Turkey's Dairy Industry Overview
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a significant player in the global dairy industry. The country boasts a robust dairy cattle population of approximately 14 million, efficiently meeting both domestic and export demands.
Milk Production and Processing
Turkey produces around 23 million metric tonnes of milk annually, positioning it as one of the leading milk producers worldwide. Of this, approximately 15 million metric tonnes are processed into various dairy products for local consumption and export. Cheese production in Turkey is substantial, with around 800,000 metric tonnes produced annually, offering a wide variety of cheese types.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
In addition to its strong milk production, Turkey produces approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of milk powder and 20,000 metric tonnes of whey per year.
Key Industry Players
The Turkish dairy industry is supported by major players, including dairy plants such as Sütaş, Pınar Süt, Beyaz Fırında, Yörükoğlu Süt, and Uludağ Süt. Cooperatives like Milko Dairy Cooperative and Gölpazarı Süt Üreticileri Birliği also play vital roles in the sector.
Export and Import Dynamics
Turkey exports around 500,000 metric tonnes of dairy products annually, with key markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The country imports approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of dairy products each year, mainly from European countries, to satisfy domestic consumption needs.
Market Events and Challenges
A significant development in Turkey's dairy sector is the "2024-2028 Livestock Roadmap," introduced by Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. This framework aims to promote sustainable practices, enhance milk yields, and improve product quality. However, the sector faces challenges such as a 36% decrease in dairy exports and a recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that led to the closure of all livestock markets across Turkey.
WorldFood Istanbul, Turkey’s leading international meeting platform for the food industry, is preparing to showcase numerous new products and the latest technologies. Meanwhile, the Aegean region faces its worst water crisis in years, prompting agricultural adaptations. Izmir, home to nearly 480,000 dairy cattle and small ruminants across 30,000 operations, struggles with diminishing irrigation sources. This province, traditionally leading Türkiye in milk production, relies heavily on corn silage growth to feed livestock.
Regulatory Developments
Turkey is set to introduce new food safety regulations affecting meat and dairy processing facilities. The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry has prepared a draft regulation to enhance food safety standards, focusing on these high-risk facilities. The regulation mandates a dual approval system for such processing plants.
Turkey's demand for Holstein and Jersey heifers is boosting exports from countries like Uruguay, driven by efforts to enhance its dairy production capabilities. This demand is positioning Turkey as a crucial destination for dairy cattle exports in 2025.
Modified: 2026/02/26