Kyrgyzstan Sees Surge in Fermented Dairy Exports Amid Market Diversification

Kyrgyzstan has witnessed a substantial increase in its dairy exports, particularly in the category of fermented products. According to recent data, exports of kurut, a type of dried, fermented cheese, and kymyz, a traditional drink made from fermented mare’s milk, have surged from 3.6 tons to an impressive 116.5 tons. In addition, whey exports have grown to a total of 164 tons.

The country's dairy export strategy has shifted towards more value-added products, including 17.6 tons of skimmed goat milk powder, 2.2 tons of milk-based beverages, and 1.6 tons of cream. This shift highlights Kyrgyzstan's efforts to diversify its offerings and capture new markets.

Conversely, exports of traditional dairy products like butter, powdered milk, cheese, and ice cream have seen a decline compared to the previous year. This change indicates a strategic pivot in the industry's export structure towards newer product categories that offer potentially higher returns.

Despite the varied performance across traditional segments, the overall momentum in the dairy industry remains strong. The introduction of new products to international markets supports Kyrgyzstan's export growth trajectory and is a positive indicator for the sector’s long-term development.

Earlier reports from the Qazinform News Agency noted that the East Kazakhstan region had increased its dairy processing capacity, potentially impacting regional competition in the dairy sector.