Cheese and curd market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The Croatian cheese and curd market grew from 54 030 tonnes in 2018 to 56 783 tonnes in 2019, aided by the international acclaim of Paški sir, which won gold at the Global Cheese Awards, and its subsequent attainment of Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union. The launch of the Sirana Vedrine cheese factory in Lika in 2019 further expanded artisanal production. In 2020, volume dipped to 55 156 tonnes, yet the market adapted with increased consumer interest in organic, vegan, and lactose-free cheese variants, as well as expansion in the food service sector.

A strong rebound followed in 2021, with volume reaching 60 877 tonnes, supported by the steady market presence of major dairy company Dukat d.d. and legislative changes aligning competition law with EU directives. Growth continued through 2022–2024, reaching 68 896 tonnes by 2024, driven by ongoing premiumization: Paški sir’s gold at the 2022 World Cheese Awards, Sirela’s innovative President Brie with truffles winning gold in 2023, and Sirana Gligora’s multiple Great Taste Awards. Inflationary pressures in 2022 influenced consumer behavior toward private labels, while new regulations in 2024 prohibited unfair trading practices in the food supply chain. Additionally, the EU granted Protected Geographical Indication status to Istrian sheep cheese, and retail chain revenue growth indicated robust distribution for dairy products, all against a backdrop of rising demand for natural, organic, and artisanal cheeses.

Production cheese and curd in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, Croatia's cheese and curd production volume rebounded. In 2020, output reached 143.4 million US dollars, marking a modest increase of 3.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 138.3 million US dollars, with the largest drop of 7.5% occurring that same year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

After two years of decline, Croatia's cheese and curd production saw an upturn. In 2020, production amounted to 31,759 tonnes, up by 3.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 5.4%, averaging an annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 30,843 tonnes, with the steepest fall of 5.2% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cheese and curd from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Cheese and curd exports from Croatia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 8,351 tonnes, down by 3.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.3%. The peak was reached in 2018 with 9,965 tonnes, while the largest drop of 13.1% occurred in 2019. In contrast, the most significant increase of 14.6% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia were the primary destinations for Croatia's cheese and curd exports in volume terms. Slovenia accounted for 52.2% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina for 20.0%, and Serbia for 11.0%, collectively representing 83.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of cheese and curd from Croatia fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 33.8 million US dollars, a decrease of 2.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 5.4%, averaging an annual drop of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 41.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 16.3% occurring in 2019. Conversely, the biggest increase of 16.1% was seen in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia—collectively accounted for 81.6% of the total value of cheese and curd exports from Croatia.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Croatia's cheese and curd imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 31,748 tonnes, down by 8.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 34,595 tonnes, and the largest increase of 9.9% also occurred in that year.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Slovenia were the leading suppliers of cheese and curd to Croatia in volume terms. Germany contributed 47.7% of imports, the Netherlands 16.9%, and Slovenia 7.7%, together making up 72.3% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increase, Croatia's cheese and curd import volume declined. In 2020, imports reached 120.7 million US dollars, representing a decline of 8.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 9.7%, averaging an annual increase of 3.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 131.5 million US dollars, with the largest rise of 11.5% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy remained the main suppliers of cheese and curd to Croatia in value terms. Germany accounted for 44.5% of imports, the Netherlands for 15.2%, and Italy for 10.3%, collectively forming 70.0% of total import value.

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

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