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Export · Africa
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Local African dairy production is structurally insufficient to meet demand. Sub-Saharan Africa imports over 70% of its dairy needs, and this dependency is increasing with demographic growth and urbanisation that are transforming eating habits. In major cities like Dakar, Abidjan, Casablanca, Lagos or Nairobi, powdered milk has become a staple product, integrated into the daily breakfast of millions of families.
For B2B importers and distributors on the continent, the question is no longer "should we import powdered milk?" but "how do we secure a reliable, compliant and competitive supply from Europe?" This is precisely where Martigane comes in.
Sub-Saharan Africa is the world's second-largest powdered milk import market after Asia. Demand is growing at 4 to 6% per year, driven by demographic growth (+2.5%/year) and rapid urbanisation. Whole Milk Powder (WMP) represents the majority of imported volumes.
The most demanded format in the African market. Fat content of 26% minimum according to Codex Alimentarius standards. Used for direct reconstitution (family consumption), yoghurt manufacturing, dairy desserts and confectionery. Available packaging: 25 kg bags (standard export), 400g and 900g metal tins (retail), 500g and 1kg sachets.
Fat content below 1.5%. Widely used by African food manufacturers (biscuit makers, chocolate producers, dairy beverage producers) to enrich their recipes with protein without lipid contribution. Long shelf life, standard 25 kg packaging.
Versions packaged in sachets or tins for retail sale. European brands and private labels (own brands) represent the two segments. Martigane distributes CE-certified powdered milk, with labelling compliant with destination country regulations (Arabic for the Maghreb, French for Francophone Africa).
The Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO international standard) defines minimum fat and protein content for powdered milk. Many African countries require imported milk to be Codex-compliant, backed by a sanitary certificate and an accredited laboratory analysis report. Martigane provides these documents systematically.
| Document | Purpose | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary sanitary certificate | Attestation that the product is fit for human consumption, issued by French veterinary authorities (DDPP) | ✅ All countries |
| Laboratory analysis certificate | Fat, protein, moisture content, absence of contaminants (aflatoxins, heavy metals) | ✅ All countries |
| EUR.1 certificate of origin | Enables preferential customs duties under EU-ACP agreements or bilateral agreements | ✅ Recommended |
| Codex compliance certificate | Attestation of compliance with FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius standards | ✅ Maghreb + Sub-Saharan |
| Pro forma commercial invoice | Required for customs clearance on the importer's side | ✅ All countries |
| Detailed packing list | Number of bags/cartons, gross/net weight, batch numbers, best-before dates | ✅ All countries |
| Bill of Lading (BL) | Maritime transport document, title of ownership of the goods | ✅ Maritime export |
| Halal certificate | Required for majority Muslim markets (Maghreb, West Africa) | ⚠️ Country-dependent |
Residual shelf life on arrival is a key criterion. Most African authorities require powdered milk to have at least 12 to 18 months of residual shelf life at the date of customs entry. Martigane guarantees compliant residual shelf life across all its exports.
Martigane delivers the goods on board the vessel at the French port (Le Havre, Marseille). From that point, the African importer takes charge of the maritime freight, insurance and customs clearance at destination. Recommended configuration for experienced importers who have their own freight forwarders.
Martigane covers maritime freight and insurance to the African destination port (Casablanca, Dakar, Abidjan, Douala…). The importer only handles local customs clearance. Ideal for importers who wish to master their landed cost upfront.
Martigane manages the entire logistics chain to the importer's warehouse, customs duties included. Best suited for clients starting their import operations or operating in complex logistics environments.
For a first order, opt for CIF destination port. You maintain visibility over your total landed cost and entrust maritime freight to Martigane — which considerably simplifies your first import experience.
The reference packaging for bulk export. Polyethylene inner liner, jute or polypropylene outer bag. Palletised (800 kg to 1 tonne per pallet depending on configuration). Ideal for local manufacturers (yoghurt producers, biscuit makers, reconstitution dairies) and packers who will repackage into smaller formats.
For distributors supplying directly to retail. Custom labelling available to meet destination market requirements: Arabic for the Maghreb, French for Francophone West Africa, with nutritional values compliant with local regulations.
Highly in demand in West African markets where small convenience trade (neighbourhood shops, markets) represents a major share of food distribution. Economy format, flexible packaging, easy to transport.
From our Lille warehouse (253 Boulevard de Leeds), Martigane benefits from an optimal geographic position for maritime export to Africa:
At Martigane, we understand that exporting to Africa involves long logistics lead times and high documentary risk. Our value: a complete, complete export file — no missing document — so your cargo never waits in customs over a paperwork issue.
Martigane exports to the Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa. Personalised quote within 48h: volume, packaging, Incoterms, complete documentation.
Request an export quote ← Our international offerB2B resources for food distribution. Martigane, food wholesaler and exporter from Lille — France, Belgium, UK and Africa.