Cheese and curd market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian cheese and curd market volume showed moderate fluctuations between 2018 and 2021, rising slightly to 699 thousand tons in 2019 before declining to 671 thousand tons by 2021. In value terms, the market stabilized around 3 billion US dollars, with a 2021 increase to 3.1 billion US dollars reflecting higher average prices despite lower physical volume.

A dramatic expansion occurred in 2022, with market volume jumping to 803 thousand tons and value soaring to 4.03 billion US dollars. This surge was supported by the post-pandemic reopening of food service sectors, which boosted overall demand. Concurrently, rising consumer preference for sustainable production, health-conscious varieties like low-fat and probiotic cheeses, and the growth of plant-based alternatives stimulated product innovation and market growth. Strategic partnerships among major dairy companies further enhanced brand presence and category development.

Market volume adjusted to 728 thousand tons in 2023, while value remained elevated at 3.88 billion US dollars, indicating a market correction following the exceptional 2022 growth and a continued shift towards higher-value products.

Production cheese and curd in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Australia ranked as the 14th largest producer of cheese and curd from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2018-2021

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2018-2021

Australia's cheese and curd production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 732.4 K t, marking a slight decrease of 1.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 2.9%, with an annualized decline of 1.0%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 762.0 K t, which saw a 1.1% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2020, with a 2.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Australia's cheese and curd production value rebounded. In 2021, output was valued at 3 239 M $ US, showing a 4.7% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was in 2020 at 3 093 M $ US, which experienced a 3.4% decline.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports cheese and curd from Australia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Australia's cheese and curd exports increased. In 2021, exports reached 158.8 K t, up 3.1% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 7.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 154.0 K t, following a 6.9% drop in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan, China, and Malaysia were the top destinations for Australia's cheese and curd exports by volume. Japan accounted for 45.8% of exports, China for 13.0%, and Malaysia for 6.1%, together making up 64.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decrease, Australia's cheese and curd export value rose. In 2021, exports totaled 702.5 M $ US, a gradual increase of 9.4% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 5.8%, with an annualized decline of 2.0%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 641.9 M $ US, after a 9.8% drop in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In terms of value from 2018 to 2021, Japan, China, and Malaysia were the principal export markets for Australia's cheese and curd. Japan represented 43.6% of export value, China 11.6%, and Malaysia 6.6%, jointly accounting for 61.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports cheese and curd to Australia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Australia's cheese and curd imports amounted to 97.3 K t, showing minimal change from 2020. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 96.8 K t, which saw a 1.5% decline. Imports increased by 0.7% in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand, the United States, and Italy were the main sources of cheese and curd imports to Australia by volume. New Zealand accounted for 45.7% of imports, the United States for 25.4%, and Italy for 5.3%, together comprising 76.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Australia's cheese and curd import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 560.8 M $ US, a measured rise of 6.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 6.8%, with an annualized rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 502.4 M $ US, which experienced a 4.3% decline.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, New Zealand, the United States, and Italy stood out as the key markets for Australia's cheese and curd imports by value. New Zealand represented 35.8% of import value, the United States 19.5%, and Italy 9.4%, together making up 64.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021