Before Amul Butter captured the imagination of India, there was Polson’s Butter—the country’s first major dairy brand that reigned supreme for decades. Founded in 1888 by Pestonji Edulji Dalal, Polson started as a coffee brand but found its true success in dairy during wartime.
The brand’s transformation from coffee to butter came during the early 20th century when there was a growing demand for dairy products.
Polson’s big break came when it began supplying butter to the British Army during the Boer War and both World Wars, earning a reputation for reliability and high-quality butter. This helped solidify Polson’s position as a trusted name in dairy across India, especially among the urban elite.
But Polson wasn’t just about butter—it was about brand prestige. The company revolutionised the dairy industry by being one of the first to sell butter in branded, packaged form. Its clever marketing strategies included offering gift coupons with butter slabs, which helped the brand gain popularity among India’s upper class. Polson’s butter became a symbol of luxury and quality, especially in Bombay, where it was a staple in the homes of the wealthy.
However, by the mid-20th century, Polson faced fierce competition from new players like Amul, which capitalised on a cooperative model and offered fresh, affordable butter. Amul’s appeal to a broader audience, coupled with its efficient production, slowly eroded Polson’s market share.
Though Polson faded from the spotlight by the 1970s, its legacy remains significant. It was a pioneer that introduced India to branded dairy products and laid the foundation for future dairy giants. Polson’s contribution to India’s dairy industry is a crucial chapter in the story of entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.
