Kazakhstan’s cheese and cottage cheese production surges nearly 40% in early 2026

Kazakhstan recorded a substantial increase in cheese and cottage cheese production during the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the continued expansion of the country’s domestic dairy sector, reports Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to data released by the Bureau of National Statistics, production volumes reached 15,300 tonnes between January and March 2026, marking a 38.8 per cent rise compared with the same period last year. Output increased by 4,200 tonnes year-on-year, reflecting stronger manufacturing capacity and growing activity in the national food industry.

The rise in domestic production coincided with a decline in imports. During the reporting period, Kazakhstan imported 9,400 tonnes of cheese and cottage cheese, down 10.1 per cent from 10,500 tonnes recorded a year earlier. Imported products currently account for 38.2 per cent of total market resources.

Export volumes also fell during the first three months of the year. Kazakhstan exported 382.2 tonnes of cheese and cottage cheese, representing a decrease of 20.2 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.

At the same time, domestic consumption continued to expand. Sales of cheese and cottage cheese on the internal market reached 24,400 tonnes, an increase of 15.7 per cent year-on-year, signalling sustained demand from consumers.

The latest figures underline broader changes within Kazakhstan’s food production sector, where local manufacturers are increasing output to meet growing domestic demand and reduce reliance on imported dairy products.