Cheese and curd market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African cheese and curd market volume fell sharply from 193.9 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 110.1 thousand tonnes in 2019, a period marked by significant industry consolidation as the number of dairy producers declined substantially over previous years. This structural shift likely constrained overall production, even as new artisanal entrants like Noah's Cheese and Kokerboom Kaas began operations, setting the stage for a diversified supplier base.

Market volume recovered steadily after 2019, reaching 117.3 thousand tonnes by 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted supply chains in 2020, while subsequent years saw production capacity grow through expansions like the Cookhouse Creamery factory shop and the Khowa Creamery facility. High inflation drove up consumer prices for dairy products in 2022 and 2023, and demand gradually shifted towards premium and artisanal cheeses, supporting market value growth.

Production cheese and curd in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2018-2021

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 118 324 tonnes of cheese and curd, marking a slight decline of 1.9% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 38.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 110 488 tonnes. That year also saw the largest decline of 42.8%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2020 with a 9.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

South Africa's cheese and curd production value increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 505.0 million US dollars, which represents a 16.9% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 34.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 427.8 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 44.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports cheese and curd from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Cheese and curd exports from South Africa grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 11 605 tonnes, showing a controlled increase of 9.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 12.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 055 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique consistently held the top positions in South Africa's export structure by volume. Namibia accounted for 26.0% of exports, Botswana for 15.1%, and Mozambique for 13.1%. Together, these three countries represented 54.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of contraction, South Africa's cheese and curd exports rebounded. In 2021, exports amounted to 49 527 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant improvement of 30.1% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 19.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 38 067 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique—collectively absorbed 58.3% of South Africa's total cheese and curd exports by value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports cheese and curd to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, cheese and curd imports into South Africa increased. In 2021, imports totaled 8 131 tonnes, which is 18.3% higher than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 25.7%, with an annualized decline rate of 9.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 6 872 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 29.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand, Germany, and Italy were the primary suppliers of cheese and curd to South Africa by volume. New Zealand accounted for 29.0% of imports, Germany for 24.5%, and Italy for 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented 60.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, South Africa's cheese and curd imports increased. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 40 161 thousand US dollars, marking a year-over-year improvement of 20.4%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 26.2%, with an annualized decline rate of 9.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 33 354 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 28.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand, Germany, and Italy stood out as the main sources of imports by value. New Zealand accounted for 23.4% of imports, Germany for 20.1%, and Italy for 13.2%. Together, these three markets represented 56.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021