Fresh cheese and curd market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian fresh cheese and curd market saw significant developments from 2018, beginning with the opening of a new state-supported cheese plant in Debrecen that year, which bolstered premium domestic production. The EU registration of the traditional Rögös túró in 2019 further raised consumer recognition for the category. Market volume grew steadily, reaching a peak of 62 086 tonnes in 2021, a period also marked by a sharp price increase for Trappista cheese that heightened consumer price sensitivity.

Following the 2021 peak, the market contracted. In 2022, the state-owned company Alföldi Tej launched the Riska Gouda cheese, creating a new segment for soft cheeses, while changes to price cap regulations and the application of a reduced EU VAT rate for dessert cheese preparations altered the commercial landscape. By 2023, a decline in EU milk and cheese prices, coupled with growing Western European stocks and Chinese tariffs, contributed to a drop in domestic market volume to 47 272 tonnes. New EU labeling rules defining 'fresh cheese' took effect in 2024, imposing stricter composition and shelf-life requirements on producers, even as broader consumer demand in the FMCG sector continued shifting towards more processed dairy products.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's fresh cheese and curd production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 257.7 million US dollars, marking an 11.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 22.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 196.9 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.3%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 17.1% jump.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's fresh cheese and curd production has risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, production reached 70,155 tonnes, representing a 17.5% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, output grew by 25.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 53,522 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 4.1%.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Fresh cheese and curd exports from Hungary have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, shipments abroad totaled 20,578 tonnes, a 31.5% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 107.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 27.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, France, and Slovakia were the key export partners for Hungary's fresh cheese and curd in terms of volume. Italy accounted for 48.5% of exports, France for 9.7%, and Slovakia for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 66.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of fresh cheese and curd from Hungary have grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports were valued at 77.863 million US dollars, a 28.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value rose by 98.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 25.6%.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Italy, France, and Germany formed the main cluster of markets for Hungary's fresh cheese and curd exports in value terms. Italy contributed 50.4% of export value, France 10.6%, and Germany 6.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 67.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's fresh cheese and curd imports reached 12,509 tonnes, up by 4.9% compared to 2020. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 11,921 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 3.7%.

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

Over the years 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Austria were the largest contributors to Hungary's fresh cheese and curd imports in volume. Germany accounted for 40.4% of imports, Poland for 21.7%, and Austria for 16.4%. Together, these three countries made up 78.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Hungary's fresh cheese and curd import volume has increased. In 2021, imports were valued at 41.381 million US dollars, a 13.5% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value grew by 6.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 36.451 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Austria remained the main suppliers of fresh cheese and curd to Hungary in value terms. Germany accounted for 41.6% of import value, Poland for 17.3%, and Austria for 14.6%. Collectively, these three countries formed 73.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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