GROWTH, MODERNIZATION, EXPORT: NEW DYNAMICS OF KAZAKHSTAN'S DAIRY AND MEAT PROCESSING

THE DAIRY AND MEAT PROCESSING INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE LEADERS IN THE STRUCTURE OF FOOD PRODUCTION IN KAZAKHSTAN.

These areas are becoming the flagship of the agro-industrial processing industry, demonstrating the most dynamic development. Today, companies in this sector are actively implementing automated lines, ultrafiltration, and modern pasteurization systems, as well as using hybrid approaches that combine thermal methods and gentle alternatives, striving for component processing and the use of innovative packaging and logistics solutions. These technologies significantly improve product quality, ensure safety, and extend shelf life, thereby expanding the geography of supply and availability of these products.

Particular attention is paid to robotics, digitalization of processes, and the use of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions that reduce costs and enable the production of products that meet international quality standards.

Against the backdrop of the rapid development of dairy and meat processing enterprises worldwide, Kazakhstani processors are demonstrating steady growth: annual increases in dairy and meat production volumes, expansion of raw material bases, and investment in both the launch of dairy farms and the modernization of production facilities. Automated lines, ultrafiltration, modern pasteurization methods, and innovative packaging and logistics solutions enable companies not only to improve product quality but also to ensure their safety and availability to consumers across a wide range of geographies. Digitalization and energy-efficient approaches open up new horizons for processors, making their products competitive in the international market.

Particular emphasis is placed on fulfilling the objectives outlined by the President of Kazakhstan to develop the deep processing of agricultural raw materials and increase the market share of domestic goods. Kazakhstani processors are indeed demonstrating mixed but generally stable growth: according to official data, milk production across all farm categories increased to 3,571,900 tons in 2024, representing a 4.4% increase compared to 2023. Agricultural enterprises saw an 8.1% increase, reaching 1,392,700 tons. Regarding the meat industry, 430,000 tons of beef in slaughter weight were produced by the end of 2024, a 7.5% increase compared to 2023. Approximately 270,000 tons of meat products were processed. Meanwhile, the cattle population grew to 7.8 million head, an increase of 18.5% compared to the previous year.

The industry's development is consistent with the objectives outlined by the President of Kazakhstan to increase the deep processing of agricultural raw materials and increase the share of domestic goods in the domestic market. However, the industry faces challenges: a lack of modern capacity, issues with raw material quality and logistics, and the need for stricter control over compliance with standards.

Furthermore, meat processing capacity, particularly for high-value-added products (sausages, canned meat), is far from operating at full capacity; logistics, raw material quality, and safety standards remain areas requiring significant improvement. Addressing these challenges becomes a growth driver and an impetus for the implementation of new technologies, partnerships, and international experience.

A shining example of this commitment will be the 27th Central Asian International Exhibition, FoodExpo Qazaqstan, which will be held from November 12 to 14, 2025, at the Atakent Exhibition Center, where special attention will be paid to the achievements of dairy and meat processors.

The national dairy industry will be represented by leading enterprises such as Gormolzavod in Kokshetau, demonstrating 40% annual growth; Emil in Ust-Kamenogorsk, with ambitious development plans to double its daily processing capacity and launch construction of a new dairy plant; DEP, a Kostanay giant producing over 150 products and confidently expanding its export potential; and Bonur NS, an ice cream producer whose product line includes over 30 varieties. Alongside them, foreign companies will also present their products, including Uzbek Agro Milk Group 880, Russia's Vamin Tatarstan, and leading Belarusian enterprises such as Minsk Cold Storage Plant No. 2 and Polotsk Dairy Plant.

The meat exhibit will be equally impressive: Kazakhstani companies IP Mirakhmetov, Bizhan, and Ozyurt Food will showcase a wide range of domestic products, while international exhibitors—Brest Meat Processing Plant and Polotsk Dairy Plant from Belarus, and Russia's Miratorg, Cherkizovo, and Obninsk MPC—will introduce visitors to global trends and international processing standards.

Thus, FoodExpo Qazaqstan confirms its status as more than just an exhibition, but a true platform for industry development, bringing together ideas, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of milk and meat processing in Kazakhstan and beyond.