Inside India's Premier Dairy: The Secrets Behind Premium Milk Supply

Bhagyalakshmi Dairy in Pune has become a go-to source for premium milk for India's elite, including celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar. Owned by Devendra Shah, this dairy boasts advanced facilities and a commitment to quality, producing over 25,000 liters of milk daily. With a significant investment and a focus on customer satisfaction, the dairy is set to thrive in a rapidly growing market projected to reach $140 billion. Discover the innovative practices that make this dairy stand out in the competitive landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 08:16 IST

A Glimpse into the Dairy Business

In India, some of the wealthiest families, including the Ambanis, as well as icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar, source their milk from a renowned dairy in Pune called Bhagyalakshmi.

The Dairy's Popularity

Bhagyalakshmi Dairy has gained a reputation for its high-quality milk, priced at ₹90 per liter. This dairy caters to a clientele that includes some of the most prominent figures in the country.

Meet the Owner

Devendra Shah, the owner of this dairy, claims to be the largest dairy farmer in the nation. Initially involved in the textile business, he transitioned to dairy farming and launched the Pride of Cow brand with just 175 customers. Today, his dairy serves over 22,000 customers across Mumbai and Pune, including numerous celebrities.

Quality Cattle

According to a leading website, Shah's farm houses around 4,000 Dutch Holstein cows, each valued between ₹1.75 lakh and ₹2 lakh. In contrast, Indian native breeds are priced between ₹80,000 and ₹90,000.

Significant Investment

Shah has invested approximately ₹150 crore in his 26-acre dairy farm, which produces over 25,000 liters of milk daily. The farm is equipped with specialized facilities for the care of the cows, which has become a topic of discussion among the public.

Caring for the Cows

The cows at Shah's farm are provided with rubber mats that are cleaned three times a day, and they drink RO-filtered water. Music plays continuously in the dairy, and the cows are fed a diet of soybean, alfalfa grass, seasonal vegetables, and corn, along with Ayurvedic medicines to maintain their health and control milk fat.

Automated Operations

Remarkably, the entire process from milking to packaging is automated, eliminating the need for human intervention. Each cow's weight and temperature are checked before milking, and any sick cows are sent directly to the hospital. Milk is extracted from 50 cows at a time, taking just seven minutes.

Efficient Delivery System

Devendra Shah's daughter, Akshali Shah, who heads marketing, shared that milk is transported to Mumbai via freezing delivery vans, covering a distance of 163 km in about three and a half hours. Deliveries are made between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM.

Customer-Centric Approach

The marketing head emphasizes a strong focus on customer satisfaction. If a customer from Pune requests milk in Mumbai or vice versa, the company strives to accommodate them. Each customer has a unique login ID for managing their orders and delivery preferences.

Growing Dairy Market

According to a report by Investor Relations Society, the dairy market in India is projected to reach $140 billion (approximately ₹9 lakh crore) by 2020, up from around $70 million (about ₹4.54 lakh crore) in 2013, indicating a rapid increase in demand.