Amul, one of India’s largest dairy cooperatives, has made its first big step into the European market. They have partnered with COVAP, a major Spanish dairy cooperative, to launch Amul Gold milk in Spain. This launch is significant as it marks Amul’s entry into Europe, showcasing the strength of Indian dairy on a global stage.
The official launch took place at the Indian Embassy in Madrid. Important figures from both India and Spain were present, including Indian Ambassador Dinesh K. Patnaik and leaders from COVAP and Amul. This event highlighted the cooperation between the two countries in the dairy sector.
Amul Gold milk will first be available in the cities of Madrid and Barcelona. The product comes in long-shelf-life tetra packs, which are perfect for modern distribution needs. Each pack has a shelf life of six months, making it easy to store and transport. Following the initial launch, Amul plans to expand its reach to other Spanish cities like Málaga, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, Córdoba, and even Lisbon in Portugal.
This partnership with COVAP is expected to support dairy farmers in both India and Spain. Ricardo Delgado, the President of COVAP, spoke about how this collaboration combines COVAP’s advanced processing skills with Amul’s trusted reputation worldwide. This blend of expertise is aimed at ensuring high-quality dairy products for consumers in Spain.
Amul is well-known in India, backed by over 3.6 million dairy farmers. It is the world’s largest farmer-owned dairy cooperative. The cooperative handles more than 12 billion litres of milk each year and has an annual turnover of ₹80,000 crore. With its strong brand recognition, Amul hopes to establish itself as a key player in the European dairy market.
Future plans for Amul include expanding into other European countries such as Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. This step is part of a broader vision to position Amul as a global dairy brand. Dr. Jayen Mehta, the Managing Director of GCMMF (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation), emphasized how important this expansion is for India’s dairy diplomacy.
COVAP, established in 1959, is a significant force in Spain’s dairy industry. It processes over 400 million litres of milk each year and exports its products to more than 30 countries, including the US and Australia. By partnering with COVAP, Amul can utilize local production capabilities and distribution networks, helping them navigate the complex regulations of the European Union.
Amul has already made strides in international markets. In the USA, they launched four milk variants: Taaza, Gold, Shakti, and Slim n Trim. Their cheese and ice cream products are also available in Canada. This international expansion shows Amul’s commitment to bringing quality dairy products to consumers around the world.
The collaboration with COVAP not only benefits the cooperatives involved but also highlights the potential of cooperative models in the dairy sector. This move by Amul is a testament to the increasing competitiveness of Indian dairy cooperatives in the global arena.
As Amul continues to grow internationally, it aims to blend its strong brand with local expertise. This could set a precedent for future cooperative ventures across borders in the dairy industry. The launch of Amul Gold milk in Spain is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Amul in Europe, promising quality dairy products for a new consumer base.