- Food & Drink
- Largest Chocolate Companies
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- Biggest Vitamin Companies
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- Largest Cheese Companies
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The largest cheese manufacturing company globally is Lactalis, with a dairy product revenue of $26.7 billion.
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As of 2026, the global cheese industry has a market size of $154.83 billion.
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The average American consumes 40 pounds of cheese annually.
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The global cheese market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.22% through 2030.
Cheese, made from cow, goat, or buffalo milk, is a beloved food enjoyed worldwide for its diverse flavors, culinary versatility, and health benefits. With a vast array of types, including cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and feta, cheese is a staple in many diets, particularly in Western Europe and North America, where it is a common ingredient in various meals. It holds the title of the most widely consumed fermented food globally.
Below, we present an updated list of the largest cheese companies in the world based on their 2021 dairy product revenue. These companies also rank among the largest dairy producers worldwide.
Top 11 Largest Cheese Companies in the World
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Lactalis. France.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $26.7 billion
At the top of our list is Lactalis, a French company that specializes exclusively in dairy products, including cheese, butter, and milk. The company owns well-known brands such as Président, Siggi’s Dairy, Rachel’s Organic, and Stonyfield Farm.
Founded 87 years ago in 1933 by Andre Besnier, Lactalis has grown from a small cheesemaking operation to the second-largest food products group in France. The Besnier family continues to own the company, which employs around 75,000 individuals across multiple worksites in numerous countries worldwide.
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Nestle. Switzerland.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $21.3 billion
Nestle, the Swiss multinational conglomerate, has been the largest food company globally since 2014. Its diverse portfolio includes dairy and cheese products, solidifying its strong market presence.
Established 155 years ago in 1866 by Henri Nestle, the company operates in 189 countries with 447 factories and employs 339,000 individuals worldwide. In addition to dairy, Nestle produces a variety of food items, including beverages, cereals, and baby foods. The company has faced controversies over environmental and human rights issues, prompting efforts toward social responsibility and sustainability.
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Danone. France.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $20.9 billion
Danone SA, the second largest cheese manufacturer in France, produces both dairy and non-dairy products, beverages, and infant formulas. Its popular brands include Silk, Actimel, and Activia.
Founded in 1919 by Isaac Carasso in Barcelona, Spain, Danone is now headquartered in Paris. The company employs approximately 102,449 individuals across 55 countries, with its primary sales markets being the United States, China, and France.
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Dairy Farmers of America. United States.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $19.3 billion
The Dairy Farmers of America, a Kansas-based milk marketing cooperative, represents over 13,000 dairy farmers and approximately 7,500 dairy farms across 47 U.S. states.
Founded in 1998, the cooperative employs around 6,000 individuals, not including farmer-owners. Its products, including Borden Cheese, California Gold, Falfurrias, and Kemps, are available globally.
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Yili Group. China.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $18.2 billion
Yili Group, based in Inner Mongolia, is a leading dairy producer in China, manufacturing cheese, ice cream, milk, and milk tea powder. The company is recognized as the world’s third-best-performing food brand.
Founded in 1993 from a long-standing dairy cooperative, Yili Group employs 59,052 individuals and is chaired by Pan Gang.
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Fonterra. New Zealand.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $14.8 billion
Fonterra is a dairy cooperative owned by over 10,000 New Zealand farmers, offering products under brands like Anchor, Mainland, and Western Star. Founded in 2001 through a merger of two major dairy cooperatives, it employs over 21,400 individuals and accounts for approximately 30% of global dairy exports.
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Mengniu Dairy. China.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $13.7 billion
Mengniu Dairy Company Limited, another major player from China, provides various dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and ice cream. Founded in 1995, it employs around 30,000 individuals and operates under the Mengniu brand.
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FrieslandCampina. Netherlands.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $13.6 billion
FrieslandCampina is a multinational dairy cooperative formed by the merger of Friesland Foods and Campina in 2008. It employs approximately 21,927 individuals and offers various international dairy brands like Friesche Vlag and Dutch Lady, available in over 100 countries.
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Arla Foods. Denmark and Sweden.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $13.3 billion
Arla Foods, a Danish and Swedish dairy cooperative, was established in 2000. Owned by around 12,500 farmers in seven countries, it employs approximately 18,765 individuals and produces brands like Castello cheese.
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Unilever. The Netherlands.
2021 Dairy Product Revenue (USD): $8.3 billion
Although headquartered in London, Unilever’s dairy revenue derives from its Dutch subsidiary Margarine Unie, securing its position on our list.
Cheese Companies FAQ
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Who is the largest cheese manufacturer in the world?
Lactalis is the largest cheese manufacturer in the world. With a dairy product revenue of $26.7 billion, Lactalis leads the industry, followed by Nestle at $21.3 billion.
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Who is the largest cheese manufacturer in the United States?
Dairy Farmers of America is the largest cheese manufacturer in the U.S. With a revenue of $19.3 billion, this national milk marketing cooperative includes over 13,000 dairy farmers.
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Who are the top 3 cheese producers?
The top 3 cheese-producing countries are the United States, Germany, and France. The U.S. produces over 6 million metric tonnes of cheese annually, while Germany and France produce over 2 million and 1 million metric tonnes, respectively.
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How large is the cheese industry?
The global cheese industry has a market size of $154.83 billion. This dynamic industry continues to grow at a steady rate, with a CAGR of 3.22% projected through 2030, with major contributions from the U.S., Germany, and China.
- Food & Drink
- Largest Chocolate Companies
- Largest Bakery Companies
- Largest Soda Companies
- Largest Tea Companies
- Largest Beer Companies
- Largest Wine Companies
- Largest Bottled Water Companies
- Largest Coffee Companies
- Largest Yogurt Companies
- Largest Dairy Companies
- Biggest Vitamin Companies
- Largest Poultry Companies
- Largest Meat Companies
- Largest Fishing Companies
- Largest Craft Breweries
- Largest Cheese Companies
- Largest Spirits Companies
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
