Cheese and curd market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Uruguay expanded from 108.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 128.9 thousand tons in 2023. Initial growth was supported by the opening of new direct-sale outlets, such as De Guarda in Buceo, which offered gluten-free cheeses and products from local small entrepreneurs, fostering product diversification and quality. Simultaneously, the first artisanal cheese brand Farming continued to innovate in local production, both artisanal and industrial, seeking new markets and following high-demand trends.

Domestic production rose from 133.5 thousand tons to 146.6 thousand tons over the period, even as exports gradually declined. The artisanal segment, concentrated in the San José department and maintained in Rocha with traditional methods, remained a key cultural and qualitative pillar, influencing consumer preferences and sustaining the market's artisanal character.

By 2022, Uruguayan companies strategically focused on premium and innovative cheeses, positioning in niche segments and expanding exports to Brazil and Paraguay. Participation in the World Cheese Awards highlighted differentiated goat and cow milk products, further stimulating product innovation and diversification, which helped sustain market growth into 2023.

Production cheese and curd in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

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

Uruguay's cheese and curd production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 142 230 tonnes, marking a 1.4% rise from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 133 535 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 5.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of cheese and curd output in Uruguay was 571.5 million US dollars, down 2.3% from the prior year. The minimum value occurred in 2018 at 565.8 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 2.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 585.1 million US dollars, which also saw the highest increase of 3.4%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Uruguay's cheese and curd exports have rebounded. In 2020, export volume reached 26 575 tonnes, up 3.7% from 2019. The lowest point was in 2019 at 25 629 tonnes, with the largest drop recorded in 2018 at 10.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 16.5%, averaging an annual decline of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia were the top buyers of Uruguayan cheese and curd by volume. Brazil accounted for 31.4% of exports, Mexico for 21.7%, and Russia for 13.3%. Together, these three countries made up 66.4% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Uruguay's cheese and curd export value has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 106.8 million US dollars, showing only a slight year-over-year change. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 17.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia were the leading buyers in value terms. Brazil represented 28.4% of export value, Mexico 21.7%, and Russia 17.4%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 67.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Uruguay's cheese and curd imports stood at 4 227 tonnes, surging 37.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019 at 6.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 63.2%, with an average annual increase of 17.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Denmark were the primary sources of imports by volume. Argentina contributed 54.0% of imports, the Netherlands 19.8%, and Denmark 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented 82.7% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Uruguay's cheese and curd import value totaled 13.8 million US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 30.9% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 8.1%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 47.7%, averaging an annual growth of 13.9%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Denmark were the key markets for imports in value terms. Argentina accounted for 51.4% of import value, the Netherlands for 19.5%, and Denmark for 6.7%. Collectively, these three sources made up 77.6% of total import value.

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

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