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Kazakhstan: A Dairy Industry Powerhouse in Central Asia

Kazakhstan's dairy industry is rapidly evolving, achieving notable advancements in technology and infrastructure that have bolstered its capacity both domestically and internationally.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

Kazakhstan's dairy sector is supported by approximately 1.9 million dairy cattle, contributing to an impressive annual milk production of about 5.4 million metric tons. This production plays a significant role in the national economy and positions Kazakhstan as a central figure in the regional dairy market.

Milk Processing and Product Manufacturing

Annually, Kazakhstan processes around 4.1 million metric tons of milk using sophisticated processing technologies. The production outputs are diverse, including:

• Cheese: Around 39,000 metric tons per year.
• Milk Powder and Whey: Combined production of about 28,000 metric tons annually.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Dairy Plants

• Rakhmanovskiy Dairy Plant
• KazMilk
• Kapchagay Milk Plant

Dairy Farms

• AgroProdukt KZ
• DanAgroZhi
• Dariya Ltd.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Kazakhstan exports approximately 65,000 metric tons of dairy products annually, primarily to Central Asia and Russia. In parallel, it imports about 35,000 metric tons, primarily from Europe and Russia, ensuring a balanced trade flow.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

• The introduction of DeLaval OptiDuo robotic feed pushers has improved feeding efficiency and yields.
• In 2023, Kazakhstan expanded its cream cheese exports to Greece and Poland.
• Between January and August 2024, a 4.4% increase in milk production was noted, despite a 1.4% decline in ice cream production.
• The Central Asian Dairy Congress AqAltyn is scheduled for late 2024 in Turkestan.
• From January to October 2024, there was a 4.2% increase in milk production, with potential subsidy reductions.
• Kazakhstan has strengthened ties with China, securing $1 billion in agreements with major corporations.
• The North Kazakhstan region invested KZT17 billion ($36 million) in modern dairy farms, aiming to augment production by 70,000 tons annually.
• Dairy industry investments are projected to reach 200 billion tenge by 2025.
• AqAltyn 2025 is set to take place on November 24–25 in Kazakhstan.
• Ice cream exports reached a record 9,800 tons from January to November 2024.
• Public dining prices have increased, with fast food prices up 12.7% over the past year.
• Official milk production reports suggest 6 million metric tons annually, though estimates indicate closer to 2 million tons.
• In January-February 2025, Kyrgyzstan increased its butter exports to Kazakhstan to 71.8 tons, valued at $432 thousand.
• LLP “Maslo-Del,” the only enterprise in Kazakhstan with production in both the dairy and fat-and-oil industries, proposes an excise tax on palm oil to support domestic producers and protect food security.
• By the end of 2024, Kazakhstan became the third-largest market for Belarusian agricultural products and foodstuffs.
• The Tewes Group will supply equipment and infrastructure for RnR Group’s new dairy plant in Kazakhstan.

Consumption of dairy products in Kazakhstan has decreased by 8% over the past five years.

Modified: 2025/05/03