Fresh cheese and curd market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cheese and curd in Estonia expanded from 2018 to 2020, with volume rising from 16 194 t to 17 686 t. This growth coincided with the adoption of new production techniques, such as a biopreparation rich in lactic acid bacteria that accelerated the cheese maturation process and improved product quality. Concurrent shifts in consumer preferences toward locally sourced and traditionally produced fresh cheese further supported domestic demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 underscored the importance of resilient local supply chains, which helped sustain market volume. In the following years, producers continued to invest in new production lines and technologies, enabling a wider variety of fresh cheese products, including lactose-free and flavored options. However, by 2022, increased production costs due to rising energy and raw material prices began to exert pressure on the market.

After 2022, the market volume entered a period of contraction, declining to 16 716 t in 2022 and further to 12 702 t by 2024. In value terms, the market also fell sharply to 39.8 million USD in 2024, reflecting the combined impact of these cost pressures and shifting demand patterns.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's fresh cheese and curd production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 60 959 thousand US dollars, showing a measured rise of 6.8% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 53 770 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.7% occurring that year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 6.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Fresh cheese and curd production in Estonia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 20 408 tonnes were produced, showing a small gain of 0.9% over 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Estonia's volume of fresh cheese and curd exports has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totalled 6 114 tonnes, indicating an advance of 4.0% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 19.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, Latvia, and Italy were the top buyers of fresh cheese and curd from Estonia in volume terms. Finland accounted for 49.3% of exports, Latvia for 15.9%, and Italy for 12.9%, with their combined share reaching 78.2% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Fresh cheese and curd exports in Estonia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totalled 17 475 thousand US dollars, amounting to a significant improvement of 14.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, the leading destinations for exports in value terms were Finland, Latvia, and Italy. Finland accounted for 48.8% of exports, Latvia for 17.5%, and Italy for 9.1%, which jointly accounted for 75.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, fresh cheese and curd imports into Estonia declined in 2021. A total of 2 987 tonnes were imported, indicating a significant drop of 10.5% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 3 336 tonnes, with the largest increase of 26.7% occurring that year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 30.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2018–2021, Poland, Lithuania, and Germany were the principal sources for imports in volume terms. Poland accounted for 26.2% of imports, Lithuania for 21.8%, and Germany for 20.3%, jointly accounting for 68.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Estonia's fresh cheese and curd imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, a total of 10 234 thousand US dollars was imported, representing a moderate increase of 4.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 27.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Germany, and Poland remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in value terms. Lithuania accounted for 28.7% of imports, Germany for 22.4%, and Poland for 16.4%, with a combined share of 67.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021