Goodricke Bets on Dairy to Drive Growth
Goodricke Group, the Indian arm of Camellia Plc, is diversifying beyond its core tea business by entering the premium dairy segment with A2 ghee and paneer, aiming to reduce dependence on tea gardens and unlock new growth avenues. The company plans to launch its A2 ghee on e-commerce platforms by May 2026, positioning itself in the high-value segment rather than mass markets.
The dairy venture is being developed at its Lakhipara tea estate in Dooars (West Bengal), where around 70 hectares of unused land has been repurposed. The company currently has 150 cows, with plans to scale up to 180 by end-2026 and 500 over the next five years, indicating a phased expansion strategy.
Following ghee, Goodricke plans to introduce paneer, while evaluating entry into liquid milk, which would require significant cold chain investments. The move is part of a broader diversification push, as nearly 70% of its business still depends on tea gardens, a segment facing rising costs and stagnant prices.
The company is also focusing on higher-margin segments, with branded tea contributing ~23% of revenue and exports about 5%, while simultaneously exploring agri-diversification (turmeric, ginger, mushrooms) and hospitality within its estates.
This strategic shift highlights how traditional plantation companies are leveraging land assets to enter value-added dairy and agri segments, aiming to improve profitability and reduce exposure to volatile tea markets.
Source: Dairynews7x7 2 April, 2026 Read full story here
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