Kochi: The Brahmagiri Development Society (BDS), which operates Kerala's largest slaughterhouse, is accelerating efforts to revive its flagship brand, Malabar Meat. The initiative, previously halted due to financial troubles and opposition, is now seeing a resurgence with the infusion of private capital.
BDS had shut down the meat plant around a year ago due to mounting debt and resistance from both investors and employees. The closure followed a nationwide ban on the purchase and sale of cattle for slaughter from animal markets. Prior to the shutdown, BDS, with significant support from the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), aimed to become Kerala's top beef supplier. However, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and internal political conflicts led to financial strain and the plant's closure.
Recent developments indicate that Kottayam-based Buffett Blueway Private Limited (BBL) has acquired a stake in BDS. BBL, known for exporting buffalo meat, will assist BDS in maintaining the plant, raising working capital, and securing necessary licenses. Dr. B Sunil Kumar, BDS's COO, highlighted that this partnership will usher in a 'pink revolution' in Kerala. He announced that the relaunch of Malabar Meat will involve an equal profit-sharing arrangement with BBL, and production will be ramped up to full capacity.
The revitalized Malabar Meat brand plans to expand its product range beyond frozen beef, mutton, and chicken. Efforts are underway to establish a supply chain for 'fresh meat' and 'chilled meat' to cater to new market segments. Discussions are also ongoing with local administrative bodies to ensure high-quality, certified fresh meat supplies.
BDS, which has over 500 seed investors largely comprised of party workers and supporters, had invested more than Rs 70 crore in various projects, including Kerala Chicken and Wayanad Coffee. However, due to the pandemic, BDS's debt surged beyond Rs 100 crore. The Malabar Meat project alone incurred a loss of Rs 46 crore, while the Kerala Chicken project faced a loss of Rs 26 crore. Internal party disagreements also contributed to the project's difficulties, with former chairman P. Krishna Prasad, who opposed Pinarayi Vijayan's faction, resigning due to financial pressures.
The revival plan includes rehiring former employees, with 26 of the original 70 employees set to be reinstated immediately, while others will be brought back in phases. Additionally, the Wayanad Coffee Project, which was recently closed, is also in the process of recovery with new investment from a cooperative institution based in Kaniyampatta.
Previously, the Brahmagiri Development Society operated the largest multi-species slaughterhouse in the country with a daily capacity of 45 tonnes and an annual turnover of Rs 7.5 crore. The state government had supported the initiative by providing buffalo calves to farmers to ensure a steady supply. Despite ambitious goals set for a 10% market share in Kerala's Rs 6,500 crore beef market by 2022, the project faced setbacks due to the pandemic.
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