Inside India's Premier Dairy: The Success Story of Devendra Shah

Bhagyalakshmi Dairy in Pune is a premium supplier of milk to India's elite, including celebrities and wealthy families. Owned by Devendra Shah, the dairy boasts advanced farming techniques and a focus on animal welfare. With a significant investment and a growing customer base, the dairy produces over 25,000 liters of milk daily, all while maintaining automated processes for efficiency. The market for dairy in India is rapidly expanding, with projections indicating substantial growth in the coming years. This article delves into the operations and success of this remarkable dairy, highlighting its unique approach to quality and customer service.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 21:10 IST

A Dairy for the Elite

Among India's wealthiest families, including the Ambanis, and celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar, milk from a particular dairy is a staple in their homes.

The Dairy Behind the Stars

Located in Pune, Maharashtra, the dairy named Bhagyalakshmi caters to a prestigious clientele. The price for a liter of milk from this dairy is set at ₹90, raising curiosity about its quality.

Meet the Dairy Mogul

Devendra Shah, the owner of this dairy farm, claims to be the largest dairy farmer in the country. Initially involved in the clothing business, he transitioned to dairy farming. He started with 175 customers and has now expanded to over 22,000 clients in Mumbai and Pune, including many high-profile figures.

Premium Cattle Breeds

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 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 milk quality.

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 collected from 50 cows at a time, taking just seven minutes.

Efficient Delivery System

Devendra Shah's daughter, Akshali Shah, who heads marketing, explained that milk is delivered to Mumbai via freezing vans, covering a distance of 163 kilometers 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 service, accommodating requests for milk deliveries between Pune and Mumbai. Each customer has a login ID to manage 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 about $70 million (around ₹4.54 lakh crore) in 2013, indicating a rapid increase in demand.