Kenitra – The dairy sector in Morocco took a significant step on Friday, April 3, 2026, with the inauguration of a modern pasteurized milk production unit by the EXTRALAIT Cooperative, which also updated its yogurt and butter production lines. The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour.
The investment project, valued at 108 million dirhams, represents a substantial addition to the local agricultural and industrial sectors, providing 139 direct jobs and enhancing the cooperative’s position in both the national and regional markets by diversifying its products and meeting consumer needs.
During the inauguration ceremony, Ryad Mezzour highlighted the strategic role of this initiative in supporting food sovereignty, emphasizing that the project involves thousands of farmers in a promising economic and social dynamic and creates new job opportunities contributing to sustainable development.
The dairy industry is a cornerstone of the Moroccan economy, providing income for thousands of farmers and livestock breeders while directly supporting social and economic growth across various regions.
Additionally, EXTRALAIT operates a milk drying tower, one of four such towers in Morocco, which allows for the conversion of surplus production into powder during periods of high production or low demand. This infrastructure is also accessible to other players in the sector to enhance the organization of the national milk supply chain.
It is noteworthy that the EXTRALAIT Cooperative, established in 1953, relies on a network of 44 cooperatives and 57 collection centers, employing over 700 people, while more than 12,000 farmers participate in the production of milk and its derivatives. In 2025, the cooperative achieved a turnover of nearly 480 million dirhams, confirming its position as one of the key pillars of the dairy industry in Morocco.
