India’s largest dairy cooperative Amul is preparing a significant expansion of its export portfolio in Israel, aiming to tap both the Indian diaspora and local Israeli consumers. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which owns the Amul brand, presently ships ghee to Israel and is now working on approvals needed to introduce a broader range of dairy products.
GCMMF Managing Director Jayen Mehta said the cooperative is in the process of securing Kosher certification. The approval is essential for food products to be sold widely in Israel, where dietary practices guided by Jewish law influence large sections of the consumer market. Mehta is part of a sixty-member Indian delegation travelling with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Speaking to PTI, Mehta said the company sees strong potential beyond the traditional diaspora-focused demand. He added that the next phase of expansion will push products aimed at mainstream consumption. According to him, certification involves inspection of production and handling processes to ensure full compliance with standards expected for locally consumed dairy.
Mehta also pointed to growing cooperation between India and Israel in agriculture, especially in livestock management. India is the world’s largest producer of milk, but productivity per animal remains significantly below global benchmarks. He noted that Israeli expertise in precision feeding, artificial insemination and farm management systems can support Indian dairy farmers in improving yields.
The Amul leadership is exploring partnerships that can strengthen productivity in arid and semi-arid regions of India, where access to technology remains limited. Discussions during the visit are expected to include collaborations in research and training.
The possible expansion of Amul’s product basket in Israel comes at a time when demand for high-quality dairy is increasing. The cooperative believes that a wider export presence can complement domestic growth and reinforce the brand’s global positioning.
