Not grated and not powdered processed cheese market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian market for not grated and not powdered processed cheese saw robust expansion from 2018 to 2019, with production jumping to 132.7 thousand tons and market volume reaching 125.6 thousand tons. This surge was fueled by substantial investments in modernizing and building new production facilities, such as Hochland's upgrade of its Belinsky plant and Neva Milk's new site in Vologda, coupled with the localization of foreign manufacturers like Valio increasing their output within Russia.

A temporary downturn occurred in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted demand, reducing production to 121.3 thousand tons. The market recovered swiftly in 2021, driven by rebounding consumer spending. The subsequent exit of major international companies, including Valio, Danone, and Arla Foods, from the Russian market further empowered domestic producers. This shift, supported by new technical regulations and an expanding assortment of products, led to sustained growth through 2023, with production climbing to 159.5 thousand tons.

Following several years of increase, the market entered a phase of stabilization. Production remained nearly flat in 2024 at 160.6 thousand tons, while market volume saw a minor adjustment to 151.5 thousand tons. Preliminary data for 2025 indicates a slight contraction in output to 157.5 thousand tons.

Production not grated and not powdered processed cheese in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 136.7 K t of not grated and not powdered processed cheese, marking a 12.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 18.8%, while the most significant decline was recorded in 2020, at 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese from Russia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 12 223 t, up by 20.4% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 40.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 12.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus were the leading destinations for exports in kind. Kazakhstan accounted for 42.4% of exports, Ukraine for 14.3%, and Belarus for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 68.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of not grated and not powdered processed cheese exports from Russia has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, Russia exported 45 678 K $ US worth of this product, a 32.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 70.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.5%.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus were the primary markets for exports in value terms. Kazakhstan held a 40.7% share, Ukraine 16.1%, and Belarus 13.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 70.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports not grated and not powdered processed cheese to Russia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, imports of not grated and not powdered processed cheese into Russia declined. In 2021, imports totaled 3 422 t, a moderate decrease of 5.1% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 50.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, at 31.6%, which also marked the peak volume of 3 608 t.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Uruguay and Belarus dominated imports in kind, jointly accounting for 93.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of gains, the value of not grated and not powdered processed cheese imports into Russia fell. In 2021, imports were recorded at 14 267 K $ US, a significant drop of 10.4% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 71.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 48.2%, which also represented the peak value of 15 922 K $ US.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Uruguay and Belarus formed a dominant pair for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 96.0% of total flows. Other countries made up the residual share.

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

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