AMUL: BIGGEST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF INDIA

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by Suhani Sharma

Amul logo

A Heritage in Every Home

Milk is synonymous with “AMUL” in India. Peep into the Indian household pantry and you will find the various ways in which amul has become a part of every individual whether it is our dada ji-dadi ji loving the shrikhand to children craving chocolates 24/7.

Dr Verghese Kurien considered the “Milkman of India”, started with this brilliant idea, after much debate he came upon the word “amul” from the Sanskrit word “amulaya” meaning priceless.

His ultimate goal was to provide top-notch services to small-scale dairies. As a result, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) was established in 1973 to sell milk and all milk products produced by Gujarat’s six district cooperative unions. GCMMF is India’s biggest dairy exporter, and Amul is the parent brand for all its goods.

Creative Branding and Packaging

Creative packaging of Amul

Amul is equivalent to quality in India. Big signs of “ Made by Amul butter” build enough trust in customers to have faith in the quality of the food being served. One can see it in front of street stalls to posh restaurants, it truly finds its place everywhere.

Through it’s iconic marketing, it has managed to capture our hearts for decades. Its famous tagline “The Taste of India” resonates with Indians of all age groups reflecting its deep impact on generations.

Amul now has risen from milk and butter to a diverse food range, catering to the evolving preferences of the newer generations while still keeping its roots intact. As it has expanded its product range, it has to keep pace with the changing preferences of newer generations while staying true to its roots. Today, it offers a diverse array of food items, including cheese, ice creams, and chocolates, catering to the unique tastes of individuals.

Amul’s animal-themed packaging for example adorable cows and calves appeal to both adults and children. It also shows its deep-rooted touch with agriculture and sets Amul to be one of the most creative brands. They keep making their creative efforts via posters depicting the latest news and always manage to stand out. Despite branching out into various products, Amul remains devoted to maintaining its renowned quality. By implementing strict quality controls and carefully selecting the best ingredients, it consistently delivers top-notch items that satisfy consumers nationwide.

Quality and Innovation: The Pillars of Amul’s Success

One of the key factors for Amul’s maintained success is its commitment to quality and continuous innovation throughout the years. From acquiring milk to final packaging, it maintains high standards throughout the process.

One factor that makes Amul shine over regular dairy enterprises is its well-defined cooperative structure. It operates as a collective enterprise owned and governed by its loyal farmers, unlike other enterprises solely based on mercenary ethics. This unique model ensures that the benefits of the dairy industry are shared equitably among all stakeholders, with farmers receiving fair prices for their produce and consumers getting access to high-quality dairy products at affordable prices.

AMUL posters

Social Impact and Economic Growth

Its determination to keep broadening its range while keeping up the highest quality has been truly admired by all age groups and is the reason for its long history of trust with Indian households.

Amul stands out as a brilliant example of how social enterprises can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with major players in their respective industries. They have prioritized the welfare of farmers and created a healthy environment where no one can exploit them.

Amul’s success shows how businesses with a social purpose can make a big difference, helping both the economy and society while also caring for the environment. It proves that these kinds of businesses can play a major role, leaving a lasting impact on India.

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Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Development

CSED is a student-run organisation affiliated to Vellore Institute of Technology.