Tehran – Iran is seeking to expand exports of its renowned Liqvan cheese by strengthening the product's value chain, improving branding, and increasing investment across the dairy sector, officials said.

 

Faramarz Afshani, Director of Food Processing Industries at the East Azarbaijan Agriculture Organization, said Liqvan cheese generates an estimated 20 trillion tomans in annual economic activity and produces nearly 20,000 tons each year, making it one of Iran's most valuable traditional agricultural products.

 

“The province is home to around 150 licensed producers, including 19 in the village of Liqvan, the cheese's place of origin, providing employment for hundreds of people.”

 

Afshani said higher raw milk and livestock feed costs, coupled with declining sheep's milk production, have reduced output at some facilities and driven up prices this year.

 

He stressed that unlocking the industry's export potential will require an integrated approach, including support for livestock farmers, higher-quality milk production, standardized processing, modern packaging, stronger branding, and wider access to international markets.

 

Iran exported more than 450 tons of Liqvan cheese last year, mainly through cross-border passenger trade. Current export destinations include Iraq, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and the Persian Gulf states, while smaller volumes have reached European and North American markets, according to the official.

 

Afshani said addressing challenges such as drought, shrinking grazing lands, rising production costs, weak branding, the absence of international geographical indication (GI) protection, and export restrictions will be key to enhancing the global competitiveness of Liqvan cheese.

 

Liqvan is a sour and brined curd cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk in Liqvan, a village in Iran.