Customers disappointed as demand for idli, dosa batter of Nandini outstrips supply in Bengaluru 

When the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) launched whey protein-enriched idli and dosa batters under its Nandini brand, many were eager to try it out. But with the supply currently not matching the demand, many are disappointed with the non-availability of the product.

“I was very excited to try the Nandini dosa batter since the time they announced it. I enquired at two Nandini parlours near my house. Neither of them had it with them. They said there is no supply,” said Vijaya Kumari, a resident of Yelahanka.

Ram Kumar, a resident of Vijaya Bank Layout, had a similar experience. “The salesperson in the Nandini parlour in my area had not seen a single packet of the batter since its launch. He said there is a shortfall in supply, and he is not getting the batter,” Mr. Kumar said. 

The batter was launched by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on December 25. The batter has 5% whey protein and comes in two quantities – 450 gram and 900 gram packets. The price of 450 grams is ₹40 and 900 grams is ₹80.

More in south and west

Although the batter is being sold only in Bengaluru as of now, the supply is more concentrated in southern and western parts of the city, according to KMF officials. 

“Bengaluru is a big city, and it will take some time for us to ensure that the batter is widely available. We are getting a very good response, and are planning to scale up our production, which is currently 5,000 kg per day. We thought it will take at least a month or more for the product to become popular, but the demand has been heavy within 10 days,” said Bheema Naik, Chairman, KMF told The Hindu.

In other districts

KMF plans to introduce the batter in other districts of Karnataka based on the response in Bengaluru.  

Most customers who tried the batter, which was launched to compete with private brands in the market, seemed impressed. “We got a 450 gram packet and could make six dosas,” said Sriharsha M., a resident of Jayanagar.