“Ukrainian cheese producers are facing the threat of losing a significant part of the domestic market due to a very likely increase in imports.”, — write: epravda.com.ua
Ukrainian cheese producers are facing the threat of losing a significant part of the domestic market due to a very likely increase in imports. This was reported by the industry analytical agency “Infagro”. “The main reason for the increase in cheese imports is the price disparity for Ukrainian and European products. Imported cheese is much cheaper than domestic cheese,” the analysts explained. In their opinion, two factors can save the situation: a reduction in prices by Ukrainian cheese makers or a significant devaluation of the hryvnia. Advertising: The first option is unlikely, manufacturers have already weaned themselves from using such a sales promotion tool. Even traditional cheeses will not be sold cheaper than UAH 300/kg in the near future. But a collapse of the hryvnia exchange rate may even happen, given the war and the current state of the economy, experts believe. “This is an assumption for the future, and now we are observing a December increase in the import of cheeses from the rennet category (hard, semi-hard, white) immediately by 50% compared to December 2023 to 4.6 thousand tons. The supply of European processed cheeses in a similar comparison increased by 28 % to more than 500 tons,” the analysts reported and added that if the trend of high imports continues, this means that European cheeses will occupy half of the total cheese sales in Ukraine. We will remind: Advertising: Dairy products are becoming more expensive in Ukraine. This is due to the increase in raw material prices and production costs.