Complete Guide to Dairy Product Packaging Design

Last Updated on February 10, 2022 by DesignerPeople

Famous curd rice in south India to Panner butter masala in North India one thing that is common and keeps us connected is Dairy industry from curd to panner these products have been an integral part of our daily life. Just as starting our day with a hot cup of tea to the struggle of mothers running after their kids to make them drink milk and eagerly waiting for ice creams in hot summer to desi ghee sweets in Indian festivities, we have milk everywhere as a staple.

So when we discuss about dairy farmingin India it has been a traditional business here, passing down from generation to generation. Dairy farm of cattle farming is a significant, lucrative way of business as it is ‘all-season’ business. Irrespective of the season type the demand for milk is constant or increases. There has never been a decrease in the market for milk and milk products in India.

In India, the contribution made by brand Amul in the form of ‘White Revolution’ played a very crucial role in transforming the dairy industry from its stagnation level to a world leader.

The Indian dairy industry is growing at a CAGR of 15 per cent year-on-year to reach INR 9.4 trillion by 2020. Dairy farming in India contributes to 4% of its GDP. Hence many people are planning to start up a dairy business and utilize the opportunity in it.

HOW TO START DAIRY BUSINESS IN INDIA 

Like any other business, it is very crucial to study the dairy market that one wishes to provide such as the geography, incomes and the household types if they are joint or nuclear to analyze what kind of milk will sell the best. Understand if you wish to introduce a cow dairy farm or a buffalo dairy farm will depend on the fat content and requirement of the market.

BREEDS

There are many breeds which can be native or foreign one can choose and decide which to start with. Will it be buffaloes or cow also determine as it can be both too. Cow milk is lower in fat compared to buffaloes milk.

Visit the market and try to understand which product is having a high demand. It is essential to understand the preferences and taste of the market or the city you plan to launch your dairy farm before you choose the breed. Indian cow breeds to produce milk containing A2 beta-casein protein which is considered to be the next best after mother’s milk. Indian breeds produce significantly lower quantities of milk compared to western kinds and will govern the pricing of your product. 

SHELTERS

Generally, 40 sq feet inside shed, and 80 square feet open space is required per animal. A good accommodation plays a vital role in keeping the animal disease-free, healthy and productive.

For small scale production 20 animals 3000 sq feet land area
For medium scale production100 animals 13000 to 15000 sq feet land area 
Ensure other essential facilities should be included, such as ventilation, clean and fresh air flow and enough space.

FEEDING

Always ensure whatever you feed should be quality-oriented and nutritiously rich. Try to include green food as its food helps the animal to produce more quality and nutritious milk and helps the producer to reduce feeding costs.

Ensure the grazing place for your animals should be hygienic and clean along with fresh water. Freshwater because dairy animals need more water compared to other animals. A milk-producing animal needs five litres of water for producing one-litre milk.

CARE AND MANAGEMENT 

Taking good care is a crucial role in every livestock farming business. Try to keep the animals free from all types of cattle diseases which will then generate a huge loss which cannot be compensated. Vaccinate them timely from concern authorized VET. Provide them with nutritious food and clean water regularly. Keep track of the necessary stock medicines and other materials which are given to them on a regular basis.

Also Read : 50 creative dairy product packaging design to boost your sales

CHALLENGES OF DAIRY BUSINESS IN INDIA 

Along with the competition, pricing, liberalization there is much real-life day to day challenges which makes the dairy business in India more challenging compared to other companies. 

1.SHORTAGE OF FEED

Increasing industrialization and commercialization the space utilized by humans are leading to the reduced size of the gazing area. Increase in demand and will reduce the supply of feeds and fodder, which will then lead to the reduction of performance of dairy animals. If the quality of the food is not right, then that will restrict the animal’s production system.

The reduced capability of purchasing feeds and fodder by the marginal farmers and agricultural labourers engaged in dairy development result in inadequate feeding. Non-supplementation of the mineral mixture results in nutritional and mineral deficiency diseases.

2.BREEDING SYSTEM

No effective detection of heat symptoms during the oestrus cycle by the cattle owners. 
Late maturity is a crucial problem faced by many Indian cattle breeds, is a common problem. The calving interval is on the increasing result in a reduction in the efficiency of animal performance.

Diseases causing abortion rate will lead to economic loss to the dairy industry. Hormone, hormone and vitamin deficiencies lead to fertility problems which are again a significant challenge.

3.EDUCATION AND TRAINING

As its said education is best practice once can gain to start on good dairy practices which will lead to the production of safe dairy products. Education and training of the employees are essential so that they can proceed and develop a sense of ownership.

However developing and executing such programs in the dairy sector will require a strong commitment from the management, which sometimes is a stumbling block in India.

4.HEALTH

India has very less quality veterinary health care centres, and even they are located in distant places. The ratio between the veterinary institution and cattle population is more extensive, resulting in inadequate health services to animals.

There are irregular schedules seen with periodical vaccination trend; the regular deworming programme is not done as per schedule, output in massive mortality in calves, especially in buffalo. No sufficient immunity is established against various cattle diseases due to no proper health maintained.

5.HYGIENE CONDITIONS

Many cattle owners do not provide correct shelter to their cattle which leads them to extreme climatic conditions. Unsanitary conditions of milking yards and animals shed leads to mastitis conditions. Unhygienic milk production leads to a reduction in spoilage of milk, storing quality and other products.

6.MARKETING AND PRICING

Dairy farmers are not getting valid remunerative price for milk supply which is the biggest challenge. There is an extensive crossbreeding programme with Holstein Friesian breed; the fat content of crossbreed cow’s milk is on the declining condition.

The low price is offered as the milk price is estimated on the basis of fat and reliable non-fat milk content. There is observed a poor perception of the farmers, due to lack of extension services, marketing facilities and towards commercial dairy enterprise as an alternative to other occupation.

PACKED MILK PROCESS IN INDIA

MACHINES USED IN DAIRY BUSINESS

Milking Machines

There are two types of Milking Machines which are with a single cluster and other with two groups.
Milking machine with a single cluster, that can milk the herd of 10-12 animals in one hour. Milking machines with 2 cluster can milk the herd of 20-25 animals in one hour.

Milk Testing Equipment

Electric Gerber Centrifuge machine
Milk Sampler
Lactometer
Glass thermometer
Pipette/ Graduated pipette
Butyrometers stand and Test tubes

Milk storage equipment

Horizontal Milk Storage Tank
Vertical Milk Storage Tank
Milk Silo
Multipurpose tank 
Road milk tankers 

Milk chilling unit

Majorly used in industries for cooling of milk solutions, glycols or salt solutions,
Ammonia Milk Chillers Bulk Milk Chiller
The chilling will differ as per the quantity of milk inside it and the requirement of the industry.

Milk Processing Plant

GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY SCHEMES 

India being the most significant commercial dairy business in rural areas and setting a small scale industry, requires a more initial investment. 

NABARD Subsidy Scheme

Type 1- Establishments with cows like Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Gir, Rathi, graded buffaloes up to 10 animals.
Investment- 5-10 lakhs minimum unit size two animals with upper limit 10
Subsidy- 25% of the outlay,33.33% for SC/ST farmers as back-ended capital subsidy subject to a ceiling of Rs 1.25 lakhs for a unit of 10 animals

Type 2- Rearing of heifer calves up to 20 calves
Investment- Rs 4.80 lakhs for 20 calf unit mini five calves with upper limit 20 calves.
Subsidy-25% of the outlay,33.33% for SC/ST farmers as back-ended capital subsidy subject to a ceiling of Rs 1.20 lakhs for a unit of 20 calves

Type 3-Vermicompost
Investment- 20000 INR
Subsidy-25% of the outlay,33.33% for SC/ST farmers as back-ended capital subsidy subject to a ceiling of rs 5000 INR
Depending upon the investment and allowance each class will differ, there are in total of nine classes.

Government of India is making productive efforts for strengthening infrastructure for production of quality milk, procurement, processing and marketing of milk and various milk products through following Dairy Development Schemes:

National Programme for Dairy Development(NPDD) 
Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme(DEDS)
Support to Dairy Cooperatives
National Dairy Plan (Phase-I)
Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)

DAIRY PRODUCTS BRANDING

1.Brand Identity

Depending upon the type of dairy product, features the visible elements the brand identity is decided. Business cards, Logo, envelop, letterhead these are identity which should be consistent.

2.Brand Image

If the brand is vegan, Organic, healthy zone, toned, full cream or anything which brand image is created among its audience.
Example- Go vegan 

3.Brand positioning

Generating the space in the mind of the audience by providing the distinct brand value which can be legacy, quality, nutritional benefits, cost, requirement as Amul positioned itself as a healthy option against software.

4.Brand personality

If the brand is mature, cheerful, joyful, fun, or classic will decide the nature of the brand.

5.Packaging Design

Depending upon all the above branding aspects, the milk packet design will be decided. As per brand personality, the illustration, brand story, font style, colours and content will make the dairy products packaging design correct.

6.Marketing collaterals

Brochures, Flyers, danglers, posters, standees, posters, e-magazines anything which you use to communicate your company’s brand message is considered marketing collateral.

DIGITAL MARKETING FOR DAIRY BUSINESS IN INDIA 

Depending on your target audience, brand personality and its value proposition, the brand can be brought into the platform of digital marketing. Facebook Twitter and Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn the brand can be made interactive with its audience.

There can be a continuous rise in the number of followers due to constant feeds of the brand to promote the dairy products Conduct contest, polls, quiz, puzzles and many more activities which will keep the audience engaged and enthusiastic. Enticing graphics of dairy products such as like health drinks, ice creams and other beverages are meticulously worked on which are made to look as tempting it can. Posting images on Pinterest as inspirational images will make people curious to know more. Twitter, as we all know, is more about raising an opinion or sharing experience.

Instagram will engage more youth as the percentage of youth is more on this platform. The health aspect is brought into the picture to promote on digital media as this will help to gain the attention of more health-conscious people who are more these days compared to a traditional audience.
 Digital marketing will help to target locational based campaigns which will help your brand to expand its horizons and increase its market reach extending its audience. 

CONCLUSION:

Make sure to be sellable and loved at the same time; the brand has to keep reinventing itself.
Mainstream marketing or advertising is not the only way to sell dairy products; the brand is becoming hot selling property because of intelligent and updated business tools.
Ensure your brand is catering a distinctive feature which will add a competitive advantage to you.

Author: Megha Malik

As a passionate entrepreneur and creative brand consultant with experience of 14 years in digital, branding and packaging industry, it is my honest effort to put my experiences and knowledge of industry towards readers. A chartered accountant by degree but a marketing personality in blood has motivated her to take in designing industry as a career. With her fun-loving personality and sharp branding skills, she is a great motivational speaker on her YouTube channel, an active member in various business channels offline as well as online. Do connect me personally via my LinkedIn and I love to share my expertise with you.