Overview of Egypt's Dairy Industry
The Egyptian dairy industry is an essential part of the country's agricultural framework, experiencing significant growth and contributing substantially to the economy. It supports both local consumption and maintains a notable level of exports.
Milk Production and Dairy Cattle
Egypt produces about 6 million metric tons of milk each year, underscoring the importance of dairy farming. The country has a robust dairy cattle population of approximately 4.7 million, ensuring a steady supply to meet both domestic and international demands.
Milk Processing and Product Varieties
The annual milk processing volume in Egypt is around 3.5 million metric tons. This processing is vital 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, serving both domestic needs and international trade.
Key Dairy Players
Prominent dairy plants in Egypt include Domty, Lactalis Egypt, Juhayna Food Industries, Green Land Group, and Danone Egypt. Major 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 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 satisfy 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