MODERN PRODUCTION OF CHEESES IN RUSSIA

Abstract

This article provides an analysis of cheese production in Russia. It has been established that Russian cheese production is experiencing active development. The volume of production of hard and semi-hard cheeses, including cheese products, in 2024 amounted to 861 thousand tons, which is 1.9 times higher than the volume of cheeses produced in 2015. The article provides production figures for the TOP 10 largest cheese producers in Russia for 2023 and 2024. It highlights the specific features of cheese production in Russia. The article also lists the factors that affect the quality of cheese, such as the quality of milk. The equipment used in cheese production plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of the final product, as it allows for precise control of parameters, automation of processes, and creation of specific conditions for cheese maturation. Innovations in cheese production include developments in various fields: technology, equipment, microflora, and process management. The following parameters influence the formation of cheese flavor: milk quality, choice of coagulant, salt content, lactic acid bacteria used in the cheese production process, and ripening cultures that only contribute to flavor development during ripening.