Fresh cheese and curd market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh cheese and curd in Germany grew from 548 thousand tons in 2018 to 582 thousand tons in 2021. This expansion was primarily driven by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier, high-quality products and rising demand for convenience, supported by the growth of online distribution channels. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the foodservice sector in 2020, underlying trends like increased snacking and the appeal of ethical branding, particularly among younger consumers, helped sustain growth.

Market volume contracted to 513 thousand tons in 2022 and 500 thousand tons in 2023 as economic headwinds, including soaring raw material costs and inflation, led to price adjustments and a shift toward budget-friendly options. Despite continued demand for specialized variants like low-fat, lactose-free, and flavored products, higher production costs weighed on overall consumption. During this period, market consolidation continued with major players like Groupe Lactalis expanding their presence through acquisitions.

A partial recovery to 528 thousand tons occurred in 2024, fueled by innovations in dairy-free and plant-based alternatives, the strengthening of digital sales channels, and enduring consumer interest in natural, sustainable, and convenient products. However, persistent inflation and elevated production costs remained significant challenges, while premium and artisanal offerings retained strong appeal.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's fresh cheese and curd production value reached 2 003 million US dollars in 2020, marking an 8.5% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 845 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.5% during this timeframe.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Fresh cheese and curd production in Germany has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 971.4 thousand tonnes, up 2.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's fresh cheese and curd exports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 566.1 thousand tonnes, showing a modest increase of 3.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 13.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Germany's fresh cheese and curd exports. Italy accounted for 26.6% of exports by volume, the Netherlands for 12.4%, and the United Kingdom for 9.5%, together making up 48.5% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among numerous smaller partners, each with relatively modest individual contributions.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's fresh cheese and curd exports have increased for the third year running. In 2020, export value stood at 1 733 million US dollars, up 3.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 12.1%, corresponding to an average annual rate of 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's fresh cheese and curd export structure in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Italy represented 29.4% of export value, the Netherlands 9.4%, and the United Kingdom 8.2%, collectively accounting for 47.0% of total flows. The remaining 53.0% was spread across many other countries.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's fresh cheese and curd imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 167.0 thousand tonnes, rising 8.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 137.0 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 4.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 12.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Denmark led as Germany's top supplier of fresh cheese and curd by volume, with a 34.9% share of imports. Austria followed at 12.5%, and Italy at 11.7%, together accounting for 59.1% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's fresh cheese and curd imports have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value totaled 562 million US dollars, reflecting a slight increase of 5.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 11.3%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark was the leading source of Germany's fresh cheese and curd imports by value, with a 28.7% share. Italy accounted for 16.7%, and France for 12.7%, forming a main group that together represented 58.0% of total import flows.

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

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