According to DGAgri, cheese production in the EU remained the preferred option for milk processing in 2023 (+1.4%), benefiting from a somewhat higher availability of milk fats.

With competitive prices, EU cheese exports increased considerably (+3.6% in volume), with an export value of over EUR 8.13 billion (+5.3%).

On the other hand, cheese imports (mostly high-value premium cheeses) were more affected by inflationary pressures and decreased by 6.9%, declining for the EU's two main partners: the UK and Switzerland (-5% and -4%, respectively).

Assuming stable milk deliveries in the EU, EU cheese production could further increase (+0.7%) in 2024.

EU cheese exports could also continue to grow, although at a slower pace (+2.5%), due to the slow recovery of demand in some major importing markets.

Domestic cheese consumption may increase somewhat (+0.4%) due to the diminished prospects of food inflation and lower processing costs (e.g., decreasing energy costs).

EU whey production continued its upward trend in recent years in 2023 (+1.2%). This growth was supported by EU exports (+4.2%), while EU domestic use decreased (-0.3%).

In 2024, the stable stock of milk in the EU could still allow for an increase in production (+0.9%), again driven by the growth in EU exports (+2.5%), while domestic use will likely remain stable. (Photo: Dreamstime)