Morocco has taken a major step in strengthening its agri-food sector with the launch of a new milk production facility in Morocco. The government inaugurated the $10.8 million project in Kenitra, marking a fresh push toward industrial growth and food security.
Ryad Mazzour led the inauguration ceremony on Friday. He described the facility as a key milestone for Morocco’s dairy value chain. He stressed that the project strengthens national food sovereignty while supporting long-term industrial transformation.
The agricultural cooperative EXTRALAIT developed the pasteurized milk unit. The project carries a total value of MAD 108 million, which equals about $10.8 million. It also targets the creation of 139 direct jobs, boosting local employment in the region.
Officials confirmed that the initiative forms part of a broader contractual program backed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. In addition, EXTRALAIT plans to upgrade its yogurt and butter production lines across the country. This expansion will improve efficiency and diversify dairy products for the domestic market.
The minister praised EXTRALAIT for its long-standing growth path. He said the cooperative represents a national model built on unity and resilience. Over the past 70 years, the cooperative has brought together nearly 12,000 small-scale breeders across 44 cooperatives and 57 milk collection centers.
He also highlighted the role of farmers in building a competitive dairy system. According to him, their efforts demonstrate how solidarity and local initiative can meet international production standards. As a result, the new unit strengthens both industrial capacity and rural livelihoods.
Youssef Lakbida also emphasized the importance of the investment. He explained that the project increases production capacity and modernizes processing lines. Furthermore, he noted that it improves product diversification and stabilizes income for thousands of livestock farmers.
The development also supports Morocco’s broader agricultural strategy. It reinforces the dairy supply chain, which plays a central role in national food security. Consequently, the new facility positions Kenitra as an emerging hub in Morocco’s growing agri-food industry.
