Ekosem-Agrar prepares for halal audit
30 September 2021 News from the Company
The largest producer of raw milk in Russia and Europe, Ekosem-Agrar Group, is considering having its production processes in the Kaluga and Voronezh regions audited for compliance with Islamic regulations and obtaining a halal certificate. Stefan Dürr, CEO of the Ekosem-Agrar Group, reported on this at the Food Business Leaders Forum, which was held as part of the World Food Forum in Moscow from 21 to 23 September 2021.
The Group's site in the Anninsky district of the Voronezh region could be the first. Currently, milk – also for export – as well as cream, butter and ice cream are produced there under the "EkoNiva" brand.
Ekosem-Agrar sees great potential in the development of exports. On the one hand, this offers additional protection against currency fluctuations and volatility on the raw milk market, and on the other, it opens up new markets for the company. One such promising destination is the Middle East.
"Demand for natural, high-quality premium dairy products has traditionally been high, and protein-rich products have seen double-digit growth in recent years. Ekosem-Agrar can offer all of this to buyers in the Middle East region. Thanks to its vertical integration, our company guarantees quality control of its products from the field to the store counter," says Stefan Dürr.
Ekoniva started exporting dairy products in the summer of 2020. The main customer is still China: the company sells ultra-pasteurized milk there. In January-June 2021, the Group increased exports of dairy finished products sixfold, both in volume and in monetary terms, compared to July-December 2020.