THE CHEESE MARKET OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: CURRENT DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND DIRECTIONS FOR ENHANCING EXPORT POTENTIAL

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive study of current trends in the development of the cheese market in Ukraine in the context of globalization, deepening European integration processes, and the transformation of agri-food systems. Structural changes in cheese production and consumption, as well as the dynamics of foreign trade, are analyzed, with particular attention paid to the impact of increasing imports from European Union countries on the competitive position of domestic producers and the balance of the domestic market. The study identifies key factors constraining the development of the industry, including high production costs, technological obsolescence of certain enterprises, insufficient investment in production modernization, limited access to financial resources, and inadequate compliance with international quality and food safety standards.

Special attention is devoted to examining the potential of craft cheesemaking as a promising direction for production diversification and an effective instrument for sustainable agri-food development. The feasibility of using milk from small ruminants, particularly goats and sheep, is substantiated, as this approach contributes to the preservation of biocultural heritage, the development of environmentally oriented technologies, the diversification of rural economies, and the formation of short supply chains. It is demonstrated that craft cheese production can increase value added, strengthen the economic resilience of rural areas, and create opportunities for entering niche and premium market segments.

The research methodology is based on methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative analysis, statistical generalization, and a systems approach, which ensured a comprehensive assessment of cheese market development trends and substantiation of strategic directions for increasing export potential under conditions of intensifying international competition.