We'll explain what's special about Primemilk cheeses and whether it's true that the cream substitute is chemical.

Belarus is one of the world's top ten exporters of MILK and dairy products. But Primemilk LLC occupies a special place in this market. While most producers view whey as a byproduct (obtained during the production of cottage cheese and cheese), Primemilk LLC considers it a valuable raw material used to create healthy and delicious products. We discussed this with DIRECTOR Anatoly Belyavsky.

– Anatoly Stanislavovich, what are your current options for using whey?

"Whey is a highly valuable protein product, containing a huge amount of micro- and macronutrients. Our company is unique in that we engage in its advanced processing. The range of products we produce from it is so broad that only a couple of other global manufacturers can compete with us. From whey, we produce a wide range of soft cheeses, various dry food and feed ingredients, concentrates, and even a cream substitute."

For example, dry demineralized whey contains over 10% whey protein, a high milk SUGAR content, and all the natural vitamins and microelements found in milk . It is a natural and beneficial ingredient. Dry whey is used in the production of whole-milk products, sour cream products, yogurts, ice cream, condensed milk, baby food, and beverages. It is added to waffles, cookies, gingerbread, candy fillings, mousses and various desserts, sauces, kissels, jellies, and puddings. Because whey makes dough fluffier, improves its flavor, and enhances the biological and nutritional value of the product, it is also widely used in the production of bakery products and pasta.

– What are the advantages of soft whey-based cheeses?

Our soft cheeses contain more calcium, magnesium, and iron than traditional cottage cheese. The whey protein found in our soft cheese is 15% more digestible than the casein protein found in milk. It's an ideal product for a healthy diet.

Chef Works soft cheese is made using unique technologies. It has a soft, silky texture and a unique, milky, slightly sweet flavor, yet is low in calories. It's perfect for creating desserts, syrniki (cooked cheesecakes), casseroles, cheesecakes, and other culinary masterpieces.

- You are producing a cream substitute. In the view of the unit

For consumers, this is pure "chemistry"... Is it really so?

We don't use any preservatives or synthetic ingredients in our production! Our cream substitute is a 100% natural product, containing whey proteins, natural milk sugar , and rich in all the natural vitamins and microelements found in milk.

The traditional markets for this product are the Persian Gulf countries, CHINA , the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan , Afghanistan, Iran, and African countries, i.e., those countries where natural milk is in short supply and its substitutes are in demand.

Our natural cream substitute is a wonderful alternative to milk. It has a long shelf life, excellent solubility, and a rich, creamy, milky flavor.

Incidentally, in 2025, Primemilk LLC will launch a new brand, Legendairy, offering a cream substitute in consumer packaging ranging from 250g to 2kg. Previously, we only produced it in bulk quantities.

– How much demand is there for your company’s products ?

We're operating at 100% capacity. We process about 900 tons of whey per day and produce about 90 tons of dry powder and up to 20 tons of soft cheese per day. And practically everything goes to waste.

Leading enterprises in our country use PrimeMilk ingredients, with over 90% of them sold for EXPORT . Today, our dry ingredients are supplied to dozens of countries, including not only traditional but also exotic destinations such as Africa, the Middle East, and South America. We have significantly increased our supplies to China. Soft cheeses can be found in virtually all Belarusian retail chains. A significant volume is exported to the Horeca and Retail sectors in RUSSIA, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. In 2025, we entered the markets of Turkmenistan and Armenia. Our products are in demand there, both in confectionery factories and in chain stores.

This success is easy to explain. The technologies we use are unparalleled and meet global standards. The facility is equipped with modern European equipment. Its installation was supervised by specialists from across Europe. A distinctive feature of our plant is the complete automation of production processes, as well as the ability to visually monitor them. The company has implemented and successfully certified quality management systems such as HACCP, FSSC 22000,iso 14001, ISO 45001, and Halal certifications. In other words, we've created all the necessary conditions for producing high-quality and safe products. They've been recognized repeatedly at international exhibitions and public tastings. For example, Primemilk has twice won the Republic of Belarus Government Award for achievements in quality.

– Where in Belarus can I buy your products to taste?

Soft cheeses are available in virtually all Belarusian retail chains. Dry ingredients will soon also be available to the average consumer. Specifically, we are currently preparing to launch a new packaging line, which will make it possible to purchase dry ingredients in packages starting from 250 grams. Previously, we sold our dry ingredients exclusively in bulk packaging.

– Tell us about the people who work in production.

We have a young, hardworking, and ambitious team. Currently, the company employs 205 people. The average salary is 2,800 rubles. To maintain a stable workforce and attract young talent, we provide all employees with a good benefits package. This includes HEALTH insurance, gym memberships,swimming pool , we also organize food delivery.

For me personally, the team is very important. People should genuinely love what they do and be proud of it. And for food products to be truly delicious, they must be made by happy people. That's exactly what we have!

In 2024 , the company's specialists underwent a repeat social audit, confirming the high level of management's social responsibility and team engagement. A person with a good salary, benefits package, and excellent working conditions feels worthy, spreads a sense of confidence, and makes others happy. We care about our people, because their efforts contribute to the overall result.

Elena KOZLOVSKAYA, photos provided by the company