Cheese and curd market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the cheese and curd market in Morocco expanded in volume from 81,329 t to 90,557 t, with a notable increase of 8.1% in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic altered consumption patterns, likely boosting at-home demand, while the subsequent recovery of the foodservice sector in 2021 supported further growth. Market value followed a similar trajectory, rising from $482.5 million to $518.9 million over the period.

In 2022, market volume dropped sharply by 13.5% to 78,354 t, and value fell to $433.3 million, as global inflation heightened price sensitivity and constrained consumer spending. By 2023, volume stabilized at 78,527 t, but value surged by 21.2% to $525.2 million, reflecting substantial price increases and a possible shift toward higher-value products amid ongoing inflationary pressures.

Production cheese and curd in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

Morocco's cheese and curd production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 66 959 tonnes, marking a slight rise of 0.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of cheese and curd in Morocco was valued at 408.1 million US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 9.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 429.6 million US dollars, following a 15.0% increase that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline of 5.3%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Morocco

Exports in kind, t

Cheese and curd exports from Morocco have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 4 715 tonnes, representing a sharp decrease of 43.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 58.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 25.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia were the top contributors to Morocco's cheese and curd exports in volume terms. Lebanon accounted for 47.2% of exports, Qatar for 16.3%, and Saudi Arabia for 8.5%, together making up 72.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cheese and curd exports from Morocco have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 28.7 million US dollars, down by 43.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 55.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -23.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia remained the key destinations for Morocco's cheese and curd exports in value terms. Lebanon contributed 51.4% of export value, Qatar 15.7%, and Saudi Arabia 7.5%, collectively accounting for 74.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Morocco

Imports in kind, t

Morocco imported 24 852 tonnes of cheese and curd in 2020, up by 10.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 23.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 7.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 20.2%, while 2019 saw the largest decline of 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco sourced cheese and curd from a diverse range of markets. The Netherlands, France, and Austria were the top suppliers in volume terms, accounting for 25.7%, 13.1%, and 11.2% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 49.9% of total imports, with numerous smaller destinations making up the remaining 50.1%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Morocco imported cheese and curd worth 118.0 million US dollars in 2020, marking a significant increase of 19.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 35.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 26.3%, while 2019 experienced the largest decline of 10.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Austria were the leading sources of cheese and curd imports to Morocco in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 28.1% of import value, France for 16.6%, and Austria for 11.8%, together comprising 56.5% of total flows.

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

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