Thiruvananthapuram: In an unusual diversification move, Meat Products of India Ltd (MPI), a state-owned company known for its meat products, has proposed setting up an exclusive vegetarian food unit to tap the Sabarimala market. The initiative is expected to help the loss-making public sector unit (PSU) improve its financial position.The proposed unit, to be branded ‘Veggies Keralam’, will manufacture and market ready-to-cook and cooked vegetarian products. Its immediate focus will be on operating vegetarian food stalls at Sabarimala during the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.Given Sabarimala’s distinct food culture and MPI’s established identity as a meat-processing company, the proposal envisages a separate vegetarian brand rather than extending the company’s existing identity to the new segment.Discussions involving the ministers for animal husbandry and devaswom and the president of Travancore Devaswom Board had raised questions about the appropriateness of operating vegetarian outlets under MPI’s existing name. The proposed solution is to establish ‘Veggies Keralam’ as a distinct unit, with separate plant facilities and equipment exclusively for vegetarian products.“There is no question of bringing meat or meat products into this initiative. The proposed unit will be exclusively meant for vegetarian products, with separate facilities for processing and marketing them. The only possible concern could be the name, considering MPI’s established identity. But that should not be confused with the nature of the proposed venture or the products it intends to offer. This will be a completely separate vegetarian initiative,” a top govt source said.MPI has cited clause III B (6) of its memorandum and articles of association, which permits the processing of agricultural and allied products as ancillary activities, as the legal basis for the venture. Sources said the proposal is currently before TDB for consideration.The initiative is part of MPI’s effort to explore new revenue streams beyond its traditional meat-processing operations and expand its consumer base. According to govt data, MPI’s production increased from 240.88 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 303.20 MT in 2025-26, a growth of 25.9%. Its income also rose from Rs 7.36 crore to Rs 9.66 crore during the period, an increase of 31.2%.However, the growth in business has not translated into profitability. The PSU reported a net loss of Rs 8.94 crore in 2022-23, which widened to Rs 9.74 crore in 2023-24 before narrowing to Rs 9.66 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 8.50 crore in 2025-26.
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