Cheese production in Germany experienced growth of 0.6% year-on-year in 2023. Thus, it reached a total of 2 million 656,000 tons, according to data from the German Dairy Industry Association.
Germany is positioned as the world’s largest exporter of cheese. In 2023, its exports reached a value of 6,498 million dollars, an increase of 4.3% compared to 2022.
This country is known for its diversity in cheese production. Among the most prominent varieties are Emmental, Gouda and Quark. In addition, the country produces Tilsiter, Bergkäse, Allgäuer Emmentaler and Romadur.
Cheese production in Germany
The German Dairy Industry Association reported that cheese consumption has shown a positive development. This growth can be attributed to significant increases in meat product prices.
In 2023, cheese prices in short-term agreements decreased. However, annual average prices were at the second highest level in recent decades.
Cheese production in Germany, in thousands of tons, is presented below:
- 2016: 2,498
- 2017: 2,481
- 2018: 2,525
- 2019: 2,581
- 2020: 2,640
- 2021: 2,666
- 2022: 2,639
- 2023: 2,656
Challenges in the dairy industry
In 2023, the German dairy industry faced a challenging macroeconomic environment. According to estimates by economic research institutes, the country’s economic performance was below the international average. In fact, it contracted by 0.5 percent.
Inflation was a persistent problem in 2023. Although the inflation rate, which reached its highest level in seventy years in 2022, moderated, food prices increased more than overall inflation.
External sales
The export business improved in 2023. The German dairy industry exported more dairy products than in 2022. Growth was recorded in most product segments.
Cheese exports, in particular, are very important in terms of milk equivalent. They increased by 6.4% to 1,183,000 tons.
Here are German cheese exports, in millions of dollars:
- 2016: 3,657
- 2017: 4,425
- 2018: 4,624
- 2019: 4,609
- 2020: 4,805
- 2021: 5,421
- 2022: 6,232
- 2023: 6,498
The main destinations for cheese exports from Germany are: Italy, the Netherlands, France, Austria, Belgium and Spain.