How an Australian Farmer Is Planning to Get US Consumers Hooked on Camel Milk

An Australian farmer’s unusual plan to export camel milk to the United States is capturing attention in both agricultural and wellness circles, marking a potential new chapter in the global dairy market. After more than a decade developing one of Australia’s first commercial camel dairies, Paul Martin is now preparing for his first major overseas shipment — and he believes the US market could be a game-changer.
The Guardian
Martin operates his camel farm on a 130-hectare property in the Scenic Rim region of Queensland, southeast of Brisbane. Over the past 10 years, he and his team have built a productive herd, including standout camels such as Caroline, whose genetics produce more than twice the average milk yield of wild camels. This selective breeding, Martin says, is crucial to scaling camel milk production from a novelty to a serious commercial product.
The Camel Milk Opportunity
Camel milk has long been a staple in pastoral communities in Africa and the Middle East, prized for its nutrition and digestibility. But in western countries, it remains a niche product — one that is starting to attract health-minded consumers. Camel milk is naturally lower in allergens than cow’s milk because it lacks the protein beta-lactoglobulin, a major trigger for dairy sensitivities. Its nutritional profile has led some in wellness circles to describe it as a “superfood,” appealing to people with gut-health concerns or dietary restrictions.
Martin plans to export 60,000 litres of camel milk to the United States this year, his first shipment aimed at testing US demand. If successful, he believes exports could grow into a major new commodity for Australia — much like beef or sheep products once did.
Australia’s Unique Camel Advantage
Unlike many countries, Australia has a naturally large population of feral camels — descendants of animals brought in during the 19th century — estimated at hundreds of thousands across the interior. While these populations are often seen as an ecological challenge, some see a commercial opportunity in turning them into dairy resources.
However, experts caution that relying on feral harvests for commercial milk production presents challenges in scale, animal welfare, and sustainability. Government reports suggest that commercial use could support targeted population control, but that captive breeding remains a more realistic path for industry growth.
On Martin’s farm, camel milking is a hands-on, psychology-driven process: camels must be “coaxed” rather than forced to release milk, requiring trust, calm handling, and careful understanding of herd dynamics. “Once you do that,” Martin says, “they’re like a grass-eating Labrador.”
Marketing to US Consumers
For camel milk to catch on in the United States, producers must navigate a complex food environment. Unlike traditional dairy products, camel milk still lacks widespread retail presence, and in some US states there are strict regulations on raw milk production and sales. However, pasteurised camel milk and camel-based products have already begun appearing in specialty markets, often tied to migrant communities familiar with camel milk’s cultural and nutritional value.
Martin believes that the milk’s health positioning — particularly for people with allergies or digestive issues — could help broaden its appeal beyond niche markets. He points to the similarities in health trends between Australia and the US, noting that wellness consumers there have shown interest in alternatives to traditional dairy.
Cultural and Economic Potential
Camels also hold cultural significance for some communities in both countries. Somali Australians, for instance, see camels as symbolic of resilience and heritage, connecting traditional food practices with modern industry innovation. Martin’s farm even offers camel milk cappuccinos and camel-meat pies, blending tradition with contemporary food culture.
Despite the logistical and marketing challenges, Australian producers — including larger players like Aus Camel Dairies Pty. Ltd. — are investing in technology and production facilities aimed at scaling for global markets. Some are even exploring infant formula and powdered camel milk products to broaden export opportunities.
Auscamel Dairies
Conclusion
As Martin prepares his first shipment of camel milk to the United States, the venture represents a broader trend in agricultural innovation: turning unconventional resources into high-value export products. If Australian camel milk can find a foothold among US consumers hungry for healthful, alternative dairy options, it could usher in a new era for an industry once confined to arid deserts and traditional markets.