NZ First opposes India FTA over dairy concerns
New Zealand’s political party New Zealand First has strongly opposed the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), citing major concerns over dairy access and immigration concessions. Party leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the deal as “neither free nor fair,” arguing that while New Zealand would significantly open its market to Indian goods,…
Fonterra clarifies stance amid labeling concerns
New Zealand-based dairy giant Fonterra has issued a formal statement acknowledging that its “100% New Zealand grass-fed” claim on Anchor butter packaging may have misled some consumers, following a legal settlement with environmental group Greenpeace. The label, used on products sold between December 2023 and April 2025, came under scrutiny because cows’ diets also included…
1.5 Degree unveils plant-based dairy range
In a significant move in India’s alternative dairy segment, plant-based startup 1.5 Degree has debuted an innovative range of dairy-free products at the 7th India International Hospitality Expo held at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida from August 3–6, 2024. The company introduced a comprehensive portfolio of plant-based frozen desserts and beverages, including oat milk, soy…
MP Plans ‘Vrindavan Villages’ to Boost Dairy
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is driving a dairy-led rural growth strategy by planning to establish ‘Vrindavan Villages’ in every development block across the state, aiming to transform villages into self-reliant dairy and livestock hubs. (DNP INDIA) The initiative, under a broader roadmap to position Madhya Pradesh as a leading dairy state, focuses on…
Ahmedabad Mandates Paneer Type Disclosure
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has directed food businesses to clearly specify whether the paneer served is milk-based or analogue, following widespread quality violations detected during recent inspections. Over the past three months, 85 paneer samples were collected, of which 25 were found substandard, prompting stricter enforcement. The civic body has emailed over 15,000 food business…
Amul Crosses ₹1 Lakh Cr, Grows 11% in FY26
India’s dairy giant Amul has crossed the ₹1 lakh crore turnover milestone in FY 2025–26, registering an 11% growth over the previous year’s ₹90,000 crore, marking a historic first for an Indian FMCG brand. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul products, reported a turnover of ₹73,450 crore, up 11.4% from ₹65,911…
FSSAI Flags ‘Foreign-Funded’ Campaign Over Milk Claims
India’s food regulator FSSAI has filed an FIR alleging a “coordinated conspiracy of national scale” involving social media users accused of spreading misleading content on issues like fake milk and paneer, with suspicions of foreign funding and cross-border influence behind the campaign. According to the complaint filed on March 26 at IP Estate police station,…
₹34.18 Cr Monthly Boost for Milk Producers
Milk-producing farmers in Himachal Pradesh are receiving an average ₹34.18 crore per month in benefits—the highest ever— driven by a sharp rise in procurement by the state milk federation, which is currently collecting around 2.70 lakh litres of milk daily, up from 1.57 lakh litres per day in FY 2024–25. (Business Standard) The initiative includes…
UAE to launch 140 new dairy & food products
The UAE is set to introduce 140 new locally produced food products over 2026 and 2027, as part of a strategic push to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports amid global disruptions. The initiative focuses on scaling production across dairy, poultry, and processed food categories, reinforcing the country’s long-term food security agenda….
Slump in SMP, Ghee and Butter price may be over
While the conflict involving the US, Iran, and Israel has undoubtedly had an adverse impact on the trade of desi ghee (clarified butter) and milk powder, the containers awaiting shipment have now been cleared and dispatched to their various destinations—albeit after incurring significant penalty charges. On the other hand, reacting to the market slump, both…