July 27, Kathmandu
The state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has unveiled a market expansion strategy and plans to open 30 dedicated retail outlets across the Kathmandu Valley by the end of Shrawan (mid-August) to improve consumer access to its products.
According to DDC General Manager Dr Sharan Kumar Pandey, the outlets will sell only DDC products.
“We are opening our own dedicated outlets to provide convenient services to our consumers. These stores will stock only DDC products,” he said.
The outlets will be established in major commercial and residential areas, including Budhanilkantha, Banasthali, Kalanki, Koteshwor, New Baneshwor, and Shankhamul. DDC is currently identifying suitable locations in densely populated areas.
Pandey said around 15 outlets are expected to become fully operational between Shrawan 20 and 25 (early to mid-August), while the remaining outlets are in the final stages of preparation and interior setup.
The stores will offer DDC’s full range of dairy products, including milk, curd, ghee, butter, paneer, cheese, khoa, ice cream, lalmohan, rasbari, and buttermilk.
As part of the same expansion strategy, DDC has already opened a newly renovated outlet at Basantapur Dabali, which was inaugurated by Pandey on Sunday. A similar outlet has also begun operations in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur.
Alongside its physical expansion, DDC is introducing a digital marketing and online delivery service. Within the next few days, consumers will be able to order DDC products online and receive home delivery through a subscription-based system.
“We are moving towards digital marketing. Consumers who subscribe will be able to order DDC products online and have them delivered to their homes,” Pandey said. “Our goal is to make our products more accessible by delivering them directly to consumers’ kitchens.”
Milk collection declines during Shrawan
While expanding its market presence, DDC is also closely monitoring milk collection. Pandey said milk procurement typically declines during Shrawan because many farming households consume more milk at home instead of supplying it through formal collection channels.
“Farmers tend to use more milk for household consumption during Shrawan, so collection has dropped slightly. It will return to normal once Bhadra begins,” he said.
DDC is currently collecting around 65,000 litres of milk daily from across the country.
If the dedicated outlet model proves successful in the Kathmandu Valley, the corporation plans to expand it to other major cities across Nepal in the near future.
