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Last Updated:May 29, 2025, 14:19 IST
As the dairy sector redefines itself through science, sustainability, and social impact, India’s milk movement is no longer just white it’s green, clean, and future-ready.
World Milk Day 2025: From fortified milk to protein-rich curd and eco-conscious farming, dairy is now a reflection of changing consumer values and forward-thinking innovation
As India celebrates World Milk Day, the country’s dairy sector is undergoing a paradigm shift. Once a dependable staple, dairy is now the focal point of a transformative movement powered by nutrition-conscious consumers, innovation-led companies, and a deeper commitment to sustainability. From pioneering fortified milk to clean-label, protein-rich offerings and tech-enabled traceability, the industry is witnessing a renaissance, one that redefines what dairy means in the 21st century.
A New Generation of Dairy Consumers
“The Indian dairy sector is playing a leading role in addressing the growing demand for nutrition-focused, innovation-driven, and consumer-centric solutions,” says Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy. With rising disposable incomes and greater health consciousness, consumers are now seeking more than just basic nourishment. “Milk and milk products provide an ideal foundation for meeting daily nutritional needs,” he notes, highlighting Mother Dairy’s early initiatives such as fortifying liquid milk with Vitamins A and D, and launching probiotic curd and beverages as early as 2007.
Building on this legacy, the brand recently introduced Promilk, a high-protein milk offering aimed at making protein intake more accessible. “We are taking a significant step toward democratising protein consumption,” says Bandlish, reinforcing how innovation continues to lie at the heart of the brand’s evolution.
From Habitual Consumption to Informed Choices
This consumer awakening is evident across the board. “People are no longer picking up milk or curd out of habit rather, they’re choosing products that align with their health goals and values,” shares Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder, Akshayakalpa Organic. At Akshayakalpa, health and sustainability are deeply intertwined. The company’s clean-label portfolio features protein-rich paneer, probiotic curd, and lactose-free milk, created without shortcuts and grounded in genuine health needs.
Their approach goes beyond product innovation to embrace ethical farming. “We use on-farm technologies to track cow health, ensure hygienic milking, and maintain full traceability,” says Kumar. The brand’s closed-loop organic farming system grows nutritious fodder from healthy soil to feed their cows — a practice that directly improves milk quality.
Dairy Goes Tech-Savvy and Sustainable
K Rathnam, CEO, Milky Mist, believes we’re witnessing a turning point in dairy. “India’s dairy landscape is at a transformative juncture, shaped by rising awareness around nutrition, wellness, and responsible consumption.” To meet this change head-on, Milky Mist has developed a robust, forward-looking strategy grounded in health, innovation, and sustainability.
The company’s portfolio now includes high-protein Paneer and Greek Yogurt, fortified milk, and probiotic-rich solutions, targeting functional nutrition. Rathnam sees a growing demand for value-added dairy: “We’re seeing strong demand for protein-enriched milk, lactose-free variants, and fermented dairy and Milky Mist is responding with agility.”
The brand also leads with technology. “Our integrated cold chain infrastructure ensures freshness while reducing spoilage,” he explains. From automated processing to sustainable practices that minimise waste and energy usage, Milky Mist’s innovation is multidimensional, enabling quality and environmental stewardship to go hand-in-hand.
The Road Ahead: Health, Trust, and Responsibility
Despite differing operational models, all three leaders agree on one thing: the future of dairy lies in transparency, traceability, and trust. “Dairy isn’t just a product,” says Kumar. “It’s a promise of health, transparency, and care from our farms to over 3,00,000 families we serve daily.”
Bandlish echoes this, crediting schemes like White Revolution 2.0 for accelerating inclusive growth. “The Indian dairy industry continues to advance through innovation — launching contemporary products, leveraging the latest technologies, and embracing sustainability across the value chain.”
As Rathnam aptly summarizes, “Our focus remains on delivering nutritious, traceable, and responsibly produced dairy that supports the evolving lifestyles of millions across India.”
With health and wellness now core to consumer decision-making, and sustainability no longer a choice but a necessity, India’s dairy industry is at a defining crossroads. It is no longer just about producing more milk, it’s about producing better milk: healthier, cleaner, and kinder to both people and planet.
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