Ukrainian cheese producers continue to face growing competition from imported products from the European Union. Although December is traditionally a peak sales month for the industry, in 2025 not all domestic companies were able to benefit from the seasonal increase in demand, ProAgro Group reports.

While cheese consumption in Ukraine likely rose slightly, most of this growth was driven by imports. European cheeses have a significant price advantage, as importers purchase them at prices lower than the cost of producing similar products in Ukraine. According to experts, prices for imported cheeses are expected to remain stable in the near term.

In November, cheese imports increased by 10% compared to October. In particular, imports of “white” cheeses rose by 4%, while imports of processed cheeses, by contrast, fell by 18%. Analysts expect imports to pick up further in December, as was the case last year.

Experts note that domestic cheese consumption has not yet returned to pre-war levels, which continues to weigh on Ukrainian producers. In 2025, sales of semi-hard cheeses on the domestic market are forecast to be 17% lower than in 2021. Average consumption remains at around 2 kg per person per year, with approximately one quarter of this volume accounted for by EU-produced cheeses.

Earlier reports indicated that Ukrainian cheese has been losing its domestic market due to weak demand, overstocked warehouses, and mounting import pressure.

Source: INFAGRO