OMFED to Enter Chocolate Market, Launch Packaged Water Soon

Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards diversification, the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) is gearing up to enter the chocolate manufacturing sector. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has been assigned to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed facility.

OMFED Managing Director Vijay Amrut Kulange informed that once the DPR is finalized, a formal proposal will be submitted to the state government seeking capital investment for setting up the chocolate manufacturing plant. The initiative aims to add value to dairy products and widen OMFED’s product portfolio.

In another significant move, OMFED is also preparing to launch packaged drinking water under its own brand name. The new product is expected to hit the market within the next four months, offering consumers a reliable and locally produced bottled water option.

Currently, OMFED collects around 5.5 lakh litres of milk daily from approximately 2.5 lakh dairy farmers across Odisha. With a vision to strengthen the dairy sector further, the Federation has set a target to scale up milk procurement to 10 lakh litres per day within a year.

OMFED is also ramping up its ghee production, which currently stands at about 120 tonnes per month. The ghee is supplied to major religious institutions, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Kulange noted that production will be increased further based on growing demand.

These initiatives form part of OMFED’s broader strategy to enhance brand visibility, support rural dairy farmers, and expand its presence in the dairy and FMCG sectors.