Germany Cheese Market Report 2024
Despite economic challenges, Germans remain loyal to their cheese. 97% of Germans eat cheese in 2024, up from 93% in 2023, with falling retail prices likely playing a role.
Despite economic challenges, Germans remain loyal to their cheese. 97% of Germans eat cheese in 2024, up from 93% in 2023, with falling retail prices likely playing a role.
Despite economic challenges, Germans remain loyal to their cheese. 97% of Germans eat cheese in 2024, up from 93% in 2023, with falling retail prices likely playing a role. However, the market and consumers alike continue to face inflationary pressure. Financial concerns prompted 34% of cheese eaters and buyers to reduce the amount of cheese they bought in the three months to September 2024, challenging brands to uphold consumption frequency.
While older Germans are more likely to consume cheese and do so more frequently, younger consumers have contributed to cheese’ increasing consumer reach. 97% of men aged 16-24 eat cheese in 2024, up from 88% in 2022. However, as this demographic doesn’t consume cheese as frequently, highlighting protein content and positioning cheese as a snack will help brands grow.
77% of category consumers eat cheese with bread, making it the most common usage occasion in 2024. However, in light of declining volume sales of bread, brands can highlight the versatility of cheese as an ingredient, especially to parents of children aged 18 and under looking for meat alternatives.
Despite economic challenges, consumers are still willing to spend more on ethical aspects, such as animal welfare and dairy farmers’ wellbeing. Brands that highlight according factors will find appeal and fill a market gap.
Leverage Germans’ views of cheese as a nutritious addition to meals and position it as an alternative to meat, a versatile cooking ingredient and a high-protein snack for in-between.
Charlotte Sander, Research Analyst