Dr Nihad Vaid

Q: How did your involvement with Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products (EICMP) come about?

Our company, Camelsmilk.uk.com, was selling camel milk from Holland initially in Manchester, at the Jumbo Express newsagent. This was picked up by the Manchester Evening News, which published an article. The makers of Camelicious, EICMP, then approached us and asked us to sell its milk. Due the price, packaging and the taste of the milk, we decided to work with EICMP.

Q: What was it about camel milk that prompted you to distribute it?

We were selling it initially because the Somalian community near our shop had mentioned how beneficial camel milk was for health. As we started selling it and we started seeing the benefits of camel milk for our customers, we became aware that there is something special about this milk.

Recently, camel milk has gained a lot of media attention, especially in the case of diabetes. A review conducted in December by Dr Ashori concluded that camel milk has significant health benefits in patients who suffer from diabetes. There are also additional health benefits. One of our largest customer bases is parents who buy milk for their children suffering from autism. They find it improves their sleep, concentration and behaviour. This has also been shown in scientific studies.

Q: What issues is there with camel milk that there is not with bovine milk, ie, lower output from camels?

The major issue is cost and output. Camels will only produce a maximum of eight litres a day. In addition the milk is coming from Dubai, so there is a cost implication as well.

Q: How long have you been importing the milk to the UK?

We have been importing camel milk from EICMP since around July 2014. There have been no major issues with importing the milk up to now.

Q: What product is your current best seller and why?

We sell different flavours of camel milk, camel milk cheese, camel milk ghee, camel milk labneh and camel milk powder. Our best seller by far is the pure camel milk. We are now selling 1,000 bottles a month.

Another item we sell is camel’s milk soap, which is sourced from a factory based in the United Arab Emirates as well.

Q: Where do you see the future of the camel milk industry in the UK?

We believe 2016 will be a big year for camel milk in the UK as we are seeing a massive increase in demand. We believe it is the most superior milk for its nutritional benefits and now proven health benefits. Even though we can increase supply, it is a slow process and we do end up having an issue with demand being greater than the supply.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

Believe it or not I am also a qualified dentist so 9-5, most days are spent practicing dentistry. At lunchtime and throughout the rest of the day I am replying to emails or attending phone calls. We have a team of six now, so work is delegated.

Q: Outside of work, what are your hobbies/interests?

I am a health and nutrition geek, as well as being a physique competitor. So I spend a lot of the time researching nutrition and health, in addition to going to the gym regularly. I also enjoy traveling, but unfortunately life is quite busy right now, so I do not get much time for that.

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