Founded in 2020 and operational since September 2022, Martin Dairy Products Pvt. Ltd. is a modern dairy company producing flavored milk and other dairy products in Nepal. Established with GBP 733,000 in equity and a GBP 600,000 bank loan (of which GBP 53,600 has been repaid), the dairy has a state-of-the-art processing plant with a daily capacity of 20,000 liters and an in-house packaging facility for flavored milk. Currently, the dairy processes 500 liters daily in six flavors, with plans to expand into flavored yogurt. Milk is sourced from approximately 1,000 farmers in Chitwan and Sarlahi, collecting 3,000–4,000 liters weekly.

The company is led by Mr. Prakash Maharjan, a dairy sector expert with over 20 years of experience and a 50% stake in the business. He founded Martin Dairy to capitalize on the excess milk available during the flush season, aiming to create value-added products with a longer shelf life.

Martin Dairy operates from Lalitpur, sourcing milk from Chitwan, Sarlahi, and Lalitpur, with a team of 17 full-time and 2 part-time employees. Their Facebook page is available here (https://www.facebook.com/martindairy/).

Commercializing Nepal’s Dairy Sector Through Innovation and Product Diversification

CASA’s Demand Assessment Study highlights a significant opportunity for product diversification in Nepal’s dairy market, primarily dominated by traditional products. With flavored milk largely imported, Martin Dairy aims to fill this gap as a local competitor. Currently offering six flavors—vanilla, chocolate, saffron, cold coffee, strawberry, and pistachio—the company plans to expand into yogurt drinks.

To support growth, Martin Dairy seeks GBP 335,000 in equity investment for marketing and R&D, aiming to create 5-7 new jobs and increase milk collection by 4,000 liters daily by 2024 through GMP training for farmers.

CASA is assisting with investment memorandums, connecting Martin Dairy with investors, and developing a targeted marketing strategy. The 15-month project includes technical assistance and aims to reach 1,500 farmers by September 2024, with a focus on promoting women’s participation in the dairy sector.