In 2023, Germany led European cheese production with a 20.81% share, followed by France at 16.99% and Italy at 12.26%. Other significant contributors were the Netherlands (8.74%) and Poland (8.29%). The data from 2023 suggests that countries like Ireland and the Czech Republic saw notable increases in production, indicating a dynamic market environment. Meanwhile, Norway and Lithuania witnessed decreases, a likely sign of shifting industry dynamics. Overall, the cheese production landscape in Europe reflects a mix of stability and growth, with a slight CAGR suggesting modest expansion in the sector over the past five years.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Germany's dominance may continue to solidify, but key players like France and Italy must innovate to maintain their shares.
- Countries with high growth rates like Ireland and the Czech Republic could become increasingly important players.
- Negative growth in countries like Norway and Lithuania could lead to industry realignments or shifts in competitive strategies.
- Sustainable practices and unique cheese variants may drive future market transformations across Europe.
Top countries in Cheese Production Share by Country (Thousand Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 20.81 | 2023 | +0.84% | +0.94% | View data |
| 2 | 2 France | 16.99 | 2023 | +0.63% | +0.14% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Italy | 12.26 | 2023 | +2.01% | +1.17% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Netherlands | 8.74 | 2023 | +1.52% | +1.85% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Poland | 8.29 | 2023 | +1.28% | +1.85% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Spain | 4.85 | 2023 | +1.77% | +2.9% | View data |
| 7 | 7 United Kingdom | 4.42 | 2023 | +1.69% | +1.44% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Denmark | 4.16 | 2023 | +0.94% | +0.82% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Ireland | 2.62 | 2023 | +4.92% | +5.63% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Greece | 2.17 | 2023 | +1.05% | +2.28% | View data |