India: Summer Heat Fuels Surge in Demand for Dairy and Frozen Treats
Source: The DairyNews
As temperatures begin to climb, a surge in demand for summertime favorites such as curd, cheese, ice cream, and flavored milk is anticipated by producers.
With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting an extended period of heat waves and above-average temperatures from March to May, makers of beverages, ice creams, air conditioners, and coolers are gearing up for heightened consumer interest.
This optimistic outlook follows two years of erratic weather patterns during the summer months, marked by unseasonal rains. Consumer firms, reliant on summer sales, are expecting robust growth, with projections ranging from 30% to 50% across various product categories compared to the previous year.
Kamal Nandi, business head and executive vice-president of Godrej Appliances, remarked on the anticipated uptick: "We expect around a 30% sales growth this summer for our brands compared to last year. We are already witnessing rising temperatures in the southern and eastern markets, with both daytime and nighttime temperatures increasing. While the western regions, such as Mumbai, are experiencing temperature rises, evenings remain pleasant. We anticipate the northern regions to follow suit by early April."
Jayen Mehta, managing director of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which produces the renowned Amul brand of ice creams, beverages, and dairy products, shared his projections: "Last year saw a downturn for summer products due to unseasonal rains and a general temperature decrease during the period. Against that backdrop, we anticipate a 50% year-on-year sales growth in ice creams, beverages, and milk-based products such as buttermilk (chaas) and lassi this year. Demand is already showing signs of improvement in certain markets, with expectations for a steady rise as temperatures escalate between April and June."
This optimistic outlook follows two years of erratic weather patterns during the summer months, marked by unseasonal rains. Consumer firms, reliant on summer sales, are expecting robust growth, with projections ranging from 30% to 50% across various product categories compared to the previous year.
Kamal Nandi, business head and executive vice-president of Godrej Appliances, remarked on the anticipated uptick: "We expect around a 30% sales growth this summer for our brands compared to last year. We are already witnessing rising temperatures in the southern and eastern markets, with both daytime and nighttime temperatures increasing. While the western regions, such as Mumbai, are experiencing temperature rises, evenings remain pleasant. We anticipate the northern regions to follow suit by early April."
Jayen Mehta, managing director of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which produces the renowned Amul brand of ice creams, beverages, and dairy products, shared his projections: "Last year saw a downturn for summer products due to unseasonal rains and a general temperature decrease during the period. Against that backdrop, we anticipate a 50% year-on-year sales growth in ice creams, beverages, and milk-based products such as buttermilk (chaas) and lassi this year. Demand is already showing signs of improvement in certain markets, with expectations for a steady rise as temperatures escalate between April and June."
