Some 80% of shoppers enjoy cheese as a weekly household staple. Cheddar remains the nation’s favourite variety – with 69% having enjoyed it in the last three months. Viral trends on TikTok have boosted varieties to their highest level of sales in 40 years.

Cottage cheese has seen its popularity surge among younger and health-conscious consumers. Its creamy texture, alongside nutritional benefits such as a high protein content, have hit home with TikTok and Instagram users.

Anne-Laure Farrar, UK market insight manager from The Knowledge Bank, said: “The importance of viral trends cannot not be denied, and witnessing some varieties blow up in popularity thanks to TikTok and Instagram is brilliant as it can breathe new life into long-established products which have been able to capture a new audience.

“The growth in consumer interest in specialty products represents a massive growth opportunity for artisan producers across the country. What is most promising is how brands are adapting to this changing landscape to seek out new audiences for their products. The range of cheese options on our shelves has never been so diverse and the outlook for the sector looks very promising indeed.” 

The full details of The Knowledge Bank cheese category report are available via their website which provides access to a range of market research, data analysis and consumer insights to the Scotland Food & Drink industry.