Spanish cheese exports grow by 15,5%, while domestic consumption increases by 3%

Spanish cheese exports maintain their upward trend in 2024, surpassing the historical records reached in 2023.

Meanwhile, domestic cheese consumption in Spain has seen a 3% increase over the past year, reaching 10 kg per person per year, according to Eurostat. However, this figure is still well below the European average, which is 21 kg per person. In addition, the domestic market is facing growing competition from imported cheeses, whose presence increased by 10,7% in 2023, and continues to rise with a further 15% in the first half of 2024.

The data reinforces Spain's position in key markets such as France, Portugal, Italy and the United States, where exports already reach 4.903 tons valued at 58,77 million euros.

The Interprofessional Dairy Organization (InLac) has highlighted these achievements during its participation in the fair Fromago Cheese Experience 2024 in Zamora, where he also presented new tools to promote Spanish cheese. Among them, a B2B platform that connects national producers with importers in United States, and "QI", a virtual assistant that uses artificial intelligence to recommend Spanish cheeses to consumers based on their personal preferences.

Daniel Ferreiro, president of InLac, stressed the importance of protecting and promoting national cheeses: “Behind every Spanish cheese there is a story of dedication, of strengthened local communities and of a cultural heritage that should be appreciated and promoted by all.”

For its part, Nuria Ma Arribas, managing director of InLac, said: “These tools ensure a sustainable future for the country's cheese production, promoting the social and economic development of rural areas.”