Cheese and cottage cheese (Russian market)

2024

Cheddar cheese factory launched in Smolensk region for ₽560 million

In October 2024, a new Chedder cheese factory was launched in the Gagarinsky district of the Smolensk region. This is a project of the Gagarinkonservmoloko company. Investments in the creation of a modern technological line amounted to more than ₽560 million, which allowed the company to reach a production capacity of 200 tons of cheese per month. Read more here

Mozzarella and Suluguni production plant built in Moscow region for ₽2 billion

In the village of Ozeretskoye, Dmitrovsky City District, Moscow Region, the construction of a new production building for whole milk products and cheeses has been completed. Investments in expanding production amounted to ₽2 billion. This became known in early October 2024 after receiving a conclusion on the compliance of the project documentation. Read more here

2023

Named the largest cheese producers in Russia

On July 25, 2024, the National Union of Milk Producers (Soyuzmoloko), together with Milknews and Streda Consulting, announced the rating of leading cheese producers in Russia at the end of 2023. According to the data, the share of the 20 largest domestic companies in the total production of semi-solid cheeses reached 75%, an increase of 5 percentage points compared to 2022.

According to Interfax, three enterprises have retained their leading positions in the industry. The first place was taken by the Yugov Dairy Products Plant (YUKMP) from the Perm Territory, which produced about 47 thousand tons of cheeses and cheese products. In second place is the Foodland Group of Companies with an indicator of 31.3 thousand tons. Wimm-Bill-Dann closes the top three, maintaining production volumes at 23 thousand tons.

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The fourth position in the ranking was taken by the Vamin Group of Companies, which rose from sixth place due to the launch of a new plant and an increase in production to 19.8 thousand tons. The five leaders are closed by the Mordovian holding, uniting IC Ichalkovsky and SZ Sarmich, with a total output of 19.3 thousand tons.

Experts note that in order to be included in the rating, companies need to produce at least 6.2 thousand tons of products per year. For the first time, the Samara company AMP Damol was included in the list, which completed the consolidation of the acquired assets. The largest growth - 50% - was demonstrated by DMK Group, which launched the second plant in the Voronezh region.

The market was significantly ahead of the growth rates of Komos Group, Molvest Group, Azbuka Cheese, YUKMP, Syrobogatov Group and Vamin Group, which have actively invested in expanding production capacities in recent years. Analysts predict further changes in the ranking and the emergence of new players as the investment cycle in the industry continues.

In 2023, the production of cheeses and products using cheese technology in Russia reached a record figure of 990 thousand tons, which is 8.6% more than in 2022. In the first five months of 2024, growth continued, amounting to 10.9% - 438 thousand tons of cheeses and cheese products were produced.^[1]

Cheese production growth by 40% to 758 thousand tons

In 2019-2023, cheese production in Russia increased by approximately 40% - from 540.2 thousand to 758 thousand tons. The industry is showing steady growth, as stated in BusinesStat materials released on February 7, 2024.

The review considers soft, melted, brine, hard and grated cheeses, as well as cheeses in powder and other types of these products. Significant suppliers are Wimm-Bill-Dann, Milkom, Hochland Russland, Voronezh Dairy Plant and Yugov Dairy Products Plant.

Before the introduction of the food embargo in 2014, up to 50% of the Russian cheese market was occupied by imported products. However, after that, some varieties of cheeses became less accessible to Russians, and domestic producers began to increase production, occupying a vacant niche. Small private cheese factories appeared, which established the production of rare cheese varieties for Russia, such as Saint-Paulin, Fiore Sardo, Pecorino, Butterkese goat cheese. Larger manufacturers have also begun to expand their product range. As a result, some types of cheese originally supplied from abroad were partially or completely replaced by domestic products.

In 2020, cheese production in the Russian Federation rose by 5.8% compared to the previous year, amounting to 571.6 thousand tons. In 2021, an increase of 13.3% followed - to 647.6 thousand tons. A year later, the growth rate against the background of a deteriorating geopolitical situation decreased to 5.3% with a final result of 682 thousand tons. And in 2023, the industry showed an increase of 11.1%. The expansion of the market is facilitated by the fact that Russian companies offer products at lower prices compared to foreign suppliers, which makes it more accessible to a wide range of consumers.^[2]

Growth in the production of cheese with mold by 75% to 11 thousand tons

In 2019-2023, the production of cheese with mold in Russia increased by 75% - from 6.3 thousand to 11 thousand tons. The range of such products in the domestic market is expanding, and interest in it from consumers is growing. This is stated in the review of BusinesStat, published on February 27, 2024.

Statistics cover such types of molded cheeses as Brie, Camembert, Fribourg, Vashren Mon Do, Tete de Muan, Esrom, Italico, Kerngem, Saint-Necter, Saint-Polen and Talejo, as well as blue and other cheeses containing veins obtained using penicillium roqueforti. The list of leading enterprises in the industry includes Bobrovsky Cheese Factory LLC, Belebeevsky Dairy Plant JSC, Novator LLC, Efremov Butter and Cheese Factory JSC and Stavropol Dairy Plant JSC.

It is said that before the introduction of the food embargo in 2014, the production of mold cheeses in Russia was practically absent, and the bulk of the market was occupied by imported products supplied mainly from countries. European Union However, then a shortage of foreign mold cheeses formed on the market, and Russian producers hastened to occupy the vacant niche. As a result, in 2020, the volume of output rose by 6.5% compared to 2019 - to 6.7 thousand tons. In 2021, a jump of 38.4% followed - up to 9.3 thousand tons.

In 2022, the pace of development of the industry slowed down to 10.4%, and the volume of production amounted to 10.2 thousand tons. The imposition of sanctions, the withdrawal of a number of foreign companies from the Russian market and difficulties with logistics against the background of a worsening geopolitical situation led to a shortage and rise in the cost of imported ingredients necessary for the manufacture of cheese. One of the main problems was interruptions in the supply of starters: moreover, it was impossible to quickly find an alternative and replace suppliers. However, despite all the difficulties, Russian companies continue to develop the production of cheese with mold.^[3]

Growth in processed cheese production by 13.3% to 158.2 thousand tons

In 2023, about 158.2 thousand tons of processed cheeses were produced in Russia, which is 13.3% more compared to 2022. Moreover, against the background of an increase in the supply of large manufacturers, there is a decrease in the number of small enterprises that are not able to compete with well-known brands. This is stated in the report of BusinesStat, submitted on May 22, 2024.

According to the study, in 2022 the volume of production of processed cheeses in the Russian Federation amounted to about 139.6 thousand tons, which is 3.8% more compared to 2021. Thus, during 2023, the growth rate of production of these products by Russian enterprises almost quadrupled. In general, in 2019-2023, the production of processed cheeses in Russia increased annually, with the exception of 2020, when a decline of 8.6% was recorded.

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In Russia, the production of processed cheeses is concentrated mainly in the Central Federal District, where 117 thousand tons of these products were produced in 2023. This corresponds to about three quarters (73%) of the total market volume. In second place is the Siberian Federal District with a share of 9%, and the Ural Federal District closes the top three with 7% at the end of 2023.

BusinesStat analysts note that there is a consolidation of the industry in the Russian Federation: large manufacturers acquire and modernize individual plants and enterprises, increasing market share. Among the leading players are named JSC Wimm-Bill-Dann, JSC Firm Agrocomplex named after N.I. Tkachev, JSC Milkom, LLC Khokhland Russland and LLC Rostagrocomplex.

The report also said that due to the current geopolitical situation, Russian cheese producers faced a number of problems. These are difficulties with the purchase of spare parts for foreign equipment, as well as interruptions in the supply of imported ingredients and materials. However, gradually Russian companies are establishing the production of the necessary components.^[4]

Russians set a record for cheese consumption - more than 1 million tons

In 2023, cheese consumption in Russia reached a record level, for the first time in history exceeding 1 million tons. This product remains the fastest growing category in the dairy segment, as reported by the National Union of Milk Producers (Soyuzmoloko) in mid-April 2024.

According to Maria Zhebit, Deputy General Director of Soyuzmolok, over 5 years (by the beginning of 2024), cheese consumption on the Russian market increased by 56%. The average annual growth rate of production of these products is approximately 11%. In 2023, Russian cheese makers produced 792 thousand tons of cheeses - 16% more than in 2022.

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Cheese consumption in 2023 for the first time in modern history exceeded 1 million tons, "Zhebit notes.

According to her, against the background of the departure of suppliers from non-CIS countries from the Russian Federation in 2014, this direction is one of the most investment-attractive. Since 2012, the total amount of investments in the category has exceeded 101 billion rubles, of which the bulk (approximately 80%) fell on the period from 2018 to 2023. Moreover, the industry has a trend of enlargement of cheese production and market consolidation - this trend is expected to continue in the future.

At the beginning of 2024, a further increase in both the production and consumption of cheeses in Russia is recorded. In particular, during January-February, the volume of production of these products reached approximately 136 thousand tons, which is 17% more than in the same period of 2023. At the same time, cheese consumption among Russians in January 2024 rose by 16% on an annualized basis.

Zhebit also notes that in the future, whey, a by-product of cheese production, may become a popular destination. It is said that deep whey processing "significantly increases the investment attractiveness of the cheese segment, as well as the economic availability of cheeses for the end consumer."^[5]

2022

Sales of processed cheeses in Russia soared by a third

In 2022, 141.1 thousand tons of processed cheeses were sold in Russia, which is 34.1% more than in 2018 (105 thousand tons). This was announced in May 2023 by BusinesStat analysts in May 2023.

According to them, the basis of the market for processed cheeses in Russia is its own products. Imports are small and aimed at diversifying the range and taste preferences of consumers. In 2022, due to the aggravation of foreign policy relations, Russian cheese producers faced a number of problems. The production of processed cheeses involves the use of melting salts, packaging and equipment of foreign production, with the supply of which under the conditions of sanctions there were interruptions. Manufacturers were forced to hastily look for new suppliers in countries that did not join the sanctions against Russia. Mainly called an alternative. China Russian manufacturers of ingredients and equipment were also able to partially solve the problems.

At the same time, after the start of a special operation in Ukraine, the Finnish company Valio, which has a processed cheese plant in the Moscow region, announced its departure from Russia. Valio sold its assets in Russia to the Velkom group of companies. Products began to be produced under the Viola brand.

The turnover of imports of processed cheeses to Russia in 2018-2020 increased at a high rate, and in 2021-2022 it decreased. In 2022, revenue from imports of processed cheeses in Russia amounted to $8.6 million. In physical terms, imports of products decreased by 43%, to 2 thousand tons. A significant decline was largely due to a decrease in the supply of processed cheeses from Uruguay - by 1.1 thousand tons.

According to analysts, processed cheeses are an inexpensive product with a significant variety of tastes, they are able to diversify home menus without great expense, which has become especially relevant in conditions of inability to visit catering establishments.^[6]

Cheese production growth by 54% over 5 years - up to 717.2 thousand tons

In 2022, 717.2 thousand tons of cheese were produced in Russia, which is 10.7% more than a year earlier, and 53.5% more than the result of 5 years ago (46.8 million tons). This is reported in a study that BusinesStat analysts announced in early May 2023.

According to experts, the embargo on certain types of agricultural products, raw materials and food, from countries that have introduced or supported sanctions against Russia, which have been in force since 2014, had a positive impact on the production of cheeses. The ban on imports led to an increase in production in agriculture and the food industry. Cheese making was especially active, since before the embargo was imposed, imported cheeses occupied up to 50% of the Russian market.

In 2022, Russian cheese producers faced a number of problems caused by the aggravation of foreign policy relations. The operation of cheese factories involves the use of ingredients and materials of imported production, such as starter crops, shrink bags for ripening cheese, packaging materials and containers, as well as melters for the production of processed cheeses. Plant equipment is also mostly imported, and foreign parts are required to keep it running. But gradually Russian companies are setting up the production of the necessary details to reduce dependence on imports.

Interruptions in the supply of foreign sourdough, according to cheese makers, arose only in the first half of 2022. In the future, foreign sourdough began to enter the Russian market again. However, manufacturers decided to protect themselves and began to establish cooperation with Russian bio-factories. By the beginning of 2022, only two bio-factories producing starter crops were operating in the Russian Federation, by the end of the year there were four of them.^[7]

2012

Full Market Data for Curd and Cheese with Charts

In January 2012, the production of cheese and cottage cheese in total was at the level of 88 thousand tons. Compared to January 2011, the current figure is 6% higher. Positive dynamics in relation to cheese and cheese products amounted to 5% compared to last year's indicator, cottage cheese - 2%, cottage cheese products - 12%.

The average production price in Russia for cottage cheese in January 2012 amounted to 123.1 rubles/kg. Regarding the same indicator last year, we observe positive dynamics at the level of 2.5%. In the first month of 2012, the figure increased by 1.7%. Compared to January 2011, among product groups, the price bar for curd products increased most noticeably - by 22% to 116.6 rubles/kg. Cottage cheese with a mass share of fat from 2.0% to 3.8% rose in price by 15% over the year to 128.4 rubles/kg. For the rest of the "curd" positions, the growth is at the level of 2-3%.

Among federal districts, a decrease in the price bar for cottage cheese for the year was noted only in the Far Eastern Federal District - by 1% to 188.6 rubles/kg in January 2012. The maximum positive increase was recorded in the Ural Federal District - by 7% to 133.6 rubles/kg. In the North-West Federal District, the price tag increased by 4% to 139.8 rubles/kg, in the Siberian Federal District - by 3% to 122.2 rubles/kg, in the Central Federal District - by 1% to 118.0 rubles/kg. For the rest of the counties, growth is at 2%.

The increase in the production price for hard cheese for the year amounted to only 1%, in January 2012 the indicator for this position was equal to 194.8 rubles/kg. The growth rate in relation to processed cheese is higher - 4% to 75.7 rubles/kg.

Over the year, hard cheese fell in price only in two districts of the Russian Federation: the North-West Federal District - by 8% to 168.4 rubles/kg in January 2012, and in the Volga Federal District - by 3% to 184.4 rubles/kg. In the Far Eastern Federal District, the maximum growth rate was recorded - by 25% per year to 300 rubles/kg. In the Southern Federal District, positive dynamics amounted to 6% to 194.6 rubles/kg, in the Ural Federal District and the Siberian Federal District - 5% to 178.4 rubles/kg and 217.8 rubles/kg, respectively. For the remaining 1-3%.

2011:7% increase in cottage cheese and cheese production to 1 million 110 thousand tons

Full Market Data for Curd and Cheese with Charts

According to the results of 2011, cheese and cottage cheese production in Russia amounted to 1 million 110 thousand tons. Compared to the previous year, the indicator increased by 7%. At the same time, in relation to cheese and cheese products, we observe negative dynamics - by 2% to 425 thousand tons in 2011. Cottage cheese was also produced by 2% less than in 2010, namely 381 thousand tons. However, the production of curd products increased by 38% to 299 thousand tons in 2011. The indicator for cheese products also showed an increase - by 16% over the year to 52 thousand tons. Among cheeses, the production indicator increased in the following positions: soft cheese - by 8%, semi-solid cheese - by 31%, grainy cheese - by 7%. For other commodity groups, there was a decrease in the indicator: solid cheese in 2011 was produced by 11% less than a year earlier (101 thousand tons), processed cheese - by 16% (123 thousand tons), smoked cheese - by 10%, slug cheese - by 24%, brine cheese - by 5%, fresh - by 3%.

1934: First Melted Cheese Issue

The first processed cheese was released in the USSR in 1934.

Notes