Cheese and curd market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Czechia expanded from 2018 onward, driven by increasing imports and the emergence of new product segments that catered to consumer demand for healthier and more varied options. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic sharply altered demand patterns: the closure of the foodservice sector cut sales by up to 80% in that channel, but a rise in household consumption compensated and boosted retail sales, supporting overall market volume.

Growth continued into 2021, partly due to production expansion by A.W., the sole producer of the traditional Olomoucké tvarůžky cheese, which reported record profits and planned capacity increases. Simultaneously, new player Tavoretus entered the market, adding supply in the traditional cheese segment. By 2022, the market saw a slight contraction in volume, reflecting a post‑pandemic normalization, while consumer preferences shifted toward fresh cheeses and low‑fat curd, spurring the development of new product lines.

After dipping to 221.2 thousand tonnes in 2023, the market volume recovered to 231.0 thousand tonnes in 2024. In value terms, the market grew steadily throughout the period, reaching 1.07 billion US dollars in 2024, indicating price increases and a possible shift toward higher‑value products.

Production cheese and curd in Czechia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, cheese and curd production in Czechia was valued at 655.6 million US dollars, marking a 6.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.5%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 14.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia 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

Cheese and curd production in Czechia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 182.4 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate uptick of 5.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Czechia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Czechia exported 64.9 thousand tonnes of cheese and curd, which is 13.0% more than in the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 14.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 0.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Slovakia, and Poland were the main destinations for cheese and curd exports from Czechia. Italy accounted for 33.0% of exports in kind, Slovakia for 31.1%, and Poland for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 76.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cheese and curd deliveries from Czechia amounted to 257.7 million US dollars, reflecting a 10.2% improvement compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 2.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Slovakia, and Poland led as the top buyers of cheese and curd from Czechia in value terms. Italy accounted for 34.2% of exports in value, Slovakia for 27.7%, and Poland for 12.5%. Their combined share reached 74.4% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Czechia

Imports in kind, K t

Cheese and curd imports into Czechia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 64.9 thousand tonnes, equivalent to a slight increase of 1.7% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 10.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia were the main sources for cheese and curd imports into Czechia. Germany accounted for 42.7% of imports in kind, Poland for 28.3%, and Slovakia for 11.2%. Together, these three countries made up 82.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign cheese and curd supplies to Czechia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 430.6 million US dollars, showing a 1.5% year-on-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia stood out as the main markets for cheese and curd imports into Czechia in value terms. Germany accounted for 36.4% of imports in value, Poland for 25.6%, and Slovakia for 13.4%. Together, they represented 75.4% of total import flows.

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

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