Not grated and not powdered processed cheese market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian market for not grated and not powdered processed cheese expanded in volume from 2.2 thousand tons in 2018 to 2.6 thousand tons in 2020. This initial growth was supported by evolving marketing approaches that better understood consumer needs, along with the retail sector's shift to standardized packaging which improved supply chain efficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further boosted demand as consumers stocked up on staple food items.

Market growth continued into 2021 and 2022, with volume reaching 2.8 thousand tons by 2022. The market value rose more sharply, from $10.4 million in 2018 to $14.4 million in 2022, driven primarily by a consumer shift toward healthier and higher-quality food options, which increased demand for premium processed cheese. Additionally, reforms to labor contract law that introduced more flexible work arrangements helped control production costs.

In the following years, market volume growth slowed but persisted, climbing to 3.0 thousand tons in 2024. However, after peaking at $16.4 million in 2023, the market's value declined to $15.3 million in 2024, indicating a shift in pricing or product mix.

Production not grated and not powdered processed cheese in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of not grated and not powdered processed cheese has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 10,421 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate year-over-year increase of 5.0%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After two years of growth, Estonia's production of not grated and not powdered processed cheese declined. In 2021, the country produced 2,192 tonnes, a decrease of 4.3% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, overall production increased by 9.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 3.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 2,290 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase occurring in 2019 at 9.1%.

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

Exports not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Estonia's exports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese fell. In 2021, exports totaled 410.8 tonnes, a 23.2% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The peak export volume was in 2020 at 534.9 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 18.5% that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland were the top buyers of not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Estonia. Latvia accounted for 42.1% of exports in kind, Lithuania for 31.4%, and Finland for 9.8%. Together, these three countries made up 83.3% of Estonia's total exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Estonia's exports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese in value terms reached 1,968 thousand US dollars, a significant decline of 16.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.9%. The highest export value was recorded in 2020 at 2,368 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 19.0% that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland were the primary destinations for Estonia's exports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese in value terms. Latvia represented 39.3% of exports, Lithuania 28.7%, and Finland 14.4%. Combined, these three countries absorbed 82.4% of Estonia's total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports not grated and not powdered processed cheese to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's imports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 994.4 tonnes, a strong rise of 13.0% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 57.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Lithuania, and Poland were consistently the main sources of imports in kind for Estonia. Germany accounted for 51.4% of imports, Lithuania for 22.4%, and Poland for 14.3%. Together, these three countries supplied 88.1% of Estonia's total import volume in kind during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Estonia's imports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, import value amounted to 4,285 thousand US dollars, an increase of 16.9% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 49.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.3%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Germany, Lithuania, and Poland were the key suppliers of not grated and not powdered processed cheese to Estonia in value terms. Germany represented 50.3% of imports, Lithuania 19.1%, and Poland 13.4%. Collectively, these three countries comprised 82.8% of Estonia's total import value during this time.

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

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