Ghee from cow milk production in South Africa
In 2023 South Africa produced 2,920 t of ghee from cow milk, the 16th largest in the world (0.45% of the world total). Over ten years it grew by 203%. This is the highest figure on record.
The 2023 figure is imputed by FAO.
- Production, 2023
- 2,920 t
- World rank
- 16 of 24
- 10-year change
- +203%
- Record
- 2,920 t
- 2023
Ghee from cow milk in South Africa, 1990–2023 (tonnes)
South Africa compared with the world, 2023
- Share of world total
- 0.45%
- 0.39% in 2013
- 10-year change
- +203%
- world +163%
Position in the world ranking
| # | Country | Tonnes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Serbia | 3,665 | 0.56% |
| 15 | Uganda | 3,116 | 0.48% |
| 16 | South Africa | 2,920 | 0.45% |
| 17 | Chile | 1,784 | 0.27% |
| 18 | Burkina Faso | 1,730 | 0.26% |
Map of world production of ghee from cow milk
Share of the world total; South Africa is outlined. Small island states are not drawn at this scale.
By year
| Year | Tonnes | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2,920 | +3.3% |
| 2022 | 2,828 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | 2,773 | +292% |
| 2020 | 707 | +9.3% |
| 2019 | 647 | −43% |
| 2018 | 1,131 | +81% |
| 2017 | 624 | +1.8% |
| 2016 | 613 | +5.5% |
| 2015 | 581 | −7.0% |
| 2014 | 625 | −35% |
| 2013 | 965 | +3.3% |
| 2012 | 934 | +5.2% |
| 2011 | 888 | +3.1% |
| 2010 | 861 | +72% |
| 2009 | 500 | −9.1% |
| 2008 | 550 | +10% |
| 2007 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 2006 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 2005 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 2004 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 2003 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 2002 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 2001 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 2000 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 1999 | 500 | 0.0% |
| 1998 | 500 | −50% |
| 1997 | 1,000 | +150% |
| 1996 | 400 | +60% |
| 1995 | 250 | +150% |
| 1994 | 100 | 0.0% |
| 1993 | 100 | 0.0% |
| 1992 | 100 | 0.0% |
| 1991 | 100 | −93% |
| 1990 | 1,400 | — |
Trade, 2024
- Exports
- 787 t USD 2.1 m
- Exporter rank
- 13 of 56
- Imports
- 1 t USD 3,000
- Importer rank
- 107 of 109
FAOSTAT detailed trade data, release of 23 July 2026; quantities in tonnes, values in current US dollars; exports include re-exports. World exporters and importers
Questions and answers
What is the production of ghee from cow milk in South Africa?
South Africa produced 2,920 t in 2023, 0.45% of the world total, according to FAOSTAT.
Where does South Africa rank in the world for production of ghee from cow milk?
South Africa ranked 16th of 24 countries in 2023. The largest producer was India with 65.2% of the world total.
How has the production of ghee from cow milk in South Africa changed?
It rose by 203% between 2013 and 2023, compared with +163% for the world. 2023 was the highest figure on record.
Does South Africa export or import ghee from cow milk?
In 2024 South Africa reported exports of 787 t (USD 2.1 m) and imports of 1 t (USD 3,000), according to FAOSTAT trade data.
Where does this data come from?
From FAOSTAT, the statistics database of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; the 2023 figure for South Africa is imputed by FAO. Shares, ranks and per-person figures are calculated by Husfarm.
Other large producers
Source: FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 4 November 2026. fao.org/faostat. Licence: CC BY 4.0. Charts, rankings and changes calculated by Husfarm.