Production of camel milk ice cream has been launched in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. The project is part of the «Kazakhtanu» cultural and educational program, which focuses on reinventing national traditions. The project involves processing camel milk and using it in desserts. The product line includes over 20 flavors and is made from natural ingredients.
Azangul Albosyn, the entrepreneur behind the project, is a former lawyer. She used to live and work in neighboring China but, as an ethnic Kazakh, decided to return to Kazakhstan about 15 years ago. Together with her husband, Zharkyn Zhumagazy, she began developing a farm. Initially, the family bred goats and horses and sold goat milk and kumis. Later, they decided to shift to camel breeding.
The first camels were purchased with their own funds. The couple began exploring this new field independently, visiting farms and consulting experienced livestock breeders. They were particularly interested in shubat production techniques.
«Back then, we sold camel milk literally by the glass — at small markets, big bazaars, anywhere we could find people. We had no car at the time, so my husband carried the containers himself. It was tough, but demand grew and people began coming to us,» Albosyn said.
About 10 years ago, the family moved to the village of Sarybulak in the Almaty region, where they now run a farm with 80 camels. In addition to shubat, they currently produce kurt — a Central Asian salty dried cheese — and butter.
This became possible three years ago, when Albosyn presented her business plan to Gov. Marat Sultangaziyev and secured his full support. Authorities agreed to provide the family with a vacant plot of land near the village.
«Camel breeding is more than just a business. For Kazakhs, this industry has always been a source of livelihood. Milk, wool and leather were all used in everyday life. We want to show that this tradition has a future,» Albosyn emphasized.
In addition to farming, the entrepreneur is involved in handicrafts: she makes traditional padded mats (korpe), pillows and healing belts from camel wool. She now plans to open a craft school for women living in rural areas.
The newest branch of the family business involves processing camel milk. After completing international training and purchasing the necessary equipment, Albosyn launched the «Kazakh Kyzy» ice cream brand.
«Milk needs to be simmered slowly, for up to 20 hours, until it becomes thick like condensed milk. Then I add jam. Now I have about 20 flavors, such as chocolate, dates, caramel, berries and melon, among others,» the entrepreneur explained, noting that her ice cream is 100% natural.
In the future, the family plans to increase their camel herd, start producing bottled shubat and expand their farm-made ice cream production. «Kazakhstan is interesting to the world for its traditions and culture. We need to have our own culinary identity. This is why I support the idea that we need as many locally produced products as possible,» Albosyn underlined.
