EkoNiva Group, Russia's largest dairy holding, has launched supplies of skimmed milk powder (SMP) to the United Arab Emirates and Algeria, intending to boost the product exports to African and Middle Eastern countries.

The first batch of 50 tonnes was shipped to the UAE last October, while the second one was dispatched in early February 2026. The objective for the coming months is to establish regular supplies and increase export volumes. EkoNiva is also conducting negotiations with a partner company regarding potential exports of milk powder to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

In February, a batch of SMP was sent to Algeria as well, to a local producer of finished dairy. Preparations are currently underway for the next, larger shipment to the country, where EkoNiva plans to market SMP on a regular basis.

Deliveries to the UAE and Algeria are made by sea. A major advantage of milk powder as an export product is that its transportation does not require special conditions, such as temperature requirements or certain types of containers.

SMP is used in the manufacture of products such as ice cream, sour cream, curds and yoghurts. It is also one of basic ingredients for baby food.

EkoNiva began test export shipments of SMP in 2023, sending its first batch to Kazakhstan. In 2024, steady supplies to Georgia and Armenia were launched. Since 2025, EkoNiva has been exploring export opportunities to non-CIS countries and strives to unlock new destinations.