Lactalis Highlights Emerging Cheese Trends for 2025
Source: DairyNews.today
Global dairy producer Lactalis has outlined key trends set to shape the UK cheese market in 2025, as consumers navigate evolving preferences influenced by inflation, sustainability, and changing lifestyles.
Despite challenges from the cost-of-living crisis and Brexit, branded cheese sales are rebounding, growing 1.9% year-on-year, outpacing private label growth of 0.4%.
Branded cheese now represents 40% of total market value, at £1.2 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 6.6%. Private label, which accounts for the remaining 60%, grew 4% in the same period, reaching £1.8 billion.
Premiumisation Drives Market Growth
“While rising grocery costs have prompted consumers to purchase fewer cheese units, premiumisation continues to offer growth opportunities,” said Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Group Marketing Director for Lactalis UK & Ireland. Consumers are rediscovering old favorites and exploring new recipes, spurring innovation and expanding product offerings.
Hot eating cheeses, such as Président Extra Creamy Brie launched in 2024, are leading this premiumisation trend. Designed to be enjoyed warm, its special melting properties reflect growing consumer interest in versatile and indulgent cheese options.
Health Consciousness Boosts Cheese Demand
As health and nutrition remain a focus for consumers, cheese is gaining attention for its protein content and essential nutrients. "Cheese delivers all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein," noted Le Norcy-Trott. Products meeting health-conscious criteria are expected to appeal to families and individuals seeking balanced nutrition.
Meat Alternatives and Creativity in Usage
Cheese is emerging as a popular meat substitute, integral to vegetarian dishes and catering to flexitarian diets. Consumers are increasingly using cheese creatively in recipes, inspired by online platforms and social media trends. Le Norcy-Trott highlighted that products like Lactalis’s Leerdammer slices are encouraging customers to "think beyond the block" and explore new ways of incorporating cheese into their meals.
Flavors and Sustainability in Focus
Unique and global flavors such as truffle, chive, and Gouda are gaining traction, while sustainability is becoming a critical purchase driver. Lactalis is responding with environmentally conscious products, such as Seriously Spreadable Black Pepper, which launched in 2024, and by emphasizing regionality through locally sourced brands like Orkney and Galloway in Scotland.
Future Outlook
Lactalis anticipates significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the coming year, leveraging its global expertise and monitoring trends across platforms like TikTok. “The next 12 months offer an exciting chance to reinvigorate the UK cheese market,” said Le Norcy-Trott. “Our commitment to innovation and meeting consumer demands will drive growth and delight customers in the chiller aisles.”
Branded cheese now represents 40% of total market value, at £1.2 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 6.6%. Private label, which accounts for the remaining 60%, grew 4% in the same period, reaching £1.8 billion.
Premiumisation Drives Market Growth
“While rising grocery costs have prompted consumers to purchase fewer cheese units, premiumisation continues to offer growth opportunities,” said Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Group Marketing Director for Lactalis UK & Ireland. Consumers are rediscovering old favorites and exploring new recipes, spurring innovation and expanding product offerings.
Hot eating cheeses, such as Président Extra Creamy Brie launched in 2024, are leading this premiumisation trend. Designed to be enjoyed warm, its special melting properties reflect growing consumer interest in versatile and indulgent cheese options.
Health Consciousness Boosts Cheese Demand
As health and nutrition remain a focus for consumers, cheese is gaining attention for its protein content and essential nutrients. "Cheese delivers all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein," noted Le Norcy-Trott. Products meeting health-conscious criteria are expected to appeal to families and individuals seeking balanced nutrition.
Meat Alternatives and Creativity in Usage
Cheese is emerging as a popular meat substitute, integral to vegetarian dishes and catering to flexitarian diets. Consumers are increasingly using cheese creatively in recipes, inspired by online platforms and social media trends. Le Norcy-Trott highlighted that products like Lactalis’s Leerdammer slices are encouraging customers to "think beyond the block" and explore new ways of incorporating cheese into their meals.
Flavors and Sustainability in Focus
Unique and global flavors such as truffle, chive, and Gouda are gaining traction, while sustainability is becoming a critical purchase driver. Lactalis is responding with environmentally conscious products, such as Seriously Spreadable Black Pepper, which launched in 2024, and by emphasizing regionality through locally sourced brands like Orkney and Galloway in Scotland.
Future Outlook
Lactalis anticipates significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the coming year, leveraging its global expertise and monitoring trends across platforms like TikTok. “The next 12 months offer an exciting chance to reinvigorate the UK cheese market,” said Le Norcy-Trott. “Our commitment to innovation and meeting consumer demands will drive growth and delight customers in the chiller aisles.”
