Indian dairy co-op Amul has told just-food it is hoping to soon secure Russian government approval to export to the country, which has banned products from markets including the EU. 

Returning to India following a meeting in Russia, Rupinder Sodhi, the managing director of Amul’s marketing arm the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), told just-food: “We had serious discussions with one major dairy company in Russia for imports of Amul products.” 

Russian media reports have said the company is local dairy firm Galactika, although Sodhi would not confirm the identity of the prospective partner. “At this juncture we need to first get our products approved by Russian authorities as dairy products from India are not allowed yet,” he said. 

Initially, Amul plans to export dairy ingredients and finished products to Russia. The plan is to route thm through the unnamed partner, rather than sell direct to Russian shops. Under the plans, the finished food products would be sold under the Amul brand.