Amul thinking to enter European market after US success, MD Jayen Mehta calls it the lifeline for rural India

Amul, India's iconic dairy cooperative, is looking forward to enter the European market after the successful launch of its milk in the US, according to Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Amul and the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF). As per a PTI report, Mehta made the announcement while delivering the 11th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration at XLRI, Jamshedpur, saying that this move would mark a historic milestone for the brand.

Mehta framed dairy as more than a business, describing it as "a lifeline for rural India," a statement that reflects the deep cultural and economic significance of milk in the country.

He credited Amul’s success to its focus on offering protein-rich, organic, and chemical-free products that consumers trust, while continually expanding its production capacity and infrastructure. Amul’s journey is rooted in the cooperative model pioneered by Dr. Verghese Kurien, often referred to as the "Milkman of India," whose vision turned India from a milk-deficient country into the world’s largest milk producer.

Mehta added, "If India could offer a gift to the world, it would be the cooperative working system-a gift Dr Kurien gave us. His belief in cooperation has sparked a new revolution in India."

Amul’s daily collection of 310 lakh litres of milk, processed across 107 dairy plants in India, has turned it into a global powerhouse, with over 50 products and an annual sale of 22 billion packs. With a turnover of ₹80,000 crore, the brand is now ranked as the strongest dairy and food brand globally, owned by 3.6 million farmers.

Amul’s entry into the European market would solidify India’s growing influence in the global dairy sector, as well as honour the cooperative system that has powered Amul’s success. Nirmala Kurien, daughter of Dr. Verghese Kurien, echoed these sentiments, highlighting her father’s vision that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one.

India’s deep connection to Amul goes beyond mere consumption. The cooperative’s rise is tied to the country’s rural development and empowerment of farmers, making it a symbol of economic self-reliance. As Amul prepares to conquer new markets, it carries with it the legacy of Dr. Kurien, whose commitment to making a difference continues to inspire millions.

(With PTI inputs)