Ugandan milk processor is in eight African countries

PearL Diary Farm (PDFL), the maker of Lato Milk products, has expanded its reach to Malawi, South Sudan and Ethiopia, with an eye on Algeria.
With the expansion of these markets; Pearl Dairy products are now sold in over eight countries and growing. Algeria is next on the list of potential markets as Government of Uganda works with private sector to find more markets for Ugandan milk.
PDFL general manager Bijoy Varghese says the new development creates more opportunities for local farmers.
“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.
“This expansion presents a great boost to the entire dairy value chain in Uganda considering the current situation in the sector. Pearl Dairy is also in a position to supply its world-class quality products to these markets.”
The company says it’s already secured all 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.
“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,” said the general manager
From its Mbarara factory in western Uganda, Pearl 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 the largest dairy exporter 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 fulfill the current and future demand,” Varghese said.
“These opportunities will lead to the creation of jobs and better the livelihoods of the local farmers due to increased demand in exports.”