Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) Cheese Market

Market Overview:

The global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market size reached USD 6.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 9.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.24% during 2025-2033. The rising prevalence of chronic and acute indications, increasing preference for outpatient stay due to its lower costs and convenience, and increasing health consciousness represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) cheese refers to a method of preserving cheese through a process that involves rapidly freezing each individual piece of cheese separately. This method is different from traditional freezing methods that freeze cheese as a block, which can cause the cheese to lose its texture and taste when thawed. The IQF cheese process involves cutting the cheese into small pieces or shreds and freezing them quickly at extremely low temperatures, often using liquid nitrogen. The freezing process helps to preserve the cheese's quality, texture, and taste by preventing the formation of ice crystals that can damage the cheese. The frozen cheese can be stored for long periods without losing its quality, and it can be used in a wide range of recipes and applications, including pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. IQF cheese is popular among food manufacturers and distributors because it is easy to handle and portion, reduces waste, and can be used as needed without thawing an entire block of cheese. Additionally, it allows for more flexibility in inventory management, as frozen cheese can be stored for longer periods of time and easily shipped and transported. In recent years, IQF cheese has gained popularity across the globe as it is a convenient and practical solution for foodservice and culinary professionals looking for high-quality cheese products.

Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) Cheese Market Trends:

One of the primary factors driving the market is the rising convenience offered by IQF cheese. It is a popular ingredient for foodservice providers who are looking for high-quality ingredients that are easy to use and store for longer periods without losing its quality and texture. The ability to portion the cheese as needed also helps to reduce waste and improve inventory management. Additionally, with the changing consumer preferences, they are increasingly becoming inclined toward natural, minimally processed, and high-quality food products, including cheese. IQF cheese is often perceived as a healthier option compared to processed cheese products, as it is minimally processed and does not contain additives or preservatives. Other than this, the growth of the foodservice industry is also escalated the demand for IQF cheese. The use of IQF cheese in foodservice applications, such as pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, is also driving demand for IQF cheese. Besides this, the growth of e-commerce and online food ordering platforms is creating new opportunities for IQF cheese manufacturers and distributors. The ability to order and deliver high-quality, frozen cheese products directly to consumers' homes is a major trend in the food industry. Moreover, technological advancements in freezing technology have made IQF cheese production more efficient and cost-effective. Furthermore, advances in freezing equipment, such as cryogenic freezers, have made it possible to freeze cheese more quickly and at lower temperatures, preserving the cheese's quality and texture.

Key Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the product, source, and type.

Product Insights:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market based on the product. This includes mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and others. According to the report, mozzarella represented the largest segment.

Source Insights:

• Cow Cheese
• Goat Cheese
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market based on the source has also been provided in the report. This includes cow cheese and goat cheese. According to the report, cow cheese accounted for the largest market share.

Type Insights:

• Standard of Identity (SOI) Cheese
• Non-standard of Identity (SOI) Cheese
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market based on the type. This includes standard of Identity (SOI) cheese and non-standard of Identity (SOI) cheese. According to the report, non-standard of identity (SOI) cheese represented the largest segment.

Regional Insights:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe was the largest market for individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese. Some of the factors driving the Europe individual quick frozen cheese market included convenience, versatility, and extended shelf life of IQF cheese, rising demand for convenience foods and changing consumer lifestyles.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the companies covered include Agrial, CASEIFICIO PUGLIESE F.LLI Radicci Spa, Consorzio Dal Molise, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Freddy Baines N.V., Granarolo S.p.A. (Granlatte Società Cooperativa Agricola a.r.l.), Leprino Foods Company, Mammen Cheese A|S (Mammen Dairies Ltd.), Ornua Co-operative Limited, etc. Kindly note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.

Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global individual quick (IQF) frozen cheese market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the product?
• Which is the most attractive product in the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the source?
• Which is the most attractive source in the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market?
   

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the individual quick frozen (IQF) cheese industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.