KATHMANDU, Dec 30: The export of Nepali chhurpi has doubled over the past five years. Among the many goods that Nepal exports, chhurpi or hardened cheese is also a significant one. Chhurpi, which is exported especially in the US under the name himalayan dog chew, has been steadily increasing as its export has slowly expanded to other markets.
Earlier, the export of chhurpi, which was only limited to the US, has been also sent to Korea, Australia and some European countries. The data of the Department of Customs shows that the export has increased with the demand of Nepal’s chhurpi in the world market.
According to the department’s data, Nepal has exported chhurpi worth over Rs 1.45 billion till mid-December of the current fiscal year 2024/2025. This has doubled in the last five years. Until mid-December of the fiscal year 2020/2021, Nepal had exported chhurpi worth of only Rs 660 million.
60 quintals Chhurpi exported to US from Ranke Bazaar monthly
Until a few years ago, the US was the main market for Nepali chhurpi, however, the market for Nepali chhurpi has been expanding in recent times. Due to its high quality, there is still significant demand in the US. Nepali chhurpi has also now been able to expand into markets in countries like Korea, Japan, Canada, and European nations due to maintaining the same quality.
According to Naresh Lal Shrestha, the President of the Export Council of Nepal, the demand for Nepali chhurpi abroad is gradually increasing.
According to the department’s data, Nepal exported only 408,000 kilos worth Rs 660 million in the fiscal year 2020/21, and exported 631,000 kilos worth Rs 1.1 billion till mid-November 2021/22.
Similarly, Nepal exported chhurpi worth Rs 1.10 billion in the fiscal year 2022/23 followed by worth Rs 1.18 billion in 2023/24 and worth Rs 1.45 billion in mid-December of the current fiscal year 2024/2025.
The quantity of chhurpi exported until mid-December this year is 176,000 kilograms more compared to the same period of the previous year, and in terms of value, it is Rs 264.1 million higher.
Chhurpi has been exported from Nepal to countries including America with zero customs duty. This shows that there is a high potential for Nepal's Churpi export, said Resham Pokhrel, former president of the Export Council of Nepal. Along with the US, Nepal’s chhurpi is in high demand in countries such as Canada, Japan, Britain, South Korea, and Bangladesh.
Similarly, Pokhrel said that there are some problems in the export of quality chhurpi to the US and other markets. There is no mass farming for milk production in Nepal. Due to the lack of mass farming, chhurpi has to be collected from various groups to for abroad. As a result, it becomes difficult to maintain the quality of chhurpi when it reaches international markets, as per their requirements.
