Fresh cheese and curd market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian fresh cheese and curd market volume showed a significant expansion phase from 2020 onward, rising from 45 877 t in 2018 to a peak of 72 613 t in 2022, before moderating to 69 673 t in 2023. The market stabilized in 2019 and then embarked on strong growth, increasing by 21% in 2020 and a further 25% in 2021.

This growth was primarily driven by shifting consumer preferences. Rising demand for natural, artisanal, and regional fresh cheese products fostered greater product diversity and innovation. Simultaneously, increased consumer interest in lactose-free and vegan fresh cheese variants led to a broader product assortment, attracting new consumer segments and supporting overall market expansion through 2022.

Market activity included the strategic strengthening of key industry players, such as the Swiss company Züger Frischkäse AG, which processed 161 million kg of milk and expanded its board in 2022. Brand popularity for products like Philadelphia, Brunch, and Exquisa fluctuated, reflecting a competitive landscape. Production standards continued to be framed by the Austrian Food Book and Cheese Ordinance, which set microbiological criteria and composition rules.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Austria, the output value of fresh cheese and curd reached 185.9 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 14.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when output fell by 2.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Fresh cheese and curd production in Austria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Austria produced 60 152 tonnes of fresh cheese and curd, showing a robust 12.0% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 17.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.5%.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Austria

Exports in kind, t

Fresh cheese and curd exports from Austria increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 46 563 tonnes, reflecting a 3.5% gain compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 40 350 tonnes, which saw a slight decline of 0.4%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports jumping by 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Austria's fresh cheese and curd exports in kind were Germany, accounting for 47.0% of exports, the Netherlands at 14.7%, and Italy at 14.0%. Together, these three countries represented 75.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of fresh cheese and curd from Austria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 159.6 million US dollars, showing a 6.2% rise over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 21.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of fresh cheese and curd from Austria in value terms were Germany, with 51.1% of exports, the Netherlands at 13.3%, and Italy at 13.1%. Together, these three markets formed 77.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Austria

Imports in kind, t

The volume of fresh cheese and curd imports into Austria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Austria imported a total of 41 474 tonnes, amounting to a significant 12.9% year-on-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 28.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in kind was centered on Germany, whose share amounted to 73.9% of total flows. Other markets formed a less significant portion of imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported volumes of fresh cheese and curd into Austria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 140.2 million US dollars, showing a gradual 9.7% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 27.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Italy formed a dominant pair of markets for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 89.3% of total flows. Other countries represented the residual share.

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

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