Casein market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Swiss casein market showed notable fluctuations. The market size stood at 487.4 t in 2018, supported by ongoing market liberalization that facilitated cheese imports and sustained high import volumes. During this phase, the pilot launch and subsequent retail introduction of A2 milk, which features a distinct beta-casein profile, generated increased interest in specialized casein proteins. The market dipped to 442.2 t in 2019 before recovering to 486.0 t in 2020.

The market reached its peak at 569.7 t in 2021, coinciding with a surge in imports. A turning point came in 2022 when unfavorable climatic conditions, including a low-snow winter and dry spring, adversely affected alpine cheese production and the broader dairy supply chain. This contributed to a sharp reduction in casein imports, pulling the market volume down to 391.8 t.

The contraction continued into 2023, with the market shrinking further to 290.0 t. During this period, the Swiss dairy market was characterized by domestic prices that were higher than in neighboring countries, likely dampening import demand for casein. Although overall cheese production increased, this growth did not offset the pronounced decline in casein imports.

Production casein in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland ranked as the 26th largest producer of casein globally.

Top producers of casein, 2017-2020

World map of production of casein, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, casein production in Switzerland rebounded in 2020. That year, the country produced 34 760 kg of casein, representing a 2.9% increase compared to 2019. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, production fell by 22.7%, with an average annual decline of 8.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 33 790 kg, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 23.2% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports casein from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

The export market for casein from Switzerland showed significant volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1.3 t, then peaked in 2017, with the difference between these years being 2.4 times. In 2020, Switzerland exported 2.3 t of casein, marking an 81.2% increase from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 51.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France emerged as the primary markets for Switzerland's casein exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 49.3% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 21.4%, and France at 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented 82.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Switzerland's casein exports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. That year, exports totaled 37 K $ US, reflecting a significant 24.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 55.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 23.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland's casein exports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Germany, which accounted for 77.1% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Switzerland in value, 2017-2020

Imports casein to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Switzerland's casein imports in volume terms increased in 2020. Import volume reached 453.5 t that year, showing a strong 10.7% rise from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 409.7 t, which also saw the largest decline of 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Poland, Germany, and Belarus were the leading sources of casein imports to Switzerland in volume terms. Poland accounted for 30.9% of imports, Germany for 25.0%, and Belarus for 13.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 68.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year reduction, Switzerland's casein imports in value terms increased in 2020. The import value that year was 42.5% higher year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 22.2%, with an average annual increase of 6.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 574 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Belarus continued to dominate Switzerland's casein imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 30.4% of imports, Poland for 28.6%, and Belarus for 12.8%. Together, these three suppliers represented 71.8% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Switzerland in value, 2017-2020