The local brand’s collaboration with KMF is great news ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) now has a partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Partnering with RCB in the partnership is not a new step for KMF but is an important one as we had been trying to work with RCB for a long time already to build KMF in this space.
The partnership, confirmed by KMF Managing Director Shivswamy in a letter, is for one year and an estimated investment of ₹4.8 crore is set up in the framework of this agreement. Under this contract Nandini will be well known during matches of RCB and in the promotion scheme.
Branding and Promotions
KMF will also employ RCB's huge fan base to use players in its marketing activities. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, along with other team members, will feature in Nandini product packaging and advertisements.
Nandini products will also be sold during all RCB matches and will continue to heighten awareness of the brand across cricket and increase brand. The partnership also enables KMF to use the player image in KMF’s marketing so that it can expand the market presence in Karnataka as well as further in India in other cricket markets.
Interestingly, KMF has experience of sponsorship for sports in the past: during the ICC T20 World Cup through which it supported teams like Ireland and Scotland which featured its logos on team jerseys.
Impacts of LPG Shortage on KMF
As RCB gives KMF its traction, KMF is still confronted with an operational challenge to meet the market’s needs because of the ongoing acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. This supply gap in milk production and distribution is affecting milk operations regionally, for instance in Bengaluru.
According to Shivswamy, milk sales are down 2 percent with a daily drop in the range of about 5,000-6,000 litres. About 15 LPG cylinders are typically consumed by the federation and there has only been 7 to 8 cylinders currently, the federation could face reducing production if this situation continues.
Despite these challenges, KMF remains in balance with strong supply of milk at around 46 lakh litres each day. Sales in Ramadan even crossed 51.26 lakh litres in one day which means that there is still demand.
Expanding Global Reach
KMF is also expanding its international presence and exporting Nandini milk products to countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Products in such recent shipments as ghee exports have reached overseas markets and further underscore the growing international presence of KMF.
Nandini is looking at a partnership with RCB that is very strategic and brings together a cricket fan base with an international brand. As well as LPG shortages continue to hinder operations, KMF’s partnership with RCB will also boost brand image and consumer involvement.
In IPL 2026, fans are going to see Nandini products featured in a lot of RCB performances along with some of their favourite teams. Both firms have a good deal and so is the package, and this partnership is profitable.
