The Hindu Business Line : Markfed plans entry into Gujarat, Maharashtra

THE Punjab State Co-operative Supply & Marketing Federation Ltd (Markfed), is entering Maharashtra and Gujarat market in a big way, by expanding its market reach beyond Delhi, northern region.

Markfed (Punjab) is a marketing federation of over 3,000 societies. At present, it has strong presence in the North.

In a joint venture with one multi-national company, Markfed is setting up a refining and processing plant of edible oils and vanaspati with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day at Kandla port. The plant will start manufacturing in the next two-month time.

The total cost of plant is approximately Rs 150 core.

After resuming operation, the federation will enter into western region market with its full range of products such as rice, vanaspati and ready to eat products under the brand name of "Sohna", Mr H.S. Bains, Senior Manager (Exports) of Markfed told Business Line.

"The company is currently market leader in vanaspati and refining oils in the northern region. With this new plant, the company will enter into Gujarat and Maharashtra market in a big way," Mr Bains said.

"The federation will have its own marketing and distribution channel for this region," he added.

The federation is engaged in procurement of food grains on behalf of FCI, procurement & distribution of fertilizers/pesticides/agro-chemicals, trading in cotton, processing of fruits & vegetables, manufacturing of Vanaspati etc.

The federation's "Sohna" range of packaged food products includes vegetables in brine, pickles, jam, fruit juice concentrates, purified natural honey, spices, sauce, tomato ketchup and blended condiments.

Markfed canneries have a whole range of ethnic foods such as Maanh Ki Dal, Kabuli Channa, Baingan Bhartha, Aalu Methi and Karara Karela. Among its most popular products are Sarson ka Saag and Basmati Rice.