Belarus denies impact of sanctions, increases dairy export

Belarus is aiming to expand its range with new dairy products to bolster its export potential, according to Bartosh.

“We plan to produce cheese with white and blue mould. There are also some other products on the cards. For example, whey protein concentrate – it is in high demand among athletes. Lactoferrin is also in demand, with today’s market value being estimated at more than US$400 million,” Bartosh said.

Dairy export is firm

This year, Belarussian dairy exports ae on the rise, Bartosh said, not providing concrete details. Belarus has not particularly felt the impact of Western sanctions. Earlier this year, the Belarussian Agricultural Ministry reported about a 50% rise in dairy exports to Poland and countries of Western Europe; however, no concrete figures were shown.

The problems that emerged when the first restrictions were imposed have been resolved, he claimed. Currently, large production quantities are exported to Russia and China, and there is constant work on opening new markets.

“The first 100 tonnes of our milk powder have already arrived in Cuba, and they are interested in [our] cheeses and butter,” Bartosh said, adding that on some markets, Belarussian dairy companies are increasingly competing with European suppliers.

“Equatorial Guinea also wants our products. They import dairy products from Europe by plane,” Bartosh said, expressing an opinion that European dairy products are less competitive pricewise compared to those of the Belarussian origin.

In general, Belarussian dairy companies plan to reach out to the more distant regions, he claimed.

Industry modernisation

Belarus also plans to further lower production costs in the next few years. Under a government plan, at least 10 new modern dairy complexes are due to be built in each region by 2025. In total, the country aims to launch 140 dairy farms in the next few years.

Bartosh reminded that Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko demanded that no milk production should come from old milk farms by the end of 2025. The minister said that the replacement of old capacities with modern farms is proceeding at full speed.