Kazakhstan’s cheese production increased by 5.6 thousand tonnes

Kazakh producers have significantly increased the production of cheese and cottage cheese. At the same time, exports have expanded, imports have declined, and domestic demand has continued to grow, according to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, El.kz reports.

Kazakhstan increases production

During the January–May period of the current year, domestic enterprises produced 25.7 thousand tonnes of cheese and cottage cheese, representing a 28% increase compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

Production volumes rose by 5.6 thousand tonnes, strengthening the position of Kazakh dairy products in both the domestic market and international markets.

Kazakh cheese expands into new export markets

During the first five months of the year, domestic producers exported approximately 0.9 thousand tonnes of cheese and cottage cheese. The principal export destinations remained Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the geographical coverage of exports has also expanded. Export volumes increased to Uzbekistan and Mongolia, while shipments to Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea commenced during the reporting period.

Imports decline while domestic demand continues to grow

Against the backdrop of rising domestic production, Kazakhstan reduced imports of cheese and cottage cheese. Import volumes decreased by 9.2% compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

At the same time, domestic consumption continued to increase. During the January - May period, sales of cheese and cottage cheese reached 41.4 thousand tonnes, exceeding the level recorded during the same period last year by over 11%.

Where cottage cheese is most affordable

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the average retail price of cottage cheese nationwide stood at 2,457 tenge per kilogram in June.

The lowest average retail price was recorded in Petropavlovsk, at 1,661 tenge per kilogram, while the highest average price was observed in Zhezkazgan, where consumers paid an average of 3,060 tenge per kilogram.