Cheese is a dairy product available in several textures, flavors, and forms. It is prepared from the coagulation of milk protein casein. There are different types of cheese available in different regions all across the globe. It can be categorized on the basis of texture, length of aging, fat content, method of making, animal content, region, and several others. In the production process, milk is acidified along with the addition of enzymes of rennet that in turn make milk protein coagulate. Later solid is separated from the liquid and compacted into final form.
The transforming eating patterns of people are significantly affecting their preferences for snacks. Thus, there has been a significant surge in the demand for cheese snacks owing to the frequent eating habits in between meals. People of all ages prefer different types of snacks and hence it is the major reason propelling the growth of the global cheese-based snacks market. Cheese has become an indispensable ingredient in several food products including snacks due to the fact that it enhances its savory appeal. However, cheese is also considered a good source of calories and is hence viewed as an essential snack in emergency times. However, people are failing at maintaining a proper diet and hence becoming inattentive towards nutrition and healthy food. Thus, a high-calorie cheese snack is considered to be a healthy replacement for an unhealthy diet. The launch of innovative products is significantly propelling the consumption of cheese snacks globally. Manufacturers are experimenting with different products to bring distinct cheese snacks to attract consumers. In addition, manufacturers are also concentrating on the nutritional content to market their product as a healthy alternative to processed food and unhealthy diet.
The global cheese-based snacks market can be segmented into the distribution channel, end-user, product, and region.
By distribution channel, the market can be segmented into indirect and direct.
By end-user, the market can be segmented into household, bakery, and franchise outlets.
By product, the market can be segmented into frozen, fried, and baked snacks.
North America accounts for the largest share in the global cheese-based snacks market due to the growing consumption of cheese-based snacks in the region. Moreover, the hectic working schedule of people further induce them to adopt ready-made healthy snacking meals to maintain their nutrition levels is likely to further accentuate the growth of the regional market in the forthcoming years.
Some of the significant players in the global cheese-based snacks market are The Kraft Heinz Company, Kerry Group plc, Rich Products Corporation, Europe Snacks S.A., Estate Cheese Group LLC, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Amy’s Kitchen, Inc., Godrej Industries Limited, Parle Products Pvt. Ltd., Kellogg Company, EnWave Corporation, General Mills, Inc., ITC Limited, U&S Unismack S.A., UTZ Quality Foods, LLC., TINE SA, McCain Foods Limited, Mars, Incorporated, PepsiCo, Inc., and Sargento Foods Incorporated. To cite, Annie’s Homegrown introduced an organic cheese product range in 2017 which is gluten-free and organic in nature. It is likely to establish its leadership in the coming years in the organic cheese segment.