GCMMF announces record sales of Rs. 8005 Crores

Anand (Gujarat), Aug.18 (ANI-Business Wire India): Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), renowned for marketing milk and milk products under 'Amul' and 'Sagar' brands, today announced record Sales Turnover of Rs. 8005 crores. The results of the apex body of the dairy cooperatives in Gujarat, were declared today in the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Federation.

While commenting on the results, Parthibhai G. Bhatol, Chairman, GCMMF informed that last year, our turnover was 6711 crores (Rs 67 billion) and our Federation registered a quantum growth of 19.3% to reach Rs 8005 crores (Rs 80 billion).

"This is an extremely impressive growth when viewed from the perspective of drought effect and resultant drop in milk procurement as well as 27.7 percent growth that we achieved in the year 2008-09" Shri Bhatol commented.

He further informed, "Federation has justified its undisputed leadership in milk business by achieving sales growth in pouch milk category by more than 21 percent and in value terms by 32 percent from existing markets only. We have achieved number one status in pouch milk sales in Delhi this year. With this achievement, Amul milk has emerged as the largest selling brand of milk in all major metro markets of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad".

Further commenting, he said "Our Masti Dahi sales grew at an impressive rate of 46 percent. Ice-cream sales registered a value growth of 22 percent. Amul Cheese sales increased by 20 percent. UHT milk also grew strongly at 14 percent along with Fresh Cream registering 39 percent growth. Our beverage sales grew by 25% and our chocolate sales also registered an encouraging growth of 30 percent".

Regarding retail experiment of Amul, Bhatol informed "Federation has created 5000 Amul preferred outlets which exclusively sell wide range of Amul products. 2000 of these parlours have been added during the current year which speaks volumes about the quantum of scale and speed with which the expansion has been dealt with. It is unthinkable for any competition to create such massive network of exclusive outlets. The Retailing business alone fetched a turnover of Rs. 300 Crore during the current financial year".

Regarding exports, Bhatol commented, "We have been able to maintain and strengthen our presence in consumer pack export markets. This year too we have crossed a mark of Rs 100 crore in foreign exchange earnings. We have been able to achieve this figure for the 5th time by now".

Regarding future plan of the dairy cooperative, Bhatol informed, "During last year, we prepared a perspective plan for the year 2020 for our member unions envisaging a capital investment of Rs 2600 crores (Rs 26 billion) and a projected group sales turnover of Rs 27000 crores (Rs. 270 billion). I am glad to inform you that all of our dairies have started activities to achieve the planned targets. It may be noted that Kaira Union has commissioned a state of the art Paneer plant as also a whey drying plant. Our Sabarkantha Union too is in process of commissioning a similar Paneer Plant. Our Mehsana Union has expanded capacity to one million litres per day at its dairy at Manesar near Delhi. Banaskantha Union too has embarked on installing new powder plant and cattle-feed plant which shall be commissioned soon. New cattlefeed plants are being put up by Mehsana and Valsad unions as well".

On the novel concept of Federation's efforts in curbing global warming in form of tree plantation, Shri Bhatol informed, "During last three years, our members have planted more than 155.6 lakh trees and demonstrated their commitment towards preserving and contributing towards improvement of the environment. For this activity, we have received Good Green Governance award from Srishti for three consecutive years during 2007, 2008 and 2009.

It is heartening to note that on 28th April, 2010 Amul had received International Dairy Federation Award for the best environmental initiative in the "sustainability category" during the 4th Global Dairy Conference held at Salzburg Congress Centre, Salsburg, Austria.

"On 15th August 2010, our 29 lakh milk producers located in more than 14000 villages have planted approximately one crore saplings. We commend them for their efforts", said Parthibhai.(ANI)