Why Do Kazakhstani Consumers Prefer Imported Cheese? The Minister's Response

During a government briefing, the Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, addressed the quality of Kazakhstani cheese, stating that domestic products are on par with imported goods in terms of flavor and quality. According to the Minister, Kazakhstan currently fully meets the domestic demand for milk, dairy products, and butter, while local cheese production accounts for 58% of the total market volume.

The government plans to increase this figure to 80% in the near future. The head of the department emphasized that along with increasing production volumes, work will continue on strengthening the raw material base by building new dairy farms and enhancing quality control measures.

Despite the Minister's confidence, research conducted by the National Analytical Center shows that consumers still prioritize foreign products due to their variety and brand recognition. Experts attribute this preference to several factors:

• Raw material shortages: A lack of high-quality milk suitable for premium cheese production.
• Retail challenges: Difficulties in collaborating with large retail chains.
• Weak marketing: A lack of promotional activities and information regarding the natural ingredients of Kazakhstani cheese.

Nevertheless, Minister Saparov remains confident in the high potential of Kazakhstani producers. He noted that while consumer choices are often driven by price and personal taste, domestic products are successfully finding their place in the market and showing active sales growth.