Sale of KMF’s Nandini packaged water, ice cream takes hit amid Middle East conflict

KOLAR: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having a ripple effect on KMF’s Nandini brand of products across the state. Despite high demand, the federation is struggling to supply its packaged drinking water, Nandini Aqua and ice cream, to customers.

In Kolar, Nandini outlets are out of Aqua water bottles and Nandini vendors say they are being forced to offer alternatives like buttermilk and lassi to disappointed customers. The shortage is attributed to a lack of plastic bottles which are manufactured by Nandini itself using imported raw materials.

The conflict has disrupted shipments from Kuwait and Iran, causing a bottleneck in production. With temperatures soaring, demand for Nandini products is skyrocketing, but supplies are woefully inadequate.Nandini vendors are sympathetic, but helpless, as KMF policies prohibit them from selling other brands.

“We are told there are no stocks of Nandini Aqua and ice cream and the problem has been persisting for the last 10-12 days. Many customers prefer Nandini products only and we are unable to cater to them”, said Sarasamma, a vendor.

The situation is exacerbating the already dire water shortage, with customers facing difficulties in accessing safe drinking water. The crisis highlights the far-reaching consequences of the conflict, which is not only affecting the availability of essential goods but also impacting the daily lives of people. The Karnataka government has been urged to intervene and address the issue before it’s too late.