Aavin Hikes Prices of 25 Milk Products Ahead of Deepavali, Cites Rising Input Costs
The Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation, popularly known as Aavin, has announced a price increase for around 25 milk-based products, including ghee, buttermilk, curd, khova, and sweets, ahead of Deepavali. The revised prices will come into effect on Wednesday (October 28, 2026).
In a press release, Aavin cited an increase in raw material costs, procurement costs, and other associated expenses as the reason for the revision. The federation said that 90% of the increased prices would be spent on the welfare of dairy farmers who contribute milk to it. The hike was not aimed at bringing profits to the federation, it said, and exhorted consumers to help the cooperative sector.
According to the revised price list, a 200 ml pack of buttermilk now costs ₹2 more. Prices of all 10 varieties of 200 ml milkshake cartons have been increased to ₹35 each. The price of curd has gone up by ₹10 per kilo. The cost of ghee has been hiked by ₹80 per kilo. These changes are part of the broader revision covering about 25 products, which also include khova and sweets. The federation has not specified the exact new prices for all items, but the announced increases indicate the scale of the revision.
Consumer activist T. Sadagopan said the hike could have been timed better and not implemented during the peak of the festival season. "Consumers have already been hit by spiralling costs of rice, vegetables, and other essential commodities. Aavin should now concentrate on making available quality goods at all their parlours. Steps must also be taken to prevent private vendors from charging above the MRP," he added.
Sadagopan also noted that the price hike would affect the budgets of ordinary families, particularly during a time when they are already coping with inflation in food prices. He called on Aavin to ensure that its parlours are well-stocked with quality products and that the MRP is enforced to protect consumers from overcharging by private vendors.
Aavin is the popular cooperative brand of the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation, which procures milk from dairy farmers across the state. The federation has justified the price revision by linking it to farmer welfare and rising input costs. The timing, however, has drawn criticism from consumer advocates who point to the additional burden on households during the festive season.
The price revision comes as households prepare for Deepavali, a major festival. Aavin products are widely consumed in Tamil Nadu, and the increase takes effect just before the festive period when demand for milk-based sweets and other products typically rises. While the federation has stated that the hike is not for profit, the effectiveness of the measure in benefiting farmers will depend on how the additional revenue is utilised.
The announcement has prompted a discussion on the balance between supporting dairy farmers and ensuring that consumers are not unduly burdened, especially when the cost of essential commodities is already high. Aavin has urged consumers to support the cooperative sector, emphasising that the hike is meant to sustain dairy farmers. Consumer activist Sadagopan’s suggestion that Aavin should ensure quality and prevent overcharging by private vendors reflects broader concerns about consumer protection during festive seasons.
