Camel milk, once a traditional beverage in the Middle East, is now gaining global popularity. Leading this trend is Camelicious, the world’s largest camel farm based in Dubai, which is expanding its reach into new markets. Camelicious is leveraging camel milk’s health benefits and diverse applications, including baby formula and cosmetics, to capture a broader consumer base. The company is also developing value-added products like camel milk protein bars to meet rising demand.
Camel milk, traditionally a staple in Bedouin and nomadic diets in the Middle East, is increasingly gaining global recognition and popularity. Once primarily consumed in its traditional form, camel milk is now being incorporated into a variety of products including milkshakes, ice creams, baby formula, and even cosmetic items like shampoos.
Leading this global expansion is Camelicious, the world’s largest camel farm based in Dubai. Founded 25 years ago, Camelicious has evolved from a regional producer to an international supplier, exporting camel dairy products to 14 countries. The company is spearheading efforts to educate consumers about the benefits of camel milk, aiming to shift preferences from cow’s milk to camel milk.
Camelicious’s Deputy General Manager, Mustasher Al Badry, notes the challenge of consumer education but also highlights the significant health benefits of camel milk. Studies suggest that camel milk can be particularly advantageous for those with lactose intolerance and is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and calcium, which are beneficial for combating autoimmune conditions. The company has also developed a specialized baby formula for children with cow’s milk allergies, in collaboration with a hospital in Mexico.
In addition to its traditional markets, Camelicious is making inroads into key growth markets like the United States, India, China, and Russia. China, a major importer of camel milk powder, is transforming the product into diverse dairy offerings, including cheese. With increased interest from Europe and Russia, Camelicious is considering restarting its own camel cheese production to meet growing demand. The company’s plant manager, Koushik Choudhury, mentions the positive response from the Russian market and plans to reintroduce camel cheese production.
To enhance profitability and compete with the established cow’s milk market, Camelicious is expanding its product range. The company is developing value-added products such as camel milk protein bars, targeting fitness and health-conscious consumers. Despite the high production costs associated with camel milk, Camelicious remains committed to diversifying its offerings to capture a broader market segment.
As camel milk continues to grow in popularity worldwide, Camelicious is positioning itself as a leader in the industry, capitalizing on the increasing consumer interest in alternative dairy products and the associated health benefits.
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