Global mozzarella sales up and away

World-wide mozzarella sales have increased beyond pre-recession levels in 2010 due to the improving US economy, according to Proteus Research.
Sales of the Italian cheese increased 4% in 2010 taking total volumes sold around the world to 2.5bn kg. The increase was big enough to recover the dips in 2008/2009 and take volumes above the pre-recession numbers from 2007.
The US accounts for about two thirds of global mozzarella production and almost all of that is destined for the domestic market – especially the restaurant and fast food trade. So when the American consumer began to eat out more in 2010 it had a big impact on global demand for mozzarella.
Meanwhile, in Europe the recovery has been much more mixed. Sales were strongest in countries such as Germany, which recovered well in 2010 but struggled in those countries, such as Italy and Spain, where economic problems have constrained spending.
Going forward, Proteus says the outlook for mozzarella cheese is “pretty positive.” The pillars for this optimism are the relative strength of the US economy and the potential for mozzarella in emerging markets. Mozzarella has been expanding in popularity over the past decade outside of North America and Western Europe.