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Cheese - Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe
  • Revenue in the Cheese market amounts to US$22.57bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 7.61% (CAGR 2024-2029).
  • In global comparison, most revenue is generated United States (US$32bn in 2024).
  • In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$94.90 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Cheese market, volume is expected to amount to 1.88bn kg by 2029. The Cheese market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.6% in 2025.0.
  • The average volume per person in the Cheese market is expected to amount to 7.5kg in 2024.

Definition:

Cheese market covers products made of milk's curd, which has been removed from the whey and has been coagulated, squeezed, and typically matured. The Cheese market includes all types of cheese such as hard, soft, and semi-hard cheese, blue cheese, cottage cheese, and cream cheese.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

In-Scope

  • Hard cheese: Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Asiago, Grana Padano, Manchego, Comté, Gruyère
  • Semi-hard cheese: Cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Provolone, Colby, Swiss, Jarlsberg
  • Semi-soft cheese: Mozzarella, Havarti, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Port salut, Taleggio, Feta
  • Soft cheese: Brie, Camembert, Cottage cheese, Cream cheese, Ricotta, Mascarpone, Neufchâtel

Out-Of-Scope

  • Milk
  • Yoghurt
  • Curdled milk
  • Out-of-home consumption

Revenue

Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Volume

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Price

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Sales Channels

Most recent update: Nov 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Global Comparison

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The Cheese Market in Eastern Europe is experiencing subdued growth, impacted by various factors such as economic instability and changing consumer preferences. Despite this, the market is still driven by increasing demand for dairy products and the convenience of online purchasing. This trend is expected to continue, leading to moderate growth in the coming years.

Customer preferences:
Amidst growing health consciousness, consumers in Eastern Europe are increasingly opting for gourmet and artisanal cheese varieties, driven by a desire for premium and authentic products. This trend is further fueled by the growing popularity of cheese as a versatile ingredient in traditional and fusion cuisines. Moreover, the rise of the health and wellness movement has also led to a surge in demand for plant-based and lactose-free cheese options, catering to the evolving dietary preferences of the region's diverse population.

Trends in the market:
In Eastern Europe, the Cheese Market of the Dairy Products & Eggs Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards artisanal and organic cheese products, driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainably produced foods. This trend is expected to continue as consumers become more conscious of their dietary choices and the environmental impact of food production. Additionally, there is a growing demand for lactose-free and plant-based cheese alternatives in the region, propelled by the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and vegan diets. This presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to diversify their product offerings and cater to the evolving needs of their target market. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and online grocery shopping in Eastern Europe has also opened up new avenues for the distribution of cheese products, providing a convenient and accessible way for consumers to purchase a wider range of cheese varieties. As the demand for premium and specialty cheese grows, manufacturers and retailers can leverage these trends to expand their market reach and tap into the growing demand for high-quality cheese products in Eastern Europe.

Local special circumstances:
In Eastern Europe, the Cheese Market of the Dairy Products & Eggs Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's history and cultural traditions. For example, countries like Poland and Hungary have a strong tradition of cheese-making, leading to a diverse range of local and artisanal cheese products. Additionally, the market is also shaped by varying regulations and trade agreements, such as the EU's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labels, which protect and promote certain regional cheese specialties. This creates a unique market dynamic, with a strong emphasis on local and high-quality products, while also facing challenges in terms of international competition and regulation compliance.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Cheese Market of the Dairy Products & Eggs Market within The Food market in Eastern Europe is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as economic growth, consumer spending, and trade policies. As the region continues to experience economic growth, there is an increasing demand for high-quality dairy products, including cheese. Additionally, favorable trade policies and agreements have opened up new export opportunities for Eastern European cheese producers, further driving market growth. However, factors such as inflation, currency fluctuations, and political instability can also impact the market. As a result, companies operating in this market must carefully monitor and adapt to these macroeconomic factors to maintain their competitive edge.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.

Key Market Indicators

Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

Most recent update: Sep 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

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