At a total cost of 4.45 million USD (600 million dirham), this dairy, which extends over a 3,500 m² site, has a dual ambition. Firstly, to boost national milk production capacity and, secondly, to reduce Algeria’s dependence on milk powder imports, which account for an annual bill of 800 million USD, according to the Algerian Press Service. At the inauguration ceremony, presided over by the Secretary General of the Wilaya of Bouira, Fayçal Bensaidi, Giplait CEO Samah Lahlouh stressed that
this unit will make a major contribution to covering local and regional milk requirements, while creating jobs for young people.
The plant will start with a production of 80,000 liters per day. This will be gradually increased to 250,000 litres/day within a month. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, guaranteeing the production of high-quality pasteurized milk. According to Farouk Hamdaoui, Director of Trade and Export Promotion, “this plant meets the needs of the wilaya of Bouira and neighbouring regions. It is part of a national strategy aimed at ensuring the permanent availability of consumer products. In addition to its role in milk supply, this mega-dairy generates 120 direct jobs, thus contributing to local economic dynamism, asserts Farouk Hamdaoui. On a national scale, it’s part of an overall approach to the development of agricultural and industrial sectors. The government aims to cover 55% of milk requirements through local production, compared with annual consumption of 4.5 billion liters.
At the same time, Giplait is working on another production unit in Rouiba, near Algiers. This project, with a capacity of one million liters per day, will be the largest of its kind in Africa. Commissioning is scheduled to take place before Ramadan 2025. Ms. Lahlouh declared,
This mega-dairy reflects the vision of the highest authorities to guarantee food self-sufficiency and reduce imports.
With this new plant in Bouira, Algeria is taking an important step forward in its ambition to develop a high-performance local dairy industry. This project is a concrete example of strategic investment aimed at boosting the national economy while meeting consumer needs. Bouira is now a key player in the country’s dairy production chain.
