Kerala’s Own Milma Now International
Once a familiar face in local markets and kitchen shelves across Kerala, Milma – the flagship brand of the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) – is now stepping boldly onto the global stage. What began as a regional dairy cooperative has just launched its international foray, dispatching over three tonnes of its popular dairy products to Gulf countries in a move that could redefine Kerala’s presence in the global food market.
This international expansion follows a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Milma and the retail giant Lulu Group. The initial shipment, now on sale across Lulu’s network of hypermarkets and malls in the Gulf, includes more than just ghee – the only Milma product previously exported. Now, the product line features paneer butter masala, instant pulisseri mix, ready-to-drink palada payasam, flavoured milk, clarified butter, and instant milk powder.
“This is our first step,” The New Indian Express quoted Milma chairman KS Mani, who underscored the cooperative’s long-term ambitions. Customised products are already in development for the Maldivian market, with the first export of long-life milk already underway. “We are tailoring special milk flavours to suit Maldivian tastes,” Mani added, reflecting Milma’s intent to adapt its traditional portfolio for international palates.
Key to Milma’s export readiness has been a significant investment in processing and packaging technologies. “Our new facility in Moorkanad, Malappuram, has state-of-the-art machinery for producing clarified ghee and milk powder suitable for export,” Mani said. The cooperative is also meeting international quality standards for 18 of its products with sights now set on the American market.
This expansion isn’t just a business milestone – it’s also a socio-economic move. Mani pointed out that 83% of Milma’s sale proceeds go directly to its dairy farmers, a model unmatched by other cooperatives in the country. “Making Milma an international brand will ultimately benefit our farmers,” he said.
The MoU, signed in the presence of Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev and Lulu CMD Yusuff Ali during World Food India 2023, is projected to generate Rs 1,000 crore in the first two years. Lulu’s Director, Salim MA, lauded Milma’s product quality and hinted at further expansion of their range.
Milma
Milma, short for the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), was set up in 1980 to support local dairy farmers and ensure fair milk prices. Inspired by the success of Amul in Gujarat, Milma adopted a cooperative model where thousands of farmers supply milk, which is processed and sold under the Milma brand.
Over the years, Milma became a household name in Kerala, offering not just milk and curd but also products like ghee, butter, paneer, flavoured milk, yoghurt, and sweets. Its focus on quality, local sourcing, and farmer welfare helped it grow steadily.
Recently, Milma has shifted its focus to value-added products and international markets. With the support of modern processing plants and partnerships like the one with the Lulu Group, Milma has begun exporting its goods to Gulf countries and is preparing to enter the US market. The cooperative’s Moorkanad plant in Malappuram uses advanced technology to produce export-grade milk powder and ghee.
What sets Milma apart is its commitment to farmers – 83% of its earnings go directly to them.
