Wed Nov 20 12:28:45 UTC 2024: ## Nandini Milk Makes Delhi Debut Amidst Political History
**New Delhi/Bengaluru** – Karnataka’s popular milk brand, Nandini, will launch in Delhi on Thursday, marking its first foray into North India. The high-profile event will be attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his cabinet, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The launch comes after a series of controversies surrounding the brand. Last year, Nandini’s entry into the Delhi market was preceded by a political battle in Karnataka between the Congress party and the BJP, fueled by the Gujarat-based Amul’s plans to enter the Karnataka market. The BJP, then in power, was accused by the Congress of attempting to undermine local dairy producers, a claim the BJP denied. Minister Sitharaman actively supported Amul’s entry, arguing it would foster competition.
Further controversies involved Nandini’s expansion plans into Kerala, which were temporarily halted amid protests, and allegations of animal fat in ghee used to make laddoos in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. While a Tamil Nadu-based company was responsible for the ghee, the Karnataka Milk Federation, which owns Nandini, faced criticism.
Despite these challenges, Nandini recently announced a price increase of ₹2 per litre, partially offset by an increase in volume. The brand’s arrival in Delhi is seen as a significant move, potentially influencing the national dairy market.
First Piper 