Ice-cream and Frozen dessert manufacturers are facing difficulties in procurement of skimmed milk powder (SMP) as stock is not available in the market and there is sudden hike in its unit price. And this skimmed milk powder (SMP) is one of the vital ingredients in the making of ice-creams and frozen desserts. In 2018 average rate of SMP was Rs. 150/kg. However, the average rate of last 4-5 years ranges between Rs. 180 to Rs. 200/kg. From Jan-2019 onwards rates are increasing day by day from Rs. 180 to current rate of Rs. 330/kg. Current international rate of SMP is Rs. 200/kg.
Members of IICMA (Indian Ice-Cream Manufacturers Association) stated that even after paying the current rate of Rs. 330/kg in India the Ice cream manufactures are still facing the shortage of SMP in the market. IICMA is concerned as, if this is the scenario in this flush season then what might be the situation of availability of SMP in Summer season. They also stated that due to extended rainy season by two months in the country, there was great damage to the crop and fodder, which resulted in the reduction of procurement of milk and milk related products by 10 to 15%.
On behalf of IICMA, the President of IICMA Mr. Rajesh Gandhi states that “it would be great help if the import of Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP), Whole Milk Powder (WMP), Butter and butter oil (fat) would be under duty free scheme. as non-availability of the stock is going to affect the whole Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Industry of India”