KMF plans to set up more Cafe Moo outlets in city

In 2021, Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) opened its first high-end ice cream parlour in Bengaluru under the name ‘Cafe Moo’ in Mantri Mall in Malleshwaram. Today, there are 45 Cafe Moo outlets spread across the country and one in Dubai. Between 2023 – 24 and 2024 – 25, seven new cafes were launched by KMF.

Along with ice creams, Cafe Moo outlets also sell cookies, cakes, paneer, muffins, butter, dosa batter, milk powder, badam halwa, bread, buttermilk, lassi, benne murukku, khara boondhi and various sweets, all products belonging to Nandini.

These outlets have become a favourite among customers to access multiple Nandini products at the same place and a hangout spot for the others.

“I come to this store regularly as this place is like a hangout spot for meeting my friends. I like filter coffee from Moo cafe. From Nandini products, I like curd the most,” said Shakuntala Avadhani, who was visiting Cafe Moo in Malleshwaram.

“Compared to other brands, Nandini is best when it comes to dairy products. From the cafe, I like ice cream,” said Nidhi Bhat, another customer.

While customers have given their approval to these cafes, it has not been all that sweet to those running these cafes.

“We are going through losses. Our sales have reduced since May. Our profit margin is only around 8%, “said Manjunath M, general manager of Nandini Moo café, at Jayanagar 9th block, which was one of the first cafes opened. While not being able to provide a definite answer as to why the footfall reduced at the cafe, Mr. Manjunath said that he spends at least ₹40,000 every week to buy the products.

Many cafes were initially also selling food products like burgers, pizza, sandwiches made with Nandini products as a means of revenue. But owing to reduced customer count, they have now stopped selling those items.

“Some of them sell food items to attract more customers to pay rents and other logistics. We have told them that only Nandini products should be used for those food items. We also support them by providing space, coolers, and refrigerators,” said Shivaswamy B., managing director/CEO of KMF. He said that the Cafe Moo outlets were doing well and that KMF plans to expand them into newer spaces.

“We have launched the outlets in both terminals of Bengaluru International Airport. We are planning to set them up in all prominent areas of Bengaluru. We have around 18-20 Cafe Moo outlets in Kerala, which are running very well,” Mr. Shivaswamy said.