Kazakhstan's Dairy Industry Overview

Kazakhstan has cemented its status as a major player in the Central Asian dairy market through strategic investments in technology and infrastructure. These efforts have led to notable growth in milk production and international trade.

Milk Production and Dairy Cattle

The backbone of Kazakhstan's dairy industry is its robust livestock farming, home to approximately 1.9 million dairy cattle. This livestock base contributes to an impressive annual milk production volume of around 5.4 million metric tons. This output underscores the sector's crucial role in the national economy.

Milk Processing and Product Manufacturing

Thanks to advanced processing technologies and state-of-the-art facilities, Kazakhstan processes about 4.1 million metric tons of milk each year. The country is recognized for producing several key dairy products, including:

• Cheese: Approximately 39,000 metric tons are produced annually.
• Milk Powder and Whey: Combined production reaches about 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

The dynamism of Kazakhstan's dairy industry is further highlighted by its trade 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 in recent years has significantly improved feeding efficiency and milk yields.
• In 2023, Kazakhstan expanded its export markets for cream cheese to Greece and Poland.
• Early 2024 saw a 4.4% increase in milk production 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.
• In late 2024, the annual Central Asian Dairy Congress AqAltyn will take place in Turkestan, 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 changes due to possible subsidy reductions.
• Kazakhstan remains a leading importer of Russian whey and is the largest dairy market in Central Asia, showing steady growth.
• The plans by Olzha Agro to construct a plant processing 300 tons of milk per day were mentioned 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.

Modified: 2025/02/04

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