Introduction – Current State of Play: The Cheese Sector in Ukraine
Ukraine’s cheese market in 2025 is navigating through a whirlwind of change. From trade policy revisions to a flood of imported cheese, the landscape has shifted dramatically—and fast. If you’re a business sourcing cheese from Ukraine, or even just watching the dairy sector, you’ll want to keep your finger on the pulse.
Let’s break it down.
In late 2024 and early 2025, Ukraine saw a massive surge in cheese imports. Just in December 2024, the country imported 4,600 tonnes of rennet cheeses—a whopping 50% increase from the previous year. European processed cheeses weren’t left out either, jumping 28% year-on-year. These imports are cheaper, better supported by subsidies, and gaining shelf space quickly. Today, imported cheeses make up nearly half of Ukraine’s supermarket offerings.
But it’s not just a price war. In June 2025, the European Union reinstated tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian dairy, ending the favorable terms previously granted under the Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATP) regime. This has shrunk the export window for Ukrainian producers, limiting them to just 5,000 tonnes for milk powder and 3,000 tonnes for butter.
Despite this, Ukraine’s cheese exports are holding their own. In the first seven months of 2025, exports climbed 24.6%, generating over $37 million—up 32.9% from the same period in 2024. Key markets like Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Germany are driving this growth, especially as Russia’s role in the region diminishes.
At home, producers are feeling the squeeze. They can’t raise prices much due to the competitive pressure from imports, even though raw milk costs are rising. Still, resilience is baked into Ukraine’s dairy DNA, and local suppliers are adapting fast.
Deep Dive – Breaking News: Critical Updates & Their Effects
So far in 2025, the cheese industry in Ukraine is facing a cocktail of headwinds and tailwinds. While there are no major new factory launches or tech innovations hitting headlines just yet, one thing is clear—this market is evolving rapidly.
The biggest story? The reactivation of EU tariffs and quotas. This single move has altered the cheese export game for Ukrainian producers. Where once they enjoyed open access to EU consumers, they now face tighter restrictions and increased competition.
On the flip side, Central Asian markets are opening up. Ukrainian cheese is now carving out a niche in countries like Kazakhstan and Moldova, thanks in part to shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Top 4 Verified Cheese Suppliers in Ukraine – Adapting to Today’s Market
Here are the top cheese suppliers in Ukraine that are standing strong amid the 2025 market turbulence. All of these have been verified for their export readiness, product quality, certifications, and presence on platforms like Freshdi, which tracks supplier credibility, RFQ trends, and buyer feedback.
1. HEALTHY GENERATION LLC UKRAINE
- Innovative product lines, including gluten-free and specialty cheese-infused foods.
- Known for flexible production and adaptable export strategies.
- A favorite among health-conscious markets and retailers.
2. BERISLAVSKIY SIRZAVOD
- One of Ukraine’s most experienced cheese plants.
- Offers a wide variety of hard and semi-hard cheeses.
- Strong presence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
- High ratings on Freshdi for product consistency and shipment reliability.
3. EKOSYR
- Focuses on eco-friendly and organic cheese production.
- Gaining traction in premium retail markets abroad.
- Excellent traceability and compliance with EU food safety standards.
4. FARM DOBRA KORIVKA. TM MYKKO
- A boutique farm operation with strong branding.
- Specializes in artisanal and farmstead cheeses.
- Great option for niche buyers looking for unique, small-batch cheeses.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings such as these can shift dynamically based on real-time activity, supplier responsiveness, and buyer reviews. Platforms like Freshdi feature “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” to reflect current standouts based on RFQ wins, new certifications, and buyer engagement.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Prevailing Cheese Landscape in Ukraine
So, what does all this mean for importers, distributors, and foodservice buyers?
Here’s the deal:
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Risk Management is a Must: With EU policy changes and import competition at home, Ukrainian suppliers are prioritizing export relationships. Buyers should ensure supplier continuity and explore multiple sourcing options.
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Diversify Product Focus: Instead of just traditional hard cheeses, consider expanding into eco-friendly, organic, or processed cheese segments. These have rising demand in emerging markets.
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Geography Matters: Regions like Kherson and Vinnytsia, home to suppliers such as BERISLAVSKIY SIRZAVOD and EKOSYR, are less affected by logistical hiccups and have stable milk supply chains.
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Pricing Strategy: Due to the price war triggered by European imports, Ukrainian cheese suppliers are offering competitive deals. Businesses can negotiate better bulk rates now than in previous years.
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Watch RFQ Trends: Platforms like Freshdi provide up-to-date RFQ trends, helping buyers align with what’s hot in the market—whether that’s processed cheese for retail chains or white cheeses for foodservice.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Dynamic Market
Let’s recap.
Ukraine’s cheese sector in 2025 is a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities.
- Imports are up, especially from Europe, pressuring Ukrainian producers.
- EU market access is restricted, but other markets like Central Asia are booming.
- Cheese exports are growing, despite hurdles, thanks to strategic shifts and resilient producers.
- Domestic prices are stable, but only because Ukrainian cheesemakers are absorbing rising input costs.
As a buyer, staying informed isn’t optional—it’s essential.
That’s where platforms like Freshdi come into play. They offer:
- Verified supplier profiles.
- Real-time RFQ trends.
- Notifications on market shifts.
- Supplier performance insights.
- Tools to connect with exporters adapting to today’s market.
So, whether you’re sourcing in bulk or exploring boutique cheese lines, Ukraine remains a viable and vibrant cheese hub—if you navigate it right.
Themed Buyer Checklist: Sourcing Cheese from Ukraine in 2025
- ✅ Check export capabilities and certifications of suppliers.
- ✅ Monitor tariff updates and trade policy shifts.
- ✅ Compare domestic vs. imported cheese pricing.
- ✅ Use platforms like Freshdi to track supplier reviews and RFQ activity.
- ✅ Diversify your cheese types and sourcing regions.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Ukraine’s Cheese Market?
Looking ahead, we can expect:
- Increased innovation in eco and specialty cheeses.
- More aggressive competition from European imports.
- Policy lobbying from Ukrainian dairy associations aiming to restore EU access.
- Digital transformation in B2B sourcing, with platforms like Freshdi leading the charge.
Buyers who stay nimble, well-informed, and connected will have the upper hand.
5 Unique FAQs About Cheese Sourcing in Ukraine (2025)
Q1: Is Ukraine still a reliable cheese exporter despite EU trade barriers?
Absolutely. While EU restrictions have made things tougher, Ukraine’s exports to Central Asia, Moldova, and even parts of Western Europe are growing. Many suppliers are adapting by diversifying markets and product lines.
Q2: How can I verify if a Ukrainian cheese supplier is certified for export?
Platforms like Freshdi provide verified supplier profiles, including export certifications and buyer feedback.
Q3: Are Ukrainian cheeses price competitive in 2025?
Yes. Due to domestic pricing pressures and rising imports, many Ukrainian producers are offering very competitive prices, especially for bulk orders.
Q4: What cheese types are in highest demand from Ukraine right now?
Hard cheeses, white cheeses, and processed cheese blends are in strong demand. Eco-friendly and organic cheeses are also gaining traction in niche markets.
Q5: How does Freshdi help buyers source cheese from Ukraine?
Freshdi connects buyers with verified suppliers, tracks RFQ trends, highlights top-performing exporters, and provides real-time updates on market shifts so you can make smarter, faster sourcing decisions.
References
- Ukraine Cheese Imports Surge
- EU Reinstates Tariffs on Ukrainian Dairy
- Ukraine Cheese Export Growth
- Domestic Cheese Market Pressures
Looking to explore verified cheese suppliers in Ukraine? Start with Freshdi—your gateway to smarter, faster, and more informed B2B sourcing.
