Fresh cheese and curd market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Lithuanian fresh cheese and curd market benefited from the European Commission's grant of protected geographical indication (PGI) status to traditional curd cheese, which reinforced consumer trust and strengthened the position of local producers. This regulatory recognition, combined with a growing consumer preference for natural and minimally processed foods, provided a stable foundation for market volume. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further shifted demand toward local and healthier products, contributing to a 4% increase in market volume that year, reaching 37 606 t.

Market volume expanded sharply in 2021, rising by 14% to 42 999 t, driven largely by sustained interest in authentic, traditionally produced curd cheese from small-scale dairies. Although physical volume contracted slightly in 2022 to 41 265 t, market value continued to climb due to higher prices and unwavering consumer preference for quality, natural products. Growth resumed in 2023 and accelerated in 2024, with volume reaching 47 204 t, underpinned by the enduring appeal of traditional Lithuanian curd cheese and the strong presence of both artisanal and large-scale producers.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Lithuania's fresh cheese and curd production rebounded in value terms. In 2021, output reached 272.5 million US dollars, marking an 18.6% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 9.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 229.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following a two-year drop, Lithuania's fresh cheese and curd production volume recovered. In 2021, the country produced 67,901 tonnes, representing a 7.5% rise from 2020. The lowest volume occurred in 2020 at 63,174 tonnes, which experienced the steepest decline of 5.8%.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year fall, Lithuania's exports of fresh cheese and curd in volume terms increased. In 2021, exports stood at 33,807 tonnes, up 3.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 32,566 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 13.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Latvia, and the Netherlands were the core destinations for Lithuania's fresh cheese and curd exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 64.2% of exports, Latvia for 10.0%, and the Netherlands for 3.4%, together making up 77.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Lithuania's exports of fresh cheese and curd in value terms rose. In 2021, exports totaled 141.0 million US dollars, a 15.0% year-over-year increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 122.7 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 11.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Italy, Latvia, and Poland remained the primary buyers of Lithuania's fresh cheese and curd in value terms. Italy represented 60.6% of exports, Latvia 8.4%, and Poland 5.3%, jointly accounting for 74.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

Lithuania's imports of fresh cheese and curd in volume terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 8,905 tonnes, a sharp 27.3% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 42.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Latvia were the leading suppliers of fresh cheese and curd to Lithuania in volume terms. Poland contributed 59.9% of imports, Germany 14.8%, and Latvia 10.0%, together making up 84.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Lithuania's imports of fresh cheese and curd in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, import value was recorded at 30.1 million US dollars, up 34.0% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 51.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.8%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, Poland, Germany, and Latvia were the top contributors to Lithuania's fresh cheese and curd imports in value terms. Poland accounted for 46.3% of imports, Germany for 19.3%, and Latvia for 12.2%, jointly representing 77.8% of total import value.

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

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