Cheese and curd market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in the MENA region grew steadily from 2018 to 2022, with production rising from 2.8 million tons to 3.4 million tons and total market volume expanding from 3.2 million tons to 3.7 million tons. This sustained expansion was supported by a period of significant growth in the broader dairy derivatives sector between 2011 and 2016, which established a foundation of rising consumption for basic dairy products like cheese.

Market volume stabilized in 2023 with a marginal decline to 3.7 million tons, while production saw a slight dip. This period saw the entry of a major new player, as Egypt's Juhayna formed a joint venture with Denmark's Arla Foods to manufacture and distribute cheese products, aiming to capture a 20% share of the company's sales. Concurrently, Egyptian production of white cheese varieties expanded through two new manufacturing facilities, securing a significant portion of the domestic packaged white cheese market.

The market continued to evolve in 2024, supported by a 30% growth in regional e-commerce, which enhanced online distribution channels for dairy products in key markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. While Saudi Arabia remained a top global cheese importer, a new segment emerged with rapid growth expected for plant-based cheese, driven by increasing health and environmental awareness among consumers.

Production cheese and curd in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

MENA's cheese and curd production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 3,068 thousand tons, marking a 7.1% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 9.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 2,756 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year of 1.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

MENA's cheese and curd production value has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 87.9 billion US dollars, representing a significant drop of 14.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 25.1%, averaging an annual decline of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports cheese and curd from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend over the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 76.5 thousand tons, while the highest occurred in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.9 times. In 2020, MENA exported 147.7 thousand tons of cheese and curd, a substantial increase of 93.0% year-over-year. The largest decline was seen in 2018 at 28.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MENA's cheese and curd exports in kind were not concentrated among a few key destinations. Afghanistan accounted for 3.3% of exports, Palestine for 0.9%, and Russia for 0.9%, together making up only 5.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cheese and curd shipments from MENA to abroad have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 960 million US dollars, a modest decrease of 6.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,069 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 1.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan was the largest buyer with 1.8% of exports in value terms, followed by the United States at 1.1% and Palestine at 1.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 4.0% of total exports, against a backdrop of numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

MENA's volume of cheese and curd imports has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 536.3 thousand tons, showing no significant change from 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 502.5 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year of 8.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 6.2%.

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

The structure of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of partners. Denmark accounted for 10.5% of imports, Poland for 6.2%, and Ireland for 5.1%, together making up only 21.8% of total flows. The remaining 78.2% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cheese and curd deliveries to MENA amounted to 2,665 million US dollars, showing a small increase of 2.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 3.3%, averaging an annual rate of 1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2,680 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 3.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for imports in value terms was broad. Denmark accounted for 9.2% of imports, Poland for 7.1%, and the Netherlands for 6.0%, together forming only 22.3% of total flows. A substantial 77.7% came from many other countries.

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

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