The production of whole cow milk cheese in South Africa has experienced considerable fluctuations over the past decade. In 2013, production stood at approximately 88.79 thousand metric tons but saw a sharp decline in 2014 by almost 48.45%. The subsequent years demonstrated a consistent downward trend, with minor year-on-year variations. By 2023, production had dropped to around 38.09 thousand metric tons.
During the last two years, the production fell by 3.39% in 2022 and by another 3.43% in 2023. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years has been -3.34%, indicating a persistent decrease in production.
Future projections suggest that this declining trend will continue, with an anticipated 15.27% reduction by 2028. The forecasted 5-year CAGR is -3.26%, reinforcing the expectation of a continued reduction in production levels.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Potential market or regulatory shifts that could either exacerbate or reverse the declining trend.
- Technological advancements or innovations in dairy farming and cheese production.
- Changes in consumer preferences and demand for dairy products.
- Impact of global economic conditions and trade policies on the South African dairy industry.
