The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, October 9, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Britannia Bel Foods, a leading player in India’s cheese industry, has announced the opening of its state-of-the-art cheese manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, marking a new milestone in its joint venture with the global dairy leader, Bel Group. The factory will locally produce Britannia The Laughing Cow products, catering to the Indian market while empowering over 3,000 local milk farmers through a robust milk procurement program.
L-R – Varun Berry, Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Britannia Industries, Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group and Mr. Abhishek Sinha, CEO Britannia Bel Foods Private Limited
Located in Ranjangaon, one of Maharashtra’s largest food parks, the new factory is integrated within Britannia’s existing dairy production facility. The region’s rich dairy ecosystem, with a well-established supply of high-quality milk, made it an ideal location. The plant sources approximately 400,000 liters of cow’s milk daily from farmers across Pune and surrounding areas. Britannia has scaled its milk procurement efforts, installing 70 Village-Level Bulk Milk Coolers across 10 tehsils, ensuring sustainability and growth for the region’s dairy farmers.
Britannia’s commitment extends beyond milk procurement, with a comprehensive support program for farmers. This initiative focuses on animal health, sustainable cattle management, and farmer training. Additionally, Britannia’s village development efforts, in partnership with the Sir Ness Wadia Foundation and Britannia Nutrition Foundation, are driving broader community support, including initiatives to combat malnutrition.
The newly inaugurated factory, backed by an investment of Rs 220 crore, features five production lines with a total capacity of 16,000 tons per year, including natural cheese varieties like cheddar and mozzarella, and processed cheese. Using cutting-edge technology and best-in-class equipment, the facility ensures top-tier quality and food safety standards, producing premium cheese products for Indian consumers.
Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese, tailored specifically for Indian tastes, is now locally produced. These products include essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and B12, ensuring they meet local nutritional needs. This localized production further demonstrates Britannia’s commitment to sourcing 100% local ingredients, strengthening the connection between the brand and its consumers.
The establishment of the cheese factory is not just a boost for the dairy sector but also a significant contributor to local employment and economic development. Maharashtra’s state government, recognizing the importance of this project, has extended strong support through incentives, approvals, and infrastructure development, reinforcing the partnership between Britannia and Bel.
Varun Berry, Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Britannia Industries, emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering milk farmers and driving innovation in India’s dairy sector. “We are setting new benchmarks in quality and sustainability while empowering dairy farmers at the core of our supply chain. The new cheese facility strengthens our partnership with Bel Group, driving growth in the industry.”
Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group, celebrated the inauguration, stating, “This state-of-the-art cheese factory is a testament to our 160-year legacy of excellence in cheese production. We are committed to providing high-quality, locally-produced cheese to millions of Indian consumers, while promoting sustainability and healthier food choices.”
Since the announcement of the joint venture in 2022, Britannia and Bel Group have worked hand-in-hand to deliver healthier, more sustainable food to Indian consumers. With a strong foundation now in place—integrated milk procurement, cutting-edge manufacturing technology, and an expansive distribution network—the future of Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese in India looks promising as the company aims to lead the cheese market with innovative, high-quality products.
