FDA Proposes Updated Standards of Identity for Processed Cheese ProductsFDA published proposed rules updating processed cheese standards of identity for the first time since 1973, allowing plant-based fat and protein inclusions up to 15% while retaining the cheese label.
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JamesAllowing 15% plant-based inclusions in cheese is a slippery slope. Dairy farmers will fight this.
SupplierChina Customs · 8d ago
China Dairy Imports of Cheese Surge 35% as Pizza and Bakery Sectors BoomChina's cheese imports reached 180,000 tonnes in 2025, up 35% YoY, with mozzarella and cream cheese leading growth driven by 45,000 pizza restaurants and a booming bakery sector.
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FatimaChina's cheese market is the biggest growth opportunity in global dairy. Every major exporter is fighting for share.
ResearchFonterra · 8d ago
Fonterra Launches High-Protein Cheese Ingredient for Sports Nutrition MarketFonterra introduced ProCheese, a cheese-based protein ingredient with 45g protein per 100g serving, targeting the $50B sports nutrition market as an alternative to whey protein.
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ChenInteresting positioning but whey protein is deeply entrenched in sports nutrition. Hard to displace.
MaterialUSDA NASS · 8d ago
Wisconsin Cheese Production Hits Record 3.5B Pounds as New Plants OpenUSDA reported Wisconsin cheese production reached 3.5 billion pounds in 2025, a 5% increase driven by new mozzarella plants from Leprino Foods and Grande Cheese Company.
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MariaMozzarella has overtaken cheddar as America's most consumed cheese. The pizza economy drives everything.
CompetitiveKraft Heinz · 8d ago
Kraft Heinz Reformulates Processed Cheese Slices with Clean Label IngredientsKraft Heinz announced reformulation of its iconic American cheese slices, removing artificial preservatives and colors while maintaining the melt profile, responding to consumer clean-label demand.
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JamesClean label is table stakes now. Kraft is late to this trend but the brand loyalty will carry them.
MaReuters · 8d ago
Saputo Acquires UK's Dairy Crest for $1.7B Expanding European Cheese FootprintCanadian dairy giant Saputo completed its $1.7B acquisition of Dairy Crest, gaining the Cathedral City cheddar brand and 200,000 tonnes of annual cheese production capacity in the UK.
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ChenSaputo needed a European footprint. Cathedral City is the UK's number one cheese brand. Good strategic fit.
RegulationEuropean Commission · 8d ago
EU Geographical Indication Rules Block US Parmesan and Feta ExportsThe EU-Mercosur trade agreement included expanded GI protections blocking the use of Parmesan, Feta, Gruyere, and 200 other cheese names by non-European producers in South American markets.
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JamesUS cheese makers have invested billions in Parmesan and Feta production. GI restrictions are protectionism disguised as heritage.
PanoramaEuromonitor · 8d ago
Global Cheese Market Reaches $180B as Per Capita Consumption Grows in AsiaEuromonitor reported the global cheese market reached $180 billion in 2025, with Asia-Pacific growing at 8% CAGR driven by pizza culture expansion in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
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MariaPizza chains are the gateway drug for cheese consumption in Asia. Domino's alone opened 2,000 stores in China last year.
MaterialUSDA Dairy Market News · 8d ago
US Class III Milk Price Hits $24/cwt on Strong Cheese DemandUSDA announced the February Class III milk price at $24.10/cwt, the highest in 18 months, driven by robust domestic cheese consumption and tight milk supplies in the Upper Midwest.
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MariaStrong cheese pull is the story. American cheese consumption is up 4% YoY.
ResearchTechCrunch · 8d ago
Precision Fermentation Startup New Culture Raises $200M for Animal-Free CaseinSan Francisco-based New Culture closed a $200M Series C to scale production of animal-free casein protein for mozzarella cheese, targeting 5,000 tonnes/year by 2028.
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JamesThe technology works but scaling fermentation is notoriously difficult. Cautious on timelines.
SupplierFonterra · 8d ago
Fonterra Downgrades 2026 Farmgate Milk Price Forecast to NZ$7.50/kgMSFonterra revised its forecast farmgate milk price down from NZ$8.25 to NZ$7.50/kgMS citing weaker-than-expected demand from Southeast Asia and rising New Zealand production.
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ChenNZ farmers are resilient but NZ$7.50 is below breakeven for many. Production will contract.