Americans love their cheese. Last year, sales of natural and specialty cheese grew to $17 billion, according to a recent report from market researcher Packaged Facts. Since 2011, this industry segment has enjoyed a CAGR of 4 percent, primarily due to increased availability of products at affordable prices and the ongoing snacking trend in the US.
“The cheese market is appropriately ripe and the impact of the recession on sales is still being felt,” says David Sprinkle, research director at Packaged Facts. “But there are real opportunities to grow sales. Marketers are capitalizing, for instance, by positioning cheese as a kid-friendly snack and through the increased availability of indulgent gourmet and artisan cheese varieties.”