Cheese and curd market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian cheese and curd market grew from 181.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 223.4 thousand tons in 2020, propelled by government subsidies for modernizing dairy production and a consumer preference for healthy, natural foods without artificial additives. Even during the pandemic, demand remained stable as health consciousness sustained interest in organic cheese, while the expansion of online shopping channels improved product accessibility.

Market volume more than doubled to 493.4 thousand tons in 2021, a surge driven primarily by the launch of new flavored cheese products with longer shelf life and attractive packaging, which broadened the consumer base. This was enabled by simultaneous investments in automation and digitalization across the dairy industry, allowing producers to scale up output efficiently.

Growth moderated to 520.4 thousand tons by 2023, supported by continued automation, investments in renewable energy to manage costs, and the industry's strong export orientation. Through 2024, the market was further underpinned by rising per‑capita cheese consumption, a growing retail segment for organic products, and sustained demand for protein‑rich foods amid fitness trends.

Production cheese and curd in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Austria's cheese and curd production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output value reached 1 066 million US dollars, showing a strong 14.4% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 31.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

Austria's cheese and curd production volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 240.5 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 12.8% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 23.7%, averaging an annual increase of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports cheese and curd from Austria

Exports in kind, K t

Austria's cheese and curd exports have expanded for the third year running. In 2020, exports totaled 147.6 thousand tonnes, up 2.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands consistently led Austria's cheese and curd exports by volume. Germany accounted for 51.2% of exports, Italy for 8.5%, and the Netherlands for 6.6%. Together, these three countries represented 66.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Austria's cheese and curd exports in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 727.6 million US dollars, a 6.2% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 16.6%, averaging 5.3% annually. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 10.4%, while 2019 saw a slight decline of 0.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands formed the core markets for Austria's cheese and curd exports by value. Germany held 57.1% of export value, Italy 7.1%, and the Netherlands 4.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 68.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Austria

Imports in kind, K t

Austria's cheese and curd imports have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 130.5 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest 3.8% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 16%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands were the main sources for Austria's cheese and curd imports by volume. Germany supplied 59.3% of imports, Italy 10.9%, and the Netherlands 8.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 78.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Austria's cheese and curd imports in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 582.7 million US dollars, showing a small 1.8% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and France played leading roles in Austria's cheese and curd imports by value. Germany accounted for 52.6% of import value, Italy for 16.8%, and France for 7.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 76.5% of total import flows.

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

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