Fresh cheese and curd market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cheese and curd in Romania grew from 50.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 67.9 thousand tons in 2022, with a slight dip to 65.3 thousand tons in 2023 before recovering to 69.8 thousand tons in 2024. Early growth was fueled by rising consumer interest in premium and artisanal cheeses, supported by the publication of a traditional cheese guide and the recognition of protected geographical indications like Cascaval de Saveni. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced volatility in supply chains and accelerated a shift toward unpackaged cheeses as a response to retail restrictions.

In subsequent years, the private-label segment continued to expand, offering affordable options and contributing to market volume growth. Simultaneously, the premium segment developed with refined cheeses featuring special flavors such as chili and truffles. Regulatory tightening occurred with EU rules on smoke flavorings, requiring producers to adapt their traditional smoking processes or obtain authorizations for industrial flavorings by 2029.

By 2024, professional training through the Academy of Cheese and international awards helped Romanian cheeses strengthen their position in external markets, reflected in rising exports. The market value reached $302.8 million, showing steady growth in both volume and monetary terms over the period.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's fresh cheese and curd production declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, output was valued at 60 992 K $ US, but by 2020 it had dropped to 58 304 K $ US, marking a slight decrease of 2.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.2%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.3%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 60 992 K $ US, with the largest year-on-year rise of 15.3% also recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, Romania's fresh cheese and curd production saw a decline. In 2019, output reached 21 971 t, but in 2020 it fell to 20 439 t, representing a modest drop of 7.0%. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 9.2%, averaging a 3.0% annual growth rate. The highest volume was achieved in 2019 at 21 971 t, while the most significant increase of 11.3% took place in 2018.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's fresh cheese and curd exports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2019, exports stood at a lower level, but by 2020 they had climbed to 4 168 t, showing a strong increase of 19.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 70.8%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 19.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Spain, and Moldova were the top contributors to Romania's fresh cheese and curd exports in volume terms. Greece accounted for 34.1% of exports, Spain for 13.9%, and Moldova for 12.5%. Together, these three countries made up 60.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Fresh cheese and curd exports from Romania have increased for the third year running. In 2019, export value was lower, but in 2020 it rose sharply to 13.7 M $ US, reflecting a substantial jump of 34.9%. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports grew by 91.1%, averaging an annual increase of 24.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, Greece, Moldova, and Spain were the key partners for Romania's fresh cheese and curd exports in value terms. Greece contributed 21.0% of export value, Moldova 17.0%, and Spain 15.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 53.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of fresh cheese and curd have grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, import volumes were lower, but by 2020 they had reached 41 204 t, indicating a rise of 14.4%. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 31.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Italy were the main sources for Romania's fresh cheese and curd imports in volume terms. Germany supplied 34.6% of imports, Poland 31.1%, and Italy 8.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 74.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Romania's imports of fresh cheese and curd have continued to rise for the third consecutive year. In 2019, import value was lower, but in 2020 it increased to 130.4 M $ US, showing an 18.9% growth. Between 2017 and 2020, imports expanded by 48.7%, averaging an annual increase of 14.1%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Germany, Poland, and Italy were the largest suppliers of fresh cheese and curd to Romania in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.4% of import value, Poland for 24.8%, and Italy for 11.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 78.9% of total imports.

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

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