Milk wars spill into Karnataka polls 2023: Nandini vs Amul issue explained
Produced by: Mehak Agarwal
Designed by: Mohsin
The genesis of the Amul vs Nandini milk war lies in FMCG giant Amul announcing its foray into the Karnataka market. “The Amul family is bringing some Taaza into Bengaluru city. More updates coming in soon”
Amul enters Karnataka
After this announcement, the people and politicians of Bengaluru condemned this move and backed Nandini. Nandini is Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF)-backed milk marketing brand in the state
Netizens trend #SaveNandini, #GoBackAmul
amul vs nandini controversy
Kannadigas identify with the Nandini brand as it is homegrown and local and something they are proud of. Founded in 1974, the KMF has grown to be the second-largest milk producer in India after Amul. Thus, Kannadigas are looking at Amul’s entry into the state as a way to dilute their identity
Why Amul is facing
backlash in Karnataka?
One of the KMF directors Anand Kumar said that they are lagging in marketing and promoting the Nandini brand despite having better quality milk than Amul. He also mentioned even though Amul milk’s usage in the state is only 10 per cent, its advertising is 90 per cent
Why is #SaveNandini important?
The KMF has sought a free hand for dairy farmers of Karnataka in fixing the prices of Nandini products. He also asked the Basavaraj Bommai-led state government to give the brand Rs 5-10 extra per litre on milk. They will also call for a protest against Amul given the situation
What does the KMF want?
Most milk producers in the state come from old Mysuru region, a Vokkaliga stronghold dominated by the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular). The BJP, on the other hand, has a stronger presence in the Lingayats dominated Central Karnataka and is doing everything to quell its voters’ fears
Will the issue impact
Karnataka poll results 2023?
The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels’ Association (BBHA) said they will continue to buy Nandini products going forward to support Karnataka’s farmers and milk suppliers. These hotels buy nearly 4 lakh litres of milk and around 50,000 litres of curd from Nandini everyday apart from butter, kova, paneer and cheese
Bengaluru hotels back dairy
farmers, milk suppliers
Nandini’s one-litre pack costs Rs 39, one of the lowest all over the country. Amul’s one-litre pack, on the other hand, costs Rs 54 and upwards. Nandini supplies 70 per cent of milk to Bengaluru whereas Amul will only be sold online and through e-commerce sites in Karnataka
Nandini vs Amul cost
per litre
Amul had a turnover of around Rs 61,000 crore in 2021–22 whereas Nandini had a turnover of around Rs 20,000 crore in the same period