Artisan Cheeses – A Rising Niche in the Dairy Market

Artisan cheeses represent a steadily growing segment of the dairy market, both in Romania and across the European Union. According to Eurostat data, demand for value-added and locally sourced products increased by over 15% in 2024.

In Romania, the production of artisan cheeses is supported by European quality schemes such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). However, only a few Romanian dairy products are currently registered under these systems. Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural and food products provides the legal framework through which small producers can access European-level protection.

At the same time, urban consumers are showing growing interest in artisan cheeses, which are increasingly perceived as premium products. A 2023 report by the European Dairy Association highlighted that artisan cheeses hold an annual growth potential of 10–12% in Central and Eastern Europe.

For Romanian producers, aligning with quality standards and accessing European funds dedicated to micro-producers could be decisive factors in consolidating this niche. From a commercial perspective, integrating artisan cheeses into short supply chains is a viable strategy to increase visibility and strengthen consumer loyalty.

(Photo: Freepik)