Butter Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Salted Butter & Unsalted Butter), By Application (Retail, Food Service & Food Processing) and Regional Forecast to 2033

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BUTTER MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Butter Market size stood at  USD 63.56 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 65.47 billion in 2025, growing further to USD 83.14 billion by 2033 at an estimated CAGR of about 3.0 %.

Dairy cream delight butter is a semi-solid emulsion prepared from the fat and protein parts of churned cream.

This product, majorly extracted from cow’s milk, has one of the supreme tastes and mouthfeels.

It is appealing as a dip or a relish, an ingredient in pastries and other dishes, and a necessary ingredient in many global food preparations.

However, the ability to embrace air and generally perform the pliancy or malleability that is important in making pastries, cannot be overemphasised, as this product is an important element in culinary arts.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Market Growth Accelerated as People took to Cooking Activities at Home

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were upsetting but also certain positive effects on this market. People took to baking and cooking more during the lockdowns; hence, there was a rise in demand for this product. Eating went up as a coping mechanism among the attendees; this prompted the consumption of comfort foods, which included this product. Moreover, the transition towards the online buying of groceries and the delivery services disposed the consumers to products such as this product, thus increasing the demand.

LATEST TRENDS

Flavoured Butter to Propel the Market Growth

The general consumer looks for quality butters, such as grass-fed, organic, and flavouring butters, among others. Consumers are now more conscious about environmental and/or animal welfare, and the usage of organic and ethically sourced butte has increased. When it comes to convenience factor, products like butter spread and ghee are gaining popularity as the former is healthier while the latter is more versatile.

• According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, India’s butter production is expected to reach 7.2 million metric tons in 2025, supported by increasing milk output from 216.5 MMT of cow and buffalo milk – up from 211.7 MMT in 2024, backed by government sector development initiatives .

• USDA data forecasts EU butter exports to climb to 280,000 tons and New Zealand exports to reach 475,000 tons by 2025, driven by declining domestic consumption and international demand .

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BUTTER MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the market can be categorized into Salted Butter & Unsalted Butter

• Salted Butter: It contains additional salt for flavour and preservation purposes. Flexible to use on our plates for cooking, baking, spreading, etc. Favoured because of a superior, aromatic taste and because the product stays fresh longer.

• Unsalted Butter: It is without added salt as listed under dairy products and cheese. Perfect use in cooking or baking where the use of salt is required with a lot of precision. Provides a transparent, clean taste impression, particularly with buttery taste.

By Downstream Industry 

Based on application the market can be categorized into Retail, Food Service & Food Processing

• Retail: Available in grocery stores, supermarket outlets, and food speciality stores. Can be packed in sticks, tubs, and bulk. For home consumers primarily in cooking, baking, and spreading.

• Food Service: Common in restaurants, hotels, and cafes. Used in cooking in the form of thickener for gravies, soups, and sauces and is used in the preparation of pastries and confectionaries. Favoured because of quality assurance and stability.

• Food Processing: It is commonly used as an ingredient in producing processed foods. Used in the preparation of bakery and confectionery products, dairy, etc. Fulfils specific butter types and qualities in accordance with the demands of the particular business.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Dynamics Include Driving and Restraining Factors, Opportunities and Challenges Stating the Market Conditions.

Driving Factors

Rising Demand for Processed Foods to Expand the Market

One of the key driving factors of Butter Market growth is the Rising Demand for Processed Foods. Food manufacturers are particularly prompted to use this product by the continuously improving demand for processed foods, including bakery products, confectionery, and dairy products.

• The National Dairy Development Board’s Operation Flood helped India surpass the US in milk production by 1998. With over 300 million bovines yielding 187 MMT of milk annually, buffer stocks now support rising butter creation .

• Government dairy policies and improved weather and fodder lead to a 0.8% increase in cows in milk—from ~61.5 million to 62 million—contributing to the higher projected 7.2 MMT butter output in 2025.

Growing Food Service Industry to Advance the Market

This product is used in cooking by restaurants, cafes, hotels, etc., which are part of the growth of the food service industry.

Restraining Factor

Fluctuating Dairy Prices to Pose Potential Impediments on this Market

They noted that the prices of milk, milk cream, and other dairy products can be volatile and influence the cost of this product and the cost that is offered to the Butter Market share. Such a price fluctuation is not favourable as far as the market is concerned, hence can hamper growth.

• According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, weekly reports show a 15% increase in national retail inventory of plant-based butter alternatives over the past two years, driven by rising lactose intolerance and health preferences .

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection states that butter imports are subject to a tariff-rate quota; quantities exceeding the in-quota limit incur tariffs on over 68 cents per pound, reducing foreign product competitiveness .

Increasing Health Consciousness to Create Opportunity in this Market

Opportunity

The increasing concern of nutritional value, especially with proper proportions and natural and organic products, reflects market opportunity for superior and special butters.

• The European Commission’s Common Agricultural Policy interventions historically led to “butter mountains” with surpluses of millions of tonnes in the 1970s–2017, indicating release opportunities into global trade .

• According to Canada’s provincial marketing boards, butterfat output rose by ~20% between 2015 and 2017 through quota adjustments, demonstrating potential scalability of output to meet market triggers .

Competition from Butter Substitutes to Pose Potential Challenge for this Market

Challenge

While there could be low innovation due to the competition with other company brands and spreadable fats and margarine, this market faces a major threat from margarine and plant-based nut spreads.

• The Norwegian dairy regulator, Tine, attributed a 30% surge in holiday-season butter demand to high import tariffs that shield 90% domestic supply—resulting in a 500–1,000 tonne shortage during Christmas 2011.

• Canada’s Dairy Commission enforces supply management with milk quotas and high over-quota tariffs—up to 315.5%—thus limiting Canadian butter’s ability to effectively enter export markets.

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BUTTER MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America has a large demand for this product, and consumers tend to focus on attractive and specific types of these products. The expansion of people who purchase ready-to-eat foods and the trends for home cooking are main demand promoters. The United States Butter Market is also an important factor in this market worldwide, and thus it affects the market considerably. The country has a well-established dairy industry, and it produces different butters: the normal butters and the special butters. The food service industry, particularly restaurants and bakers, has been on the rise, causing an increased demand for high-quality bun butter.

• Europe

European societies in the different countries have a long-standing tradition with this product. The area is commonly associated with the production of fat, such as butter, focusing on the production of which countries, for example, French or Irish. Thus, the market can be aptly described as being fairly saturated, yet there are some new trends, which include the use of organic and grass-fed butter.

• Asia

The uptake of the commodity is on an upward trend within this region, especially for countries such as India and China. This is owing to the increasing middle-income earners, evolving standards of the people by living in more urban areas, and changes in diet habits. Mostly, the emphasis is on the price and availability of butter products.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Transforming the Butter Market through Innovative Products

Industry is highly impacted by major industrial players in this market through the introduction of new and innovative products, spreading networks, and branding. These firms spend resources on research and development to add new and better types of butter products on the market, which include flavoured butter, organic butter, and butter spreads.

• Fonterra: According to New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Fonterra accounts for approximately 30% of the world’s dairy exports, sourcing primarily from 16,000+ farmer owners and producing brands like Anchor and NZMP butter.

• Ornua: According to Ornua’s statutory filings, the cooperative operates from 19 global subsidiaries and built a €36 million Kerrygold butter plant in Mitchelstown, Cork—boosting output to 1 million retail packs per day.

They also centre their efforts on ensuring that they have established brand awareness at the consumer’s level. These players are therefore instrumental in setting market patterns and trends preferred by consumers overall development of this market.

List of Top Butter Companies

• Fonterra (New Zealand)
• Ornua (Ireland)
• Kalona SuperNatural (U.S.)
• Dairy Farmers of America (U.S.)
• MS Iceland Dairies (Iceland)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

2023: Land O'Lakes, recently released a range of organic butter products. It also serves the intended economic growth for food producers, which is in line with the increasing market trends of customers on quality organic food products from sustainable farming. Land O’Lakes intends to add organic products to the production line to target weight-conscious consumers following the common tendency in the market regarding organic butter.

REPORT COVERAGE 

This report is based on historical analysis and forecast calculation that aims to help readers get a comprehensive understanding of the global Butter Market from multiple angles, which also provides sufficient support to readers’ strategy and decision-making. Also, this study comprises a comprehensive analysis of SWOT and provides insights for future developments within the market. It examines varied factors that contribute to the growth of the market by discovering the dynamic categories and potential areas of innovation whose applications may influence its trajectory in the upcoming years. This analysis encompasses both recent trends and historical turning points into consideration, providing a holistic understanding of the market’s competitors and identifying capable areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.