Starting Your Own Cheesemaking Business

Cheesemaking business requires your time, effort, planning and a little capital. It is important to consider the type of cheese and milk that you will use. Invest on good quality supplies and equipment that can help you in the cheese making process.

Take note that you need to establish a good marketing plan to be able to earn profits you deserve.

Are you thinking about starting you own cheesemaking business? Just like any other type of business, cheese making requires time management, planning and small amount of capital. Of course before producing cheese, you need to see what kind of cheese you will focus on. Ask yourself who the potential buyers are and how much are your manufacturing expenses. It will certainly help if you read and seek advice from the expert so that it will be a profitable business.

Type of cheese and milk

Before proceeding to cheese making process, it is important to decide what kind of cheese you will make. There are 400 varieties of cheese that you can do. Make sure that you select one that is easy to make and doesn’t require any other skills and equipment so that you don’t have to shed too much money on your operations. Milk is definitely an important element when you are making cheeses. In your business you need to have a steady supply of milk. It will be best if you partner with a company that is reliable and can give you quality milk. Regardless what kind of milk that you select when it comes to your cheese, make sure that it is always fresh.

Cheese making supplies and equipment

When you are starting a cheesemaking business, you will need supplies and equipment that could help you in your operations that will make your work a lot easy. It is important to a certain budget so that you can buy quality equipment. Some of these supplies include Acidifier, rennet, citric acid, salt and other essential for the cheese making process. You may also need stainless steel containers, measuring cups, stirring spoon, cheese cloths, thermometer and gloves. Make sure that before you use these equipments, they are clean and sanitized.

Making a profit

Today there are hundreds of people venturing to this kind of business. It is up to you how you will make yourself stand out and be noticed by millions of cheese consumers. Plan a good marketing strategy that can help to promote your product. Before establishing a cheese making venture, it is good that you know the craft well. Start first in your home before moving to a bigger venue. You might get shocked because there are lots of licenses and procedures that you need to undergo. Before investing your time and effort, make sure that the business is for you.

Another important thing is to get knowledge and information when it comes to cheese making business. Attend trainings, symposiums and even have a tour in a cheese making plant. This way you can definitely know what you are venturing in. It is best if you know what kind of cheese that people in your local area likes. It will be best if you fill out the demand so you can be assure that you have customers in your area. Look into the rules and regulations imposed by your local government when it comes to creating business. After all this, who knows you might be supplying groceries and restaurants in the future.

97 Comments

  • Jeff Otto said on April 17, 2009
    I am already operating a small sausage kitchen, and I am now adding cheese to our product line. all of the equipment is paid for so we can use the same gear. I am working on a bus. plan for the cheese and I am always looking for more ideas.
  • Miguel Taylor said on February 11, 2010
    I am seeking/exploring option into establishing a cheese making facility in my country...The Bahamas. The potential for profit exist. There is currently none in operation. All cheeses are imported. I believe this would be a venture to embark on, so I'm seriously considering it.
  • Shujath said on April 26, 2010
    Kindly advise us how to make the cheese and what is the equipment needed. I need to have project report on it.
  • yashodhan said on April 28, 2010
    sir, i wanna start a new business in paneer making and my budget is Rs 10 lacs. so please send me the project report and the details of the business, thanking u. yours faithfully, yashodhan bote
  • Jeff said on September 3, 2010
    We live next to an organic dairy farm and plan to raise milk goats on our own property in the future. I am looking for a sample business plan that will assist me with setting up a small Artisan Cheese making business. We have been approached by the farm owners regarding this and feel this is an excellent opportunity. Not really sure how to get started, any help would be appreciated.
  • Rae Barnhisel said on September 21, 2010
    We have a dairy farm in our town that makes excellent ice cream but no cheese. I would like to approach them with a business plan to make cheese from their milk during the season when the cows are eating pasture, not grains. We too would like to have milk goats ourselves to make goat cheese but that's another business plan....
  • sam skeif said on May 15, 2011
    i had my own cheese shop in my country for 11 years,i used to make three different kind of cheese ,now after 8 years in Australia, it's still there in my mind, i now I'm very passionate for cheese making , i would like to start that business again but I'm confused a bout the start ,and how to match the high standards here using my simple and traditional way how i used to make my cheese. my regards
  • paul said on July 5, 2011
    I am in jamaica and have started a cheese making company, i am planing to make goat and mozz, but i am having a very hard time with the curd. I am using whole milk very fresh, right now i am using 2 tsp of citric acid and 1/2 tsb rennet. I add the Cacid at 60deg and the rennet at 90deg.I have tried lower temps and less C acid. My curd breaks up when i add hot water to try and stretch it.
  • bambang teguh said on November 14, 2011
    Can I get some basic information in establishing small scale or franchising cheese making in Indonesia. Thank You. BTeguh
  • annie said on December 20, 2011
    hi my name is Annie i live in Armenia and want to start cheese making business but first of all id like to know from where i can buy the needed equipments the best one. thanks beforehand
  • hisham said on January 27, 2012
    I am looking to invest in a cheese factory in toronto area........I have my business plan and target customers I need the know how.
  • patricia said on February 8, 2012
    I would like to start making farm house cheese. I need training in this field, I am self employed dairy farmer.
  • Thato said on February 9, 2012
    I'm in Lesotho, southern Africa and import everything from South Africa. I want to start cheese making in Lesotho so I'd like to know where I can get a good training and knowledge on cheese making!
  • Pandurang dhobale said on February 15, 2012
    Hi i am live in pune from india. And i would like to start my own cheese making business. So i want better training and also better equipments which is useful for this business. Give me right guidelines for success in this business.
  • PakMax said on March 5, 2012
    I am much interested to setup cheese making business. I need knowledge/ training for that. Is there anyone who can help me set up such facility in Pakistan?
  • muhammad tariq said on September 14, 2012
    hi i have small dairy business in pakistan i want to know where can i get cheese making ingredients thanks. could u pls let me know 00923066193958
  • michael das said on October 17, 2012
    interested to start home based cheese making business.
  • Nina said on November 3, 2012
    I'm planning to start cheese making business. please give me the info regarding its needed equipments and ingredients (in Indonesia). Thanks and cheers
  • Max Mure said on November 20, 2012
    Love the explanation U have up there. I am south-eastern PA in US & have been interested in getting into cheese making for over a couple yrs now. Please share a business plan, Also a feasibility analysis, how Important are the Milk prices, to my knowledge Up-state NY is much lower in cost of Milk- kindly advise !
  • Libby Carswell said on November 22, 2012
    Our dairy farm is located in Grovetown, GA. We are thinking about starting a cheese company. It will be a small scale operation, but need help on costs to get started, budget, and types of equipment to buy. Any help would be appreciated.
  • Brijrajsinh said on December 4, 2012
    I want to start a cheese making plant in rajkot, gujarat. I have my own land and a steady supply of milk is also available but i am totally new to this business...Any one interested..contact 9428271697
  • afzal said on February 3, 2013
    can any body let me know the cheese making business. how much cheese can be produced from 40 kg of milk. thanks
  • Coll Balsom said on February 28, 2013
    Looking for small cheese making plant including pasturiser. Would be interested in any information regarding business planning, training in the processes
  • rachna said on March 4, 2013
    sir, i'm planing to start chees plant in india we have plenty of availability of milk in our area, plz suggest what capacity plant is feasible to work out?
  • Sukesh Sen said on April 11, 2013
    Hi, I am based at Pune & wish to start the cheese business at a small scale. Pls advice on type & demand in India, cost involved, space requirement, etc.
  • Zamancele Ginny Mavuso said on April 20, 2013
    Hi admin i would really like to have a cheese company and supply retail shops i'm from Swaziland, South Africa
  • Joyce said on May 27, 2013
    I live in West Devon UK and I would like to have a training on making hard cheese. I want to start my cheese making business on our farm. We need to buy milk from dairy farmers. we have beef cattle. Do I need a permission to start because I am not the milk producer. And where can I follow a training and get some help to write my business plan?
  • atul dhanawade said on June 17, 2013
    Hi I have italian restaurant in pune. i want to start cheese making business at my house. where I follow a training and get some help to write my business plan. how much cheese can be produced from 40 kg of milk. thanks
  • G.Krishnan said on June 28, 2013
    Hi. I live in South India and we have good source of quality raw cow milk. Please advice on a business plan to produce 10 kg of cheese per day. What are the equipment required and who are the suppliers. I would like to produce Swiss cheese to begin with. Thank you.
  • Ankush Anand said on July 6, 2013
    I am looking forward to start a flavoured cheese making process in India. Looking for some guidance and support from the same industry experienced people. can contact at aggarwalankush@hotmail.com. phone : 7503111302
  • Muhammad Raza Khan said on July 13, 2013
    Dear Sir, I am interested to start small business of cheese making. There is potential for this. I want to start it from cottage cheese and soft cheese. I need guidance about its storage and longer life.
  • john said on July 22, 2013
    I've been making cheese in Vermont US for 20 years. I have finally decided its time to start my own business. I have a few products i want to try just need to figure out how to get investors.
  • Rasha said on July 23, 2013
    I live in Pakistan. I'm interested in opening a hand made cheese business, chadder cheese to start with. Where can I get best quality hand made cheese making equipment?
  • Abhijeet dutta said on August 2, 2013
    Hi i am planning to start a small cheese manufacturing unit in assam. my targets would be restaurants and fast foods. what is the best variety of cheese for this target markets and can any one send me the total project..in our place there is no such plant in assam,india plz help
  • Rajendran said on August 15, 2013
    Hi Am from Tirupur District, TamilNadu, India. Am planning to start a Cheese manufacturing industry. Could you please guide me through the equipments needed, Project Plan to give the best variety of cheese and how to market the same. It would be helpful if you provide me a solution on this. Thanks in advance.
  • Praveen said on September 18, 2013
    Hi, I along with a friend have decided to go ahead with this Cheeze business in the Western India region. Please guide, advice & help us in understanding the startup. Thanks & Regards, Praveen Mumbai.
  • Dmitry said on October 9, 2013
    Hi? I live in Russia, in Karelia region. I'm interested in the production of cottage cheese a year. I am planning a couple of years to become a farmer, get out of town, make a cheese factory and do what he likes. Since we have a Russian farmer cheese culture is not developed, gather information on grains. I write out of overseas books, I read a lot on the Internet, experimenting at home. Really want to find a project for a small cheese factory 500 - 1000 liters of milk. If you can, please help.
  • Mohan Kumar said on October 20, 2013
    Pl send me a project report to start a fully automated paneer making plant using swiss cow milk
  • Masood Mehtab said on October 21, 2013
    salam i'm Masood Mehtab from khi pakistan. i want to start cheese making business and i need advice and proper guidance about the equipment i will be needing
  • sunita das said on November 11, 2013
    i am sunita das, i want to make a cheese factory. I need your advice and all the project details and guidance about the equipment. Khordha, Odisha(pin:752050) India
  • Aabid Umer Bhat said on December 16, 2013
    Sir, i want to establish a Milk foods Industry here in Kashmir-India especially Cheese Making and Proceeding Plant and for dis purpose i am in search of best Quality Machinery in India with Latest UHT technology. Can u help me in this matter.....
  • Tanha said on January 8, 2014
    i want to start a cheese making business in bangladesh. pls send me some feedback as i could not find any in my country perspective.
  • apurva diwan said on January 21, 2014
    Dear sir, I wish to have a cheese making set-up in India, preferably in Maharashtra or Gujarat. I need to know about the finance needed in terms of machinery, shed and marketing. What should be the area of land needed in order to set up a reasonable plant size considering expansion in long run. Thanks and regards...
  • Rose Wilbraham said on January 27, 2014
    I need more info on this. I stay in bluff, durban. I really love cheese and this seems like a good idea. I dont have much money to start this but am really interested.
  • Sonam said on April 20, 2014
    Hi, I am looking to a cottage cheese making business in uk. Could you let me know how should I start and what equipments are required.
  • pritam said on May 15, 2014
    i am interested in starting a manufacturing unit in paneer making. can you suggest me the institutes from where i can get the training from? secondly i also require the list of manufacturers who make machines for making paneer
  • Everest Bahati said on July 8, 2014
    Thanks for that advisory information, i have bee planning to establish a cheese making project, i can be able to get milk supplier, but i would more advice on this matter ,as in how much capital do i need, the equipments used and how to get access to them here in Uganda, Your advice will be highly appreciated. thanks a lot, best regards, EVEREST
  • Ajay said on August 2, 2014
    I am looking for information or project report on starting cheese manufacturing business. If any can help me on this. Please send me any information you have on my email is getajaysharma@yahoo.com -Ajay
  • kaushal said on September 1, 2014
    hi , i am kaushal here. i am planning for manufacturing cheese. so i am looking forward for partnership and investors who really wish to join this business. interested people can contact me on kshlptl92@gmail.com
  • ATISH said on September 7, 2014
    i want to start cheese making business. i want to meet you & teach me how to make regular cheese & how to grow up our cheese making business
  • Maitreyee Agashe said on September 12, 2014
    Hello, Can you please send a sample business plan for starting my own artisan cheese business? Thanks!
  • mathan said on September 20, 2014
    We are planning to start a Dairy Farm with cattle's and looking for start up funding and a best business partner. I am from South India - Kodaikanal hills. We have sound knowledge in the milk products production. I am from South India - Kodaikanal hills. which is a best place to Dairy farming were we can get all the needed amenities very easily like labour, Water, Transport, Etc. There is no Tax for the dairy farming business in India. Email- Muthafarms2012@gmail.com
  • kartik. said on October 3, 2014
    process for making butter and cheese?? Plze send me. I know the process but I want to be conformed .
  • Ts. Chimgee said on October 11, 2014
    We plan to establish SME on cheese making in Mongolia and need info on SME design, technology, equipment, funding etc. This SME will collaborate with local milk producers, make input in local area and community development. Regards Ts.Chimgee
  • Raghav said on November 4, 2014
    Hi, I want to start a Cheese making factory in Bangalore India. Is there any case study or project setting up reports available from which I get idea. I do not have much info on this line. Please suggest
  • Maitreyee said on November 12, 2014
    Hello, I am looking into starting a small cheese making facility at home. Can you please send me a business plan to start a business of 100lt milk
  • JDLF said on November 18, 2014
    Looks like there is a lot of us looking to start our own cheese business. I was wondering if they actually got a response or help from you? If so, please contact me because I could use some help as well. Thank you
  • DHARMENDRA KUMAR said on November 22, 2014
    HI I am Dharmendra Kumar, please guide me to start cheese/ panner business , from gaya, bihar, india
  • Suraj Lama said on November 27, 2014
    Hi, I would like to establish Cheese Factory (Business) in Nepal. I have good and fresh supply of Milk. I want to produce good cheese and export them to Europe and various other countries. Thanks.
  • shikhar shukla said on December 30, 2014
    i want to run my paneer business, plzzz tell me how do that. i want to make market
  • Dnyaneshwar Bochare said on January 17, 2015
    Hi i am Dnyaneshwar, please guide me to start cheese/panner business ,from Tq. Majalgaon Dist. beed Maharashtra
  • Anil said on February 18, 2015
    Dear Sir, Thank you so much for all the information you shared with us. I am Anil and presently living in India i have made cheese at home but am finding a challenge in getting perfect consistency and texture when we make mozarella cheese pls could you spare some valuable time and guide me through this. Thanking You, Regards Anil 09028036796
  • Parag Bharambe said on March 24, 2015
    I am already in this business from last thirty years, worked in various organizations. Now we are going to install milk processing, bi- products mfg. Plant. We are interested in to mfg. Of cheese but cant understand which quality to be mfg & for which market
  • Swapnil said on May 8, 2015
    Sir, I am planning to start a business in Manufacturing and Marketing Liquid Cheese Dips in Mumbai - Pune area. I have an initial capital of INR4lac. I am going to set up the manufacturing unit near Pune where there is a stable source of milk. Need guidance with respect to manufacturing. Phone number:09930105058
  • millla said on May 8, 2015
    hi I am planning to venture into cheese manufacturing and supplying business in thane Mumbai. Looking for start up funding and a business partner who already have knowledge about cheese making process. Phone no. 9167042877 millastattoostudio@gmail.com
  • Nandhakumar said on May 18, 2015
    Hi, I am looking into starting a small cheese making factory in Erode , Tamilnadu , India. Can you please send me a business plan to start a business of 100 to 200 Lt milk
  • Gameeda said on June 30, 2015
    Hi, i am in western cape south africa, would like to start a cheese manufacturing business, what equipment would i need. What amount of funds can i start the business
  • Iryna said on July 16, 2015
    Hi, I am living in India and want to start a small paneer manufacture. Kindly send me the business report for 100 liter milk. Thank you very much
  • Cecil Injehu said on July 17, 2015
    Hi, I reside in Nairobi Kenya with strong interest in starting a cheese making business. I need more insights into the key requirements in making cheese as far as the equipment, size of land, and milk requirements for a small to medium start up. I am also looking for potential investors who might be interested to invest in my business. Thank you. My contact number is +254720280065
  • Holly rock ranch said on July 23, 2015
    Hi, I am from Okanogan county, in Washington state. I am baby stepping my way to starting a micro cheese dairy using Dexter cattle. I could use some tips on a business plan, funding and investors. I have the cattle, I have taken some cheese classes, and marketing classes. I am slowly trying to get equipment. Thank you, Tina from Holly Rock Ranch.
  • sajid pawne said on August 11, 2015
    Dear sir, I wish to have paneer making setup in India preferably in maharashtra. I need to know finance needed for machinery and marketing. What should be area of land needed in order to set up plant size. Thanks.
  • Hitesh said on August 24, 2015
    I am looking forward to set such a business for community development. In rural as well as in urban for the poor and labor class people. A waste vision I have for such people. Please guide me further. I am not doing it for me but I want to do it for the community. Please guide.
  • Monali Shah said on September 4, 2015
    Hi! I am from Mumbai, India and i plan to start a home made cheese making business. Though i have no idea about how to make cheese, i'll be learning and will read a lot and prepare myself for it. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know.
  • k.k.thakur said on September 8, 2015
    Business location will be patna and I have a dairy farm with a production capacity of 150 to200 litres of cow milk per day.I am interested in starting a cheese production unit. what will be total investment in the machinery and other utilities to start production.
  • Chandan De said on September 12, 2015
    Dear Investor, By way of this email i would like to inform everyone that that i am seeking an equity investment of about 1 crore INR for my dear friend who can bring revolution in the existing Indian cheese manufacturing market, and and forecasted to grow at an impressive 20% annually. He brings in years of his unique experience, the reputation he enjoys for his integrity, quality. He is happy to discuss his short and long term goals/vision and how this can benefit YOU (the investor). Primarily he is here to service the upmarket and urban Indian consumer who are not getting the type of cheese they dream about as they believe in "what you see is what you get" - a revolutionized quality cheese. His business plan is ready, and he is happy to discuss in detail. He looks forward to a mutually profitable business relationship. Sincerely, Chandan
  • pramod said on November 12, 2015
    sir i want a complete training to cheese, curd. and ghee making business for milk dairy.
  • tammariene said on November 18, 2015
    sir, i wanna start a new business in paneer making in a small scale.so please send me the project report and the details of the business. I would like to know how much money i need to start(machinery, manpower, land size) Thank you. yours faithfully, tammariene, malaysia
  • dera said on November 24, 2015
    Hello, I about to start make a artisan cheese business, but I have trouble to find cheese making supplies in my country and how to learn making cheese.
  • Kaushal Kishore said on December 15, 2015
    Dear sir, I want to start paneer making business And for that I need training.PlEASE let me know from where I can get this training. Thanks
  • sandip prajapati said on February 2, 2016
    Want to make cheese, Mandvi kutchh gujarat..
  • kavita chettiar said on March 23, 2016
    hello iwant to start a cheese making bussiness and training i have passion for this thing please HELP PS and investment details
  • BILAL said on March 28, 2016
    I AM LOOKING TO SET UP CHEESE BUSINESS IN MY DAIRY FARM.CONTACT AT 03334367844
  • sanjiv verma said on April 1, 2016
    Dear Chandan De , we could be interested in your offer . Please send your contact details to email id: sanjiv6@yahoo.com. Thanks
  • Thirugnanam said on June 3, 2016
    Hi i want start paneer production company . I don't about the budget to start the plant and what are the formalities.please kindly advise.
  • rahul said on August 12, 2016
    Hi..i want to start my own business....what is cost of machine.(u.p) gorakhpur. rahulpandey.chennai143@gmail.com +918795784701
  • b muralidharan said on September 6, 2016
    Hi! I am into a foray of starting a paneer, cheese, curd and processed milk factory. I would like you to give me an insight into the industry, startup ideas and operation. Thanking you in advance
  • singh said on October 20, 2016
    I am based in NY and returning to India, wants to set up or join as partner in running cheese plant. Kindly advise , if there is any opportunities. reach me at sikhkhatri@aol.com. my cell in NY is 347-556-6987
  • Dilip Khandelwal said on December 7, 2016
    We are interested to setup various cheese and paneer manufacturing facility at Ahmedabad to market under our brand . Pls advise with more details on ragenfoodsolutionsllp@gmail.com. Dilip Khandelwal. My contact no 9724534848
  • narawade vinayak vasant said on February 1, 2017
    cheese equipment . in pune . please contact 09225522927.
  • Abdeali Lokhandwala said on May 23, 2017
    Hi, i have a small land near mumbai @ Virar and we have a milk processing plant next to it. We are looking at mfg cheese / paneer and would like any help in setting up the same
  • kimi thakare said on May 31, 2017
    I want to start a small business of milk pouch package and cheese making so plz guide me to what kind of equipment use and machines
  • Ramya said on June 8, 2017
    hi, I am currently running a small dairy farm. I would like to start making panner on a small scale. I need a project sample to start up the business. I am looking for all the basic information about this project. kindly advice. Am planning to take up a loan regarding this business venture.
  • Lets'olo said on September 7, 2017
    I'm like to open cheese factory in my country Lesotho there is no cheese factory in my country I'm a cheese maker in south Africa I can make three types of cheese cheddar, gouda and feta cheese
  • singh said on March 1, 2018
    anyone selling paneer plant in india, I am interested in buying a running plant or to join as partner. I want to export this paneer to all over the world. I am from NY, send details at sikhkhatri@aol.com, 3475566987 ( cell)
  • b singh said on July 25, 2018
    anyone have paneer manufacturing if looking for a partner, advice. I am ready to become a partner or takeover your paneer manufacturing plant. contact sikhkhatri@aol.com and we will talk. Singh
  • KALPESH PATEL said on March 10, 2019
    I want to start cheese-making plant starting from the small unit from home approx budget 10/20 lacs in GUJARAT (INDIA)...for the same I want appropriate project report or advise from you. Thanking you and waiting for your kind reply. KALPESH
  • b singh said on March 29, 2019
    anyone who knows paneer manufacturing process/machinery required, I will be happy to invest all money and make him a partner in the business. Write to me your details and experience at sikhkhatri@aol.com

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