Dairy Products
Explore Lebanon’s cheesemaking heritage and dairy industries offering distinct styles and high-quality products
Overview
Dairy farming in Lebanon is part of Lebanon’s ancestral heritage that has grown and diversified over the years, becoming a prominent sector within the agro-processing industry in Lebanon.
Dairy establishments account for the 2nd highest share of all agri-food establishments in Lebanon (Source: Ministry of Industry 2020 database) demonstrating the importance of this sector on livelihoods and jobs.
The Bekaa Valley, famous to be the hub of Lebanon’s dairy industry, boasts the largest pastures and natural plains of the country and covers about half of its farming land. Around 75% of cows in Lebanon, 45% of goats and 35% of sheep are raised in the region alone. It is estimated that the Bekaa region comprises 1,500 dairy cow farmers and approximately 150 creameries.
The sector has become more organized over the years and is currently represented by a major lobby group called the Lebanese dairy board that advocates for reforms to protect and grow the sector.
Industry Players
Some of Lebanon’s prominent dairy farms have been present for centuries with expertise being passed on from one generation to the next.
There are about 100 dairy factories in Lebanon mainly concentrated in the Bekaa (with 45% concentration) and Mount Lebanon regions (with 31% concentration). Production is estimated to be around 62,000 tons of dairy products per year.
The dairy sector is dominated by large companies which together meet 75% of the local demand. There are also medium size brands as well as small-scale artisanal brands which together account for an estimated 40 percent of overall dairy production.
Despite being relatively new in the dairy business, cooperatives are becoming a major player in the sector supplying high-quality and innovative dairy products albeit at small scale. This is mainly the result of extensive support they are receiving from international organizations in capacity building and purchase of modern equipment.
The sector has witnessed innovation over the years marked by the introduction of new players bringing creativity and sophistication to their production and packaging. Several new players are starting to produce an organic range of dairy products. Other niche players are producing high-demand products and exporting them to the region such as “Greek yogurt” and buffalo mozzarella cheese.
Goat dairy producers are increasing by numbers due to the growing demand for goat products for their perceived higher nutritional value.
Top dairy products produced and sold in Lebanon are mainly Labneh, Laban and cheese (Halloumi followed by Akkawi and Double crème) and UHT milk. Flavored yogurt, probiotics and ice cream are also a growing segment with high potential for expansion.
Check our exporter directory to find our verified list of dairy exporters in Lebanon.
Export Performance
The dairy sector in Lebanon is expected to witness positive growth in the coming years with the implementation of various national policies aimed at upgrading the sector and making it more competitive regionally and globally.
Exports of dairy products hovered at 3 million US$ in 2020, highlighting the export potential of the sector. Top exported dairy products in 2020 included cheese at about 1.8 million US$ of export sales followed by milk and cream products at 0.7 million US$ (Source: Lebanese Customs).
Dairy products are mostly exported to neighboring countries with the top 3 destinations in 2020 being Iraq (23%), the UAE (11%) and Saudi Arabia (4%).
Our Advantage
- Mature industry with strong players that have wide expertise and renowned for their distinctive recipes.
- Innovative dairy sector with growing interest by start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop new breeds and taste.
- Moderate climate and ample of agriculture lands that support the development of the livestock and farming industry in Lebanon.
