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Kazakhstan's Dairy Industry Overview

Kazakhstan has solidified its position as a key contributor to the Central Asian dairy market through substantial investments in technology and infrastructure. These initiatives have fostered notable growth in milk production and bolstered international trade.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

The foundation of Kazakhstan's dairy industry lies in its extensive livestock farming, which is home to approximately 1.9 million dairy cattle. This strong livestock base facilitates a significant annual milk production volume of around 5.4 million metric tons, highlighting the sector's critical importance to the national economy.

Milk Processing and Product Manufacturing

Thanks to cutting-edge processing technologies and state-of-the-art facilities, Kazakhstan processes about 4.1 million metric tons of milk annually. The country is well-regarded for producing several essential dairy products, including:

• Cheese: Approximately 39,000 metric tons are produced annually.
• Milk Powder and Whey: Combined production is approximately 28,000 metric tons each year.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Several key enterprises drive Kazakhstan's dairy market:

Dairy Plants

• Rakhmanovskiy Dairy Plant
• KazMilk
• Kapchagay Milk Plant

Dairy Farms

• AgroProdukt KZ
• DanAgro
• ZhiDariya Ltd.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Kazakhstan's dynamic dairy industry is further underscored by its trading activities:

• Export: Approximately 65,000 metric tons of dairy products are exported annually, mainly to Central Asian countries and Russia.
• Import: The country imports about 35,000 metric tons of dairy products each year, primarily from European and Russian suppliers to meet domestic demand.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

• The introduction of DeLaval OptiDuo robotic feed pushers on major farms has notably improved feeding efficiency and milk yields.
• In 2023, Kazakhstan expanded its export markets for cream cheese to Greece and Poland.
• In early 2024, milk production increased by 4.4% from January to August, with Kyrgyz milk imports valued at $6.6 million, demonstrating sector growth.
• Despite a 1.4% decline in ice cream production in the first seven months of 2024 due to rising prices, imports of Kyrgyz butter surged significantly.
• The annual Central Asian Dairy Congress AqAltyn will occur in Turkestan in late 2024, focusing on regional industry cooperation.
• From January to October 2024, there was a 4.2% increase in milk production; however, local farmers are preparing for potential subsidy reductions.
• Kazakhstan remains a leading importer of Russian whey and stands as the largest dairy market in Central Asia, showing steady growth.
• Plans by Olzha Agro to construct a plant processing 300 tons of milk per day were highlighted at the Central Asian Dairy Congress.
• Kazakhstan has strengthened ties with China, with $1 billion in agreements signed between leading companies.
• North Kazakhstan's investment of KZT17 billion ($36 million) in modern dairy farms aims to boost milk production by 70,000 tons annually.
• Investments in Kazakhstan's dairy industry are expected to reach 200 billion tenge by 2025, according to Aidarbek Saparov.
• The country is a key buyer of Russian baby food, accounting for 22% of total exports, and a leading importer of Russian ice cream.
• AqAltyn 2025 is scheduled for November 24–25, 2025, in Kazakhstan.
• Kazakhstan's ice cream exports reached a record 9,800 tons from January to November 2024, marking a 70% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
• Kazakhstan remains the largest importer, purchasing $19.8 million worth of Russian ice cream.
• Kazakhstan maintained its position as one of Russia’s primary trade partners.

Modified: 2025/03/10