, the rising awareness about health and wellness is restraining the growth of the UAE Cheese Market.

The UAE Cheese Market Trend:

Rising Inclination Towards Vegan or Plant-Based Cheese – The primitive source of cheese and related products are mainly animals, owing to which the individuals supporting animal cruelty-free products refrain from buying the items. Therefore, to engage more vegan consumers, companies such as Bel Middle East, etc., have started offering vegan or plant-based cheese products. For instance,

• In 2022, the company Bel Middle East launched a new product range called “Nourish” in the UAE which is its first plant-based alternative to cheese.

The product was launched to target the genZ population that is significantly associated with cruelty-free initiatives and adopting veganism. In addition to this, health-conscious consumers are also gradually adopting plant-based cheese owing to its nutritional benefits. Hence, the growing inclination of consumers toward alternatives to conventional cheese is expected to simulate the UAE Cheese Market in the coming years.

The UAE Cheese Market (2024-30): Segmentation Analysis

The UAE Cheese Market study of MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends and influencing factors in each segment. It also includes predictions for the period 2024–2030 at the national level. According to the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Product:

• Spreadable Cheese
  • Cream Cheese
  • Reconstituted Cheese
• Processed Cheese (Excluding Spreadable)
• Soft Cheese
  • Halloumi (Hellim)
  • Mozzarella
• Hard Cheese
  • Cheddar
  • Parmesan

Among all of them, processed cheese (excluding spreadable) witnessed a higher growth in the historical years, owing to advantages like the extended shelf life of the product, the alluring flavor profile, and the versatility it offers at a much more affordable price. In addition to this, processed cheese is employed in regional cuisines of the UAE and is frequently used in fast food items because of its distinctive flavor profile. Therefore, the growth of fast food outlets in the UAE would augment the growth of processed cheese in the forecast years.

However, the sales of soft cheese are anticipated to witness growth in the upcoming years owing to the significant application of cheese in baking and confectionaries. Also, soft cheese has a low-fat content and high protein value, which makes it a more appropriate and ideal choice for health-conscious consumers. Hence, the nutritional value offered by soft cheese is expected to augment the UAE Cheese Market in the forthcoming years.

Based on the Distribution Channel:

• Offline
  • Supermarkets / Hypermarkets
  • Brand Owned Outlets
  • Convenience Stores
• Online

Among them, the offline segment acquired a larger share in the historical years since cheese and related dairy products get out of date fast, therefore the consumers worry about the quality of the product. Hence, they usually prefer to purchase cheese from retail stores such as convenience stores, etc., where they get quality assurance of the products after reading the product specifications.

Moreover, marketplaces such as Amazon, Carrefour, etc. have started offering the quickest delivery solutions in the UAE, which provides users more flexibility. Hence, the increasing digitalization across the UAE would boost the sales of cheese via online distribution channels.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our UAE Cheese Market Report

1. The UAE Cheese Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps business organizations to gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing business organizations to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. The UAE Cheese Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, business organizations can develop strategies to minimize risks and optimize their operations.