Fresh cheese and curd market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish fresh cheese and curd market expanded in volume from 173.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 184.6 thousand tons in 2020, with value rising from $651.7 million to $755.8 million. This growth was partly supported by sustained consumer preference for high-protein, low-fat dairy products, which boosted demand for fresh cheese and curd.

After 2020, market dynamics shifted as consumption faced slight declines, reported in 2022 and 2023, while export activity increased. Producers responded by investing in automation and robotics for production efficiency, and by introducing resealable, flexible packaging to cater to smaller households and maintain product freshness. Health-conscious trends continued to shape product development, with a focus on natural ingredients and protein content.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Fresh cheese and curd production in Spain has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 623.3 million US dollars, marking a 15.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 537.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 4.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year decline, Spain's fresh cheese and curd production volume has rebounded. In 2020, 137.7 thousand tonnes were produced, representing an 11.5% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 123.5 thousand tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 at 10.9%.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Spain

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, fresh cheese and curd exports from Spain have turned upward. In 2020, exports reached 42 404 tonnes, up 2.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 2.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest level was in 2019 at 41 353 tonnes, with the largest decrease recorded in 2018 at 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Portugal remained the primary buyers of fresh cheese and curd from Spain, accounting for 41.5%, 27.9%, and 12.4% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they formed 81.7% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Fresh cheese and curd shipments from Spain abroad have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 162.5 million US dollars, showing a moderate drop of 3.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest value was in 2018 at 178.4 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase that year of 3.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, France, and Portugal were the main destinations for Spain's fresh cheese and curd exports in value terms, absorbing 34.4%, 33.3%, and 10.8% respectively. Combined, they accounted for 78.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year rise, Spain's fresh cheese and curd import volume has declined. In 2020, imports totaled 89 268 tonnes, reflecting a modest drop of 7.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 96 299 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 6.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, France, Germany, and Denmark consistently served as the main sources for Spain's fresh cheese and curd imports in kind, representing 26.4%, 25.8%, and 14.0% respectively. Together, they made up 66.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year increase, Spain's fresh cheese and curd import volume has decreased. In 2020, imports amounted to 295.1 million US dollars, showing a slight decline of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest value was in 2019 at 298.3 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Italy played leading roles in Spain's fresh cheese and curd imports in value terms, accounting for 25.9%, 20.6%, and 17.2% respectively. Collectively, they represented 63.6% of total import flows.

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

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