Cheese prices in Russia are on record level, demand has weakened
Taking into account prompt increase of prices for hard cheeses, consumer demand was essentially weakened in October.
Russians were indignant over the next growth of indicative prices for cheeses in Belarus. Less than for three months they have been increased 6 times.
At the same time there is enough own stocks and production volumes are growing. Despite seasonal decline of milk supply, in September the production of cheeses increased 2.1% in comparison with August and made 34900 tonnes. Growth made 13.3% in comparison with September 2013. Production of cheese product grew even more: 10500 tonnes were produced in Russia in September, up 19% from August and up 30% from September 2013. And that only according to official statistics, because not all producers admit they produce cheese product. It may be that rather inexpensive cheese products will have 50% presence in range of cheeses in Russian shops soon.
Cheese from Switzerland is still delivered to Russia. In the end of September there were problems with import from this country, but now trade continues. Switzerland is almost unique legal way for deliveries of qualitative European cheese. The products from the Netherlands and Germany are partially delivered through it.
Russian producer does not hesitate to increase prices following Belarusian colleagues, especially in conditions of limited supply from Europe.
In the end of October the prices of traditional cheeses of domestic and Belarusian origin reached RUB 245-265/kg in Russia. Cheeses of well-known brands are valued at RUB 265-300/kg.
There are almost no European cheeses on the market, the remains of Gouda/Edam are on sale at RUB 300/kg, Maasdam – at RUB 410-420/kg in wholesale. At the same time Tilsiter from Germany (or maybe Switzerland) is present in full range, but prices are grown all the same – RUB 300-330/kg.
Taking into account problems with sales, it is logical to expect that the prices for cheeses should be at least stabilized in Russia. Import products will rise in price further, because of RUB devaluation.