Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Ice Cream Industry Pioneers Gender Inclusion in South India
In a quiet Indian town, an ice cream factory is making waves by hiring mostly women from nearby villages.
This is rare in India's manufacturing sector, where women make up less than 20% of the workforce.
The factory's founders say it's good for business and the community, as women become primary earners and send their children to school.
Experts think this could be a model for other industries.
Dumont Creamery in Gudavalli, near Vijayawada, has 70% female workforce
Women recruited from nearby villages, many first-time formal employees
Dumont's model praised as potential for inclusive rural industrialization
Gender diversity linked to improved productivity and lower attrition
India's ice cream market projected to reach ₹40,000 crore by 2028
- Who
- Dumont Creamery, women from nearby villages
- What
- Hiring women for ice cream manufacturing jobs
- When
- Ongoing, with no specific start or end date mentioned
- Where
- Gudavalli near Vijayawada, India
- Why
- To support the local community, improve productivity, and empower women
Pro-gender inclusion
Traditional industry views
Workforce diversity
Pro-gender inclusion
Improves productivity and team dynamics
Traditional industry views
May disrupt traditional work culture
Empowerment of rural women
Pro-gender inclusion
Enables better education and healthcare for families
Traditional industry views
May face resistance from conservative communities
- Women's share in workforce
- 70%
- Women's share in Indian manufacturing
- <20%
- Ice cream market projection by 2028
- ₹40,000 crore