Overview of Armenia's Dairy Industry
Armenia's dairy industry is a cornerstone of its agricultural economy, combining large-scale dairy farms with numerous small household producers. The industry is essential for meeting domestic consumption needs and supporting the country's dairy processing capabilities.
Milk Production
The country produces approximately 750 million liters of milk annually, highlighting the dairy industry's significance to Armenia's economy. This production level is crucial for sustaining the dairy processing sector.
Dairy Cattle and Goat Population
Armenia is home to around 157,000 dairy cattle, distributed across various regions, contributing to a diverse and resilient dairy farming ecosystem. Additionally, the country 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
Annually, 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 popular both locally and internationally.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
Armenia produces around 5,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey 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.
Armenia is one of Russia’s primary export destinations for dairy products, benefiting from minimal trade barriers with Russia, making it a key market for Russian dairy exports.
Modified: 2025/08/14