Collects 180,000 litres of fresh milk daily from 17,000 smallholder dairy farmers
Kotmale, the country’s largest collector of fresh milk, has unveiled its new brand campaign, “Nourishing Our Nation,” reaffirming its dedication to empowering rural communities, advancing sustainable dairy farming, and delivering high-quality nutrition to households across Sri Lanka.
Central to the campaign is the iconic milk can – a timeless symbol of Sri Lanka’s dairy heritage and a tribute to the journey from farm to table. This emblem underscores Kotmale’s deep-rooted connection to the farmers and landscapes that sustain the nation, while embodying its mission to provide trusted, locally sourced dairy nutrition.
Kotmale collects approximately 180,000 litres of fresh milk daily from over 17,000 smallholder dairy farmers, making it the largest fresh milk aggregator in Sri Lanka. By eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair farmgate prices, the company secures a stable income for rural families while maintaining consistent quality for consumers.
Since its acquisition by Cargills (Ceylon) PLC in 2010, Kotmale has been revitalised under Cargills’ community-centric business philosophy, which prioritises farmer welfare and sustainable growth. This approach, rooted in Cargills’ direct engagement with outgrower farmers since 1999, has driven Kotmale’s expansion, modernisation, and transformation into a catalyst for rural economic development.
Today, Kotmale operates three ISO-certified dairy processing facilities, leveraging cutting-edge technology to uphold the highest food safety and quality standards. A pioneer in digitalisation, Kotmale was the first in Sri Lanka’s dairy sector to automate milk collection, enhancing transparency, reducing waste, and boosting efficiency.
The company’s diverse product portfolio including fresh milk, yoghurts, cheese, butter, curd, UHT and pasteurised milk, and dairy ice cream is made from 100% local milk, reinforcing its commitment to nutrition and quality.
Through its farmer development programme, Kotmale supports Sri Lanka’s push toward milk self-sufficiency by providing farmers with technology, training, veterinary care, artificial insemination, and subsidised feed. These initiatives enhance productivity, animal health, and livelihoods, ensuring long-term sectoral growth.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Kotmale’s operations. The company employs rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse systems, solar power, and biomass boilers to minimise environmental impact, aligning with global best practices in resource efficiency.
Kotmale’s products reach consumers through an extensive distribution network, including modern trade outlets, 55,000+ general trade shops, and food service channels, while also serving export markets. This ensures that affordable, high-quality dairy nutrition is accessible to all Sri Lankans.
With local milk production meeting only 40% of national demand, Kotmale plays a vital role in strengthening food security, reducing import reliance, and conserving foreign exchange. By empowering smallholder farmers who contribute 95% of Sri Lanka’s dairy output, the company fosters rural prosperity and national resilience.
The “Nourishing Our Nation” campaign goes beyond dairy; it reflects Kotmale’s broader vision: nourishing people, uplifting communities, safeguarding the environment, and building a stronger, self-reliant Sri Lanka.