Our History
From humble beginnings in Thrissur to trusted brands across regions—discover the journey behind Elanadu.
Sajeesh Kumar K.M.
Founder — Elanadu Group
From a Small Village to a Growing Legacy
Elanadu’s journey began with a young entrepreneur from Chelakkara, driven by a simple belief: quality, integrity and perseverance can create something truly meaningful.
What started with a vision to bring pure, farm-fresh milk to families has grown into a diverse group of brands spanning dairy, curd and beverages, foods, and Rich Dad ice creams.
Today, Elanadu reaches families across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu—while remaining grounded in the values that shaped its beginnings.
This is the story of Elanadu. A journey built one morning, one product and one relationship at a time.
Seven chapters, one promise
- The beginning · Age 17
A Journey That Began Before Sunrise
Sajeesh Kumar’s journey began in Thrissur, shaped by responsibility, resilience, and determination. When his father’s grocery business fell into financial difficulty, he stepped forward at just 17. Before heading to class each morning, he delivered newspapers across the neighbourhood, earning ₹350 a month to support his education. Whatever remained was taken home to help his family.
- THE FIRST TASTE OF DAIRY
Forty Paise, One Bicycle, and a New Beginning
When a friend could no longer continue his packet-milk distribution route, Sajeesh took over. Earning just forty paise per packet, he built a modest monthly income of around ₹1,200 while cycling through village lanes each day. What began as a simple milk-delivery route soon became the foundation of a lifelong connection with the dairy industry.
- Student & milkman
Learning the Business, Route by Route
The milk trade began at 4 a.m., long before college classes. With his mother’s PF savings, his bicycle evolved into a three-wheeler, allowing him to expand his daily route. Four days a week were dedicated to college, while the remaining days were spent delivering milk. From graduation to an MBA, and later an M.Phil. from MG University, Sajeesh balanced education with entrepreneurship. By the time his studies were complete, milk had become more than a livelihood—it had become an integral part of his journey.
- Age 25 · Pollachi
The ₹26 lakh lesson
At 25, Sajeesh took his first major entrepreneurial leap. Using his savings and borrowed capital, he acquired an old factory in Pollachi and established his first milk-processing unit. But the venture lasted only eight months. Inexperience, operational challenges, and mounting losses left him with a debt of ₹26 lakh. He returned to Thrissur carrying a heavy financial burden—but not a broken spirit. The setback became a lesson, strengthening his resolve to begin again.
- Seven years of resolve
Paying It Back, Building Again
The following seven years were defined by perseverance and a determined focus on rebuilding. By shifting his focus towards marketing rather than procurement and production, Sajeesh steadily worked to clear the debts he had accumulated. With each passing year, the burden became lighter—and the dream of building a successful dairy venture in his native village began to take shape once again.
- 26 January 2018
The first Elanadu packet
Elanadu village was ready for a new beginning, with two acres of land providing the foundation for the vision. A building originally constructed for producing yoghurt and ghee sparked the idea of creating a dairy brand of its own. On Republic Day 2018, the very first Elanadu Milk packet was launched. Distribution began in Thrissur and soon expanded to five districts, including Malappuram and Kozhikode, within the same year.
The packet that started it all
- Today & tomorrow
Kerala’s Leading Dairy Brand — India Next
With a growing network of depots and temperature-controlled delivery vehicles, Elanadu now reaches households across all 14 districts of Kerala, with its presence extending into Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In just two years, Elanadu rose to become one of Kerala’s top five milk brands. Today, the ambition is bigger: to take Elanadu among India’s top five dairy brands. Our journey continues. Our vision grows.
“We are involved in every stage of the journey—from sourcing milk directly from our farmers to delivering it to homes, without unnecessary intermediaries. This integrated approach allows us to protect the quality, purity, and freshness of our milk at every step. It is this commitment to doing things the right way that has earned the trust of families across our communities.”
Sajeesh Kumar K.M.Founder — Elanadu GroupThe story continues every morning.
0% milk powder, always pure farm milk — taste the promise that built the Elanadu Group, delivered fresh across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.