Private Dairies Raise Milk & Curd Prices by Rs 2–Rs 10/L

Private dairy brands in Tamil Nadu have announced a retail price hike for cow milk and curd, increasing rates by ₹2 to ₹10 per litre amid sustained rises in procurement and input costs affecting the state’s fresh milk market. The revision comes at a time when cooperative dairy prices remain stable, putting private players under pressure to balance farmer costs and consumer affordability.

According to industry sources, the price adjustment applies primarily to cow’s milk and fresh curd, with increases ranging from ₹2 per litre for standardized milk to ₹8–₹10 per litre for certain premium packed milk and full-cream curd variants sold through private dairy channels. Producers cited steep rises in raw milk procurement costs, feed and fodder inflation, transportation, packaging material costs and labour over the past year as the key drivers behind the revision.

Retailers and distributors in urban centres like Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai have begun passing on the revised rates to consumers, though some have noted regional variations in pricing depending on brand positioning and delivery models. Cooperative dairies such as Aavin — which dominates local liquid milk supplies — have so far kept prices unchanged, seeking to absorb cost pressures through operational efficiencies and seasonal procurement patterns.

Consumer advocates warn that continued price increases in private channels could accelerate the shift of buyers toward cooperatives or unbranded fresh milk markets, especially among price-sensitive households, unless matched by transparent improvements in quality and value. Dairy analysts also say the move highlights a wider trend of input cost inflation in the dairy sector, as producers navigate seasonal fodder shortages and rising global feed commodity prices.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Feb 27th 2026 Read full story here

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