South Africa Cheese Market Size to Reach USD 651.18 Million by 2033 | With a 5.04% CAGR

South Africa Cheese Market Overview

Market Size in 2024: USD 418.32 Million

Market Size in 2028: USD 651.18 Million

Market Growth Rate 2024-2028: 5.04%

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "South Africa Cheese Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2025-2028", the South Africa cheese market size reached USD 418.32 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 651.18 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.04% during 2025-2033.

How Rising Food Industry Demand is Reshaping the Future of South Africa Cheese Market

● Powering Dairy Production Growth: South Africa's dairy industry generates R25 billion in gross value, with cheese production reaching 94,000 tons in 2024 and expected to increase by five percent in 2025, driven by expanding export demand and stronger consumer purchasing power.

● Transforming Global Recognition: South African cheesemakers secured multiple Super Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland, with Klein River Cheese winning Super Gold for Babylonstoren Parmesan and elevating the country's reputation on the world stage.

● Boosting Export Opportunities: South Africa cheese exports are forecast to grow by 15 percent in 2025, with roughly 56,000 tons of dairy products shipped in 2024-cheese accounting for 16 percent-primarily to neighboring African nations, Middle East markets, Saudi Arabia, Namibia, and Botswana.

● Expanding Per Capita Consumption: South Africa has the second-highest cheese consumption per capita in Africa at 1.6 kilograms per person annually, driving steady domestic demand as urbanization, Western dietary influences, and middle-class growth reshape eating habits.

● Strengthening Artisanal Innovation: Government subsidies and grants support small-scale cheesemakers and sustainable farming practices, with 115 producer-distributors operating nationwide and annual transformation of over 800 million liters of milk into over 82,000 tons of cheese.

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South Africa Cheese Market Trends & Drivers:

The South African cheese market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rapid urbanization and the expansion of a middle-class population with higher disposable incomes. Consumers are increasingly exposed to international culinary influences through travel, media, and diverse food outlets, leading to greater demand for cheese in everyday meals, snacks, and fast food like pizzas and burgers. Popular varieties such as cheddar and mozzarella dominate, while specialty cheeses gain traction among affluent urban dwellers. This shift reflects changing lifestyles, with hectic schedules favoring convenient, ready-to-eat products incorporating cheese. Overall, these demographic and cultural changes are propelling market expansion at a projected CAGR of around 5% through the coming years.

Another key driver is the booming foodservice sector, including quick-service restaurants, cafes, and prepared foods, where cheese plays a central role. Rising out-of-home consumption, fueled by busy urban professionals and youth, has boosted usage in sandwiches, wraps, and gourmet dishes. Additionally, product innovation-such as flavored, low-fat, or artisanal cheeses-caters to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritional benefits like protein and calcium. Manufacturers are diversifying offerings to align with wellness trends, including organic and reduced-fat options. This combination of foodservice demand and innovative formats enhances retail variety and accessibility, supporting sustained market growth amid improving economic conditions.

Trade dynamics also significantly influence the market, with increasing exports supported by new protocols, such as access to China, and regional demand in Sub-Saharan Africa. Domestic production is rising to meet both local and international needs, with forecasts indicating a 5% increase in output due to enhanced consumer purchasing power. Imports of premium and specialty cheeses from Europe and New Zealand supplement local supply, enriching consumer choices despite currency challenges. Opportunities arise from e-commerce expansion and modern retail channels, making diverse products more reachable. These factors collectively strengthen the market's resilience and potential for value growth in the forecast period.

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South Africa Cheese Market Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Source Insights:

● Cow Milk
● Buffalo Milk
● Goat Milk
● Others

Type Insights:

● Natural
● Processed

Product Insights:

● Mozzarella
● Cheddar
● Feta
● Parmesan
● Roquefort
● Others

Format Insights:

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

Distribution Channel Insights:

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

Regional Insights:

● Gauteng
● KwaZulu-Natal
● Western Cape
● Mpumalanga
● Eastern Cape
● Others

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in South Africa Cheese Market

● December 2024: South African cheesemakers won multiple Super Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland, with Klein River Cheese's Babylonstoren Parmesan and Dalewood Fromage's Boland cheese both receiving Super Gold recognition, elevating South Africa's global cheese reputation.

● November 2024: Woolworths Mature Gouda, crafted by Lactalis South Africa, clinched the prestigious Dairy Product of the Year title at the South African Dairy Awards 2024, competing against 1,029 entries from 78 producers and showcasing exceptional quality in the 10-month aged category.

● October 2024: The South African dairy industry reported cheese production at 94,000 tons with forecasts indicating a five percent increase for 2025, driven by new export opportunities following the China-South Africa dairy trade protocol and rising regional demand across Sub-Saharan Africa.

● September 2024: Lancewood received a gold medal for its sweet chili medium-fat cream cheese and bronze for Mature Cheddar at industry competitions, while Klein River Cheese's head cheesemaker Clement October was honored with the inaugural Hollard Game Changer Award for outstanding contributions to the sector.

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