Front of the Q: Singapore first export market for Australia’s QCamel camel milk products

The aim is to enter Singapore in the first half of 2021, after it receives approval for exports.

The company will be working with a distributor to retail the products in organic stores, according to director, Lauren Brisbane.

QCamel was previously in discussions with the distributor some 14 months ago, and was waiting for export approval. However, COVID-19 hit, which prolonged the approval period.

Brisbane told FoodNavigator-Asia​, “Unfortunately, we had to wait. So, what most people did in this climate was focus on its domestic sales, and any export plans were shelved until after COVID-19​.”

The same distributor is also involved in the Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong markets, which would be potential new markets for QCamel in the future.

Singapore​

While camel milk is not as popular as cow or other dairy milk in Singapore yet, Brisbane hopes the health benefits of camel milk can cater to health-conscious consumers.

“It is suitable for people with gut and bowel issues​,” she said.

“People are ​looking for products that address certain health concerns, and camel milk can help address those issues​.”

Many research findings have shown that camel milk is closer to human milk than any other dairy milk. Furthermore, it is easily digested by lactose-intolerant individuals.

Camel milk is a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin B and C and lactoferrin. In particular, lactoferrin has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-tumour properties.

Camel milk also contains insulin, which makes it suitable for people with diabetes.

QCamel is also hoping to target the expat community in Singapore, “who want access to foods they grew up with​.”

“Camel milk has been a traditional product for people in Middle East and the Silk Road region​,” she added.

“As people move around the world, they take these traditions with them, and introduce their food culture to an international audience.​” Other traditional milks include horse milk in Mongolia and yak milk in Nepal.

Australia market​

QCamel operates its own camel farm, and milking facility in Queensland.

It currently has 110 camels, of which 60 to 80 are in production stages. Production means milking or pregnant.

Each week, the farm can produce between 300L to 500L of camel milk, depending on the weather. Hot weather results in higher production, while rainy weather lessens production.

While camel milk is processed at its farm, its other camel milk products are outsourced to contract manufacturers.

According to Brisbane, camel milk is its best-seller in Australia, selling out every week.

“We saw the local demand increase 30% since COVID-19​.”

Once it enters the export business, QCamel hopes to increase production to meet both local and export demand.

In Australia, its pasteurised camel milk retail on QCamel’s website, markets, grocery stores and health food shops.

The company has also recently launched its camel milk skin care products​ in Singapore, China and South Korea.