Paraguay's Dairy Ambitions: A 10% Growth Target for Cheese Exports
Source: dairynews.today
Paraguay exported 78,02 tonnes of cheese in 2024 and plans a 10% increase in production and export this year.
On World Cheese Day, celebrated on March 27, Paraguay's dairy industry reported sustainable growth and set a target to increase cheese production and exports by 10% this year.
According to Hugo Pistilli, Vice President of the Association of Milk Producers (Aprole), the industry has made remarkable advances in volume and quality, solidifying its position in Mercosur. In 2024, Paraguay exported 78,02 tonnes of cheese, equivalent to US$ 363,558 in FOB value, with Brazil as one of the main destinations.
Despite being only the third most exported dairy product after powdered milk and butter, cheese consumption continues to rise both domestically and internationally. The sector aims to diversify its cheese offerings to compete with imports from Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, which currently dominate the Paraguayan market. The dairy industry has experienced a gradual increase in exports over the last four years, both in volume and revenue, while imports remained stable. The sector targets an annual 10% growth in cheese production and export, overcoming infrastructure and investment challenges to achieve this goal.
Pistilli highlighted the importance of improving productivity, with some producers reaching 40 liters per cow per day, approaching the US average. He also stressed the need to increase domestic consumption, as Paraguay's per capita dairy consumption is the lowest in Mercosur. Moreover, Aprole promotes education on dairy breeds and production technology, essential for achieving the sector's goals.
Industry growth will depend on climate conditions and resource availability, including cattle feed grains. The local dairy sector remains committed to expanding cheese production and exports, aiming to establish Paraguay as a regional leader in the coming years through diversification, technology, and increased internal consumption.
According to Hugo Pistilli, Vice President of the Association of Milk Producers (Aprole), the industry has made remarkable advances in volume and quality, solidifying its position in Mercosur. In 2024, Paraguay exported 78,02 tonnes of cheese, equivalent to US$ 363,558 in FOB value, with Brazil as one of the main destinations.
Despite being only the third most exported dairy product after powdered milk and butter, cheese consumption continues to rise both domestically and internationally. The sector aims to diversify its cheese offerings to compete with imports from Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, which currently dominate the Paraguayan market. The dairy industry has experienced a gradual increase in exports over the last four years, both in volume and revenue, while imports remained stable. The sector targets an annual 10% growth in cheese production and export, overcoming infrastructure and investment challenges to achieve this goal.
Pistilli highlighted the importance of improving productivity, with some producers reaching 40 liters per cow per day, approaching the US average. He also stressed the need to increase domestic consumption, as Paraguay's per capita dairy consumption is the lowest in Mercosur. Moreover, Aprole promotes education on dairy breeds and production technology, essential for achieving the sector's goals.
Industry growth will depend on climate conditions and resource availability, including cattle feed grains. The local dairy sector remains committed to expanding cheese production and exports, aiming to establish Paraguay as a regional leader in the coming years through diversification, technology, and increased internal consumption.
