Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. (HAP), India's largest private sector dairy company, today announced the successful acquisition of Milk Mantra Dairy Private Limited, the dairy company behind the "Milky Moo" brand. This strategic move by HAP expands its presence into the Eastern Indian dairy market.
A Powerful Synergy in the Dairy Sector
Milk Mantra, founded in 2009, become a leading dairy brand in Odisha. Known for its "Milky Moo" brand, working directly with a network of over 80,000 farmers, and offered premium dairy products, including milk, curd, paneer, and dairy-based drinks. Milk Mantra was successful in building a good consumer base through its dairy products.
Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., with its own legacy of over 50 years in the dairy industry, hass a diverse portfolio of well-known brands including Arun Icecreams, Arokya Milk, Hatsun Curd, Hatsun Paneer, Hatsun Ghee, Hatsun Dairy Whitener, Ibaco, and Oyalo. HAP has one of the best, state-of-the-art processing facilities, with a good distribution network; this has earned them a respectable place in the country’s dairy industry.
From Owners Perspectives
"This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Milk Mantra," said Mr. Srikumar Misra, Founder of Milk Mantra. "From the outset, our vision has been to create a socially responsible dairy business that champions ethical sourcing, empowers farmers, and delights consumers with high-quality products. Joining forces with Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. is a natural progression of this vision. HAP's resources, expertise, and national reach will enable the Milky Moo brand to flourish on a larger scale, benefiting both farmers and consumers across. We are confident that this collaboration will create a lasting impact on the dairy landscape, not just in Odisha but throughout India."
Mr. R.G. Chandramogan, Chairman of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition: "We are thrilled to welcome Milk Mantra into the HAP family. Their commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and strong brand presence in Odisha align perfectly with our own values and growth strategy. With Milk Mantra's brand Milky Moo, HAP strengthens its position in the dairy market in addition to our strong position in South and West India, now establishing a robust presence in Eastern India. Odisha's rich dairy farming tradition, combined with the growing demand for quality dairy products in the region, presents a significant opportunity. This acquisition, along with our existing brands like Arun Ice Cream in the region, provides us with a strong platform to expand our footprint and contribute to the growth of the dairy sector in Eastern India."
Background of the Visionaries
Mr. Srikumar Misra, an alumnus of XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar), left his comfortable position at Tata Group to launch Milk Mantra. He was driven by a vision to revolutionize the dairy sector in his home state of Odisha, creating a model that was both profitable and socially impactful. He is also a fellow at the Aspen Institute.
Mr. R.G. Chandramogan is a first-generation entrepreneur and a true pioneer in the Indian dairy industry. He started his journey with a small ice cream business and, through sheer determination and innovative strategies, built Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. into a dairy giant. His entrepreneurial journey is an inspiration, showcasing the power of vision, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the market.
Strategic Advantages and Future Outlook
The acquisition of Milk Mantra provides Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. with several strategic advantages:
- Entry into Eastern India: HAP gains immediate access to the growing Eastern Indian market, leveraging Milk Mantra's established brand presence, distribution network, and procurement system.
- Strengthened Brand Portfolio: The addition of the popular "Milky Moo" brand expands HAP's product portfolio, which will cater to a wider range of consumer preferences.
- Ethical Sourcing Expertise: HAP will benefit from Milk Mantra's expertise in ethical milk sourcing and its strong relationships with farmers in Odisha.
- Expanded Market reach: The two strategically located processing facilities of Milky Moo in Odisha will augment the production capacity and market reach of Arun Ice Cream into other states like northern Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and adjoining States.
Carrying Forward the Mission and Vision
Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. is committed to carrying forward Milk Mantra's mission of ethical sourcing, farmer empowerment, and delivering high-quality dairy products. HAP's vast resources and experience will further strengthen these core values, ensuring that the legacy of Milk Mantra continues to thrive under its new ownership. HAP will continue to invest in the Milky Moo brand, expand its product offerings, and further strengthen the farmer network, contributing to the overall development of the dairy sector in Odisha and beyond.
Hatsun Agro Product Ltd
Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. (HAP) is India's largest private sector dairy company, headquartered in Chennai. With a legacy spanning over five decades, HAP has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality dairy products. HAP's brand portfolio includes Arun Icecreams, Arokya Milk, Hatsun Curd, Hatsun Paneer, Hatsun Ghee, Hatsun Dairy Whitener, Ibaco, and Oyalo.
About Milk Mantra Dairy Private Limited
Founded in 2009, Milk Mantra is an innovative dairy company based in Odisha, India. Its flagship brand, "Milky Moo," is known for its commitment to ethical milk sourcing, farmer empowerment, and high-quality dairy products.
