A family in the Zhetysu Region has launched the production of honey kumys (balkymyz) and plans to export the product, QazMonitor reports, citing the regional akimat.
The enterprise currently produces 600 liters of the beverage per day using locally sourced milk. In the future, the young entrepreneurs plan to expand production and begin exports to China and Uzbekistan.
Analyst Madiyar Tuebayev and his wife Aigerim Shalandiyeva decided to start a family business after noticing that large volumes of honey kumys were being imported into the region from abroad. This prompted the idea to produce bal kumys locally, using milk from the Zhetysu Region.
According to Shalandiyeva, only natural ingredients are used in production. The main milk supply is sourced from Tekeli and Taldykorgan. The beverage combines cow’s and mare’s milk with a honey-based starter culture and contains beneficial lactobacilli. In addition to honey kumys, the company also produces ayran, yogurt, and a drink called Tan. Plans are also in place to launch the production of millet-based tea in the future.
The company currently employs five people, with staff numbers expected to increase as operations expand. The entrepreneurs are counting on state support to help accelerate their plans and ensure the product remains accessible to local residents.
At present, sales are limited to the Zhetysu Region. However, the family aims to enter other regional markets, contribute to import substitution, and begin exports. Negotiations are already underway with Chinese partners, and the first shipment of bal kumys to China is planned for the spring.
