iBestTravel

Your Gateway to the Best Travel Experiences

Camel Milk: The Next Coffee Trend You Need to Try

iBest Traveller06 mins

The Rising Camel Milk Industry in Kenya

A Unique Beverage Trend

In recent times, camel milk has started to capture the attention of the beverage industry, particularly in coffee shops across Africa. This trend is exemplified by the introduction of drinks such as “camel-ccinos” and “camelattes” at various restaurants in Nairobi, Kenya. This innovation is paving the way for camel milk to emerge as a staple in both local and international markets.

"Camel-ccinos" and "camelattes" are on the menu at restaurants like CJ's in Nairobi, Kenya -- the latest place embracing the camel milk trend.
“Camel-ccinos” and “camelattes” are on the menu at restaurants like CJ’s in Nairobi, Kenya — the latest place embracing the camel milk trend.

A Long-standing Tradition

While camel milk may seem like a new phenomenon in coffee shops, it has a rich history of consumption among pastoral communities across Africa, who have utilized this resource for centuries. The Kenyan government aims to tap into this existing knowledge, positioning camel milk as the next jewel in the country’s export crown.

While it might be new to coffee shops, the milk has been consumed across Africa for centuries by pastoral communities. Kenya hopes to make it the latest African export to reach international markets over the next few years.
While it might be new to coffee shops, the milk has been consumed across Africa for centuries by pastoral communities. Kenya hopes to make it the latest African export to reach international markets over the next few years.

The Camel Population in Kenya

According to the Kenya Camel Association, it is estimated that around four million camels inhabit the arid regions of Kenya, which constitutes a significant population on the African continent. Notably, Africa is home to over 80% of the world’s camel population, making it an important area for camel milk production.

According to the Kenya Camel Association, roughly four million camels live on the country's arid lands -- with the African continent home to more than 80% of the world's camel population.
According to the Kenya Camel Association, roughly four million camels live on the country’s arid lands — with the African continent home to more than 80% of the world’s camel population.

Remarkable Drought Resistance

Camels offer unique advantages over traditional livestock, primarily due to their exceptional drought resistance. By storing fat in their humps, camels can convert this fat into water, thereby minimizing resource requirements. This capability allows them to continue milk production, even in the face of climate challenges that impact the Kenyan landscape.

Compared to traditional livestock, camels are more drought resistant, storing fat in their humps that they can convert to water. They require fewer resources and can continue to produce milk despite climate change drying up the Kenyan landscape.
Compared to traditional livestock, camels are more drought resistant, storing fat in their humps that they can convert to water. They require fewer resources and can continue to produce milk despite climate change drying up the Kenyan landscape.

Economic Potential of Camel Milk

The camel milk industry in Kenya holds significant economic promise. The Kenya Camel Association projects that this sector could reach a valuation of approximately $200 million. As Kenyan producers look to export camel milk to international markets like the US and UK, they are focusing on innovative packaging solutions, which may include both raw and powdered forms of camel milk.

The Kenyan Camel Association estimates the camel milk industry has the potential to be worth $200 million. To export to the US or UK, Kenyan producers are looking to package it raw or in a powdered form.
The Kenyan Camel Association estimates the camel milk industry has the potential to be worth $200 million. To export to the US or UK, Kenyan producers are looking to package it raw or in a powdered form.

A Leading Producer

One prominent player in the camel milk industry is White Gold Camel Milk, which produces around 500 liters of camel milk daily, supplying major supermarkets throughout Kenya. The CEO, Jama Warsame, enthusiastically refers to camel milk as “the milk of the future,” highlighting its promising trajectory.

The company White Gold Camel Milk produces 500 liters a day and supplies all major supermarkets in Kenya. CEO Jama Warsame calls it "the milk of the future".
The company White Gold Camel Milk produces 500 liters a day and supplies all major supermarkets in Kenya. CEO Jama Warsame calls it “the milk of the future”.

Health Benefits

Camel milk is also praised for its numerous health benefits, which include reducing cholesterol levels and improving digestive disorders. Furthermore, some studies indicate that it may be effective in managing diabetes, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Camel milk is believed to have health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels and improving stomach disorders. Some studies suggest it may help manage diabetes.
Camel milk is believed to have health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels and improving stomach disorders. Some studies suggest it may help manage diabetes.


Related Posts

Back To Top