The MENA dairy market is projected to reach 85 million tons by 2035, with a growth rate of 1.3%

The leading countries in dairy consumption in the region are Turkey (25 million tons), Iran (15 million tons), and Egypt (8.4 million tons), accounting for 66% of total consumption. They are followed by Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Israel, which collectively make up an additional 24% of consumption.

Market data from 2007 to 2020:

The largest share of consumption is attributed to whole fresh milk — 53 million tons, accounting for 71% of the total volume. It is followed by skimmed milk (11 million tons) and yogurts along with fermented dairy products (4.7 million tons).

In value terms, whole fresh milk leads with $39.1 billion, followed by cheese ($16.5 billion) and skimmed milk. From 2013 to 2024, the whole fresh milk market showed steady growth, while the cheese market experienced a slight decline.

Despite two years of decline, dairy consumption in the region increased by less than 0.1% in 2024, reaching 74 million tons. Total consumption peaked at 77 million tons in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower level.

Dairy imports in the region amounted to approximately 3.2 million tons in 2024, up by 1.8% compared to the previous year. The main importers are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Algeria, which account for a significant share of total imports.