Mumbai-based food products marketing and distribution company D’lecta Foods has announced plans of expanding its presence in the consumer segment by launching new products over the next 12 months. Currently, only a section of D’lecta products are available in the retail market. Its products available in supermarkets and online stores include tetra pack cow milk, cow ghee, cream, cheese slices, cheese block, cheese spread and Milke, which it claims is India’s first and only single serve liquid dairy creamer.
Commenting on the planned expansion, Deepak Jain, Founder and Managing Director, D’lecta Foods, said: “D’lecta cow milk has already started gaining market preference in its category, especially in Mumbai and Pune. D’lecta Milke, in the meantime, is slowly replacing milk powder sachets in hotels, airlines, offices and high income households. It is not only a more convenient option, but also a healthier and tastier one.”
“We are looking at increasing support to the existing products by strengthening our distribution channels and reinforcing marketing initiatives. In addition, we will be introducing products like butter, mozzarella, natural cheddar and cream cheese to the retail market in the immediate future. These products already are part of our existing product portfolio, but currently available only on bulk order and for institutional sales,” he added.
The market size for milk and milk products is currently estimated at Rs 3.6 lakh crore. The unorganised sector and a few large milk co-operatives and private companies dominate the market. “With the organised market growing at more than 10 percent per annum, we see a huge opportunity for ourselves. We have more than 20 products that are tried, tested and appreciated by some of the finest hotels, restaurants and other institutions of Mumbai / India. We are certain that consumers who value quality and freshness will seek our products,” said Devendra Garg, Executive Director, D’lecta Foods.
D’lecta has a company owned and operated plant at Khopoli Maharashtra which works as a dairy processing and packaging unit.
“In the intermediate to long term future, we will also look at introducing ready to eat soups, upma, poha and other snacks. As a brand we are not restricted to dairy products. D’lecta will associate itself with any food items that fulfill the four key criteria. It should be healthy, the taste should appeal to an urban Indian audience, convenient to cook or part of our beverage / tea solutions,” concluded Jain.
