Cheese and curd market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the cheese and curd market in Kazakhstan grew from 75 thousand tons to 142 thousand tons, driven by rising domestic production and increasing consumer demand, particularly for curd products and innovative packaging formats. The introduction of stricter labeling and quality control requirements around 2020-2021 enhanced market transparency and consumer trust, supporting consumption growth. Additionally, technological improvements in curd production extended shelf life, facilitating broader distribution.

Imports surged, reaching 55 thousand tons in 2023, influenced by geopolitical factors and currency fluctuations linked to global sanctions and economic conditions, which altered trade dynamics. State support for modernizing production lines and the expansion of the HoReCa segment, where curd is widely used, provided further impetus from 2022 onward. Consolidation among major players and the entry of new flavors and product combinations diversified supply, catering to evolving consumer preferences for natural and local offerings.

The market demonstrated resilience despite economic challenges, with producer prices recovering after 2023. Consumer interest in healthier, high-quality products remained strong, sustaining demand. The overall period was marked by significant market expansion, supported by both internal production gains and adaptive responses to external trade and regulatory environments.

Production cheese and curd in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

Kazakhstan's cheese and curd production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 72 708 tonnes, which represents a 13.3% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 42.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of cheese and curd production in Kazakhstan reached 227.6 million US dollars, up 12.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 14.5%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 4.6%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production value fell by 3.9%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Kazakhstan's cheese and curd exports declined in 2020. Export volumes reached 3 221 tonnes, a slight decrease of 5.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 57.4%, with an average annual increase of 16.3%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 3 419 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual rise of 45.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the dominant destination for Kazakhstan's cheese and curd exports in volume terms, accounting for 89.2% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among various other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Kazakhstan's cheese and curd export value declined in 2020. Exports totaled 10.1 million US dollars, down 6.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 26.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 10.8 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 20.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Russia was the nearly exclusive buyer of Kazakhstan's cheese and curd in value terms, capturing 90.2% of total exports.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

Kazakhstan's cheese and curd imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 34 591 tonnes, marking a sharp 36.0% year-on-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 50.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 058 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine—collectively accounted for 77.1% of Kazakhstan's cheese and curd imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Kazakhstan's cheese and curd import value has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 102.4 million US dollars, up 17.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 27.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 76.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual drop of 4.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine played leading roles in Kazakhstan's cheese and curd imports in value terms. Russia accounted for 46.4% of imports, Belarus for 17.2%, and Ukraine for 15.9%, together making up 79.5% of total import flows.

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

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