Churpi: The Hardest Himalayan Yak Cheese Turning Into Global Phenomenon

Famed for its incredible cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, Nepal is making waves in the global market with an unexpected product – Churpi. Originating from the lofty mountains of Nepal, this traditional hard cheese is seeing a huge spike in worldwide demand, primarily due to its use as a durable and natural dog chew.

In the 2021-22 fiscal year, Churpi export earnings amounted to a remarkable $22 million. To give you an idea of how significant this is, tea exports generated $29 million, while carpet exports – both are staple export products of Nepal – raked in $81 million.

Last fiscal year, Nepal's Chhurpi export value stood at Rs 2.91 billion. However, within the first six months of this fiscal year alone, that figure has already climbed to Rs 1.34 billion. Leading the pack among Churpi importers is the United States, purchasing a staggering 84.4% of Nepal's exports or roughly 5.78 tons.

If Churpi demand continues to skyrocket at this pace, we can anticipate a possible 100% surge in export value by the end of the fiscal year. That equals an estimation of Rs 2.68 billion in just six months, culminating in an annual export value of Rs 5.36 billion and nearly doubling last year's records.

To keep up with this ever-growing demand, it's crucial for Nepal to significantly raise its Churpi production levels. The city of Ilam, typically recognized for its tea output, has stepped up as a key player in Churpi manufacturing. By transforming more areas in Nepal into fully-equipped Churpi-producing hubs, locals can enjoy boosted employment opportunities and help grow their economies.

Moreover, given that a staggering 84.4% of Churpi exports are currently shipped to the United States, there's a clear chance to branch out into other markets. Investigating alternative market possibilities in regions like Europe and East Asia, where pet ownership rates are high, could establish a more balanced, sustainable strategy for exporting Churpi.

Churpi's global triumph highlights the untapped potential of traditional Nepali goods in the realm of international trade. It sparks a conversation about how to harness the appeal of other conventional Nepali items and utilize this to invigorate the nation's economy. The Churpi phenomenon serves as a shining example of how embracing tradition and innovation can open doors to the global market.