Baladna and Algeria Partner with GEA for €170 Million Mega Dairy Farm and Milk Powder Plant

Baladna and Algeria Partner with GEA for €170 Million Mega Dairy Farm and Milk Powder Plant

(IN BRIEF) Baladna, the Algerian Government and GEA have inked a €140–170 million agreement to construct the world’s largest integrated dairy farm and milk powder facility in Adrar, Algeria. Scheduled to break ground in 2026 and begin milk powder production by late 2027, the plant will eventually yield 100,000 tons per year—meeting 50 percent of Algeria’s demand—and generate 5,000 jobs. GEA’s Farm Technologies (FT) and Liquid & Powder Technologies (LPT) divisions will deliver the full suite of systems, from milking parlors and membrane filtration to spray dryers and automated packaging. The deal underscores Algeria’s push for food security and Baladna’s commitment to high‑standard, large‑scale dairy production.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 29-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — At a formal ceremony in Algiers, Baladna—Qatar’s foremost dairy and food producer—alongside the Algerian Government and GEA, led by CEO Stefan Klebert, sealed a landmark agreement to build the world’s largest integrated dairy farm and milk powder plant in Adrar province, Algeria. Under this €140–170 million contract—the largest single order in GEA’s history—the group will supply end‑to‑end dairy farming and processing technologies, from milking parlors to evaporation and spray‑drying units, plus automated packaging and service infrastructure.

Once operational, the facility will produce up to 100,000 tons of milk powder annually—roughly half of Algeria’s current demand—greatly enhancing national food security and creating some 5,000 local jobs. Construction kicks off in early 2026, with first milk powder deliveries slated for late 2027 and progressive scale‑up thereafter.

“Baladna and the Algerian Government have entrusted GEA to deliver a project of unparalleled scale,” said Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA. “Our integrated LPT and FT divisions will execute the complete milk powder value chain, showcasing our proven capabilities in large‑scale plant engineering and reinforcing regional autonomy in dairy products.”

Baladna Chairman Mohamed Moutaz Al‑Khayyat added: “Partnering with GEA—and other top global experts—ensures that we meet the highest international standards and fast‑track this strategic investment in Algeria’s food sovereignty and economic growth.”

The signing event at Algiers’ Congress International Centre featured high‑profile attendees, including Qatar’s Ambassador Abdelaziz Ali Al‑Naama and Algerian Agriculture Minister Youssef Cherfa. Ali Al‑Ali, Chairman of Baladna Algeria, and Stefan Klebert formalized the contract, capping the ceremony with a reception highlighting the project’s transformative potential.

About GEA

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology. With more than 18,000 employees, the Group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2024 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”

GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.

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SOURCE: GEA Group