The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

GEA Group, a supplier of systems and components to the F&B industry, has been mandated to partner with Qatari dairy producer Baladna, and the Algerian government to establish what will be the world’s largest integrated dairy farm and milk powder production facility in Algeria.

The formal contract signing ceremony – represented by GEA'S CEO Stefan Klebert – took place in Algiers, marking a pivotal moment in the region's agricultural landscape.

The project, which is set to begin construction in early 2026, aims to bolster Algeria's self-sufficiency in dairy products, addressing the country’s status as the third-largest importer of milk powder globally.

With an investment estimated between €140 million-€170 million, this facility is expected to produce around 100,000 tons of milk powder annually, meeting approximately 50% of Algeria’s national demand.

The collaboration involves GEA, Baladna and the Algerian National Investment Fund, which have formed Baladna Algeria to oversee the project. This initiative is not only a response to the country’s reliance on imported dairy products but also a strategic move to enhance local food security and create around 5,000 job opportunities for Algerian residents.

Klebert highlighted the project's importance, stating that it represents one of the largest orders in the company's history. “Not only are we building the world’s largest facility of its kind – we are also helping to strengthen regional food security and economic development," he said.

"This project showcases the attractiveness of our technologies and products, underpinned by our extensive capabilities for large-scale process and plant engineering.”

GEA is tasked with delivering a comprehensive suite of dairy farming and processing solutions, integrating advanced technologies across the entire milk powder production value chain – from milking systems to packaging.

The facility, located 90 kilometres from Adrar, will leverage GEA's extensive experience in large-scale dairy operations, drawing on successful projects in countries such as India, China and Ireland.

The integration of GEA's liquid & powder technologies and farm technologies divisions will ensure that the facility operates at the highest efficiency and quality standards.

This project is poised to have a substantial impact on Algeria's dairy sector and its economy, reducing the nation's dependency on imports while fostering local talent and innovation.

The gradual scale-up of production is expected to enhance the resilience of Algeria's food supply chain, aligning with broader regional goals for agricultural sustainability and self-reliance.