According to the spokesman of the Iranian Dairy Industry Association, Mohammad Reza Bani Taba, the per capita consumption of milk and dairy products in Iran has reached a concerning low of less than 70 kilograms, which is only half of the global standards.
In an interview with ISNA news agency on Saturday, June 1, Bani Taba highlighted that in countries like France, the United States, and Scandinavian nations, the per capita consumption of dairy products ranges from 200 to 300 kilograms.
Decreasing Consumption Since 2013
Citing data from the Dairy Industries Association, reports indicate that the consumption of milk and dairy products in Iran has been steadily declining since 2013.
This trend is further corroborated by statistics from the World Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which confirm a significant decrease in dairy consumption within the country.
According to the FAO’s statistical archive, in the early 2010s, the per capita consumption of milk and dairy products in Iran exceeded 101 kilograms.
However, last year, this figure plummeted to a mere 70 kilograms, reflecting a worrying decline in dairy intake among the Iranian population.
Production, Import, and Export Trends
Interestingly, while Iran’s milk and dairy production has remained relatively constant over the past decade, its import of dairy products has decreased to a quarter of its previous levels, and its export has quadrupled.
This shift in trade patterns suggests a potential shift in domestic consumption patterns and market dynamics.
Comparison with Turkey’s Dairy Consumption
In comparison, the per capita dairy consumption of Turkish citizens is a staggering 3.5 times higher than that of Iranians.
While Turkey’s milk and dairy production is three times greater than Iran’s, its exports are only a quarter of Iran’s, indicating a stronger focus on domestic consumption.
Moreover, a significant portion of Turkey’s milk and dairy consumption is attributed to the government’s free distribution programs.
The Turkish government distributes free milk to 17 million students, as well as 2 liters of free milk per week to families with children under six years of age and pregnant women.
Reviving Milk Distribution in Iranian Schools
In an effort to address the declining dairy consumption, the secretary of the National Milk Committee of the Ministry of Education of Iran announced in May 2024 that after a 10-year hiatus, milk distribution in schools for 8.5 million students has been resumed since November 2023. According to the decision of the Economic Council, the monthly quota of free milk for each student is 14 kilograms.
