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12 Things You Didn’t Know About The Camel Milk Industry In Africa

12 Things You Didn’t Know About The Camel Milk Industry In Africa

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Camel milk is a booming business due to its health benefits as immune system booster. In Africa alone, it generates 8 billions in Kenyan shillings, according to The Guardian. But there are the ups and downs to camel farming and selling the milk. The most important thing of the industry are lack of marketing, poor infrastructure and awareness of the health benefits. Plan wisely and research before you invest in a business. Here are 12 things you didn’t know about the camel milk industry in Africa.

Source: Camelmilkassociation.org, Livestrong.com, Theguardian.com, Vitalcamelmilk.com

This article was first published on March 11, 2015

vital camel milk
Onedropgroup.com

1. Vital Camel Milk Ltd.

Since 2005, Vital Camel Milk Ltd became the world’s first official factory that produces camel milk in Nanyuki, Kenya (which should give you an idea of how new this market is). So far, the company benefits mostly from the African market but other small time camel farmers are following suit, creating their own products. A handful of camel milk factories are in business in Kenya, Mauritania, South Africa and Eastern African countries. 

camel hygiene
European Commission DG/Flickr.com

2. Hygienic Milking

To pass as an official license-holding camel milk farmer, business owners must pass a hygienic testing by having an FDA official approve of your facility. In order to pass, camels are in good shape, free of bacteria while the factory must be sterilized with trained workers. 

cow's milk
Martin Cathrae/Flickr.com

3. Worth three times more than the price of cows’ milk

Because of the amount of effort and patience into the production of camels’ milk (taking longer to produce milk, harder to milk and available only during non-dry seasons) it’s valued three times more than the price of cows’ milk.

health food
David Shankbone/Flickr.com

4. Sold in health food stores

Camel milk products are starting to become available at health food stores including some Whole Foods and smaller independent shops (usually from local farmers) but Kenyan camel farmers are currently working on making their products more widely available overseas.

health benefits
Giuseppe Chirico/Flickr.com

5. Health benefits

According to the FAO, camel milk is incredibly rich in vitamin C (three times more than cows’) immune system booster and packed with antibodies such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulin. However, it’s advised to consult your doctor before consumption.

fao
Ciesin.org

6. FAO predicts trade could be worth 10 billion

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation, this industry can potentially be worth 10 billion in US dollars if it continues to be recognized for the health benefits and beneficial ingredient in cooking. Being rich in potassium, magnesium, iron and insulin (effective for those with diabetes), cooking with camel milk’s is healthier than cows’. 

camels
Maureen Didde/Flickr.com

7. Anolei Co-operative

In a small town outside of Nairobi, a group of women created the Anolei co-operative, selling camel milk to restaurants, business and middle class neighborhoods in Kenya to pay for their bills and school for children. Since then 2010, their co-op has drastically increased 35 women workers to 200.

drought season
Lisa Leonardelli/Flickr.com

8. Drought season

The difference between camels and cows or goats is that camels cannot produce milk during dry season. When well-fed, camels can produce five to six liters of milk a day. Because of this, it’s crucial for Africa farmers to pay attention to the well being of the camels to continue a thriving business. 

beauty products
Alexandre Dulaunoy/Flickr.com

9. Beauty products

It’s believed that camel milk can make your skin feel silky smooth, leading several small business owners to create their own beauty products using camel milk. Fine creams, lotions and soap bars are increasingly appearing on shelves of local health food stores or beauty shop. Moroccan based company Shea Terra Organics and Ilorion Camel Milk Cream are available online. 

camel value
Azbarksmans/Flickr.com

10. Value

It’s estimated that 89 million gallons is worth 91 million in US dollars (making this industry on par with coffee and more valuable than cotton).

Source: The Guardian

marketing
Camelmilkforhealth.com

11. Marketing

Experts believe that camel milks could potentially become an even bigger market if the business owners worked at better marketing and advertisement. Little is known about the benefits of camel milk outside of Africa. Camel’s milk is still a new and growing industry with potential to thrive.

camel milkshake
James Coverdale/Flickr.com

12. Recipes

Because of camel milk’s rising industry, other small business owners (restaurants, ice cream palors, etc..) in mostly Arabic countries like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Morocco. Companies like Ritz-Carlton in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Dairy in Saudi Arabia are coming up with their own niche market using camel milk as a main ingredient. Camel milkshake or smoothie, anyone?