China Cheese Importers - 12 Shanghai-Based Companies

China has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing cheese import markets, with annual import values exceeding $3.4 billion USD as of recent years. This growth is driven by rising middle-class incomes, the expansion of Western-style foodservice (pizza chains, burger restaurants, cafes), and increasing consumer awareness of cheese as a nutritious dairy product. This page presents a comprehensive directory of 12 verified Chinese cheese importers, all based in Shanghai — China's largest commercial hub and the primary entry point for imported food products.

The companies profiled on this page range from large multinational distributors (such as DKSH/Edward Keller and Sinodis) to specialized gourmet importers (Finigate, Ted Foodstuffs) and premium supermarket chains (City Shop). Together, they represent the primary channels through which international cheese producers can access the Chinese market. All company contact information — including phone numbers, fax numbers, websites, and email addresses — is provided to facilitate direct business communication.

Complete Importer Directory - Detailed Company Cards

Below are the detailed profiles of all 12 Chinese cheese importers, including company descriptions and full contact information (phone, fax, website, email). Each company is uniquely positioned within the Chinese cheese import ecosystem.

Summary Table of Chinese Cheese Importers

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of all 12 companies, showing their names, phone numbers, websites, and email addresses for quick reference.

China Cheese Import Market Overview

China's cheese market has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, with annual import values growing from approximately $200 million in 2010 to over $3.4 billion in recent years. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20%, making China one of the world's most dynamic cheese markets. Despite this growth, China's per capita cheese consumption remains low (~100 grams per year) compared to Western countries (10-25 kg per year), indicating significant future growth potential.

Key drivers of China's cheese import growth:

• Western foodservice expansion: Pizza chains (Pizza Hut, Domino's, Papa John's), burger chains, and Italian restaurants driving mozzarella and cheddar demand
• Rising middle class: Increasing disposable incomes enabling premium food purchases
• Health awareness: Growing recognition of cheese as a calcium and protein source
• Bakery sector growth: Cream cheese and processed cheese demand from bakery chains
• E-commerce expansion: Online platforms (JD.com, Tmall) making imported cheese accessible nationwide
• Children's nutrition: Cheese sticks and processed cheese products marketed as children's snacks

China Cheese Import Source Countries

China imports cheese from over 20 countries, with the top 10 source countries accounting for approximately 98% of total imports. The table below shows the leading cheese supplier countries to China, their import values, market shares, and major brands:

New Zealand dominates China's cheese imports with approximately 35% market share, primarily through Fonterra's Anchor brand and bulk industrial cheese. Australia follows with ~19%, supplying both retail and foodservice cheese. The European Union (~17%) supplies premium specialty cheeses from France (Brie, Camembert), Italy (Parmigiano Reggiano, Mozzarella), Netherlands (Gouda, Edam), and Denmark (Danish Blue). The United States (~12%) primarily supplies processed cheese and cheddar for the foodservice sector.

Cheese Categories Imported by China

China imports various cheese categories, with processed cheese being the largest segment due to foodservice demand. The cards below show the main cheese categories imported, their HS codes, market shares, and primary applications:

Processed cheese (~40%) is the largest category, driven by pizza chains and quick-service restaurants. Cheddar (~20%) is popular in both retail and foodservice for sandwiches and burgers. Mozzarella (~15%) has seen rapid growth due to Italian cuisine expansion. Premium categories like Brie, Camembert, and Blue Cheese represent smaller but growing segments targeting affluent urban consumers.

HS Codes for Cheese Imports to China

Cheese imports to China are classified under HS Chapter 04 (Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin). The main HS codes for cheese are:

China's MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff rate for cheese imports is typically 12-15% depending on the category. However, under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with New Zealand, Australia, and Switzerland, cheese imports from these countries benefit from reduced or zero tariff rates. Importers must also pay 9% VAT and comply with China Customs (GACC) registration requirements for dairy product imports.

Why Shanghai Dominates China's Cheese Import Market

All 12 companies on this list are based in Shanghai, which is not a coincidence. Shanghai dominates China's cheese import market for several strategic reasons:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Strategic Recommendations for Cheese Exporters

International cheese exporters seeking to enter the Chinese market should consider the following strategic recommendations:

1. Segment targeting: Match your cheese type to the right importer. Processed/Mozzarella for foodservice-focused importers (Kingfood, Cortti); premium specialty for gourmet importers (Sinodis, Finigate, Ted Foodstuffs); retail for supermarket chains (City Shop).
2. GACC registration: Ensure your production facility is GACC-registered for dairy exports to China. This is mandatory and takes 3-6 months. Work with your local agricultural authority to initiate the process.
3. Chinese labeling: Prepare Chinese-language labels complying with GB 7718 standard. Labels must include product name, ingredients, net weight, country of origin, importer information, production date, shelf life, and storage conditions.
4. Cold chain logistics: Cheese requires temperature-controlled shipping (2-8C for fresh, -18C for frozen). Work with logistics providers experienced in dairy cold chain to China, such as Maersk, CMA CGM, or specialized reefer operators.
5. FTA optimization: If your country has an FTA with China (New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, ASEAN), ensure proper certificate of origin to benefit from reduced/zero tariff rates. This can provide 12-15% price advantage over non-FTA competitors.
6. Trade fair participation: Participate in major Chinese food trade fairs: SIAL China (Shanghai, May), FHC China (Shanghai, November), Anuga Select China (Shanghai). These events provide direct access to importers, distributors, and retail buyers.
7. E-commerce strategy: Chinese consumers increasingly buy imported food online via Tmall Global, JD Worldwide, and cross-border e-commerce platforms. Consider partnering with importers who have e-commerce capabilities (City Shop, Sinodis).
8. Relationship building: Chinese business culture values long-term relationships (guanxi). Visit importer offices in Shanghai, host factory visits, and maintain regular communication. Initial orders may be small but can scale rapidly once trust is established.

China Cheese Market Future Outlook

China's cheese market is expected to continue its rapid growth trajectory over the next decade. Key trends shaping the market include:

• Tier 2-3 city expansion: Western foodservice chains expanding beyond Tier 1 cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou) to smaller cities, driving cheese demand nationwide
• Children's cheese snacks: Processed cheese sticks and snacks marketed as children's nutrition becoming a major category (Milkground, Milkground brands)
• Domestic production growth: Chinese domestic cheese production increasing, but quality gap with imported cheese remains for premium categories
• Health and wellness: Growing consumer interest in natural, organic, and artisanal cheeses
• Cross-border e-commerce: Direct-to-consumer cross-border e-commerce enabling premium specialty cheese imports
• Plant-based alternatives: Emerging plant-based cheese category creating new market dynamics

For international cheese exporters, China represents one of the most attractive long-term growth markets. With per capita consumption still at only 100 grams (vs 10-25 kg in Western countries), even modest increases in penetration will drive significant import growth. Companies that establish strong importer partnerships, navigate regulatory requirements effectively, and build brand awareness among Chinese consumers will be well-positioned to capture this growth.