Britannia Enhances Collaboration with Bel Group to Launch Local Cheese Production in India

On Wednesday, Britannia Bel Foods announced the inauguration of a new cheese factory in India, further solidifying its joint venture with Bel Group. This facility is dedicated to producing Britannia The Laughing Cow products, marking a significant milestone in local cheese manufacturing. The factory is strategically located in Maharashtra, a leading state in milk production with a robust dairy ecosystem, making it an ideal site for this venture.

Ideal Location for Cheese Production

Maharashtra's well-integrated dairy ecosystem makes it an optimal location for the cheese factory within Britannia’s Dairy Food Park in Ranjangaon. The region’s rich resources support the factory's operations and ensure the quality of products.

Robust Milk Procurement Program

Britannia has implemented a fully integrated milk procurement program at the new facility, which sources approximately 4 lakh liters of 100% cow milk daily. This supply comes from over 3,000 local farmers in Pune and nearby areas. Over the past few years, Britannia has expanded its milk procurement efforts, establishing 70 Village-Level Bulk Milk Coolers within a 100 km radius of the factory, covering 10 tehsils in Pune and surrounding districts. This initiative not only supports local farmers but also reinforces Britannia’s commitment to sustainable supply chain practices and community development.

Investment and Production Capacity

The joint venture has invested nearly Rs 220 crore in this Greenfield factory, which is situated in one of Maharashtra’s largest food parks. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with five production lines, boasting a total production capacity of approximately 6,000 tons per year for natural cheese varieties, such as cheddar and mozzarella, and around 10,000 tons per year for processed cheese.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The establishment of the new cheese factory is expected to create numerous job opportunities, significantly contributing to local employment and the economic growth of the region. The Maharashtra state government has also provided considerable support for the Britannia Mega Food Factory at Ranjangaon, recognizing it as an Ultra Mega project and offering a customized incentive package. This collaboration has facilitated the manufacturing of Britannia's entire product range, including biscuits, cakes, rusks, croissants, salted snacks, wafers, dairy drinks, powders, and cheese.

Commitment to Local Farmers

Varun Berry, Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Britannia Industries, emphasized the company’s commitment to the welfare of the milk farming communities integral to its business. Britannia’s integrated farmer support program aids over 3,000 milk farmers, focusing on sustainable cattle management, breeding, and feeding practices. This initiative enhances the quality and sustainability of milk procurement while empowering farmers at the core of the supply chain.

Strategic Importance of Ranjangaon

Berry highlighted that choosing Ranjangaon as the location for the factory aligns with Maharashtra’s leadership in milk production, supporting Britannia’s vision of creating a hub for premium, locally sourced dairy products. The new cheese facility is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Britannia and Bel Group, driving growth and innovation within the industry.

Vision for Healthier and Sustainable Food

Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group, shared her vision for contributing to healthier and more sustainable food. She stated, “At Bel Group, we aim to create value alongside our ecosystem, with products that cater to local nutritional needs.” She expressed confidence that Britannia and Bel, through their joint venture and the opening of the new factory, possess the necessary expertise and market capabilities to establish a leading position for Britannia The Laughing Cow in India.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Abhishek Sinha, CEO of Britannia Bel Foods Private Limited, described the new cheese facility as a blend of Bel Group’s global expertise and cutting-edge technology. This plant embodies the commitment to delivering premium, locally produced cheese that meets the highest standards of quality and innovation. The facility is set to enhance the collaboration between Britannia and Bel while strengthening their cheese business in India.

Conclusion

With the establishment of the new cheese factory, Britannia Bel Foods is poised to offer Indian consumers an exceptional cheese experience tailored to their evolving tastes. This initiative underscores the commitment to local production, community support, and sustainable practices, further solidifying the joint venture's impact on the Indian dairy industry.