Cheese and curd market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, cheese and curd production in the Netherlands increased from 3 100 million US dollars to 3 984 million US dollars, while the market size more than doubled from 514 million to 1 173 million US dollars. This growth was supported by the introduction of innovative processes, such as improved curd quality and shorter coagulation times, which enhanced production efficiency. Simultaneously, the rise of specialized cheese shops indicated growing retail demand for cheese products. In 2020, export opportunities were strengthened by active demand from Saudi Arabia, the largest importer in the Gulf region, where rising import prices improved market access.

After 2020, cheese exports continued to grow, reaching 5 768 million US dollars in 2024, aided by strong global cheese trade dynamics where exports rose by 6%. Imports also increased, reflecting steady domestic demand. By 2024, the market was affected by the aftermath of the bluetongue outbreak in livestock and the reduction of production derogations, which constrained milk supply for processing. Geopolitical uncertainty and global economic sluggishness tempered demand for dairy products, but the consumer shift toward less processed and healthier foods, including cheese with reduced sodium and saturated fat, supported innovation and interest in the segment.

Production cheese and curd in the Netherlands

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The Netherlands has seen its cheese and curd production value rise for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 3 984 million US dollars, marking a moderate 7.6% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 33.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands ranked 10th globally in cheese and curd production.

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

Cheese and curd production in the Netherlands has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 999 thousand tonnes, up by 159.1% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 242.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 50.8%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Cheese and curd exports from the Netherlands have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume stood at 920.9 thousand tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 2.3%, with an average annual rate of 0.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 875.1 thousand tonnes, which saw a 2.8% decline. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase at 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the key partners for the Netherlands in cheese and curd exports by volume. Germany accounted for 32.0% of exports, Belgium for 12.4%, and France for 9.6%, together making up 53.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cheese and curd exports from the Netherlands have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 4 217 million US dollars, a slight 2.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the dominant markets for the Netherlands in cheese and curd exports by value, collectively accounting for 56.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, cheese and curd imports into the Netherlands declined. In 2020, imports totaled 379.6 thousand tonnes, down 5.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 400.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 5.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the leading sources for the Netherlands in cheese and curd imports by volume. Germany represented 40.9% of imports, Belgium 17.1%, and France 12.1%, together comprising 70.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported cheese and curd volumes in the Netherlands have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 406 million US dollars, a 4.6% decrease from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 483 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France accounted for the largest share of the Netherlands' cheese and curd imports by value. Germany made up 36.7%, Belgium 21.8%, and France 7.7%, together totaling 66.3% of import flows.

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

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