Overview of Egypt's Dairy Industry
The Egyptian dairy industry is a vital part of the nation's agricultural framework, showing significant growth and contributing substantially to the economy. It supports both local consumption and a notable level of exports.
Milk Production and Dairy Cattle
Egypt produces about 6 million metric tons of milk each year, highlighting the importance of dairy farming. The country maintains a robust dairy cattle population of approximately 4.7 million, ensuring a steady supply to meet domestic and international demands.
Milk Processing and Product Varieties
The annual milk processing volume in Egypt is about 3.5 million metric tons. This processing is crucial for creating a variety of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk powder. Cheese production is particularly significant, with Egypt producing around 1.2 million metric tons annually, focusing on popular varieties like Domty and white cheese.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
Annually, Egypt produces approximately 0.5 million metric tons of milk powder and whey, which are important for both domestic use and international trade.
Key Dairy Players
Prominent dairy plants include Domty, Lactalis Egypt, Juhayna Food Industries, Green Land Group, and Danone Egypt. Key dairy farms contributing to the sector are Misr Dairy, Al Nahda Dairy Farm, Egy Dairy Farms, Al Enma Dairy Farm, and Danone's Associated Farms.
Export and Import Dynamics
Egypt exports about 200,000 metric tons of dairy products each year, primarily targeting the Middle Eastern and African markets with cheese as a major export. To complement domestic production, Egypt imports roughly 150,000 metric tons of dairy products annually, focusing on powdered milk and specific cheese varieties to meet diverse consumer preferences.
Significant Events and Economic Indicators
Recent developments in the Egyptian dairy industry include Danone's collaboration with local farmers to implement advanced dairy farming techniques, enhancing productivity and milk quality. The sector has also been influenced by the demerger of Arabian Food Industries, known as Domty, affecting acquisition strategies within the industry. Additionally, a decrease in the annual inflation rate to 23.4% in December indicates a potentially improving economic environment favorable to the dairy sector.
Consumption in the MENA Region
Egypt is the third leading country in dairy consumption in the MENA region, consuming 8.4 million tons of dairy products, thus playing a significant role in the region's total consumption.
Modified: 2025/05/18