BENGALURU: Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited(KMF) will soon call for tenders from bidders for packaged mineral water bottles.
According to KMF officials, this will be cheaper than the mineral water bottles produced by private companies. These are expected to hit the market by the first week of April.
KMF, an apex body which is into production, packaging and selling of milk and milk products, is entering into the water business. “We have called for tender from the manufacturers who will co-produce mineral water bottles and pack it with the brand name Nandini. We are new to this market,” a senior KMF official said.
The official said that with summer already kicking in, there is a demand for packaged water at Nandini booth outlets too. “That is when we decided to make our own brand and sell it,” the official said. These outlets sell private mineral water bottles as of now.
“We are looking into manufacturing units which can produce and pack at least 7 lakh litres of water with various capacities including 250ml, half litre, one, two and 20 litres of mineral water,” the official added. Nandini water bottles will be cheaper by 50 paise to three rupees, he said. “We are not here to make profit from water. The money will be utilised for farmers who are supplying milk to KMF,” the official said.
There is also a proposal before them to have a discussion with KSTDC, KSRTC and Railways to supply the packaged water bottles.
Rakesh Singh, Managing Director of KMF, told Express that this was proposed last year and a tender was called but KMF did not get good enough bidders. “This year again we have called for bidders. If we get it, KMF will hit the packaged water bottle market. Initially, we will outsource it where a private agency will supply mineral water with our brand name,” he said.