Yuan Liu, Shanghai Office, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board

According to the latest customs data, Chinese cheese imports for 2015 reached 75,580 MT ($ 348 million), which represents a 14.56% increase from 2014 and 59.73% increase from 2013. In the first two months of 2016, China has imported 16,790 MT ($ 70 million) cheese, increasing 60.97% in comparison to the same period of 2015.

The main exporters of cheese in 2015 to China were:

New Zealand accounting for 48.66% of the market share, increased by 27.60%

Australia accounting for 20.21% of the market share, decreased by 11.87%

United Stated accounting 15.42% of the market share, increased by 0.20%

According to Euromonitor (2015), in contrast to western markets, cheese consumption in China was dominated by the processed cheese. Traditionally Chinese consumers do not like the strong taste and scents of the unprocessed cheese. However with the growing preference for the western style foods like burger and pizza, processed cheese is certainly in greater demand.

For more information please contact info@bordbia.ie