Iran market opening up to dairy imports and exports

25-Jan-2016 - Last updated on 25-Jan-2016 at 12:53 GMT

Iran is starting to export dairy products to Russia, while the lifting of sanctions means more dairy imports.

Since the recent lifting of sanctions on Iran, companies are starting to see the country as a potential destination for exporting a variety of items, including dairy.

And, on the export side, Iran is beginning to send some of its own items to markets such as Russia.

Rosselkhoznadzor, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, says it has allowed Iranian dairy companies to export products to Russia after proper safety inspections. The completed procedures mean that four Iranian dairy plants have been authorized. A Russian delegation visited Iran January 19.

Russian imports have been hit by a ban on EU products entering the country, as well as by a recent deteriorating of relations with Turkey.

Fonterra looking to new market

New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra has welcomed the news that the country’s government is lifting restrictions on trade with Iran following the lifting of UN sanctions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Zealand confirmed it has started the process of updating its regulations and removing the UN sanctions, which it expects to complete next month.

Fonterra managing director of global ingredients, Kelvin Wickham, said, “Iran is a valuable trading partner and a key butter market for Fonterra. The removal of the UN sanctions, and our Government’s unwinding of restrictions, will only improve the outlook for us in Iran.

“Our customers in Iran are growing, and we’re seeing them make significant investments in infrastructure and capacity to meet demand.”