Cheese and curd market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Romania demonstrated steady growth from 2018 to 2024, with volume increasing from 162.6 thousand tons to 204.9 thousand tons. In the early years, the reopening of the Tâga cheese factory and the granting of a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for 'Cascaval de Săveni' strengthened local production capacity and brand value. A record export volume to the EU in 2019 highlighted the competitiveness of Romanian cheese, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 triggered volatile demand for packaged cheese, supporting market expansion.

Growth accelerated in 2021, with market volume rising by 9% to 191.7 thousand tons, largely driven by the private-label segment which expanded by 16.7% and a shift in consumer preferences towards premium and international varieties. However, the market stabilized in 2022 at 191.6 thousand tons, as the high share of unpackaged cheese (around 23.7% by volume) and the dominance of import-focused players like Delaco intensified competition and tempered further volume growth.

The market resumed its upward trajectory in 2023 and 2024, reaching 204.9 thousand tons by 2024. The launch of new premium products, including a Brie-style cheese by Torockoi, and international accolades such as the gold medal for Horezu cheese at the World Cheese Awards, boosted demand for high-quality Romanian cheeses. Simultaneously, the continued development of the private-label segment in retail ensured affordability and variety, contributing to the overall increase in consumption.

Production cheese and curd in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Romania's cheese and curd production was valued at 369.8 million US dollars, marking a modest year-on-year increase of 6.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 2.1%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 10.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year rise, Romania's cheese and curd production declined. In 2020, the country produced 95 053 tonnes, reflecting a 1.4% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 96 422 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 6.0%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Romania

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's cheese and curd exports totalled 16 102 tonnes, showing a moderate increase of 6.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 12.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 3.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for Romania's cheese and curd exports in kind. Greece accounted for 38.1% of exports, Italy for 18.8%, and the United Kingdom for 7.2%, together representing 64.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cheese and curd exports from Romania increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 63.3 million US dollars, corresponding to a 3.6% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 19.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom remained the key partners for Romania's cheese and curd exports in value terms. Greece accounted for 33.6% of exports, Italy for 17.4%, and the United Kingdom for 8.1%, together making up 59.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Cheese and curd imports into Romania increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Romania imported 96 976 tonnes, representing a moderate increase of 10.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 31.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Italy formed the core group of markets for Romania's cheese and curd imports in kind. Germany accounted for 44.0% of imports, Poland for 19.2%, and Italy for 8.6%, together representing 71.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported cheese and curd volumes into Romania increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Romania imported 365.6 million US dollars worth of cheese and curd, reflecting a 15.5% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 48.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.0%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — Germany, Poland, and Italy — together accounted for 72.4% of total imports in value terms of cheese and curd to Romania.

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

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