Pearl Dairy Farms Limited (PDFL), the manufacturers of Lato Milk products, have started exporting their products to Ethiopia, Malawi and South Sudan.
With the expansion to these markets, Pearl Dairy products are now sold in over eight countries and growing.
Algeria is next on the list of potential markets as the government of Uganda works with the private sector to find more markets for Uganda's milk.
Bijoy Varghese, the Pearl Dairy Farms general manager said: “With the opening up of new markets, farmers in Uganda have been provided with a bigger outlet for their milk and this creates more opportunities for them."
He said the company already has the necessary regulatory approvals from the targeted countries. In the initial phase, the company will export yoghurt and milk powder.
This was decided after the company carried out conclusive market research that indicated these products will do well in the targeted markets.
Varghese said: “We have fully adhered to the norms and government compliances as stipulated in these markets and we confidently believe we have achieved all the requirements for us to launch in these countries.”
From its Mbarara factory in western Uganda, PDFL manufactures yoghurt, full cream powdered milk, skimmed powdered milk, instant full cream powdered milk, UHT milk, ghee and butter oil. The plant has a daily capacity to process 800,000 litres of milk.
Milk production in Uganda continues to increase and Pearl Dairy one of the largest dairy exporters is at the forefront of finding new markets for Ugandan milk across Africa and beyond.
Varghese said the company was already in the process of looking out for other new markets for Uganda’s surplus milk.
“This was an expansion that PDFL had been planning. We are expediting the process so that the local farmers can benefit from this opportunity. With a strong backward integration program, based out of Mbarara, we are aligning with more and more farmers to fulfil the current and future demand. These opportunities will lead to creation of jobs and better the livelihoods of the local farmers due to increased demand in exports,” Varghese said.
