Not grated and not powdered processed cheese market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

After declining to 29 543 t in 2019, the volume of the Polish processed cheese market rebounded to 33 735 t in 2020. This recovery was driven by shifts in consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, as restrictions on food service increased demand for ready-made products for home cooking. Market volume fluctuated in the following years, peaking at 35 535 t in 2022 before a slight contraction and a renewed increase to 35 088 t in 2024. The 2024 upturn coincided with a broader rise in processed cheese production across Europe and the launch of new products, such as lactose-free variants by major manufacturers, which stimulated supply.

The market value showed more pronounced movements, rising from $91.1 million in 2019 to $119.1 million in 2020 and then sharply to $196.0 million in 2022. By 2024, value reached $194.0 million, supported by global factors including increased raw material prices and supply chain disruptions that raised production costs. Concurrently, consumer preferences shifted towards healthier options like lactose-free products and transparent labeling, influencing the market's assortment and value proposition.

Production not grated and not powdered processed cheese in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Poland's output of not grated and not powdered processed cheese was valued at 269.1 million US dollars, representing a moderate gain of 9.3% compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 246.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 11.2%. Over the 2018-2020 period, overall production decreased by 3%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Poland produced 76,348 tonnes of not grated and not powdered processed cheese, up 7.0% year-over-year. The minimum production volume was recorded in 2019 at 71,367 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 8.8%. From 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

Exports not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Poland exported 46,518 tonnes of not grated and not powdered processed cheese in 2020, a 3.5% increase year-over-year. The minimum export volume was in 2019 at 44,959 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 5.1%. Exports peaked in 2018 at 47,352 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (21.1% of exports in kind), Czechia (10.9%), and Iraq (10.9%) were key buyers of Poland's not grated and not powdered processed cheese. However, their combined share accounted for only 42.8% of total exports in kind, with the remaining 57.2% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Poland's export value of not grated and not powdered processed cheese declined for the second consecutive year, totaling 165.5 million US dollars in 2020—a slight decrease of 1.2% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 186.3 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 19.5%. In 2019, exports experienced the largest decline of 10.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 6.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

The partner structure of Poland's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. Saudi Arabia (21.9% of exports in value terms), Iraq (10.5%), and Czechia (9.4%) together accounted for only 41.8% of total flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

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

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

Imports not grated and not powdered processed cheese to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Poland's import volume of not grated and not powdered processed cheese increased for the third consecutive year, reaching approximately 3,905 tonnes in 2020—a robust 24.5% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 29.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the dominant supplier of not grated and not powdered processed cheese to Poland, accounting for 80.8% of total imports in kind, while other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Poland's imports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese reached 15.5 million US dollars, marking a strong uptick of 24.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 7.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 27.1%, translating to an annualized rate of 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany played a leading role in Poland's imports in value terms of not grated and not powdered processed cheese, with a share of 80.0% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed across other partners.

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

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