Turkey: A Comprehensive Overview of the Dairy Market

Introduction

Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a significant player in the global dairy industry. With a robust dairy cattle population and considerable milk production, Turkey fulfills both domestic and export demands efficiently. In response to recent challenges, the '2024-2028 Livestock Roadmap' was introduced by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, to promote sustainable growth within the sector.

Key Data

Dairy Cattle

Turkey is home to approximately 14 million dairy cattle, highlighting its strong livestock foundation.

Milk Production Volume

The nation produces approximately 23 million metric tonnes of milk annually, positioning it as a leading milk producer globally.

Milk Processing Volume

Annually, Turkey processes around 15 million metric tonnes of milk, transforming it into various dairy products for both local consumption and export.

Cheese Production Volume

Cheese production in Turkey stands at approximately 800,000 metric tonnes each year, offering a diverse range of cheese types.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

The production of milk powder and whey is at 50,000 metric tonnes and 20,000 metric tonnes respectively per year.

Industry Players

Dairy Plants

• Sütaş
• Pınar Süt
• Beyaz Fırında
• Yörükoğlu Süt
• Uludağ Süt

Dairy Farms and Cooperatives

• Milko Dairy Cooperative
• Gölpazarı Süt Üreticileri Birliği
• Bolu Millet Dairy Farm
• Baytarlar Dairy Farm
• Balıkesir Süt İşletmeleri

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Export

Turkey exports around 500,000 metric tonnes of dairy products annually, targeting markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe.

Import

The country imports approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of dairy products each year, primarily from European countries to fulfill domestic consumption needs.

Dairy Market Events

A significant development in Turkey's dairy sector is the '2024-2028 Livestock Roadmap', introduced by Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. This strategic framework addresses challenges by promoting sustainable practices, enhancing milk yields, and improving product quality. It also emphasizes export growth and ensures Turkish dairy products meet international standards. Despite these efforts, there has been a 36% decrease in dairy exports, signaling a need for strategic market diversification. Notably, butter imports commenced in late October, reflecting shifting market dynamics; however, the country is seeing a recovery in whey powder exports.

Conclusion

With a significant role in agriculture, Turkey's dairy industry is crucial to the national economy. Initiatives like the '2024-2028 Livestock Roadmap' are vital for overcoming current challenges and enhancing Turkey's position in the global marketplace. The country's solid livestock numbers, extensive milk production, and active international trade underscore Turkey's considerable influence in the dairy market. Further diversifying the food and beverage market, Nestlé has expanded its Nescafé RTD cold coffee range to Turkey, following successful launches in the region. From 1996 to 2022, Turkey doubled its productivity from 2.6 to 5.2 tons. Moreover, Turkey was the largest producer of whole fresh milk with 22 million tons in 2024.

Modified: 2025/04/15

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