DDC to launch low fat milk

Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) is planning to introduce low fat milk in the Nepali market. The state entity is planning to launch 0.5 per cent fat containing milk targeting fat conscious consumers.

DDC will introduce low fat milk in Kathmandu soon, said general manager of the corporation Siyaram Prasad Shah. "If everything goes as planned, low fat milk will be available in the market from Falgun (early March)," he said. According to him, DDC is planning to introduce low fat milk to capture the niche market of people who prefer to shop in malls or department stores.

Malls and department stores have been selling low fat milk imported from Sweden, Germany and other European countries. The Indian brand — Amul — has a major share in the segment, according to a study by DDC. "Low fat milk will cost around Rs 40 per litre (Rs 20 for a 500ml package sold in the market), so we expect more people to buy it," said Shah.

The Food Act has made it mandatory for three per cent fat and eight per cent solid but not fat (SNF) in milk. But it has not barred companies from producing products for niche markets. However, there is no restriction to introduce low fat products if the quantity is mentioned in the packaging.

The state-owned corporation will also brand milk produced from cows. "Cow milk will be collected separately from farmers and branded in the capital," he said. Cow milk is considered healthier than buffalo milk and holds more religious significance. However, cow milk will be costlier than the current milk sold by DDC. Its cost will be around Rs 30 for a 500ml package.

DDC is the country’s largest dairy firm and has been selling around 150,000 litres of milk and milk products — yogurt, ice-cream, ghee, peda, barfi, dudhmalai and rasbari — daily. Similarly, it has also been selling cheese made from chaurigai (Himalayan Cow).