Turkey's Dairy Industry Overview
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey plays a significant role in the global dairy industry. With a strong dairy cattle population of approximately 14 million, Turkey efficiently meets both domestic and export demands.
Milk Production and Processing
Turkey produces around 23 million metric tonnes of milk each year, making it one of the leading milk producers in the world. Approximately 15 million metric tonnes of this milk are processed annually into various dairy products for local consumption and export. The cheese production in the country stands at around 800,000 metric tonnes annually, offering a wide variety of cheese types.
Milk Powder and Whey Production
In addition to its robust milk production, Turkey produces approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of milk powder and 20,000 metric tonnes of whey per year.
Key Industry Players
Turkey's dairy industry is supported by several major players, including dairy plants such as Sütaş, Pınar Süt, Beyaz Fırında, Yörükoğlu Süt, and Uludağ Süt. Additionally, cooperatives like Milko Dairy Cooperative and Gölpazarı Süt Üreticileri Birliği play a vital role.
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.
Turkey’s leading international meeting platform for the food industry, WorldFood Istanbul, is preparing to showcase numerous new products and the latest technologies to the market. Furthermore, Türkiye’s Aegean region faces its worst water crisis in years, forcing agricultural adaptations. Izmir, home to nearly 480,000 dairy cattle and small ruminants across 30,000 operations, struggles with diminishing irrigation sources. The province, which has led Türkiye in milk production for three consecutive years, traditionally relies on 3.45 million tons of corn silage grown on 550,000 acres to feed livestock.
Modified: 2025/11/15