Canada Vegan Cheese Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Source (Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Others), By Product Type (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Others), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online) - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

Canada vegan cheese market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.02% reaching a market value of US$91.152 million in 2027 from US$30.338 million in 2020.

Before plant-based options are delved into, it is important to note the consumption priority of consumers in Canada with respect to cheese. After a declining trend, before 2014, a per capita consumption of over 13 kilograms in 2020 was forecasted, which was an increase from 11 kilograms. The total volume of cheese consumption is estimated to reach 550000 MYT in 2020, which increased from 2019 levels of 543,000 MT [Source: USDA]. Further, according to FAO estimates, cheese consumption in Canada is projected to increase to 602 kt by 2029 from the 2017-19 consumption estimate of 503 kt. At the same time, consumers are increasingly pursuing a diverse source of protein which is fueling the growing plant-protein industry, which is increasingly engaged in research and development of functional food and beverages which are replacing the traditional sources of protein, Viz vegan cheese, among others. The upswing in plant-based alternatives, especially that of protein alternatives, has been driven by certain key aspects like the adoption of environmental stewardship and protection of animal welfare, increasing awareness about the benefits of protein-rich diet and plant-based alternatives, increasing consumer interest in foods that promote health and well-being, as well as rising demand for protein due to rapid population growth of the nation which is estimate to be at 39,326,966 by 2025 from 37,742,154 of 2020 [Source: United Nations]. The aspect of health consideration has been further augmented by COVID-19.

Besides, in Canada, more than 40% of the population was reportedly trying to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets as of 2020. It has been estimated that the growing degree of adoption of flexitarian, vegan, and vegetarian diets is further aiding plant-based protein sources to become mainstream. Before all the foregoing, in terms of improvement of health, the economic value of plant-based diets is assessed to be equal to or greater than their environmental benefits and are valued at 1-31 trillion US dollars or 0.4 to 13% of the global gross domestic product in 2050 [Source: National Research Council Canada]. The aforementioned is reflected in a variety of food products, and cheese, or vegan cheese, to be precise, is no exception. For instance, in January 2020, the owner of the leading plant-based brand Field Roast Grain Meat Co, Greenleaf Foods, SPC, had reportedly announced an increased distribution of its Chao Creamery Creamy Original vegan cheese throughout Canada, making it commercially available in Costco stores in Ontario Canada, among others. Another example, which is a reaffirmation of commitment to offer vegan products that have been manufactured with ingredients that have been fairly grown, traded, and are physically traceable, allowing producers, workers, and their families to live with dignity, is called the Fairtrade process of certification. To this end, Nuts For Cheese, an established leader in Canada’s natural product and vegan cheese categories, reportedly became the world’s first to produce Fairtrade Certified vegan cheese. This further suggests that the consumption of vegan cheese is not limited to the fringes but has emerged as a part of the mainstream diet catering to many Canadians who expect ethical supply chains, among others. Therefore, the above-mentioned aspects indicate a robust growth of the Canadian vegan cheese market during the forecast period.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID_19 pandemic led to global economic collapse. Since numerous governments implemented lockdown measures and social distance laws, most important sectors experienced significant losses. The Canadian vegan cheese also reported a decrease in demand, due to the increasing infection cases and the closure of most eateries.

However, the emergence of the food delivery sector helped in uplifting the vegan cheese market. The market saw an increase in online delivery orders, which helped in sustaining the market. Companies such as Nuts For Cheese reported a heightened growth in the US market, despite their launch during the pandemic. Many retailers announced the adoption of Nuts For Cheese as their preference for vegan cheese, which helped the company grow.

Moreover, as countries have started relaxing their COVID-19 protocols, and with the increased concern of countries over climate change effects, the Canadian Vegan cheese market is expected to increase substantially.

Key Developments and Product Launches in the area

With the purpose to provide vegan dairy alternatives using nutritious, natural ingredients, entrepreneur Jen Wojtaszek, chef Craig Harding, and Maître Fromager (cheese master) Afrim Pristine co-founded Future of Cheese in 2020. Although Future of Cheese is just two years old, it was bought by Organic Garage, a Canadian-based independent organic retailer in 2021.

In May 2021, Future of Cheese released their plant-based Ripened Brie, which was reportedly sold out in less than 24 hours after it went on pre-sale. The cashew-based vegan cheese is a plant-based replica of typically matured brie with a delicate, ripe rind that is organically aged. Future of Cheese plans to partner with a co-packer in 2022 so that it may scale up production and provide a bigger foodservice-style version of its Ripened Brie.

Nuts For Cheese, a premium, organic brand of delicious cashew cheeses from Canada, has reported robust growth in sales. Earlier this year, it announced a 50% year-over-year rise in sales as it expands distribution across the United States, becoming Canada's first artisan vegan cheese company to report such a growth.

Nuts For Cheese also launched its newest product line, named “Nuts For Butter”, which can be used as a substitute for traditional butter for a variety of recipes and dishes.

Segmentation

• By Source
  • Soy Milk
  • Almond Milk
  • Coconut Milk
  • Others
• By Product Type
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Cheddar
  • Others
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline
    • Hypermarkets
    • Others