Rs 10 milk sachets not viable say vendors; officials differ

The announcement was part of the new marketing strategies to be adopted by Aavin to boost its sales volume in Chennai city. The new packet not only aims to cater to the poor and low income groups, but all consumers, a Aavin release explained. 

However, the announcement has not gone down well with the milk vendors it seems. SA Ponnusamy, state president of the TN Milk Vendors and Employees Welfare Association, was doubtful whether the Minister knew that 250 ml standardised milk packets were sold in Chennai till 2015, but later pulled back due to less patronage. “Such packets are still being sold in other districts, so, how can an existing scheme be passed off as a new one?,” he wondered and added that 200 ml packets priced at Rs 9 and 250 ml sachets for Rs 10 have been available for cardholders and at Rs 10.50 or Rs 11 for retail sales in the districts.

Agreeing with Ponnusamy’s argument, Aavin officials on condition of anonymity told DT Next that the 250 ml sachets were sold in Chennai initially. 

“The original plan was to sell 225 ml toned milk sachets at Rs 10 as this rate was compatible for the current market price for half and one litre packs. But when presented to the Minister on the eve of the session, when the dairy demands for grants came up, it was announced for 225 ml standardised milk containing 4.5% and 8.5% fat,” the officials said.  

But, they came to the support of the Minister and said, “This is the first time that we are introducing 225 ml packs in Chennai. So, the Minister is  right in stating that the ‘new’ scheme will be for Chennai alone.”