The Ukrainian cheese market is largely filled with European products, and this creates significant challenges for local producers. Even despite the temporary reduction in imports in May, Ukrainian cheesemakers need to revise their pricing policy to remain competitive.

As "Infagro" reports, due to the devaluation of the hryvnia, Ukrainian producers focused on increasing export supplies of rennet cheese. The majority of exports, namely 54%, are directed to Kazakhstan, but the volume of deliveries to the European Union is also growing significantly.

On the Ukrainian market, the main importers of rennet cheese are Poland (38% of the market), Germany (17%), the Netherlands (11%), the Czech Republic (8%) and Italy (6%). This significant presence of European cheeses forces Ukrainian producers to look for ways to maintain their competitiveness.

One of the key steps for domestic cheesemakers is a balanced pricing policy. This will make it possible to maintain the market position after the restoration of import supplies. The situation is complicated by the fact that, in order to increase sales volumes, Ukrainian manufacturers are forced to resort to promotional trade, which is often economically unprofitable.

Analysts indicate that promotional discounts have become a necessity for domestic cheesemakers who are trying to reduce stocks in warehouses. This practice allows Ukrainian cheese to become more competitive compared to its European counterparts, but this is a temporary solution.

For long-term success, Ukrainian manufacturers need to invest in improving product quality and production efficiency. Improving quality will help attract consumers even without significant discounts, and investments in production processes will reduce the cost of products.

In addition, it is necessary to expand export markets and look for new partners outside traditional areas. This will reduce dependence on the domestic market and create additional sources of income for enterprises.

Thus, domestic cheese producers have every chance of success, provided the right strategic approach includes pricing policy, quality improvement, and expansion of export opportunities.