Russia: Altay Region is no more a “cheese mecca”

Since 2005 Altay Region (Russia) was the first among cheese producing regions in the country. But preliminary data shows decrease in production in 2013. Local processors link this fact to absence of quality milk in the region. During January-November 2013 production of milk here decreased by 90 thousand tons compared to the same period of the previous year. Altay cheese makers do not have certain plans of sector development, at the moment to keep the existing market is more important for them.

At the same time regions-competitors show good results. In 2012 Moscow Region increased cheese and cheese products production by 5.7 thousand tons. Uptrend was also fixed in Krasnodar Region and Rep. of Mordovia.

According to Andrey Danilenko, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Dairy Producers Union, in 2013 many regions faced cheese production drop: around 20% of total Russian production was lost. Industry’s future will depend on federal support, believes the expert.