There could be a shortage of dairy products during Ramadan, said industry sources in the Eastern Province. Sources said demand for dairy products usually increases by 20 percent during Ramadan, but the severe heat wave hitting the Kingdom makes it difficult to estimate consumption in the holy season. “This serves as a real test for the dairy producers to gauge their ability to meet the growing demand for dairy products during the holy month,” a source said. National dairy companies are putting final touches on a marketing strategy for this year's Ramadan season that will differ from the previous efforts, said sources who added that the plan will be revealed to consumers in the next few days. Sources said large farm expansions made by several dairy companies are boosting this year's production cycle, which should make it possible to meet the demand for dairy products during Ramadan. Sources said it is difficult to determine the amount of increased consumption during Ramadan due to several factors including the weather. In general, milk consumption in summer is twice what it is in winter, a source said. Sources said that in 2007 and 2008, several national dairy companies expanded their production lines and increased annual milk production, now at 2 million liters, by 15 percent.
