MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF MINISTER IVAN MEYER Western Cape celebrates WORLD MILK DAY

OOn 1 June 2021, we joined the world in celebrating World Milk Day. We did this by saluting our dairy industry for providing milk to our people, growing our food basket, and contributing to South Africa’s economy.

The Milk Producers’ Organisation’s Dairy Market Trends of March 2021 shows dairy exports in 2020 reaching an all-time high. South Africa exported 460 million litres of milk. These recordbreaking exports happened despite the lockdown restrictions in South Africa.

The Western Cape accounts for 28% of milk production in the country. With respect to exports, the province is a net exporter of milk and cream.

Milk exports and cream have grown at an annual average growth rate of 9% in the past ten years.

Milk is rich in calcium, a mineral that promotes healthy teeth and bones. The use of milk in food and drink has been happening for thousands of years.

Milk is an integral daily part of most people’s lives, and there is an entire industry built around it. It is an essential ingredient in dairy foods such as butter, cream, ice cream, and cheese. Milk is also an ingredient used in other foods, such as bread, cakes, cereal, desserts, and so much more. With more than 800 million people suffering from hunger worldwide, we must ensure that a glass of milk is accessible to people daily.