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For devotees, Tirupati Laddu is more than a sweet, it is a symbol of divine blessing. Each laddu requires generous amounts of pure ghee to achieve its signature aroma and texture.
The success carries extra significance because Nandini Ghee was not always welcome at Tirumala. (Image: Representative)
In a story of persistence and trust, Karnataka Milk Federation’s Nandini Ghee, once rejected by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), has become the preferred choice for the world-famous Tirupati Laddu prasad.
The rich aroma of this ghee now wafts through the kitchens of Lord Venkateswara’s shrine, delighting millions of pilgrims who climb the Tirumala hills for a taste of the sacred offering.
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Record-Breaking Supply
Over the past year alone, KMF has supplied an unprecedented 5,000 metric tons of Nandini Ghee to TTD, the highest quantity ever delivered for the temple’s prasad preparation. The demand shows no sign of slowing. According to Managing Director Shivaswamy, this milestone began in December 2024 when the first batches were dispatched to Tirumala.
“From December until now we have supplied five thousand metric tons of ghee,” he said. “This year’s growth rate is up by nearly 30 percent compared to last year, and the main driver is the unwavering demand from TTD. Our Nandini Cow Ghee has earned a reputation across India and abroad for being fresh and pure.”
How the Partnership Works
TTD procures its ghee through competitive tenders to ensure quality and fair pricing. In the last cycle alone, 4,281 metric tons of Nandini Ghee were delivered. With the temple now floating a fresh tender for an additional 2,000 metric tons over the next six months, KMF is ramping up production to meet every requirement without disruption.
Shivaswamy emphasized that supply lines remain smooth despite the massive scale. “We are ensuring delivery without interruptions or obstacles,” he noted, highlighting the federation’s logistical planning and quality control.
From Doubt to Devotion
The success carries extra significance because Nandini Ghee was not always welcome at Tirumala. Years ago, concerns over consistency and taste led TTD to decline the product.
KMF responded by refining processes, tightening quality checks, and investing in better sourcing from Karnataka’s dairy network. Those efforts have paid off handsomely, transforming a onetime setback into a model partnership.
The Laddu Connection
For devotees, the Tirupati Laddu is more than a sweet; it is a symbol of divine blessing. Each laddu requires generous amounts of pure ghee to achieve its signature aroma and texture.
With millions of laddus distributed every year, TTD’s kitchens operate on a scale few commercial bakeries could match. Nandini’s ability to supply such volumes while maintaining the rich flavor that pilgrims expect has sealed its place at the heart of this sacred tradition.
A Win for Karnataka and Devotees Alike
The record supply is not only a business victory for KMF but also a point of pride for Karnataka’s dairy farmers whose milk feeds the Nandini brand. For TTD, it means a steady stream of high-quality ghee to keep the beloved laddu prasad exactly as devotees remember it – golden, fragrant, and blessed.
What began as a rejection has turned into a resounding affirmation: Nandini Ghee now stands as the chosen offering for Lord Venkateswara and the millions who seek his blessings through every bite of the Tirupati Laddu.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Tirupati, India, India
September 29, 2025, 16:04 IST
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