Cheese production in South Africa has seen a marked decline over the past decade. From a high of 88.79 thousand metric tons in 2013, production has progressively decreased to 38.09 thousand metric tons by 2023. Year-on-year variations confirm this downward trend, with significant drops such as the -48.45% in 2014 and more stable declines averaging -3.34% between 2019 and 2023. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years stands at -3.34%.
Looking forward, forecasts indicate a continued decline in cheese production, with a predicted volume of 31.01 thousand metric tons by 2028. This forecasted decline reflects an average annual decrease of -3.26% over the next five years, culminating in an estimated -15.27% reduction in overall production volume.
Future trends to watch for include potential shifts in local dairy farming practices, consumer dietary preferences, and economic factors that could impact production. Additionally, the effects of global trade policies and climate change on agricultural productivity are essential factors to monitor.
