Asia
In the second half of 2024, cheese prices experienced significant fluctuations across different regions, driven by various supply and demand factors. In Asia, the market saw a moderate increase in cheese prices due to growing demand in countries like Japan and South Korea, where cheese consumption continued to rise.
However, supply issues, especially from major producers in the US and Europe, meant that Asia had to rely on imports to meet its needs, pushing prices higher. The seasonal increase in demand for dairy products, coupled with logistical challenges, further pressured the market.
Europe
In Europe, cheese prices surged, particularly in the latter half of the year. The region faced a tightening supply of cheese, partly due to a decline in milk production and an outbreak of bluetongue in some key dairy areas. These supply disruptions, combined with a steady demand for cheese both domestically and from export markets, led to sharp price increases. Retail prices in the EU hit record highs, reflecting the high cost of production and reduced availability of cheese. The higher prices were especially noticeable in premium cheese varieties, which saw a significant rise in cost due to the scarcity of milk.
North America
In North America, particularly the US, cheese prices also saw a sharp uptick during the second half of 2024. Factors like a decrease in milk production, which had been down for consecutive months, contributed to lower cheese supplies. In addition, the anticipation of strong demand during the holiday season caused prices to climb further. The imbalance between lower production and higher demand pushed cheddar and other cheese prices up, with analysts noting that cheese markets in the US were tighter than expected. The rise in cheese prices was especially visible in the Midwest, a key cheese-producing region.