In Ukraine the situation on the cheese market continues to deteriorate. In the IV quarter it is expected further reduction of production by domestic cheese makers due to the growth of imports of European products. This is reported by Infagro , Dengi.ua .
Thus, the situation is due to the growth of imports of European products, which have become much cheaper against the background of price collapse in the EU. In recent months, prices for key varieties of cheese in Europe have fallen by a quarter.
As a result, imported cheeses are now cheaper in Ukraine than some domestic fermented dairy products, not to mention semi-hard cheeses.
Such a difference in cost significantly affects the decisions of retail chains, which increasingly prefer imports.
According to analysts, cheese imports have been increasing for several months in a row. In September, an active growth of supplies was recorded, and it was hard and semi-hard cheeses that added the most.
"The overall dynamics for the year indicates a significant increase in imports, especially against the background of reduced domestic demand. The market has not seen such a high share of imports since the pre-pandemic period," the report said.
Export
Amid growing imports, Ukrainian producers are trying to reach additional foreign markets. Although exports are showing some growth, it is still not enough to fully compensate for losses in the domestic market. In particular, the export volumes of semi-hard cheeses, although increased, remain half as much as the import volumes.
"In general, the situation on the cheese market forces Ukrainian producers to prepare for production cuts and possible revision of business strategies. If imports continue to grow at this rate, the share of domestic products on the shelves will continue to decline rapidly," the experts added.