Signs Tripartite MoU to expand dairy exports and support Kerala farmers

Milma, the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), has taken a major step toward expanding its international footprint with a new tripartite agreement to ship its products to Australia and New Zealand. The partnership, signed between KCMMF, RG Foods, and Midnightsun Global, marks a strategic push to unlock opportunities in markets with a strong Non-Resident Keralite (NRK) presence.

Under the MoU, RG Foods will manage logistics end-to-end—from product pick-up at Milma facilities to customs clearance and freight forwarding—ensuring smooth compliance with international import regulations. Midnightsun Global will act as the coordinating partner, overseeing operational execution and market facilitation.

“This agreement marks a milestone in Milma’s successful overseas market outreach for its products, known for their quality and health benefits,” said Milma Chairman K. S. Mani. “Australia and New Zealand represent strong opportunities, with vibrant Malayali communities that trust Milma as a symbol of home.”

In its first phase, Milma will export paneer, payasam mix, and dairy whitener—products tailored to the culinary preferences of Indian and specifically Kerala-origin consumers abroad. Milma products are currently sold across major Gulf markets, where they enjoy high brand affinity among expatriate Indian shoppers. With this expansion, the cooperative aims to replicate that success and explore additional geographies with significant diaspora populations.

The initiative is also deeply rooted in Milma’s founding purpose: Uplifting dairy farmers across Kerala. Last year, the federation passed back 92.5 percent of its profits to farmer-members—a benchmark in cooperative-led value sharing. As Milma scales up production for overseas demand, those farmers are expected to be the direct beneficiaries of expanding market access.

“Export growth is not just about brand expansion,” said KCMMF Managing Director Asif K Yusuf. “It is about delivering higher value to the farming families who power Milma. We remain committed to maintaining global-quality standards while consistently improving farmer income.”

Milma will produce and package all export products in accordance with strict international safety and quality norms, aligning with regulatory guidance provided by RG Foods. The company is actively evaluating additional product lines and new markets to sustain momentum in global dairy exports.

With this partnership, Milma signals its intention to move beyond the Gulf and bring Kerala’s trusted dairy heritage to international shelves—strengthening both brand ambition and farmer prosperity.