Milma Chairman KS Mani delivers the inaugural address at the Kerala Retail Conclave. Also seen on the dais Manju Ammanath, Advocate & Associate Partner, Altacit Global; Vinodini Sukumar, President, CCCI; Vice President, Bibu B Punnooran and Sudhir Raja Ravindran, Founder & CEO, Altacit Global

Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation popularly known as Milma has set an ambitious target of achieving a turnover of ₹10,000 crore by 2030-31, leveraging the State’s strong dairy ecosystem and expanding its domestic and international market presence.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Kerala Retail Conclave, organised by the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in association with Altacit Global in Kochi, Milma Chairman KS Mani highlighted the significant investment opportunities available in Kerala’s dairy sector.

“Kerala ranks third in the country in milk productivity, yet nearly 50 per cent of the State’s milk requirement is met through imports from other states. This presents tremendous opportunities for investment and expansion in the dairy sector,” Mani said.

Milma recorded a turnover of ₹4,344 crore in 2025-26 and continues to maintain a farmer-centric business model, with nearly 83 per cent of its selling price being passed on directly to dairy farmers, he noted.

Outlining the federation’s growth strategy, Mani said Milma has entered into a strategic partnership with the Lulu Group to strengthen access to international markets. The company is also expanding its reach through collaborations with leading e-commerce platforms across the country.

A high-profile panel discussion on “Digital Evolution of India’s Consumer Economy”, held as part of the conclave, highlighted the rapid transformation of Kerala’s retail landscape. Speakers estimated the State’s retail market size at between ₹3.5 lakh crore and ₹4.5 lakh crore annually.

Key trends driving growth in the sector include the expansion of organised retail, the widespread adoption of digital payments, the increasing demand for frozen and convenience foods, experience-led retail formats, growth in Tier-II and Tier-III markets, a rising preference for sustainable products, a greater focus on health and wellness, and the emergence of private-label brands.

Published on June 15, 2026