About us

Camel dairy Smits is a Dutch camel dairy located in the village of Berlicum near ‘s-Hertogenbosch. It is the only camel dairy in Europe and its milk is the only one legally allowed to be sold in the EU. Outside the Netherlands, camel milk is also exported to the UK, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Sweden, among others.

How it started

Frank, a graduate of the Higher Agricultural School (HAS) in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, has turned his passion for camel milk into a thriving business. It all started with a vision – inspired by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which considers camel milk one of the healthiest animal milks. Research showed that there was potential for economically viable production of camel milk in the Netherlands. Frank decided to take up this challenge.
Our dairy literally started in the heart of the city: in 2006, the municipality of Den Bosch temporarily lent a piece of land of about ¾ hectare on the corner of Rompertse baan – Wethouder Schuurmanslaan. Here, in August 2006, 3 camels from one of the Canary Islands arrived in Den Bosch. After a 5-day boat trip, the animals were driven from Spain to the Netherlands in a trailer specially equipped for camel transport.
At the end of 2006, the camels were moved to the winter accommodation in Cromvoirt. There, in spring 2007, the first calves were born. Since then, camel milk has been available in the Netherlands.

In September 2010, the Camel Dairy moved to Berlicum to a large location where more space was created for more camels. By 2014 there were already more than 80 camels, also in April 2014 the business was expanded with a restaurant in oriental atmosphere. In 2018, we built a new stable and now we have about 100 camels.

The purpose

The first objective of the camel milk project was to explore the possibility of milking camels mechanically and to identify the marketing opportunities. And we succeeded! Milking the camels is done using a machine that Frank Smits, owner of the camel dairy, invented himself. So the animals are now milked using a specially adapted cow-milking machine. The milk is sold in its natural form but is also processed into other products and is available at several locations in the Netherlands but also in the EU and worldwide.

Corporate philosophy

At the Camel Farm, the following points are key:

Camels are not only extremely intelligent, but they also have an excellent memory. As friendly animals, they punish unfriendly behaviour and thrive in an environment where they are treated with care. At our dairy, we value the welfare of our camels. Therefore, we strive for regularity in their daily routine and make sure it is quiet in the barn during milking to cause as little stress as possible.

A special aspect of our care practices is the emphasis we place on the bond between mother and calf. We understand that this bond is essential for the welfare of both animals, and so we nurture this bond and ensure that they can stay together during the important early life stages of the calf. camels. Therefore, we strive for regularity in their daily routine and ensure that it is quiet in the barn during milking to minimise stress.

Milking camels in the Netherlands and Europe is new. Camel Dairy Smits attaches great importance to innovation. We continue to develop new products from camel milk, but we are also constantly looking for new and innovative activities for our visitors. This keeps the concept of the Camel Dairy attractive for everyone.

Camel milk is much closer to breast milk than other milks and is a symbol of nature and health. Thus, many studies have already been conducted by various institutes and universities on the health effects of camel milk for various conditions. Camel dairy Smits also contributes to such studies.

We believe in creating a positive impact on society and the environment. One of the ways we achieve this is by working with people who are distanced from the labour market. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive working environment where everyone has the opportunity to use their talents and develop. This diversity of talents allows us to grow and prosper as an organisation.
We also invest in sustainable energy by using solar panels at our locations. In this way, we reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a cleaner and greener future for us all

Curious?

Camel safaris and other activities are organised regularly. It is also possible to book a visit to the camel dairy that suits you. Since April 2014, the company also has a restaurant through which you can extend your visit to the camel dairy with lunch or dinner.