Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially launched the sale of Nandini milk in Delhi on November 21, 2024, marking the Karnataka Milk Federation’s (KMF) expansion into the national capital after nearly three decades. Initially, KMF aims to supply 1 lakh liters of milk daily, targeting an eventual capacity of 5 lakh liters. This move is seen as a significant step to cater to the demand among Kannadigas and other consumers in Delhi.
The launch has drawn attention to the competitive dynamics between major cooperative brands like Amul and Nandini. Siddaramaiah sidestepped questions regarding the Amul-Nandini issue, emphasizing the importance of supporting local cooperatives like KMF, which significantly contribute to Karnataka’s rural economy. Historically, selling milk through cooperatives from other states has raised concerns about local cooperatives’ viability in regions with a strong rural backbone like Karnataka.
Nandini’s revival in Delhi, supported by months of dialogue between the Delhi government and KMF, is part of a broader strategy to extend its presence beyond Karnataka, following its success in neighboring states such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.