Kochi: As Onam celebrations reach their peak, ‘Palada Payasam’ remains the undisputed favorite during the traditional Ona Sadya, driving an impressive 40% increase in milk sales across Kerala. Payasam, a sweet dish served at the end of the Sadya feast, is a must-have for almost every household during the festive season. Anticipating the high demand, bookings for milk were made well in advance. Alongside Milma, various other milk brands have also reported increased sales this season.
To meet the exceptional demand, Milma has distributed 1.25 crore litres of milk in Kerala, with assistance from neighboring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This is a notable increase from last year, when 1.10 crore litres were sold during the four-day Onam celebration starting from Uthradam. On Uthradam alone, Milma expects to sell 25 lakh litres of milk, and combined with other brands, total sales may exceed 50 lakh litres. On a regular day, the state consumes an average of 12 lakh litres.
Kerala ranks among the top 15 states in India for milk consumption, particularly during festival seasons when additional milk supplies are sourced from other states. Palada Payasam continues to dominate roadside and bakery sales, with prices reaching Rs. 300 per litre. However, ‘Parippu Pradhaman’ is also gaining popularity, giving Palada a competitive edge this year. Alongside Palada and Parippu, varieties like Semia, Ilaneer, and Pineapple Payasam have also seen rising demand, especially in districts like Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam.
