Global camel milk industry: A comprehensive overview of production, consumption trends, market evolution, and value chain efficiency

• Published in: Small ruminant research 2025-02, Vol.243, p.107441, Article 107441
• Main Authors: Ait El Alia, Omar, Zine-Eddine, Yassine, Chaji, Salah, Boukrouh, Soumaya, Boutoial, Khalid, Faye, Bernard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Camel milk; Consumption; Dairy trade; Economic analysis; Market trends; Production
• ISSN: 0921-4488
• DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107441

The global camel population is steadily increasing, with a notable increase in the proportion of camels specifically raised for milk production. This rise is mainly attributed to the surge in demand for camel milk, driven by its distinctive nutritional benefits and recognized health effects. However, studying the global dairy camel sector can provide valuable insights into the development of successful and modernized camel dairy industries, highlighting key strategies for scaling production, improving quality standards, and expanding market reach. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the global evolution of the dairy camel sector. It begins with an analysis of current production levels, consumption patterns, and a detailed examination of camel milk markets and value chain dynamics. Additionally, the camel milk industry faces currently critical barriers related to food hygiene, and limited government support, which hinder quality control and market growth. To address these challenges, a number of potential solutions were proposed such as the implementation of solar-powered cold chains, the necessity for effective training in hygiene and food safety for producers, and the need for investment in infrastructure and climate resilience in order to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the camel milk sector. Hence, this review is supposed to fill the current scarcity of information regarding the status and ongoing developments in the camel milk market, with a particular emphasis on the constraints limiting its growth. By addressing this gap, it seeks to serve as valuable groundwork for producers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers, thus fostering the development of the camel milk sector. •Camel milk market evolution during the last decades is presented and discussed.•East Africa, followed by parts of Asia, accounts for the majority of global dairy camel production and consumption, highlighting the regional significance of the sector.•Proposed solutions to boost the camel milk industry include the implementation of solar-powered cold chains, improved hygiene and food safety training for producers, and investment in infrastructure and climate resilience.•Strategic approaches and sustainable practices are needed to address current challenges and promote the long-term development of the camel milk sector.