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Cheese Substitutes - Italy

Italy
  • Revenue in the Cheese Substitutes market amounts to US$9.70m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.59% (CAGR 2024-2029).
  • In global comparison, most revenue is generated United States (US$248m in 2024).
  • In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$0.17 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Cheese Substitutes market, volume is expected to amount to 542.10k kg by 2029. The Cheese Substitutes market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.9% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Cheese Substitutes market is expected to amount to 0.0kg in 2024.

Definition:

Cheese substitutes, also known as dairy-free or non-dairy cheese alternatives, are products designed to mimic the texture, flavor, and functionality of traditional dairy cheese without using any animal-derived ingredients. These substitutes are primarily targeted at vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, those with dairy allergies, and/or anyone seeking to reduce their consumption of animal products. Cheese substitutes can be made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, such as nuts (e.g., almonds and cashews), soy, coconut, or nutritional yeast. These ingredients are often processed and blended to create a creamy and cheese-like product.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram). The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

In-Scope

  • Cashew cheese, almond cheese, macadamia cheese, soy milk cheese, coconut oil cheese, potato starch cheese, tapioca starch cheese, pea protein cheese
  • Vegan sliced cheese
  • Vegan grated cheese
  • Vegan cream cheese
  • Vegan mozzarella and other similar vegan cheeses

Out-Of-Scope

  • Milk Substitutes
  • Yogurt Substitutes
  • Curdled Milk Substitutes
  • Out-of-home consumption

Revenue

Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Volume

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Price

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Global Comparison

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The Cheese Substitutes Market in Italy's Dairy Products & Eggs Market is experiencing minimal growth. This could be due to factors such as consumer preference for traditional cheese, limited availability of plant-based options, and lack of awareness about dairy alternatives. However, with increasing health consciousness and the convenience of online shopping, the market is expected to grow in the coming years.

Customer preferences:
As consumers continue to prioritize health and wellness, there has been a notable rise in demand for plant-based cheese substitutes in Italy. This trend is fueled by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of dairy production and a desire for healthier, cruelty-free options. With a large vegetarian and vegan population, Italy offers a prime market for these products, and companies are increasingly innovating to meet the demand. This shift towards plant-based options is also in line with the rise of flexitarian and plant-based diets, as well as a growing interest in sustainable and ethical food choices.

Trends in the market:
In Italy, the Cheese Substitutes Market within the Dairy Products & Eggs Market is experiencing a shift towards plant-based alternatives, driven by a growing demand for healthier and environmentally sustainable options. This trend is expected to continue, with companies investing in research and development to improve the taste and texture of these substitutes. Additionally, the rise of vegan and lactose-intolerant populations is also contributing to the growth of this market. Industry stakeholders must adapt to these changing consumer preferences and innovate to remain competitive in the evolving market landscape.

Local special circumstances:
In Italy, the Cheese Substitutes market is heavily influenced by the country's rich cultural heritage and traditional cuisine. As Italians have a strong preference for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, the market for plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products has been slow to develop. Additionally, strict regulations on food labeling and production methods pose a challenge for non-dairy substitutes to enter the market. However, with the rising demand for vegan and lactose-free options, innovative companies are finding ways to cater to this niche consumer base.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Cheese Substitutes Market of the Dairy Products & Eggs Market within The Food market in Italy is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer preferences, government policies, and global trade dynamics. The growing trend towards plant-based diets and concerns over animal welfare have led to an increasing demand for cheese substitutes in the country. Furthermore, the high import duties on dairy products and the rising production costs of traditional dairy cheese have made cheese substitutes a more affordable and sustainable option for Italian consumers. With the Italian government's focus on promoting sustainable and healthy food choices, the market for cheese substitutes is expected to continue its growth trajectory. However, economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and income inequality may hinder market growth in the country. On a global scale, the increasing awareness of lactose intolerance and the growing popularity of veganism are also contributing to the growth of the cheese substitutes market.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.

Key Market Indicators

Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

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