Dairy giant Amul has achieved a significant financial milestone, with its brand turnover surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore (Rs 1 trillion) in the financial year 2025-26. This represents an 11 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, driven by robust demand for its wide range of dairy products. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul products, also reported its own turnover grew 11.4 percent to Rs 73,450 crore in the same period, up from Rs 65,911 crore in FY 2024-25.[m+3]
Cooperative Model Powers Growth
Amul's success is deeply rooted in its unique cooperative model, which directly links millions of dairy farmers to the market. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) is the world's largest farmer-owned dairy cooperative, comprising 3.6 million farmers across 18,600 villages in Gujarat.This three-tier structure ensures farmers receive a fair share of the profits, empowering rural communities.Ashokbhai Chaudhary, Chairman of GCMMF, stated, "Crossing the Rs 1 lakh crore brand turnover is a testament to the trust of millions of consumers and the tireless hard work of our 36 lakh dairy farmers."[m+12]
The Amul model originated in 1946 as a response to the exploitation of dairy farmers by middlemen in Gujarat.Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the "Father of the White Revolution," played a pivotal role in transforming this cooperative movement into a national success.His vision, implemented through "Operation Flood" in 1970, made India the world's largest milk producer.Gordhanbhai Dhameliya, Vice Chairman of GCMMF, highlighted this legacy, saying, "Our journey to the Rs 1 trillion milestone is a definitive victory for the cooperative spirit. By scaling our model nationally, we are proving that the 'Amul Model' is a timeless blueprint for economic democracy."[youngurbanproject+15]
Diversified Portfolio and Market Leadership
Amul's extensive product portfolio, featuring over 1,200 different product packs, has been a key driver of its continued expansion.The brand has strategically diversified beyond basic milk and butter into a wide array of value-added products. These include cheese, ice cream, ghee, paneer, flavored milk, and traditional Indian sweets.This diversification helps Amul cater to evolving consumer preferences and stabilize revenue streams.[m+10]
Amul holds a dominant position in the Indian dairy market. As of 2024, it secured its ranking as the world's strongest food brand and the strongest dairy brand by Brand Finance, a UK-based brand consultancy.In 2025, a Brand Finance report valued Amul at $4.1 billion, making it India's most valuable food brand.The brand reportedly commands nearly 75 percent of the milk market, 85 percent of the butter market, and 66 percent of the cheese market in India.Amul's ability to maintain consistent quality and an efficient supply chain has been crucial to building consumer trust over decades.[foodtechbiz+11]
Innovation and Global Expansion
Amul is continuously innovating its product offerings and expanding its market reach. Recent introductions include organic foods, high-protein products, and probiotic ranges, reflecting a focus on health and wellness trends.The cooperative has also ventured into gourmet and ready-to-eat segments, such as frozen pizzas, parathas, and snack foods.To support its vast operations, Amul collects approximately 31 million liters of milk daily and distributes over 24 billion product packs annually.[nuffoodsspectrum+6]
Technology plays a growing role in Amul's strategy. The cooperative uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) for milk procurement and marketing.It has also implemented an ERP system with IBM to integrate its supply chain.Furthermore, Amul launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool to assist its 3.6 million farmers with queries and provide data on cattle and milk production.This digital transformation aims to improve efficiency and farmer livelihoods.[logisticsviewpoints+3]
Amul is actively expanding its international presence, exporting dairy products to over 50 countries.The brand recently launched fresh milk in markets like the United States and Europe, partnering with local cooperatives for processing and distribution.Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of GCMMF, emphasized that Amul is not just expanding globally but also "expanding the very definition of what a farmer-owned institution can achieve in the modern world."He added that the federation aims to ensure "the fruits of technology and global trade reach the hands of the producers."[youngurbanproject+11]
Future Outlook and Economic Impact
Looking ahead, Amul plans significant investments to enhance its processing and distribution capabilities. The cooperative aims to strengthen its presence in fresh and long-life milk, butter, ghee, paneer, curd, cheese, chocolates, and lactose-free products.This expansion includes new processing plants, cold chain and storage enhancements, and growth of its retail and digital distribution networks.The Indian government's "White Revolution 2.0" program, running from 2024-2029, further supports the dairy sector's growth, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and value-added dairy exports.[dairynews+2]
Amul's cooperative model has had a profound social and economic impact, particularly in rural India. By eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices for milk, it has significantly improved the living standards of countless rural families.This model has also empowered women, who constitute a large portion of the cooperative's members.Amul's consistent growth and expansion demonstrate the power of a farmer-owned cooperative to achieve commercial success while simultaneously driving rural development and economic democracy.The dairy sector, supported by Amul, contributes significantly to India's GDP and provides livelihoods for over 80 million farmers.[centeronbusinessandpoverty+6]
