South Africa Cheese Market Size To Worth USD 651.18 Million By 2033 | CAGR of 5.04%

South Africa Cheese Market Overview

Market Size in 2024: USD 418.32 Million

Market Size in 2023: USD 651.18 Million

Market Growth Rate 2025-2023: 5.04%

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "South Africa Cheese Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2025-2023", 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:

South Africa's cheese market is riding a wave of strong fundamentals, with the dairy sector standing as the fourth-largest agricultural segment generating R25 billion annually. Cheese production hit 94,000 tons in 2024, and that number is climbing—forecasts point to a five percent jump in 2025. What's driving this? A mix of growing export demand and improved consumer spending power as inflation eases from its 14-year high. Between July 2023 and July 2024, retail sales of cream cheese and other dairy products surged, particularly among both lower and higher income groups. The new China-South Africa dairy trade protocol is opening doors for processed cheese exports, while regional markets in Sub-Saharan Africa continue soaking up South African products. With cheese producers concentrated in coastal areas where milk supply and resources are abundant, the infrastructure is there to support this expansion.

The industry just had its moment in the spotlight at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland, where South African producers didn't just participate—they dominated. Klein River Cheese walked away with a Super Gold for their 24-month-old Babylonstoren Parmesan, collecting ten medals total. Dalewood Fromage scored a Super Gold for their Boland cheese, while Nellie Fischer earned recognition as Best Female Cheesemaker. Lancewood grabbed gold for their sweet chili cream cheese, and Lactalis South Africa picked up three awards for aged Gouda and Cheddar. These wins aren't just about bragging rights—they're validation that South African cheese can compete with European heavyweights. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has been actively supporting the sector, helping connect producers with international buyers and highlighting the quality that comes from regional breeds, climate conditions, and sustainable farming methods that give South African cheese its distinct character.

Consumer preferences are evolving fast, and the market is adapting to keep pace. Cheddar accounts for 31 percent of South Africa's 82,000 metric tons of annual cheese production, followed by Gouda at 20 percent, but there's growing appetite for variety—mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese are gaining ground thanks to their versatility in cooking. Fast food chains and the booming restaurant sector are fueling demand for processed and melting cheeses, while health-conscious consumers are pushing producers to develop lactose-free and lower-fat options. The artisanal movement is thriving too, with the South African Cheese Festival showcasing innovative local varieties like Kwaito, Wookie, and Bokmakiri. Major brands like Clover, Parmalat, Lancewood, and Fairview dominate distribution through supermarkets and hypermarkets, but specialty stores and online platforms are opening up new channels for boutique producers. Government initiatives providing subsidies and training programs are lowering barriers for new entrants, particularly women and historically disadvantaged groups, injecting fresh energy and creativity into an industry that's been around for more than 180 years.

Access the Latest 2026 Data & Forecasts: https://www.imarcgroup.com/checkout?id=40791&method=1590

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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