Cheese and curd market in Nicaragua

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Nicaragua expanded significantly from 2018 to 2020, with market volume growing from 60.1 thousand tons to 101.4 thousand tons. Production also rose sharply from 97.0 thousand tons to 149.6 thousand tons during this period, setting a strong foundation for further growth.

Between 2021 and 2023, the exit of the Mexican group Lala from milk collection spurred artisanal and semi-industrial cheese production, contributing to increased output. Post-pandemic inflationary pressures drove cheese prices higher, boosting market value to $615.3 million US dollars by 2023 despite a slight dip in volume to 140.7 thousand tons. Improved industrial milk collection for export reduced local supply, further supporting price increases.

In 2024, national cheese production reached 171.1 million pounds, with 79% coming from industrial plants and 21% from artisanal producers. Structural challenges such as lack of refrigeration on farms and intermediary dominance persisted, while government control through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce faced criticism for not curbing speculation, keeping prices high for local consumers.

Production cheese and curd in Nicaragua

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

Nicaragua's cheese and curd production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 149 575 tonnes, marking a moderate 6.3% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 63.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 17.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Nicaragua's cheese and curd production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 441.0 million US dollars, showing a slight rise of 5.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 67.6%, with an annualized rate of 18.8%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Nicaragua

Exports in kind, t

Cheese and curd exports from Nicaragua have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 49 768 tonnes, up 19.4% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 22.1%, averaging 6.9% per year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 38 660 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador was the dominant partner for Nicaragua's cheese and curd exports in volume terms, accounting for 82.8% of total flows. Other markets played a smaller role during this time.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cheese and curd exports from Nicaragua have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 146.7 million US dollars, an 18.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 115.7 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, El Salvador led the partner structure for Nicaragua's cheese and curd exports in value terms, holding a 78.8% share of total flows. Other markets had relatively minor shares.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Nicaragua

Imports in kind, t

Cheese and curd imports into Nicaragua have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 716 tonnes, a small decrease of 2.2% from the previous year. The peak volume was in 2018 at 1 716 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 7.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Costa Rica, and El Salvador were the main sources for Nicaragua's cheese and curd imports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 97.2% of total imports, with the United States at 54.1%, Costa Rica at 23.2%, and El Salvador at 19.9%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, cheese and curd imports into Nicaragua increased in 2020. Imports totaled 7.6 million US dollars, up 7.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 7.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, El Salvador, and Costa Rica were the key markets for Nicaragua's cheese and curd imports in value terms, collectively representing 97.3% of total flows.

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

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