Japan Cheese Market

Japan cheese production reached 167.25 thousand tonnes in 2023 and witnessed a growth rate of 0.6% (CAGR) during the period from 2018 to 2023. Japan's cheese production plays a significant role in the global supply chain by contributing to meeting domestic demand and reducing reliance on imports. While Japan still imports a considerable amount of cheese to fulfill its requirements, the growth of domestic production adds stability to the market and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers. Domestically produced cheese in Japan meets approximately 12% of the total demand, with the remaining 88% filled by imported cheese to compensate for the shortfall. The primary cheese exporters to Japan include Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and the Netherlands. Japan majorly prefers natural cheese imports over processed cheese.

There is a growing trend towards natural and artisanal cheeses, driven by consumer preferences for authentic and high-quality products. However, processed cheese still holds a significant market share due to its convenience and versatility, particularly in foodservice and retail segments. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by offering a diverse range of both natural and processed cheese options to cater to different consumer preferences.

Importance of Japan in Global Supply of Cheese

Japan cheese market has experienced steady growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of cheese, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary preferences influenced by western cuisine. Cheese consumption in Japan has traditionally been lower compared to other developed countries, but there has been a notable shift in consumption patterns, with cheese becoming a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and snacks. The market comprises various types of cheese, including natural cheese, processed cheese, and specialty cheese, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Market Growth Factors

The market dynamics of Japan cheese market encompass a range of factors that influence supply, demand, pricing, and overall industry growth. These dynamics are shaped by consumer preferences, economic conditions, regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and global trends.

■ Shift towards Western Diets and Health Consciousness: Increased exposure to Western cuisine and lifestyles has led to a growing demand for cheese as a staple ingredient in Japanese households.
■ Preference for Convenience: Busy lifestyles have fueled demand for convenient cheese products such as sliced cheese, cheese spreads, and ready-to-eat snacks.
■ Seasonal Variability: Seasonal fluctuations in milk production impact cheese manufacturing and supply, leading to price volatility and production challenges.
■ Logistics and Distribution: Efficient cold chain logistics and distribution networks are essential for maintaining product quality and freshness, particularly for perishable cheese products.
■ Premiumization: Growing interest in artisanal and specialty cheeses reflects a trend towards premiumization, with consumers willing to pay more for high-quality and unique cheese products.
■ Trade Agreements: Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements affect the importation of cheese and dairy products, shaping market dynamics and competition.
■ Price Sensitivity: Despite growing affluence, price sensitivity remains a factor influencing purchasing decisions, particularly among budget-conscious consumers.

Market Driving Factors

■ Changing dietary habits: Increasing adoption of western-style diets has led to higher demand for cheese in Japan.
■ Health consciousness: Consumers are recognizing the nutritional benefits of cheese, such as protein and calcium content, driving demand.
■ Growing foodservice sector: The expansion of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains incorporating cheese-based dishes has boosted market growth.
■ Product innovation: Manufacturers are introducing new flavors and varieties to cater to evolving consumer preferences, stimulating market expansion.
■ Urbanization and lifestyle changes: Busy urban lifestyles have led to a rise in convenient and ready-to-eat cheese products, driving market growth.

Market Restraining Factors

■ Price sensitivity: Cheese products tend to be relatively expensive, which may limit consumption among price-sensitive consumers.
■ Supply chain disruptions: Vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, such as natural disasters or trade restrictions, can impact the availability and pricing of cheese products.
■ Competition from substitutes: Alternatives like tofu and soy-based products pose a challenge to cheese consumption, particularly among health-conscious consumers.
■ Regulatory challenges: Stringent regulations governing dairy production and imports can hinder market growth and innovation.

Market Challenges

■ Limited domestic production: Japan's dairy industry faces challenges such as limited land availability and high production costs, which constrain domestic cheese production.
■ Seasonal fluctuations: Fluctuations in milk production due to seasonal factors can impact cheese production and supply chain efficiency.
■ Infrastructure constraints: Inadequate cold storage and transportation facilities can affect the quality and shelf life of cheese products, posing logistical challenges.

Japan Cheese Supply/ Value Chain Bottlenecks/ Challenges

In Japan, the cheese supply and value chain face several bottlenecks and challenges. One of the primary issues is the procurement of raw materials, specifically ensuring a stable supply of high-quality milk necessary for cheese production. This can be particularly challenging due to fluctuating milk prices influenced by global market trends and Japan’s limited domestic milk production. These factors make it difficult for cheese manufacturers to secure a consistent supply of the raw materials required, potentially impacting production levels and quality.

Another significant challenge lies in the processing and distribution of cheese. Maintaining high product quality throughout the processing and distribution stages is crucial, especially in a country with varied climatic conditions. To address this, efficient logistics systems and robust cold chain management are required to ensure that cheese products are stored and transported under optimal temperature conditions, preventing spoilage and maintaining freshness. The diverse climate in Japan, ranging from hot and humid summers to cold winters, further complicates these logistical requirements, demanding careful planning and infrastructure investment.

Marketing and distribution channels also pose challenges for Japan’s cheese industry. While cheese consumption is growing, it is still largely concentrated in urban areas. Expanding distribution networks to reach rural areas and promoting cheese consumption more broadly are essential for market growth. However, this expansion faces logistical hurdles, including the need for efficient transportation networks and refrigeration facilities in less urbanized regions. Moreover, marketing efforts must be tailored to different cultural preferences and dietary habits, which can vary significantly across Japan, adding another layer of complexity to promoting cheese as a regular part of the Japanese diet.

Japan Cheese Market Competitive Analysis

Japan cheese market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international players vying for market share. Key success factors include product quality, innovation, distribution network, and brand reputation.

Key Companies in Japan Cheese Market include (Producers/ Processors/ Importers)

■ Megmilk Snow Brand Co., Ltd.
■ Meiji Co., Ltd.
■ Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
■ Rokko Butter Co., Ltd.,
■ Nippon Ham Foods Ltd. (Hoko Co., Ltd.)
■ Murakawa International
■ Arla Foods Ingredients, Japan K.K.
■ Kraft Heinz Japan K.K.
■ Bel Group Japan Ltd.
■ Yotsuba Milk Products Co., Ltd.

Japan cheese market is expected to continue growing, driven by factors such as increasing consumer demand for cheese-based products, continued product innovation, and expansion of distribution channels. However, challenges related to domestic production constraints, supply chain efficiency, and regulatory issues will need to be addressed to sustain market growth. Moreover, there is an opportunity for market players to capitalize on the trend towards natural and artisanal cheeses by offering premium and differentiated products to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Overall, the outlook for Japan cheese market remains positive, with ample opportunities for growth and development in the coming years.

Report Coverage

Japan cheese market report covers historical market data from 2010-2023 and projections to 2030. The report also includes supply & demand and trade (import-export) market analysis. The decision matrix analysis helped in identifying the barriers and their implications on the value chain and different factors of relative significance to Japan cheese market are diligently tracked and their impact closely monitored for short, medium, and long-term market cycles. The report's contents cover an analysis of the aspects involved in the cheese market such as the parent market, the evolution of the industry, innovative technologies in the manufacturing process, supply chain, and listing of key exporters.

Scope of the Report

Report Attributes	Details
Historical Years	2010–2022
Base Year	2023
Forecast Period	2024–2030
Units	Value (US$ Million) and Volume (Tonnes)
Report Coverage	Production, Consumption, Export, and Import
Segments Covered	▪ By Type (Natural Cheese and Processed Cheese)   ▪ By End-use (Household and Commercial Application (Food Service, Confectionery, and Others)
Geographies Covered	Japan
Companies Profiled	The market players include Megmilk Snow Brand Co., Ltd., Meiji Co., Ltd., Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., Rokko Butter Co., Ltd., Nippon Ham Foods Ltd. (Hoko Co., Ltd.), Murakawa International, Arla Foods Ingredients, Japan K.K., Kraft Heinz Japan K.K., Bel Group Japan Ltd., Yotsuba Milk Products Co., Ltd., and Others.

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■ Germany Cheese Market – Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2030
■ The Netherlands Cheese Market – Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2030
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FAQs:

What is the production size of the cheese in Japan?
Japan produced 167.25 thousand tonnes of cheese in 2023.

What is the import size of the cheese by Japan?
Approximately 12% of Japan's total cheese demand is satisfied by domestically produced cheese, while the remaining 88% is supplemented by imported cheese to make up for the deficit.

Who are the major exporters of cheese to Japan?
The primary cheese exporters to Japan include Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and the Netherlands.

Who is the market leader in Japan cheese market?
Meg Milk Snow Brand is the market leader in Japan cheese market.

Japan Cheese Market – Supply & Demand, Trade, and Competitive Landscape Analysis

1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction

2.1. Objectives & Scope of the Study
2.2. Definitions & Economic Importance
2.3. Research Methodology
2.4. Factors and Decision Matrix Analysis
2.5. Limitations & Challenges

3. Product/Market Overview

3.1. Japan Dairy Products Supply & Demand Trend
3.2. Japan Cheese Production Specification
3.3. Processing & Grading
3.4. Regulatory Analysis

4. Japan: Country Profile
5. Japan Cheese Market Growth Factors Analysis

5.1. Drivers and Restraints Analysis
5.2. Challenges and Opportunities Analysis
5.3. Japan Cheese Industry SWOT Analysis
5.4. Japan Cheese Market PESTEL Analysis
5.5. Japan Cheese Market Porter's Five Forces analysis

6. Japan Cheese Market: Supply Analysis

6.1. Japan Cheese Supply Analysis (Production)
6.2. Japan Cheese Production, by Type
    6.2.1. Natural Cheese
    6.2.2. Processed Cheese
6.3. Japan Cheese Cost of Production Details

7. Japan Cheese Market: Demand Analysis

7.1. Domestic Consumption, by Type
    7.1.1. Natural Cheese
    7.1.2. Processed Cheese
7.2. Domestic Consumption, by End-use
    7.2.1. Household
    7.2.2. Commercial Application
        7.2.2.1. Food Service
        7.2.2.2. Confectionery
        7.2.2.3. Others
7.3. Cheese Supply Chain Analysis

8. Japan Cheese Market: Trade (Export & Import) Analysis

8.1. Cheese Import Trend Analysis
8.2. Top 10 Import Origins for Japan Cheese

9. Japan Cheese Market: Price Trend Analysis

9.1. Domestic Price Trend
9.2. Export Price Trend
9.3. Price Seasonality & Price Pattern Analysis
9.4. Price Events Analysis

10. Competitive Analysis

10.1. List of Key Countries Exporting Cheese to Japan
10.2. Company Profiles
    10.2.1. Megmilk Snow Brand Co., Ltd.
    10.2.2. Meiji Co., Ltd.
    10.2.3. Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
    10.2.4. Rokko Butter Co., Ltd.,
    10.2.5. Nippon Ham Foods Ltd. (Hoko Co., Ltd.)
    10.2.6. Murakawa International
    10.2.7. Arla Foods Ingredients, Japan K.K.
    10.2.8. Kraft Heinz Japan K.K.
    10.2.9. Bel Group Japan Ltd.
    10.2.10. Yotsuba Milk Products Co., Ltd.

11. Conclusion
12. Appendix

Table 1: Japan Cheese Production Volume (Tonnes) (2010-2030)

Table 2: Japan Cheese Production, Value (Tonnes) (2010-2030)

Table 3: Japan Dairy Products Production Trend, (2010-2030)

Table 4: Japan Dairy Products Production, by Type, (2010-2030)

Table 5: Japan Cheese Market, Demand Volume Details (2015-2025)

Table 6: Japan Cheese Production Analysis, by Province (2010-2023)

Table 7: Japan Cheese Market, Demand Volume by Type (2015-2025)

Table 8: Japan Cheese Market, Demand Volume by End-use (2015-2025)

Table 9: Japan Cheese Import Trend, by Value (2010-2030)

Table 10: Japan Cheese Import Trend, by Volume (2010-2030)

Table 11: Japan Cheese Import Origins by Volume (in %share) (2015-2023)

Table 12: Japan Cheese Import Origins by Value (in %share) (2015-2023)

Table 13: Top 10 Countries Exporting Cheese to Japan, by Value

Table 14: Top 10 Countries Exporting Cheese to Japan, by Volume

Table 15: Japan Gouda Cheese Import Trend (2010-2030)

Table 16: Japan Edam Cheese Import Trend (2010-2030)

Table 17: Japan Domestic Cheese Market Price Trend (2010-2030)

Table 18: Japan Cheese Export Market Price Trend, FoB (2010-2023)

Table 19: Industry Recent Developments

Table 20: Key Companies involved in Global Cheese Trade

Figure 1: Cheese Production & Import Seasonality Trend

Figure 2: Japan Population Dynamics, 2023

Figure 3: Japan Cheese Supply-Demand Trend Analysis

Figure 4: Japan: GDP Annual Growth & Exchange Rate Trend

Figure 5: Global Cheese Market – An Overview

Figure 6: Global and Japan Cheese Production Trend Comparison

Figure 7: Japan Cheese Production Trend, 2010-2030 (Volume)

Figure 8: Japan Cheese Production Trend, 2010-2030 (Value)

Figure 9: Japan Cheese Production Trend, by Type, 2010-2030 (Volume)

Figure 10: Japan Cheese Production Trend, by Type, 2010-2030 (Value)

Figure 11: Japan Domestic Consumption of Cheese, 2015-2030 (Volume)

Figure 12: Japan Domestic Processing of Cheese, 2015-2030 (Volume)

Figure 13: Japan Domestic Consumption of Cheese, by End-use, 2015-2030 (Value)

Figure 14: Japan Domestic Consumption of Cheese, by End-use, 2015-2030 (Volume)

Figure 15: Japan Cheese Supply Channel Framework

Figure 16: Japan Cheese Product Variants Available in the Market

Figure 17: Global Cheese Production, Volume, 2015-2023

Figure 18: Global Imports of Cheese, Value (USD Million), 2015-2023

Figure 19: Japan Cheese Import, Value, 2010-2030

Figure 20: Japan Cheese Import, Volume, 2010-2030

Figure 21: Japan Cheese Import Origin Share (by Volume), 2023

Figure 22: Japan Cheese Import Trend, by Value & Volume, 2010-2030

Figure 23: Top 10 Countries Exporting Cheese to Japan, %share by Value

Figure 24: Top 10 Countries Exporting Cheese to Japan, %share by Volume

Figure 25: Japan Cheese Price Trend, Annual Average Prices, 2015-2030

Figure 26: Japan Cheese Price Trend, Monthly Average Prices, 2015-2023