Markets resilient, farmers hopeful
OPINION: The global dairy market continues to show resilience, and farmers remain cautiously optimistic as we move into the latter half of 2025.
The world's cheese business was worth US$216 billion last year, and in four years should be worth US$237b, says market research company Canadean.
It says the global cheese market is growing strongly, driven by countries such as Brazil, where cheese consumption is expected to triple in the next decade.
However, the top five global brands Kraft, Philadelphia, President, Sargento and Galbani hold only 10% or less market share.
“With rising competition, top [producers] are using unique strategies, such as new product traits and uses, to differentiate themselves from other brands,” says Dhara Badiani, analyst at Canadean.
The rising populace of Brazil, China and India, with more money to spend, buys more processed foods including cheese.
“Pizza, pasta and sandwiches have become more popular in many emerging markets in recent years,” says Badiani.
Simultaneously, modern retail stores and fast food chains are driving retail and on-trade sales of cheese.
“Hypermarkets and supermarkets are the leading retail channels for cheese, offering a wide range including multi-brand, private label and specialty products,” Badiani argues.
The report also finds the Brazilian cheese market one of fastest growing globally. Brazilians ate on average only 3.4kg in 2009, but per capita consumption rose to 5.4kg in 2014 and is expected to reach 8.6kg in 2019.
Brazil, the world’s fifth-largest cheese market by volume, is expected to be third in 2019. This means in five years, or less, Brazilians’ cheese consumption will match that of the French (1.8b kg).
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
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