Abstract : As a special dairy product with unique nutritional value and market potential, camel milk has received extensive attention in the Chinese market in recent years. However, during its rapid development, the camel milk industry is also facing numerous challenges. These challenges not only affect the healthy development of the camel milk industry but also have a certain impact on the rights and interests of consumers and the stability of the market. Through the analysis of the market status, production and supply, consumer perception, policies and regulations of the camel milk industry, this paper deeply explores the challenges faced by the development of the camel milk industry and puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions, aiming to provide a reference for the sustainable development of the camel milk industry. Keywords : Camel Milk Industry; Development Challenges; Countermeasures and Suggestions I. Introduction Camel milk is rich in various nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, etc. It also has the characteristics of low lactose content and being easily digestible, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance and those with special nutritional needs. In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standards and the increasing demand for healthy foods, the camel milk market has gradually emerged, attracting the attention and investment of many enterprises. However, during the development process of the camel milk industry, it also faces a series of challenges, such as fierce market competition, low consumer awareness, unstable production and supply, and imperfect policies and regulations. These challenges not only restrict the growth and expansion of the camel milk industry but also have a certain impact on the rights and interests of consumers and the stability of the market. Therefore, conducting in-depth research on the challenges faced by the development of the camel milk industry and proposing corresponding countermeasures and suggestions is of great practical significance. II. Development Status of the Camel Milk Industry 2.1 Market Size In recent years, the market size of camel milk in China has shown a trend of rapid growth. According to relevant data, in 2019, the market size of camel milk in China was only 809 million yuan, and it had increased to 1.32 billion yuan by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of over 16%. It is expected that the market size will reach 2.189 billion yuan by 2030. 2.2 Production and Supply The inventory of camels in China is relatively small, and they are mainly distributed in regions such as Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu. The milk production of camels is relatively low. On average, each camel can only produce 3 to 5 liters of milk per day, which is much lower than that of dairy cows. In addition, the collection, storage, and transportation of camel milk are quite difficult, requiring special equipment and technologies, which also increases the production cost and supply difficulty of camel milk. 2.3 Consumer Awareness Currently, consumers' awareness of camel milk is still relatively low, especially in some economically developed regions and southern regions. Some consumers have doubts about the nutritional value and efficacy of camel milk and are also quite sensitive to its price. In addition, there are some phenomena of false propaganda and misleading consumers in the market, which also affect consumers' trust in camel milk. III. Challenges Faced by the Development of the Camel Milk Industry 3.1 Challenges in Market Competition Chaotic Brands and Uneven Quality: The processing technology of camel milk requires high standards. However, most of the enterprises engaged in camel milk processing in the current market are small and medium-sized enterprises. The market is flooded with a large number of small brands and unbranded products. There are significant disparities among various brands in terms of product quality, production processes, and raw material sources. Consumers find it difficult to distinguish between good and bad products. Moreover, the inferior products of some unscrupulous merchants can also damage the overall image of the industry. Price Disorder: The prices of camel milk products of different brands and specifications vary greatly, and there is a lack of unified standards. Some merchants take advantage of these price differences to conduct false propaganda or mislead consumers, which not only harms the interests of consumers but also hinders the standardized development of the industry. Intense Competition and Profit Compression: The dividend period of the camel milk industry is gradually fading. Market saturation and intensified competition have broken the profit distribution model, shrinking the profit margins of enterprises. In order to compete for market share, enterprises adopt measures such as price cuts and promotions, which are likely to trigger price wars and further compress profits. Lack of Dominant Brands: There are numerous brands in the industry, but there is no brand that can monopolize consumers' minds. Consumers face difficulties in making choices, and this also restricts the overall development speed and level of the industry. 3.2 Challenges in Consumer Cognition Cognitive Misunderstandings: Some consumers mistakenly regard "solid beverages" as camel milk powder. Additionally, some consumers lack an understanding of the scarcity of camel milk and find it difficult to accept its relatively high price. Low Overall Awareness: Although camel milk has high nutritional value, in many regions, consumers' awareness and acceptance of camel milk are still limited. The work of market education and brand promotion still needs to be strengthened. 3.3 Challenges in Production and Supply Limited Production: The milk production of camels is low, with an average daily output of only 3 to 5 liters. Moreover, due to the limitations of the breeding environment and habits, it is difficult to carry out large-scale centralized breeding, resulting in a limited supply of camel milk in the market, which is difficult to meet the rapidly growing market demand. High Costs: The breeding cycle of camels is long and the cost is high. In addition, the collection, processing, and transportation of camel milk have extremely high technical requirements. For example, it needs to be cooled to 0-4°C within 2 hours and stored in a cold chain throughout the process, which leads to a relatively high price of camel milk products and restricts the consumer group. Difficulty in Supply Chain Management: The collection, storage, and transportation links of camel milk have high requirements, requiring special equipment and strict cold chain conditions. The strict supervision of the entire chain by the new national standards further tests the supply chain integration capabilities of enterprises. 3.4 Challenges in Policies and Standards Increased Compliance Costs: The implementation of the new national standards has put forward higher requirements for the camel milk industry. Enterprises need to increase their investment in raw material procurement, production processes, quality inspection, etc. to meet the standard requirements, which undoubtedly increases the compliance costs of enterprises. Room for Improvement in Industry Norms: Although the new national standards have been introduced, from camel breeding, milk source collection to product processing and sales, more detailed and comprehensive standards and norms still need to be established to ensure product quality and safety. 3.5 Technological Challenges Incomplete Cold Chain Logistics: The preservation and transportation of camel milk have extremely high requirements for the cold chain. However, in some remote production areas, the cold chain logistics facilities are not perfect, which affects the quality of camel milk and the scope of market expansion. Room for Improvement in Processing Technology: The processing of camel milk requires special equipment and technology to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the retention of nutritional components. Currently, some enterprises still have deficiencies in processing technology and need further improvement. IV. Countermeasures and Suggestions for the Development of the Camel Milk Industry 4.1 Strengthen Market Supervision and Regulate Market Order Relevant government departments should enhance the supervision of the camel milk market, establish and improve the market access system and quality supervision system. Strengthen the qualification review of camel milk production enterprises and the inspection of product quality. Severely crack down on illegal acts such as false propaganda and counterfeiting, maintain market order, and protect the rights and interests of consumers. 4.2 Strengthen Brand Building and Improve Brand Image Camel milk production enterprises should strengthen brand building, foster brand awareness, and focus on product quality and service quality. By improving product quality, strengthening brand promotion, and innovating marketing models, they can enhance brand awareness and reputation, and create brands with market competitiveness. 4.3 Increase Investment in Science and Technology to Improve Production Efficiency The government and enterprises should increase investment in the research and development of camel milk production technologies, strengthen cooperation with scientific research institutions and universities. Carry out research and innovation on technologies such as camel breeding, camel milk collection, and processing to improve production efficiency and product quality, and reduce production costs. 4.4 Strengthen Consumer Education and Raise Consumer Awareness Camel milk production enterprises and industry associations should strengthen consumer education and publicity. Through holding 19 lectures, carrying out experience activities, and issuing promotional materials, they can popularize knowledge about the nutritional value, efficacy, and consumption methods of camel milk to consumers, and improve consumers' awareness and acceptance of camel milk. 4.5 Improve Policies and Regulations to Promote Industrial Development The government should improve the policies and regulations of the camel milk industry, formulate relevant industrial support policies, increase support for the camel milk industry, encourage enterprises to increase investment in research and development, improve production technology levels, and promote the healthy development of the camel milk industry. V. Conclusion As a special dairy product industry with unique nutritional value and market potential, the camel milk industry has achieved certain development in the Chinese market in recent years. However, during its development process, it also faces numerous challenges such as fierce market competition, low consumer awareness, unstable production and supply, and imperfect policies and regulations. In order to promote the healthy development of the camel milk industry, the government, enterprises, and all sectors of society should work together. Strengthen market supervision and regulate market order; enhance brand building and improve brand image; increase investment in science and technology to improve production efficiency; strengthen consumer education to raise consumer awareness; and improve policies and regulations to promote industrial development. Only in this way can we drive the camel milk industry to achieve sustainable development and provide consumers with higher-quality, safer, and healthier camel milk products.
EN
