Anand: Elections for the top two posts of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets dairy products under the iconic Amul brand, took place in Anand today. Ashok Chaudhary, Chairman of Mehsana Milk Union, was unanimously elected as the new Chairman of GCMMF, while Gordhan Dhameliya, Chairman of Rajkot Milk Union, was elected as the new Vice Chairman.

The elections followed the completion of the two-and-a-half-year term of outgoing Chairman Shamal Patel and Vice Chairman Valamji Humbal. The election meeting this afternoon witnessed full participation from all 18 member unions of GCMMF. Ashokbhai B. Chaudhary’s name was proposed by Shamalbhai B. Patel (Chairman, Sabarkantha Milk Union) and seconded by Ashwinbhai N. Salawiya (Chairman, Amreli Milk Union). For the post of Vice Chairman, Gordhanbhai P. Dhameliya was proposed by Valamjibhai R. Humbal (Chairman, Kutch Milk Union) and supported by Mohanbhai R. Bharwad (Chairman, Ahmedabad Milk Union).

The election process was conducted in the presence of the District Collector of Anand and the Registrar of Cooperatives, Government of Gujarat, reflecting the Federation’s unwavering commitment to democratic values. Since its inception in 1973, GCMMF has proudly maintained the tradition of unanimous elections for its leadership.

In the financial year 2024–25, GCMMF recorded a turnover of ₹65,911 crore (USD 7.7 billion), reflecting a robust year-on-year growth of 11.2%. During the same period, the Federation procured over 12 billion liters of milk and achieved a brand turnover of ₹90,000 crore (USD 11 billion) through its member unions. With more than 24 billion product packs distributed across India and over 50 countries, Amul has been recognized as the world’s strongest food and dairy brand by Brand Finance UK.

Since its formation in 1973, GCMMF was led by its founder chairman, the late Dr. Verghese Kurien, who held the position until stepping down in 2006. After him, the post has rotated among leaders from Gujarat’s major dairies: Parthi Bhatol (Banas Dairy), Vipul Chaudhary (Dudhsagar Dairy, Mehsana), Jetha Patel and later Shamal Patel (Sabar Dairy), and Ramsinh Parmar (Amul Dairy, Anand). Banas, Mehsana, Sabar, and Amul are Gujarat’s four largest milk unions.

The post of Vice Chairman was created in 2015 following amendments to GCMMF’s bylaws. The position was first held by Jetha Bharwad, Chairman of Panchmahals-based Panchamrut Dairy, and later by Humbal. DeshGujarat