Fresh cheese and curd market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Greek fresh cheese and curd market volume remained relatively stable, fluctuating around 56 000 t. The market saw a minor increase to 56 630 t in 2019, then dipped to 55 896 t in 2020. Over this period, domestic production gradually declined from 37 560 t to 36 885 t, while imports rose from 19 692 t to 21 644 t.

By 2023, the market volume surged to 67 721 t, a 21% increase from the 2020 level. Production also grew to 43 932 t, and imports reached 25 905 t. However, in 2024 the market contracted to 50 762 t, a 25% drop from the previous year, with production falling to 24 954 t and imports climbing to 28 211 t.

In value terms, the market decreased from 199.5 million USD in 2018 to 190.8 million USD in 2020 despite stable physical volume. It then jumped to 299.0 million USD in 2023, reflecting higher prices or a shift in product mix, before declining to 220.0 million USD in 2024.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Greece's fresh cheese and curd production was valued at 138.6 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 2.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.9%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 6.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Greece's fresh cheese and curd production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 36,885 tonnes, marking a slight contraction of 0.9% compared to 2019. The highest production level was achieved in 2018 at 37,560 tonnes. The largest decline was observed in 2019 at 0.9%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018 at 3.2%.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Greece's fresh cheese and curd exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 2,633 tonnes, representing a significant rise of 89.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 124.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Germany were the primary destinations for Greece's fresh cheese and curd exports in volume terms. Cyprus accounted for 46.8% of exports, Bulgaria for 14.6%, and Germany for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 71.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Greece's fresh cheese and curd exports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 15.171 million US dollars, showing a sharp uptick of 138.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 174.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 40.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Cyprus, Germany, and France were the three largest markets for Greece's fresh cheese and curd exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 67.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Greece's fresh cheese and curd imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volumes amounted to 21,644 tonnes, representing a 4.0% advance compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 20.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Romania were the main sources for Greece's fresh cheese and curd imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 43.9% of imports, Austria for 10.1%, and Romania for 9.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 63.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Greece's fresh cheese and curd imports reached 67.417 million US dollars, marking a year-on-year rise of 1.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 18%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.7%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 67.534 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.9%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 18.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Austria were the principal sources for Greece's fresh cheese and curd imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.7% of imports, Denmark for 12.5%, and Austria for 10.5%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 65.7% of total import flows.

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

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