Japan Cheese Market Overview, 2027

Mongolian cheeses were imported to Japan hundreds of years ago from Korea and China. However, dairy has only recently become a common food option in Japan. Because cheese is not part of traditional Japanese cuisine, it is less popular in Japan than in Europe and the United States. Cheese, on the other hand, has gained in popularity in Japan in recent years. According to one survey, approximately 6% of Japanese people currently consume cheese on a daily basis. Cheese is eaten on pizza, cheeseburgers, pasta, crackers, and toast in Japan, much like it is in the rest of the world. Cheese is often used in Japanese stews and ramen meals. Sakura (cherry blossom) cheese, a Camembert-style cheese ripened on top of cherry blossom leaves and served with pickled cherry blossoms, is the most famous cheese in Japan. Other cheeses that are popular in Japan include Halloumi, Akkawi, Chhena, Dil, and Lor.

According to the report, "Japan Cheese Market Overview, 2027," published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to add USD 1.62 Billion by 2027. Cheese's health benefits are well known among Japanese consumers. Cheese is well-known for its high protein and calcium content. Several early marketing initiatives on Japanese television programme touted penicillium cheeses, such as blue cheese, Roquefort, gorgonzola, and stilton, as having good ageing properties. Furthermore, white mold cheeses such as camembert and brie were highlighted for their anti-dementia qualities. These innovative marketing initiatives were a success in Japan, boosting cheese sales while maintaining consumer popularity.

Mozzarella cheese is popular in Japan since it is used for pizza (as it is elsewhere in the world). In addition, parmesan cheese is frequently offered for pasta. Cheddar blocks are popular, but they are smaller and more expensive than in the United States. Small blocks of Colby or Gouda are also common. Cream cheese is used on occasion in Japanese cuisine, notably baked items. However, "cream cheese sushi" (or the "Philadelphia Roll") is mostly an American fad. Blue cheese and brie are available in Japan; however they are not particularly popular. Cheeses like Gorgonzola and Camembert appear to be more popular. And ricotta cheese can be difficult to come by in Japan.

Vegan products are becoming popular in Japan as a result of the country's and the world's health and environmental concerns. Another reason that has fueled product innovation is the Japanese government's willingness to satisfy the preferences of foreigners who do not eat meat or fish, as well as vegans who do not eat eggs or dairy products, so that they can enjoy sightseeing in Japan with peace of mind. In view of the foregoing, legislators from the ruling and opposition parties formed a parliamentary group in November 2020 to study how vegetarians and vegans visiting Japan from outside can enjoy their stay without worrying about food. This programme was launched in response to an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan travellers, as well as to make the Japanese food and beverage industry more vegan-friendly. Vegan cheese is said to have a genuine, cheesy flavor and can be melted or grated; it is made by fermenting low-fat soy milk. In contrast, the first-ever vegan convenience store & family restaurant "VEGAN STORE," which offers all vegetable products, was reported to be unveiled in Asakusa, Taito-Ku, Tokyo, in November 2019, to cater to the growing vegan trend, which was then expected to be bolstered because the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were on the horizon, as well as to expand nationwide. The store is reportedly offering vegan cheese, among other hot and cold vegan offerings. Earlier in June 2019, it was reported that the world's first rice-derived cheese substitute, "Brown Rice Cheese," was developed by Mochi Cream Japan. This company is known for developing Mochi ice cream and Daifuku and subsequently commercializing them.
Snow Brand - Others, Meiji, Q.B.B., Snow Brand Hokkaido, Kraft, Rolf, Tokachi, Chesco, Philadelphia, and Kiri are the leading brands in the Japanese cheese market. Snow Brand - Others lead the market in both value and volume in 2020. During the review period, Snow Brand Hokkaido experienced the fastest growth in terms of value, while Q.B.B. experienced the fastest growth in terms of volume.

The population of Japan is 125.7 million people, with 61.4 million men and 64.3 million women. There are 15.1 million people under the age of 14 in the population overall. Between the ages of 15 and 64, there are 74.2 million people. There are 115.6 million city dwellers and 10.1 million rural dwellers. The World Bank estimates that Japan's GDP in 2021 will be USD 4.94 trillion, with a -0.2% inflation rate and a per capita income of US$39,285.2. Increased per capita and per capita cheese consumption are the key drivers driving the growth of the Japanese cheese market. The average volume per person in the Cheese sector in 2021 was 1.4kg. Cheese in Japan is expected to cost between US$ 12.64 and US$ 13.95 per kilogram.



Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the Japan Cheese Market due to the convenience of having all products in one place and a huge selection at the same time. Some of Japan's major supermarkets include Kaldi Niku no Hanamasa, Seijo Ishii, National Azabu, and Costco. There has been a huge increase in internet usage and the use of e-commerce websites to acquire gourmet commodities such as cheese in recent years. Carrefour, Walmart, Amazon, and other well-known vertical experts are flocking to the sector.

The higher fat content of cheese is expected to be one of the noticeable features among other constraints restricting the global dairy industry's growth potential. Cheese consumption is restricted among the obese population due to the negative health effects of higher fat content.

Recent Developments:
• In September 2020, IKEA in Japan announced the addition of seven plant-based dishes to its menu across the country, including Veggie dogs with a plant-based cheese sauce.
• In May 2020, FUJI OIL HOLDINGS INC. joined NIZO, HAS, Bel- Leerdammer, and Daiya Foods, to contribute specialist knowledge and pilot facilities aimed at producing cheese alternatives that utilize plant proteins to achieve qualities and characteristics similar to dairy cheese.

Covid-19 Impact:
During the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the business was severely disrupted due to changing demand. The worldwide lockdowns prompted the foodservice industry to close, cutting demand for all processed food goods dramatically. Furthermore, costs are likely to reduce as high-quality products become less desirable. In contrast, increased adoption of low-cost varieties at wholesale prices from retail shops for home cooking is expected to balance the supply chain. Following the pandemic, the Cheese market is likely to benefit from the re-establishment of the foodservice sector and renewed cheese processing capacity.

Considered in this report
• Geography: Japan
• Historic year: 2016
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report
• Japan Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

By Source
• Animals
• Plants

By Type
• Natural
• Processed

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online retail
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Cheese industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.