Heritage Foods Champions Women’s Empowerment in India’s Dairy Sector

New Delhi (India CSR): Heritage Foods Limited, a pioneering dairy enterprise known for its high-quality milk and value-added dairy products, continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering women in India’s dairy industry.

Honoring Women Farmers and Entrepreneurs

On this International Women’s Day, Heritage Foods proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of women farmers and franchisees, who play a pivotal role in its direct milk procurement ecosystem. The company operates through an extensive network of village-level procurement centers, many of which are run by rural entrepreneurs functioning as franchisees. Notably, nearly 40% (1,493 out of 3,900) of these centers are managed by women entrepreneurs, underscoring their growing influence in the dairy supply chain.

Supporting Women Dairy Farmers: A Catalyst for Change

Heritage Foods is steadfast in its mission to foster economic opportunities for women dairy farmers. Currently, one-third of all milk procured by the company—produced by nearly 60,000 women farmers—forms the backbone of its dairy operations. To further enable this transformation, the company has injected nearly INR 200 crore in easy-term loans, a significant portion of which directly benefits women-led dairy enterprises. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Heritage Foods’ broader vision of fostering financial independence and sustainable growth for rural women.

Empowering Women Through Leadership and Enterprise

Heritage Foods has rolled out several women-centric initiatives to equip and empower women in the dairy industry:

• Capacity-building and leadership training programs that enhance women’s business acumen and technical skills.
• Encouraging women-led leadership by appointing women as Heritage Procurement Representatives (HPRs), giving them greater decision-making authority in dairy procurement.
• Expanding women’s footprint in sales and distribution: Nearly 100 of the 400+ ‘Heritage Happiness Points’—the company’s fastest-growing distribution network—are operated by women entrepreneurs. These women are proving to be crucial in building strong consumer connections in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.
• Recognizing Excellence: In a large-scale campaign engaging hundreds of company associates, Heritage Foods honored over 1,400 women entrepreneurs on Women’s Day for their exceptional contributions to the dairy sector.

Executive Leadership’s Perspective

Brahmani Nara, Executive Director, Heritage Foods Ltd., emphasized the company’s unwavering dedication to gender inclusivity, stating:

“Women are the backbone of India’s dairy sector, driving its future with unwavering resilience and innovation. At Heritage Foods, we don’t just support women—we empower them to lead. By fostering financial independence, skill development, and leadership, we are shaping a more inclusive and thriving dairy industry. When women succeed, families prosper, communities flourish, and the nation moves forward.”

Driving Lasting Change: A Sustainable Vision for Women in Dairy

Heritage Foods remains committed to increasing women’s participation in dairy farming through structured, long-term initiatives. By hosting village-level engagement programs, the company actively encourages women to take on leadership roles. Continuous training and mentorship programs further equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to build successful dairy enterprises. Additionally, structured market linkages ensure that women maximize their earnings and business potential, reinforcing their ability to thrive in a competitive landscape.

A Future Built on Gender Inclusivity

With a steadfast focus on gender empowerment, Heritage Foods is not just championing women in agriculture—it is reshaping India’s dairy sector by positioning women as key stakeholders in its growth. Through sustained efforts, the company is paving the way for a more equitable, self-reliant, and resilient rural economy—one where women take center stage as architects of a prosperous future.