Top 10 functional cheese importing countries in the world in 2025

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Written by Robert Gultig

1 May 2025

Introduction

The global cheese market is experiencing significant growth, with the demand for functional cheese on the rise. Functional cheese offers additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, making it a popular choice among consumers. In this report, we will explore the top 10 functional cheese importing countries in the world in 2025, providing insights into their import volume, market trends, and key players in the industry.

United States

Import Volume and Market Share

The United States is one of the largest importers of functional cheese in the world, with a significant market share. In 2025, the country imported over 500,000 metric tons of functional cheese, accounting for a substantial portion of the global market.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in the United States include Kraft Heinz, Bel Brands, and Sargento. These companies have a strong presence in the market, offering a wide range of functional cheese products to consumers.

Germany

Import Volume and Market Share

Germany is another major player in the global functional cheese import market. The country imported over 400,000 metric tons of functional cheese in 2025, making it one of the top importers in the world.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in Germany include Hochland, FrieslandCampina, and DMK Group. These companies have a strong presence in the market, offering high-quality functional cheese products to consumers.

France

Import Volume and Market Share

France is known for its love of cheese, and the country is a significant importer of functional cheese. In 2025, France imported over 300,000 metric tons of functional cheese, solidifying its position as a key player in the global market.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in France include Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Lactalis, and Groupe Bel. These companies are renowned for their high-quality functional cheese products and have a strong market presence.

United Kingdom

Import Volume and Market Share

The United Kingdom is also a significant importer of functional cheese, with a growing market share. In 2025, the country imported over 200,000 metric tons of functional cheese, showcasing its importance in the global market.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in the United Kingdom include Dairy Crest, Belton Cheese, and Norseland. These companies are leading the way in offering innovative functional cheese products to consumers.

Italy

Import Volume and Market Share

Italy is renowned for its cheese production, and the country is also a significant importer of functional cheese. In 2025, Italy imported over 150,000 metric tons of functional cheese, further solidifying its position in the global market.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in Italy include Granarolo, Latteria Sociale Mantova, and Auricchio. These companies are known for their traditional cheese-making techniques and offer a wide range of functional cheese products to consumers.

Spain

Import Volume and Market Share

Spain is a growing player in the global functional cheese import market, with a significant market share. In 2025, Spain imported over 100,000 metric tons of functional cheese, showcasing its potential in the industry.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in Spain include Grupo Lactalis, Grupo Leche Pascual, and Grupo Sada. These companies are leading the way in offering innovative functional cheese products to consumers in Spain and beyond.

Netherlands

Import Volume and Market Share

The Netherlands is a key player in the global cheese market, including functional cheese imports. In 2025, the country imported over 80,000 metric tons of functional cheese, further solidifying its position in the industry.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in the Netherlands include Royal FrieslandCampina, Veldhuyzen Kaas, and DOC Dairy Partners. These companies are known for their high-quality functional cheese products and have a strong market presence.

Belgium

Import Volume and Market Share

Belgium is a significant importer of functional cheese, with a growing market share. In 2025, Belgium imported over 50,000 metric tons of functional cheese, showcasing its importance in the global market.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in Belgium include Milcobel, Kaasbrik, and Inex. These companies are leading the way in offering innovative functional cheese products to consumers in Belgium and beyond.

Switzerland

Import Volume and Market Share

Switzerland is renowned for its cheese production, and the country is also a key importer of functional cheese. In 2025, Switzerland imported over 40,000 metric tons of functional cheese, further solidifying its position in the global market.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the functional cheese import market in Switzerland include Emmi, Cremo, and Lactosuisse. These companies are known for their high-quality functional cheese products and have a strong market presence in Switzerland and beyond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global market for functional cheese is growing, with the top 10 importing countries playing a significant role in shaping the industry. These countries are importing substantial volumes of functional cheese, with key players leading the way in offering innovative products to consumers. As the demand for functional cheese continues to rise, these countries are likely to remain key players in the global market for years to come.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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