Algeria's Dairy Industry: An In-Depth Analysis

Country Overview

Situated in North Africa, Algeria is undergoing a transformation in its dairy industry, propelled by strategic initiatives and substantial foreign investments.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

As of the most recent data, Algeria is home to approximately 1.8 million dairy cattle. Last year, the country produced about 3.5 billion liters of milk, marking robust growth in its dairy production.

Milk Processing and Product Output

The country processes around 2.1 billion liters of milk annually. Key dairy products include:

• Cheese Production: 55,000 tons annually
• Milk Powder and Whey Production: 30,000 tons annually

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Several enterprises are steering the growth of Algeria's dairy industry:

• Giplait: A major public sector company involved in milk processing and dairy manufacturing.
• Laiterie Soummam: One of the largest private dairy firms in Algeria, known for its wide range of dairy products.
• Alrawabi Dairy Company: A newly established firm with significant foreign investment, focusing on modern dairy practices.

Significant Industry Events

Recent events marking Algeria's dairy sector include:

• The launch of the National Dairy Program aiming for self-sufficiency in milk production by 2025.
• In 2022, partnerships with international dairy giants were announced, facilitating knowledge transfer and technological gains.
• Soummam announced a tender for 4,000 metric tons of skimmed milk powder (SMP) MH and 1,000 metric tons of SMP UHT for delivery in early 2025.

Trade: Exports and Imports

Algeria actively participates in the global dairy trade:

• Export: About 50 million liters of dairy products annually.
• Import: Approximately 1.2 billion liters worth of dairy products every year.

Despite being a net importer, Algeria is focused on reducing import dependence and enhancing local dairy production. The country's Whole Milk Powder (WMP) purchase indicates robust demand and highlights Algeria's evolving dairy landscape.

Conclusion

Algeria's dairy industry is at a pivotal juncture, with modernization efforts poised to expand significantly. Government initiatives, private investments, and international partnerships play crucial roles in unlocking the industry's full potential. A notable development includes the shipment of 2,100 high-grade heifers for a five-day journey to Algeria, boosting dairy cattle resources. Additionally, Algeria emerged as a key market for Uruguay's dairy exports, showcasing Uruguay's expanding international reach and Algeria's position as the second largest market with 1,948 tonnes amounting to USD 10.5 million.

Modified: 2025/04/18

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