Cheese and curd market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish cheese and curd market stabilized around 3 300 million $ in 2018 and 2019, then grew to 3 390 million $ in 2020. This increase was supported by evolving consumer habits, including higher demand for protein-rich dairy products and the growing popularity of fast food where cheese is a key ingredient, alongside urbanization and rising disposable incomes.

From 2021 onward, the sector gained momentum from substantial investments by companies like Entrepinares, Leche Celta, and Lactalis Forlasa, as well as the reopening of the Salas production facility in Asturias. These developments strengthened domestic capacity. Simultaneously, demand for grated and processed cheese surged, with grated cheese volumes rising 17.3% in 2022, contributing to market expansion. Exports grew consistently, reaching 866 million $ in 2024, fueled by internationalization efforts and promotional campaigns such as 'Quesea con Quesos de España'.

The market adapted to more informed consumers seeking quality, healthy, and sustainable products, leading to innovations in packaging and convenient formats. Household spending on cheese rose over 30% since 2018, driven by both price increases and steady demand. Spain's milk production, exceeding the EU average, provided a reliable raw material base for the cheese sector.

Production cheese and curd in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's cheese and curd production was valued at 2,790 million US dollars, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.5%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 7.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain ranked 17th globally in cheese and curd production.

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

Spain's cheese and curd production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 519.9 thousand tonnes, showing a modest rise of 1.6% compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 504.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.3%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's cheese and curd exports declined. In 2020, exports totaled 107.0 thousand tonnes, representing a 0.6% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 7.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The peak was in 2019 at 107.6 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Portugal were the leading destinations for Spain's cheese and curd exports in volume terms. France accounted for 21.6% of exports, Italy for 20.2%, and Portugal for 18.4%, collectively making up 60.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's cheese and curd export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 581 million US dollars, up by 1.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, the United States, and Portugal were the main buyers of Spanish cheese and curd in value terms. France represented 19.9% of exports, the United States 17.5%, and Portugal 14.9%, together accounting for 52.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's cheese and curd imports in volume declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 304.7 thousand tonnes, a slight decrease of 1.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 309.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the Netherlands were the primary sources for Spain's cheese and curd imports in volume terms. Germany contributed 23.9% of imports, France 23.0%, and the Netherlands 20.0%, collectively representing 66.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's cheese and curd import value declined. In 2020, imports totaled 1,245 million US dollars, down by 5.1% from 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1,245 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—France, Germany, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for 63.7% of Spain's total cheese and curd import value.

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

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