Friday, 30 June 2023 12:25

Cheese export values stretch to new highs

Written by  Staff Reporters
Exports of New Zealand cheese rose 35% in the past 12 months. Exports of New Zealand cheese rose 35% in the past 12 months.

Cheese exports rose $763 million (35%) in the 12 months to May 2023, compared with the previous year, according to figures released by Stats NZ.

Over the same period, cheese quantities exported rose 6.9%, and the average price per kilogram rose 26%.

“Cheese has become an even more valuable export for New Zealand over the last year, reflecting the higher prices that are being experienced globally,” says international trade manager Al Allen.

Cheddar cheese made up 43% of total cheese exported or $1.3 billion and was the top category exported in the year to May 2023.

Fresh cheese (mainly mozzarella and cream cheese) made up 18% ($528 million), and grated or powdered cheese made up 15% ($456 million) of the total.

China was the leading destination for cheese exported. There was $784 million worth of cheese exported to China (26% of total cheese exports). Japan made up 18% ($530 million) of total exports and Australia made up 11% (336 million).

“There were over 70 destinations that New Zealand cheese has been exported to in the past year,” Allen says.

In terms of value, cheddar was the top cheese export to Japan ($249 million), Australia ($211 million), and Korea ($151 million) in the 12 months to May 2023, whereas the top cheese exports to China was fresh cheese ($264 million) followed by grated or powdered cheese ($238 million).

More like this

Cows down

OPINION: It's not happening as fast as the greenies would like - they actually want all livestock other than Muscovy ducks and Tibetan Llamas to disappear entirely - but it is happening.

Eating more fruit and veg 'helps the economy'

A new international study serves as a stark warning for New Zealanders: our health and wellbeing are in our hands, and increasing our intake of fruit and vegetables is a key step to reducing the pressure on our healthcare system.

Export prices set to remain elevated

Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.

Featured

LIC Space folds for good

Farmer co-operative LIC has closed its satellite-backed pasture measurement platform – Space.

Editorial: Time for common sense

OPINION: The case of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter