Overview of Armenia's Dairy Industry
Armenia's dairy industry is a vital sector within its agricultural economy, marked by a combination of large-scale dairy farms and numerous small household producers. The industry plays a crucial role in fulfilling domestic consumption needs and supporting the country's dairy processing capabilities.
Milk Production
Armenia produces approximately 750 million liters of milk annually, which is essential for meeting local demand and sustaining the dairy processing sector. This production level underscores the importance of the dairy industry in Armenia's economy.
Dairy Cattle and Goat Population
The country is home to around 157,000 dairy cattle, distributed across various regions, contributing to a diverse and resilient dairy farming ecosystem. Additionally, Armenia maintains an estimated population of 50,000 dairy goats, making goat milk and related products a niche yet significant segment of the market.
Milk Processing and Cheese Production
Each year, approximately 500 million liters of milk are processed in Armenia, ensuring a broad range of dairy products for consumers. Cheese production is particularly notable, with an annual volume of about 30,000 metric tons, including traditional Armenian varieties that are popular both locally and internationally.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
Armenia's production of milk powder and whey stands at around 5,000 metric tons annually. These products are crucial for both the domestic food production industry and export markets.
Key Dairy Enterprises
Prominent companies in Armenia's dairy sector include Ashtarak Kat LLC, known for its wide range of products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; Tamara Ltd, specializing in traditional Armenian cheeses with a focus on exports; and Bonilat CJSC, which plays a significant role in the domestic market through its milk and yogurt production.
Notable Dairy Farms
Artashat Dairy Farm and Lusavor Farm are noteworthy contributors to the local milk supply, with Lusavor Farm engaging in both cattle and goat milk production to serve niche markets.
Export and Import of Dairy Products
Armenia exports about 10,000 metric tons of dairy products annually, with key items being cheese, milk powder, and traditional Armenian products sent primarily to neighboring countries like Russia and Georgia. The country also imports approximately 3,000 metric tons of dairy products each year to supplement domestic supply, especially during periods of high demand. Major imports include butter, cheese, and milk powder.
Significant Events in Armenia's Dairy Industry
The Armenian dairy market is poised for growth, with upcoming changes such as the adoption of new labeling standards for dairy and meat products to enhance consumer information and transparency. "Voske Kat" plans to invest $201 million in expanding the sector, indicating a robust growth trajectory. Additionally, Armenia faces a slight decline in cattle herd numbers, with a 0.7% decrease to 621,000 head noted recently. The country remains a significant importer of Russian and Belarusian dairy products, including skimmed milk powder, which is highly demanded by Armenian companies.
Modified: 2025/07/23