Devendra Shah
Chairman - Parag Milk Foods

From a modest dairy trading background to building one of India’s leading private dairy FMCG companies, Devendra Shah, Chairman of Parag Milk Foods, represents the spirit of enterprise rooted in values. His journey is a compelling example of how traditional ethics and modern business strategy can combine to create a nationally respected brand.

Founded in 1992, Parag Milk Foods today stands tall in India’s competitive dairy industry, known for trusted household brands and innovative nutrition products.

Early Life and Family Influence
Born into a Jain business family in Maharashtra, Devendra Shah was raised in an environment that emphasized discipline, hard work, vegetarian principles, and entrepreneurial initiative. His parents were involved in small-scale dairy trade, giving him early exposure to milk procurement, distribution, and customer relationships.

Growing up around the dairy business, he observed firsthand the challenges faced by farmers and small traders. These experiences shaped his understanding of supply chains and rural economics-insights that later proved invaluable in building a large-scale dairy enterprise.

Education and Business Foundation
Devendra Shah pursued commerce and business studies in Mumbai, equipping himself with knowledge of finance, trade operations, and market dynamics. His academic background strengthened his understanding of structured business growth, supply chain management, and food processing systems.

Even during his student years, he remained closely connected to the dairy trade, learning both the grassroots realities and the broader commercial landscape.

The Birth of Parag Milk Foods
In 1992, Devendra Shah founded Parag Milk Foods with a vision to create high-quality dairy products while building a sustainable procurement model for farmers.

What began as a small dairy venture gradually evolved into a fully integrated dairy FMCG company. With a strong focus on quality control, brand building, and innovation, Parag Milk Foods expanded across India and into international markets.

Today, the company owns well-known brands such as:

• Gowardhan - Famous for cheese, ghee, paneer, and traditional dairy products.
• Pride of Cows – A premium farm-to-home milk brand known for traceability and quality.
• Avvatar – One of India’s pioneering whey protein and sports nutrition brands.

Under his leadership, the company diversified into value-added dairy segments including cheese, whey protein, and specialized nutrition products—categories that were relatively underdeveloped in India at the time.

Building a National Dairy Network
One of Devendra Shah’s major achievements has been establishing a robust, pan-India distribution network. By building strong relationships with dairy farmers and investing in modern processing facilities, he ensured consistent quality and supply.

Key milestones include:

• Expanding milk procurement networks across multiple states.
• Developing advanced manufacturing plants.
• Listing Parag Milk Foods on Indian stock exchanges, strengthening its corporate structure.
• Becoming a pioneer in branded cheese and whey protein products in India.

His strategic shift toward value-added products helped the company compete effectively in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Innovation in Nutrition and Dairy
Recognizing changing consumer preferences, Devendra Shah steered the company toward health-focused dairy and protein-based products. With the launch of Avvatar whey protein, Parag Milk Foods entered India’s growing sports nutrition market, positioning itself as a homegrown alternative to international brands.

This move highlighted his forward-thinking approach-anticipating lifestyle shifts and investing in emerging segments.

Service to Nation and Community
Deeply rooted in Jain values, Devendra Shah believes that business growth must benefit society at large. His contributions extend beyond corporate success:

• Generating employment opportunities in rural dairy sectors.
• Supporting dairy farmers through structured procurement models.
• Contributing to Jain social trusts and gaushalas (cow shelters).
• Promoting vegetarian nutrition aligned with Jain dietary principles.

His business philosophy emphasizes ethical practices, sustainability, and long-term community welfare.

A Legacy of Value-Based Enterprise
Devendra Shah’s journey illustrates how traditional industries can be transformed through innovation, branding, and strategic expansion. From humble beginnings in dairy trade to leading a publicly listed FMCG company, his story reflects resilience, foresight, and adherence to ethical principles.

In an industry deeply connected to rural livelihoods and daily nutrition, his leadership has not only built a successful enterprise but also strengthened India’s organized dairy sector. Devendra Shah stands as a testament to the power of combining heritage values with modern entrepreneurship.

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Address : (Corporate Office)
Parag Milk Foods Ltd.
Unit No. 902 & 903, 9th Floor
Windsor Building, Off CST Road
Kalina, Santacruz (East), Mumbai – 400098, Maharashtra, India

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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R18022026