Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd has been named the top co-operative in the world in the ICA World Cooperative Monitor 2025 rankings. The recognition highlights the organisation’s scale, farmer-centric model and growing global footprint.
Global recognition for a dairy cooperative
The ICA World Cooperative Monitor places co-operatives by size, social impact and economic performance. Securing the top spot signals that the federation leads peers worldwide in both scale and governance among co-operative enterprises.
Why the ranking matters
- Validation of scale: The federation’s supply chain, processing capacity and market reach are now acknowledged at an international level.
- Model endorsement: The co-operative structure that balances farmer ownership with professional operations is seen as effective and scalable.
- Investor and partner confidence: Global recognition often helps attract business partnerships and strengthens export potential.
Key factors behind the rise
- Farmer-centric governance: Strong ties with milk producers and transparent benefit-sharing build trust and supply stability.
- Integrated supply chain: Efficient collection, processing and distribution systems support consistent quality and volume.
- Product diversification: Expanding into value-added dairy products widens revenue streams and market presence.
- Focus on quality and safety: Investments in testing and standards help meet domestic and international regulatory requirements.
- Innovation and technology: Digital procurement, logistics optimisation and cold-chain investments improve efficiency.
Impact on farmers and the dairy sector
Recognition at this level tends to translate into stronger price realisation for farmers, more stable demand and increased rural employment. For the wider dairy industry, it sets a benchmark for co-operative performance and can encourage policy and private-sector collaboration on supply-chain upgrades.
Looking ahead
Maintaining the top position will depend on continued investment in quality, sustainability and market expansion. The ranking is both a milestone and a prompt to keep innovating while preserving the co-operative principles that underpin long-term success.