Cheese and curd market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Southern Europe expanded significantly from 2018 to 2019, with volume rising from 4.2 million tons to 5.6 million tons. This surge was driven by heightened consumer demand for fresh, protein-rich cheeses and minimally processed dairy products, as health and nutrition trends gained momentum. Major industry players responded with investments in innovation and new product development, while supermarket and hypermarket channels strengthened their distribution reach.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reversed this growth, as lockdowns and restaurant closures sharply reduced foodservice demand, pulling market volume down to 5.1 million tons. Household consumption increased and online sales accelerated, but could not fully offset the loss of HoReCa sales. Market volume fell further in 2021 to 4.5 million tons, a period that saw strategic acquisitions, such as Groupe Lactalis purchasing Kraft Heinz's natural cheese business, and continued investment in new production facilities.

By 2022, market volume recovered slightly to 4.8 million tons, supported by persistent demand for fresh and natural cheeses, though inflation and global supply chain disruptions raised production costs. In 2023, volume declined to 4.4 million tons, while market value grew to $36.1 billion, reflecting higher unit prices and a consumer shift toward premium, health-oriented segments like functional, fortified, and plant-based cheeses.

Production cheese and curd in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, cheese and curd production in Southern Europe declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 5,140 K t, marking the largest annual increase of 38.9%. However, in 2020, output fell to 4,732 K t, representing a 7.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 59.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of gains, cheese and curd production in Southern Europe experienced a decline. In 2019, production value peaked at 37,713 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 37.0%. In 2020, the value dropped to 34,438 M $ US, reflecting a moderate decrease of 8.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 65.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 18.4%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Cheese and curd exports from Southern Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 686 K t, showing a modest rise of 3.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for cheese and curd from Southern Europe was highly diversified. France accounted for 17.6% of exports in kind, Germany for 15.4%, and the United Kingdom for 8.2%, together making up 41.1% of total flows. The remaining 58.9% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exported cheese and curd volumes from Southern Europe rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 4,995 M $ US, indicating a slight increase of 2.9% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19.4%, with an annualized rate of 6.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, cheese and curd exports from Southern Europe in value terms were spread across a wide range of markets. Germany represented 17.1% of exports in value terms, France 16.8%, and the United States 10.0%, collectively accounting for 44.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Cheese and curd imports into Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 1,122 K t, with the largest annual increase of 6.9%. By 2020, imports had fallen to 1,064 K t, down by 3.3% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the leading source for cheese and curd imports into Southern Europe, accounting for 36.6% of imports in kind. The Netherlands followed with 14.1%, and France with 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 62.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cheese and curd imports into Southern Europe decreased for the second year in a row. In 2018, import value reached its highest point at 4,512 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 6.3%. In 2020, imports totaled 4,238 M $ US, reflecting a 5.9% decline year-over-year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany remained the key source for cheese and curd imports into Southern Europe in value terms, representing 33.8% of imports. The Netherlands accounted for 13.5%, and France for 12.5%. Collectively, these three countries made up 59.8% of total import flows.

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

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