Not grated and not powdered processed cheese market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the German not grated and not powdered processed cheese market expanded steadily, with volume growing from 116.3 thousand tons to 125.9 thousand tons. This growth was supported by ongoing consolidation in the dairy sector, where mergers reduced the number of dairies while increasing milk processing capacity, leading to higher cheese production. Long-term rising cheese consumption in Germany also provided a stable demand base.

After a slight dip to 124.2 thousand tons in 2021, the market rebounded to 132.7 thousand tons in 2022, partly due to the entry of new vegan cheese products like Plan B Foods' vegan sliced formats, which introduced innovation and attracted health-conscious consumers. In 2023, market volume eased to 129.3 thousand tons, but underlying factors such as international cooperation between German dairies and Kazakh milk plants to produce hard cheeses, along with consumer trends favoring protein-rich and versatile cheese ingredients, maintained production momentum.

In 2024, the market reached 139.5 thousand tons, driven by a record turnover in the German dairy industry, where cheese sales rose by 2.3%. Higher milk prices and increased per capita cheese consumption, particularly for cow's milk-based products, further stimulated market growth despite competitive pressures from anti-dumping investigations in China.

Production not grated and not powdered processed cheese in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output value of not grated and not powdered processed cheese reached 852.7 million US dollars in 2020, marking a modest increase of 1.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 855.5 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a decrease of 1.8%. The most significant increase was observed in 2018, rising by 15.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of not grated and not powdered processed cheese has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 197.8 thousand tonnes, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

Exports not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, exports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Germany declined. In 2020, exports stood at 104.3 thousand tonnes, down by 3.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 107.8 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 11.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for not grated and not powdered processed cheese was balanced rather than concentrated. France accounted for 25.2% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 9.1%, and the Netherlands for 7.4%, together representing 41.7% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 58.3%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 402.4 million US dollars, a decrease of 3.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 13.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 424.2 million US dollars, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018, rising by 19.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, exports in value terms of not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Germany were distributed across a wide range of markets. France contributed 24.1% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom 10.1%, and the Netherlands 7.5%, together accounting for only 41.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports not grated and not powdered processed cheese to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Germany's imports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese increased. In 2020, imports reached 32.4 thousand tonnes, up by 3.4% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 31.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline also occurring in 2019 at 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Austria, France, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for 72.2% of total imports in kind of not grated and not powdered processed cheese to Germany.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese into Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 137.7 million US dollars, representing a 4.2% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 13.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Austria contributed 47.7% of imports in value terms, France 20.0%, and Poland 8.8%, together making up 76.5% of total flows for not grated and not powdered processed cheese imports into Germany.

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

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