Pakistan's Dairy Market Overview

Pakistan stands as one of the world leaders in the dairy industry, ranking as the third-largest milk-producing country globally. The nation's dairy sector plays a crucial role in its economy and contributes significantly to the global milk supply.

Milk Production and Processing

The country boasts a dairy cattle population of approximately 49.6 million head. Annually, Pakistan produces over 42 million metric tons of milk. However, only about 5% of this substantial milk production is formally processed, focusing primarily on meeting urban demand through organized distribution channels. The processed milk volume is estimated to be around 2.1 million metric tons per year.

Cheese, Milk Powder, and Whey Production

Cheese production in Pakistan remains relatively low, with an estimated annual production of 10,000 metric tons. In contrast, milk powder and whey are produced in larger quantities, approximately 160,000 metric tons of milk powder and 20,000 metric tons of whey annually, due to their longer shelf life and greater demand.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Some of the key dairy processing enterprises in Pakistan include Engro Foods, Nestlé Pakistan, and Haleeb Foods. These companies play a pivotal role in processing and distributing dairy products nationwide. The dairy farming sector consists of several smaller farms, with prominent names like JK Dairy Farms and Nishat Dairy (Pvt) Ltd being noteworthy contributors.

Exports and Imports

Pakistan exports a minimal quantity of its dairy output, approximately 40,000 metric tons per year, primarily to neighboring countries and the Middle East. Simultaneously, the country imports significant quantities of value-added dairy products like cheese and flavored milk, totaling around 50,000 metric tons annually.

Significant Dairy Market Events

Recently, efforts have intensified to strengthen cooperation with Italy in various sectors, including the dairy industry. This collaboration seeks to utilize Italy's advanced dairy processing technologies and expertise to enhance Pakistan's dairy product quality and production efficiency. These initiatives include establishing joint ventures and knowledge exchange programs. Additionally, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has pledged support for initiatives aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s dairy industry.

Sources: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Local news reports.

Pakistan and India are leading the charge in the projected 1.5% annual growth in global milk production.

Modified: 2025/02/05

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