Per capita dairy consumption in Iran has dropped to 55kg under the pressure of weakening purchasing power of the population, Iran’s Pasteurized Dairy Cooperatives Union has warned. There is no doubt that consumption in Iran follows a downward trajectory, and the trend has gained momentum in recent years. However, there has yet to be a consensus about the scale of the problem.
For instance, Mohammad Reza Bani Taba, a spokesperson for the Iranian Dairy Industry Association, recently estimated that per capita dairy consumption in the country is less than 70kg. He admitted that this is only half of the global average. FAO also puts Iran’s dairy consumption at around 70kg per capita.
### A struggle to reverse the trend
Remarkably, per capita dairy consumption in Iran used to be one of the highest in the Middle East, reaching 130kg in 2009. However, in recent years, it has steadily declined, owing to a profound economic crisis in the country triggered by Western sanctions. Local market players consistently complained that the shrinking local market killed any development opportunities for milk farmers and dairy processors.
Over the past few years, Iranian officials have expressed grave concerns that a drop in dairy consumption below a critical level could significantly increase the burden on the national healthcare system in the long run, potentially leading to a rise in cases of some bone diseases.
### Free milk
Iran has already started taking steps to encourage dairy consumption. In May, the National Milk Committee of the Ministry of Education announced a programme of free milk distribution to 8.5 million students across the country. Under the initiative, every student is eligible for 14kg of free milk per month. The ministry said the programme has resumed following a 10-year break. In the early 2010s, it was believed to have contributed to bolstering Iranian dairy consumption.
### Not just economic factors
Bani Taba called on authorities to increase awareness of the benefits of dairy consumption, emphasising that dairy products play a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis. He explained that the economic crisis is not the only factor to blame for the slump in dairy consumption, as it has driven up prices of other products, such as carbonated soft drinks and chips, but the per capita consumption of these products has never decreased.
Join 13,000+ subscribers
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all the need-to-know content in the dairy sector, two times a week.
In conclusion, the decline in dairy consumption in Iran is a multifaceted issue that requires holistic solutions. While economic factors play a significant role in the decrease, there are also cultural and educational aspects that need to be addressed. Initiatives like free milk distribution to students are a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive strategies are needed to reverse the trend and promote the health benefits of dairy consumption. Let’s hope that with concerted efforts, Iran can once again become a leader in dairy consumption in the Middle East.
