Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), popularly known as Milma, has taken a significant step in expanding its global presence by signing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to export dairy products to Australia and New Zealand. This move marks Milma’s first major expansion beyond the Gulf countries, where its products are already well-received, especially by the non-resident Keralite (NRK) community.
The MoU was signed by KCMMF Managing Director Asif K. Yusuf, RG Foods Executive Director Vishnu G, and Midnightsun Global proprietor Bindu Ganesh Kumar, in the presence of Milma Chairman K. S. Mani. Under the agreement, RG Foods will be responsible for the complete logistics chain, including product pick-up from Milma’s facilities, transportation, customs clearance, and freight forwarding, ensuring compliance with the import regulations of Australia and New Zealand. Midnightsun Global will act as a coordinating partner handling operational facilitation without holding any ownership of the products.
Chairman K. S. Mani described the agreement as a milestone in Milma’s international market outreach, emphasizing the brand’s reputation for high quality and health benefits. He highlighted the sizable NRK populations in both Australia and New Zealand, which present promising markets for Milma’s products.
The initial export phase includes paneer, payasam mix, and dairy whitener, with plans to extend the product range to cater to other countries with significant Kerala diaspora communities. Yusuf underlined that Milma will manufacture and package these products adhering strictly to international quality standards.
Milma’s growing global footprint not only expands its reach but also directly benefits its member dairy farmers. Reflecting its cooperative principles, Milma passed on 92.5% of its profits to farmers last year. The cooperative posted a consolidated turnover of Rs 4,327 crore for the fiscal year 2024–25.
