Kochi port becomes export point for Karnataka’s ‘Nandini’

Kochi: Kochi port has become the first export point for Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation’s (KMF) ‘Nandini’ products. The development comes weeks after a row over Nandini’s expansion plan in Kerala was subdued. 

Nandini will open its first outlet in Dubai soon and the first consignment will leave Kochi port on Tuesday. Interestingly, this is Nandini’s first pitch to the foreign market. Butter, cheese, and tetra-packed milk are the products exported. 

The intervention of the Exports Forum turned crucial in the export of products via Kochi port.

If Nandini exports via Mangaluru port, it will take 10 days to reach the destination. However, via Kochi, it will only take six days. The export via Kochi has been facilitated by East End Foods India Exports. 

Milk products of the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation's (KCMMF) ‘Milma' are already being exported. Around Rs 20 crore worth of products like ghee, butter, cheese, milk powder, and payasam mix exported so far.

Recently, Milma and Nandini were in a tussle. Nandini, which already has a few of its outlets in Kerala, decided to expand its business in the state. Kerala expressed concern about the entry into the state of milk and dairy products from Karnataka. The Kerala government even filed a complaint with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to resolve the issue. Later, Nandini maintained that it would not open new outlets in Kerala for the time being.