NEW
DELHI: Amul, the famed brand of milk products, is eyeing markets in
West Asia and Australia, with the war in Iraq and a drought Down Under
expected to drive up demand in these regions.
The
Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) owns the Amul
brand.
``In
the wake of war in Iraq, we are expecting greater demand for milk products
in the West Asian region, which is currently our biggest market, said
RS Khanna, assistant general manager of the federation.
``The
drought in Australia has also led to a shortfall in milk production,
raising the possibility of our getting a foothold there.
The
largest dairy co-operative in the country and exporter of dairy products,
the federation expects overseas sales to boost its annual turnover by
15% in 02-03. For 02-03, the co-operative based at Anand in Gujarat
expects a turnover of around Rs 2,600 crore as against Rs 2,380 crore
in the previous year. Exports are expected to contribute around Rs 90
crore, up from around Rs 80 crore.
West
Asia is the largest overseas market for Amul products currently, with
consumer products like Amul ghee, processed and mozzarella cheese, butter,
ice-cream, cottage cheese and packaged Indian sweets like shrikhand
and gulab jamun registering good growth over the last few years. Of
late, the federation has also been exporting fresh milk with a good
response.
Besides
the West Asian market, it has also been supplying bulk milk powder and
fresh milk to Singapore, and other products to countries like Britain
and US. This year, while consumer products have registered a 50% growth,
bulk supplies did not register any rise.
``During
02, we supplied bulk milk powder to Iraq, but this year they have so
far not tendered for supplies. We expect to do well in the market post
war when there will be considerable demand besides a requirement for
humanitarian aid, said Mr Khanna.
``Three
months ago we made an entry into the Australian market with ghee and
got a good response. Now we have started networking in Australia to
export processed cheddar and mozzarella cheese and butter and are also
eyeing possibilities in African countries, said Mr Khanna.
The
export outlook for India, the worlds largest milk producer, is good,
with global prices ruling high. If developed countries reduce subsidies,
Indian milk products are expected to find a good market there, said
the official.
Back
home, the federation is upset but not perturbed that its marketing arrangement
with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) through Mother Dairy
outlets has come to a close since the beginning of this year. ``As we
have our own extensive distribution and marketing infrastructure, the
break-up of the arrangement has not made any difference, said Mr Khanna.
IANS
[ SATURDAY, MARCH
29, 2003 04:04:59 AM ]
