ACHIEVING EQUAL FUTURE - NuFFooDS Spectrum March 2021

4 EDITORIAL NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Frugal or inadequate?

Dr Milind Kokje
Chief Editor

Health and Wellbeing is the first among the six pillars the National Family Health Survey-5 data, only 5.9-29
on which the Union Budget for 2021-22 rests on. per cent of the children between the ages of six and 23
It was an expected fallout of the pandemic, which months get an adequate diet.
not only decimated the global economy but also set
the Indian economy on a snail’s pace. The only silver Considering such statistics, clipping the nutrition
lining for India is that it has exposed the lacunae in our budget allocation, that too, a huge sum of Rs 1000
healthcare system, prompting swift remedial measures. crore, is baffling. There should be much more allocation,
particularly towards Prevention and Wellbeing.
Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman’s
budget speech reflects just that. Instead of focusing Equally baffling are the two other announcements
only on healthcare infrastructure, she has, rightly, taken related to nutrition programmes. She has announced
a holistic approach towards health and focused on the government’s plan to launch a new programme
Preventive, Curative and Wellbeing. the Mission Poshan 2.0 by merging two nutrition-
related programmes, the Supplementary Nutrition
The total outlay for Health and Wellbeing is Programme (SNP) and the Poshan Abhiyan. The new
increased by a whopping 137 per cent – from Rs mission is aimed at strengthening nutritional content,
94,452 crore in the previous budget to Rs 2,23,846 delivery, outreach and outcome. ‘How this will help to
crore in the current budget. This includes COVID-19 strengthen nutritional outcome?’ is a question that
related special provisions for vaccination of Rs 35,000 some experts are asking. Another announcement is
crore, and an outlay of Rs 60,030 crore for drinking to adopt an intensified strategy to improve nutritional
water and sanitation. outcomes across 112 aspirational districts.

The nutrition budgetary allocation has been put on The budget speech is silent on that point as it
a strict diet, by reducing it by Rs 1,000 crore, from Rs does not give any explanation or clarification about it.
3,700 crore to Rs 2,700 crore. This defeats the purpose, Similarly, apprehensions have been expressed by the
as Prevention and Wellbeing are hardly achievable by experts over why only 112 districts have been targeted,
neglecting nutrition. and not all districts? The nutritional status, as seen in
different reports, underlines the need for intensifying
This does not bode well when ‘The State of any programme for removing malnourishment of any
Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2020’ nature and improving nutritional outcomes need to be
report reveals the ‘serious malnutrition status’ of the made applicable to all districts for effective results.
country. Despite making significant strides against
malnourishment, it is still the home to the maximum Importance of diet in healthcare and wellbeing was
number of malnourished children in the world. Among underlined way back by Thomas Edison when he said in
the children under five, 34.7 per cent are stunted and 1903, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but
17.3 per cent suffer from wasting, both higher than will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in
the Asian average of 21.8 per cent and 9.1 per cent diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
respectively as per Global Nutrition Report 2020.
Overall, 35 per cent of malnourished children are below When a more nutritious diet is required for the
the age of five years and almost 14 per cent of India’s nutrition budget, the FM has put it on a diet. Dieting,
population, 189.2 million people, is undernourished. no doubt, helps in improving health, but not always,
When it comes to women 51.4 per cent of women in especially when one is expected to derive nutrition
the age group 15 to 49 are anaemic, exhibiting that from an excessively frugal diet.
there had been not much progress in meeting the
target of reducing anaemia among reproductive-age
women as per the Global Nutrition Report 2020. As per

Volume 8  |  Issue 7  |  March 2021
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Publisher & Managing Editor Production & Design ASIA
Ravindra Boratkar MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications
Anil Walunj TOP STORIES
Editorial
Chief Editor Cover Design Scan the Brenntag to
Dr Milind Kokje Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. QR Code expand food
[email protected] and nutrition
Business business in
Advisor - Content Manager- Product & Digital China.
Vijay Thombre Strategic Communications
Ankit Kankar
Editor: Narayan Kulkarni [email protected]
[email protected]
CFO & Special Correspondent
Executive Editor: Dr Manbeena Chawla Manasee Kurlekar
[email protected] [email protected]

Sub Editor: Nitesh Pillai Circulation, Subscription and
[email protected] Media Enquiry:
Asmita Thakar
Content Team [email protected]
Singapore: Hithaishi C. Bhaskar Sudam Walekar
[email protected] [email protected]

Social Media Communications: Ankit Kankar Seafood
[email protected] packaging
market
MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Scan the making
QR Code advances in
SOUTH REGION NEW DELHI International offices APAC.
Alok Srivastava Dr Manbeena Chawla
National Business Head- Media Coordinator SINGAPORE Scan the Huhtamaki
Ad Sales & Marketing 103-104, 1st Floor, Saradha Mani QR Code invests in new
“NITON”, Block B, Lower Ground Floor, Rohit House MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications state-of-the-art
11/3, Palace Road, Bangalore 560001 3 Tolstoy Marg, #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North manufacturing
Mobile: +91-9845128747 New Delhi - 110001 Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 unit in
Tel. +91-80-4113 1912/3 Mobile: +91-8861043732 Tel : +65 6336 9142 Malaysia.
[email protected] [email protected] Mobile: +6590681202
[email protected]
MUMBAI PUNE Scan the Singapore
Nirav Mistry Ankit Kankar USA QR Code develops
Asst. Manager- Sales Manager- Product & Digital BioSpectrum Bureau food inks
1st Floor, CIDCO Convention Center, Strategic Communications MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications from frozen
Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Mobile: +91-9579069369 vegetables.
Maharashtra-400703. Farms, Baner Road, Pune- 411045 E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile - 9586424033 Mobile: +919579069369
[email protected] [email protected] EUROPE
Mr. Stuart Smith
NAGPUR 6 Cobden Court, Wimpole Close,
Manisha Boratkar Bromley, Kent BR2 9JF
402, Govind Apartments, Shankar Nagar Square, Nagpur - 440 010 [email protected]
Tel. +91-712-2555 249 [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)20 8464 5577
Mob:07973 814753

Printed and Published by Disclaimer: Spectrum does not necessarily claim to support
Ravindra Boratkar on behalf of  The views and opinions expressed in this magazine these views.
MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd.,  Contents and advertisements in NuFFooDS
Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Farms, Near are those of the authors. They do not necessarily Spectrum are purely for information purposes and
Bank of Baroda, Baner Road, Pune- 411045 represent opinions of the magazine. the Publisher & Editor of NuFFooDS Spectrum give
Printed at Spectrum Offset, D-101, 1st Floor,  Readers are advised to make proper enquires no warranty and accept no responsibility for the
Satyam Estate, Behind CDSS, Erandwane, Pune- before entering into any commitment in relations accuracy or completeness of information provided
411038 Maharashtra. Tel : +91 20 2543 6556 to advertisements appearing in this publication. The therein. Readers must undertake research and take
Chief Editor: Dr Milind Kokje Printer, Publisher, Editor and Owner of the magazine professional advice before acting on any information
Corporate website: www.mmactiv.in will not be liable for any consequences. provided in NuFFooDS Spectrum.
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in  Views expressed in the published articles are
personal opinions of the contributors. NuFFoodS

6 INSIDE NNUUFFFFOOOODDSSSPECTRUM | March 20210 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

ACHIEVING 26COVER STORY
EQUAL
FUTURE At present, a large number of women across India are
excelling in their respective fields and rising as exemplary
figures while putting their best efforts in fighting the
COVID-19 pandemic. On the frontline of the pandemic,
with their courage and determination, these women are
inspiring countless people. NuFFooDS Spectrum brings
out the profiles of Indian women, who are making us
proud by leading the fight against COVID-19 in the Food &
Beverage sector to mark the International Women’s Day,
celebrated on March 8 each year.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE 7

Union Budget 2021-22 Herbalism

20 41

Govt intensifies plans for nutrition, Healing renal stones
ayurveda, startups & manufacturing through herbal drugs

Startups Pushpavalli S, Research Scholar;
Amelia Keran D, Research Scholar and
35 Suresh Kumar P, Principal Scientist,

COVID-19: An opportunity in Division of Crop Production & Post Harvest Technology, ICAR National
disguise for wellness startups Research Centre for Banana, Trichy

Q&A Cosmetics

38 43

“Digitalization plays Essential scientific
an important role for backing for nutricosmetics
the company’s future”
Dr Mudra Kapoor,
Eva van Pelt,
Manager, Regulatory Medical Writing,
Co-CEO & Chief Commercial Officer, Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, Germany Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai

39 FSSAI Initiative

“Our focus is to introduce 44
unique effervescent curcumin”
CSFH –Moving towards
Varun Khanna, cleaner and safer street food
and vegetable markets
Director and Co-Founder, Fullife Healthcare, Mumbai
Arun Singhal,

Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), New Delhi

REGULARS 04
08
Editorial 09
Video Snippets 11
Policy and Regulatory News 13
Finance News 16
Company News 18
Start-Up News 46
World News 47
People News 49
Ingredients News
Supplier News

8 VIDEO SNIPPETS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Volume 8 | Issue 6 | February 2021 | `100 52 pages including cover
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
J I X Antony,
Vice President & Head, GROWTH SPURT
Olam International, OF INDIAN
Bengaluru talks about NUTRIENTS
the future of industry- INDUSTRY
academia interface HITS Rs 23k Cr
in food processing
sector. Mankind
Pharma Ltd
Scan the QR Code »
Sami-Sabinsa
Dr Jasvir Singh, Group Ltd
Regulatory, Scientific
and Government Abbott
Affairs Leader - South India Ltd
Asia, Dupont Nutrition
& Health, New Delhi Acknowledgements
tells us what the term
innovation means for The FICCI team appreciates the association with
different stakeholders. NuFFooDS Spectrum. Thank you for featuring
the video bytes from the virtual R&D Expo 2021
Scan the QR Code » organised by MoFPI. We look forward to more such
collaborations.
Krishna Kumar Joshi,
Head-Regulatory - Sakshi Saini, New Delhi
Affairs, Food Division,
ITC, Gurugram feels We really appreciate considering ZeusHygia
that the government LifeSciences in the top 50 list of the Nutra ranking
should issue grants to survey.
the academia based
on the impact analysis - Shankar, Hyderabad
of their R&D projects.
Thanks a lot for the feature on Eris Lifesciences in the
Scan the QR Code » ranking survey.

- Nikita Nirmal, Mumbai

The ranking coverage on Sami Sabinsa Group Ltd is
appreciated.

- R Rajmohan, Bengaluru

Thanks for your feedback. We have taken
note of your suggestions and will surely try to
incorporate the content accordingly in coming
issues. Please keep sending us your feedback
and updating us on your views about the issue
and keep giving your opinions on the content.

– Editor

Please send your feedback to
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 9

FSSAI FSSAI opens
Eat Right India
issues addendum challenge in Sikkim

to guidelines Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in
collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
for FBOs Government of India and FSSA Cell, Health and Family Welfare
Department, Government of Sikkim organized a programme
FSSAI has released an addendum to the with the tagline “inspiring trust, assuring safe & nutritious food
regulations on the requirement of ‘No while opening the Eat Right Challenge in Gangtok. Sikkim
Objection Certificate (NOC)’ from the has been chosen for this movement in an interesting way to
Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for strengthen the food safety and regulatory environment, build
grant, renewal and product modification awareness amongst the consumers and urge people to make
of FSSAI State as well as Central License. the right food choices. During the programme, poor lifestyle
The addendum states that the Micro and and diet along with consumption of trans fats was discussed
Small Organizations drawing groundwater in detail; especially industrially produced (IP) trans fats, which
less than ‘10 cum/day’ are absolved from is a major risk factor for various diseases. The programme also
acquiring ‘No Objection Certificate’ for emphasized on the role of our old traditional ways of consuming
ground water extraction. However, such food that has guided people towards right eating practices by
Food Business Operators (FBOs) shall be categorizing food based on the effects it had on the body.
required to upload the Self-Declaration
in the prescribed format while applying
for grant, renewal or modification of
FSSAI license. Also, all the FBOs eligible
for the exemption can use it across the
nation. FSSAI states the addendum is
applicable with immediate effect and has
asked the licensing authorities and food
safety commissioners that all the pending
applications for acquiring new renewal
modification of FSSAI licenses may be
assessed and processed by the concerned
Licensing Authorities accordingly.

FSSAI stops sale of junk food around schools

FSSAI is in the process of issuing regulations was more in the urban areas. In 2019, FSSAI
to stop the sale of junk food in and around had issued a draft regulation that proposed
schools. Even so, a government survey has prohibiting ready-to-eat packaged food
found that 88.2 per cent of youngsters (who that’s high in salt, sugar and fat, in and
attended school or college during 2017-18) around schools, especially in hostel kitchens
reported availability of foods high in sugar, fat and canteens. Aside from distribution and
and salt in their school and college canteens. sale within 50 metres of the campus, it also
The report showed that availability of instant forbids sponsorship from brands selling food
noodles (29.3 per cent) and aerated drinks and beverages with low nutritional value
(43.9 per cent) was at a higher percentage such as chips, carbonated drinks, fries, pre-
in a rural school and college canteens, while cooked packaged noodles, etc; at sporting
the availability of the remaining food items and other events for children.

10 REGULATORY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

CMRSD lauds AYUSH Ministry for healthcare solutions

A recent evaluation of the Centres which the projects function. The the objectives of the scheme, and
of Excellence (CoE) scheme of the evaluation covered 18 CoEs from 10 in assessing challenges, if any, faced
AYUSH Ministry carried by the different States, including Himachal by the organization for achieving
Centre for Market Research and Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal the standards fixed by ministry. The
Social Development (CMRSD), New and Kerala. The purpose of the healthcare services provided by these
Delhi has lauded the scheme for evaluation exercise was to assess centres include integrated cancer
its innovative and creative projects the impact of the CoEs in achieving treatment incorporating ayurveda
that are promoting AYUSH-based solutions, ayurvedic treatment for
healthcare solutions in different conditions like bronchial asthma and
parts of the country. The evaluation rheumatoid arthritis, geriatric care
study further noted that all the CoEs through RegimentalTherapy of Unani
have credible governance structures medicine, quality ophthalmologic
and have also raised competent care through ayurveda and
groups of core staff in the fields in homoeopathic care for disability.

Spices Board Rajasthan launches
programme to
strengthens improve nutrition

turmeric export Under the support of the Department of Women and Child
Development, the Government of Rajasthan, Cargill, in
Spices Board, under Ministry of Commerce partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme
and Industry, Government of India, recently (WFP) and Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), have
conducted a virtual Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) launched a programme to improve nutrition status in
to strengthen market linkages and promoting Jaipur, Rajasthan. This programme aims to address nutrition
exports of turmeric. The immunity boosting intake in the first 1,000 days of a child's life starting at
properties of turmeric have played a key conception through two years after birth, shaping a child’s
role in boosting the demand of the spice early development. It will improve the nutritional quality of
during the pandemic situation, which in turn Take-Home Ration (THR) served to children, pregnant and
contributed to a significant growth of 42 per lactating mothers through collaboration with Anganwadi
cent in quantity (99,000 MT) and 35 per cent centers (AWCs). The programme will also deploy social
in value (Rs. 85,810 lakh) of turmeric exports behavior change communications to drive nutritional
during the first half of the current financial year awareness and nutrition seeking behavior. This programme
(April-September 2020). Arvind Dharmapuri, will be implemented under the support of the Department
member of parliament, Nizamabad, observed of Women & Child Development, Government of Rajasthan,
that the region is known for cultivation of and is in alignment with the Government of India's National
turmeric and there is scope for enhancing Nutrition Strategy and the POSHAN Abhiyan.
exports from the region by focusing on
processing and value addition in the crop as
the spice is known for its health properties. He
also suggested that guidance may be given to
farmers for improving the quality of turmeric.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS 11

Jumbotail gets shot of Healthy food startup True
Elements raises Rs 10 Cr
$14.2M from VII Ventures
Pune based D2C health food brand True Elements has
VII Ventures has recently announced that it closed a funding round of Rs 10 Cr from the Maharashtra
is the leading investor in Series B3 funding State Social Venture Fund (MSSVF), managed by Small
round of Jumbotail, a grocery and food items industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which invests
e-marketplace. Jumbotail, an online wholesale in companies having an impact on the local community,
marketplace and new retail platform for grocery ecosystem and those
and food items, based in Bengaluru, is serving which are working to
more than 30,000 kirana stores via its full-stack improve women workforce
e-commerce model. With more than 95 per cent inclusion. True Elements
of India's $450 billion food and grocery market will be using this fund to
flowing through over 12 million kirana stores, strengthen its brand and
these stores are the tried-and-true economic product innovation. The
engine of India. But when the COVID-19 startup uses Indian local
pandemic hit, traditional supply chains serving produce like millets, grains,
these stores ground to a screeching halt. The and seeds to manufacture healthy breakfast and snack
$14.2 million Series B3 fundraise, which follows foods. It claims to have a 75 per cent women workforce
an $11 million Series B2 round in October 2020, in its production factory in Pune. Presently, True Elements
will allow Jumbotail to scale its business to new generates sales from its own website, marketplaces, and
geographies, expand its private-label portfolio, over 6,000 general trade stores spread across India. The
partner with more FMCG brands and to grow its startup claims that it grew 3X since the COVID-19 lockdown
network of J24 modern convenience omnichannel and has also improved its customer retention.
grocery stores in partnership with entrepreneurs.

Form IV (See Rule 8)

Statement of ownership and other particulars about the 5. Editor’s Name : Mr. Narayan Kulkarni
newspaper NuFFooDS Spectrum to be published in the first
issue every year after last day of February. Whether Citizen of India : Yes

1. Place of Publication : Pune Address : MM Activ Sci-Tech

2. Periodicity of Publication : Monthly Communications Pvt Ltd

Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270,

Pallod Farms, Near Bank of Baroda,

Baner Road, Pune- 411045.

3. Printer’s Name : Mr. Ravindra Vidyadhar Boratkar 6. Name & addresses of individuals who own the newspaper,
and partners or shareholders holding more than one percent
Whether Citizen of India : Yes of the total paid-up capital.

Address : MM Activ Sci-Tech

Communications Pvt Ltd Name : Mr. Jagdish Balkrishna Patankar
Address : B-55, Mahavir Park Society,
“Ashirwad”, 1st Floor, 36/A/2,
Pune - Satara Road, Pune – 411037.
S. No. 270, Pallod Farms,

Baner Road, Pune – 411 045. Name : Mr. Ravindra Vidyadhar Boratkar
Address : 402, Siddhivinayak Apartment, Khare Town,
4. Publisher’s Name : Mr. Ravindra Vidyadhar Boratkar
Dharam Peth, Nagpur – 440010.

Whether Citizen of India : Yes Name : Mr. Vijay Padmakar Thombre
Address : 1, Sagar Apartment, 6 Mahaganesh Society,
Address : MM Activ Sci-Tech
Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune – 411038.
Communications Pvt Ltd

“Ashirwad”, 1st Floor, 36/A/2, I, Ravindra Vidyadhar Boratkar , hereby declare that the

S. No. 270, Pallod Farms, particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge

Baner Road, Pune – 411 045. and belief. Sd/-

Publisher

12 FINANCE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

LT Foods Tata Consumer Products
acquires acquires Kottaram Agro Foods
30% stake in
Netherlands Tata Consumer Products (TCPL) portfolio of products such as
based firm has signed definitive agreements cereals, healthy snacks, muesli,
to acquire 100 per cent equity and plant-based protein drinks.
Gurugram based LT Foods has shares of owner of the brand This acquisition will allow TCPL
announced the acquisition of 30 Soulfull. This move is consistent to expand its product portfolio
per cent stake in Leev.nu through with TCPL’s strategic intent to into the fast growing ‘on the table’
its fellow subsidiary Nature Bio expand its product portfolio, and ‘on the go’ categories and to
Foods BV (NBF B.V.), with an and participate in multiple participate in newer consumption
option to acquire a further 21 consumption occasions. KAF occasions. There are also
per cent stake at the end of 5 was founded by Prashant significant synergies possible with
years. Nature Bio Foods (NBF), Parameswaran, Rasika Prashant, the existing business of TCPL in
the subsidiary of LT Foods has Dr K K Narayanan and Amith areas spanning KAF, distribution,
established itself as a responsible Sebastian and the brand Soulfull procurement, and logistics.
and dependable organic product was launched in 2013. The brand Additionally, the TATA name
and ingredient supplier across currently has a strong presence would further enhance the brand’s
the globe. The company has in select urban markets in South, credentials with consumers. The
been providing authentic organic West, and North India. With rich transaction is expected to be
products through its holistic, expertise in ancient millets like completed in the fourth quarter of
integrated & sustainable business ragi, the brand has an innovative FY 2021.
model that inspires, promotes &
supports thousands of organic A91 Partners injects Rs 100
farmers. The acquisition of a stake Cr in snacks maker Happilo
in Leev.nu is in line with long term
growth strategy of NBF. Leev.nu
is a Netherlands based Organic
Specialty Food Company with a
portfolio comprising breakfast
bars, healthy snacks, baking range
& gluten free, low sugar products
that promote an active & healthy
lifestyle. Further, it is expanding its
product portfolio and venturing
into organic wholegrains category
such as oats and flax seeds. Its
products are available in both
retail & online stores.

Bengaluru based gourmet festive gift hampers and more.
snacking brand Happilo has raised The products are available across
Rs 100 crore from A91 Partners all leading modern retail and
to capitalise on the growth it general trades. It is also one of
witnessed during the pandemic. the most popular FMCG brands
This is the first external funding searched for on e-commerce sites.
round for the company. Happilo Happilo intends to use the funds
brings an exclusive range of raised for capital expenditure,
nuts, dried fruits, organic seeds, automation, marketing expansion
dry roasted snacks, trial mixes, and distribution capabilities.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 13

RJ Corp implements Sidel's DuPont offers
aseptic PET technology new water
purification
Varun Beverages, part of RJ PET bottling, but also its first solution
Corp group, one of the largest experience with dry preform
franchises for PepsiCo Inc. sterilisation. Employing the DuPont Water Solutions, a
globally, has installed Sidel’s injection of hydrogen peroxide business unit of DuPont Safety
Aseptic Combi Predis in its (H2O2) before the oven, Sidel’s & Construction has launched
newly established plant in patented Predis technology TapTec Plus HF in the Indian
Punjab, India. This pivotal project requires no water consumption market. DuPont TapTec Plus is
aims to expand PET bottling and can reduce the use of compatible with all residential
capacity and provide production chemicals significantly. This is a water purifier brands and is the
flexibility for the private label lighthouse project for PepsiCo ultimate purification solution for
milk brand Cream Bell as well as Inc. worldwide regarding the the discerning consumers, who
Pepsi’s Tropicana juice range. By processing and bottling of demand a higher quality of life with
choosing the new aseptic dry its high-acid products – the clean household water. Consumers
preform sterilisation technology, Tropicana juices. The Aseptic today choose Reverse Osmosis
RJ Corp is commercialising its Combi Predis also features a (RO) filters, which are among the
liquid dairy products (LDP) in similar dry sterilisation for caps, most effective technologies for
PET for the first time in India. Capdis, as it was very important removing contaminants, disease-
The investment in Sidel’s Aseptic to optimise the cleaning process causing bacteria and waterborne
Combi Predis marks two major and the handling of the caps viruses. However, some of the
achievements for RJ Corp themselves to avoid deformation major concerns have been poor
in India: not only is this the and ensure tightness between water flow, need for frequent filter
company’s first step into aseptic the cap and the bottle. replacement and high energy
consumption. TapTec Plus HF is
PepsiCo, Beyond Meat plan made from advanced thin-film
plant based protein offerings membrane technology and provides
a unique balance of reliability and
PepsiCo, Inc. and Beyond Meat, Inc. have announced that they will form The value for performance. DuPont
PLANeT Partnership, LLC (TPP), a joint venture to develop, produce and market had discontinued production
innovative snack and beverage products made from plant-based protein. The & sale of TapTec 75 RO element
joint venture will leverage Beyond Meat's leading technology in plant-based globally a year ago. This newer
protein development and PepsiCo's world-class marketing and commercial version from the TapTec series
capabilities to create and is currently available with the
scale new snack and beverage authorised distributor, Maxpure
options. Joint venture operations Water Systems Pan India. Since the
will be managed through launch, the product has received
the newly created entity The an overwhelming response with
PLANeT Partnership, LLC (TPP). positive feedback coming from
The new joint venture follows partners and consumers.
longstanding efforts by PepsiCo
to help build a more sustainable food system. Among the key pillars of that
effort are using positive ingredients; expanding the company's portfolio of
products that have been grown and made sustainably, through tools and
techniques like regenerative agriculture and net water- and carbon-neutral
production plants; and making it easier for consumers focused on health and
wellness to consume products on the go through innovations such as LAY'S
oven baked chips (now in 23 markets around the world), Sabra Snack Cups,
Alvalle ready-to-drink gazpacho, Quaker Breakfast flats, and Gatorade Juiced.

14 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Vetro Power Bonn Group
unveils innovative
launches anti-bacterial Thins biscuits

fruits & veggie wash Ludhiana based Bonn Group of Industries has launched a new
range of Americana thin biscuits in their elaborative biscuit
Vetro Power by Trifli Technologies (India) in and cookies portfolio. The thins are available in two variants,
Mumbai, a manufacturer of top-of-the-line flavours containing superfood ingredients such as sesame, chia
nano-tech and clean-tech products, has and quinoa and flavours from regular biscuit category namely
milk, chocolate and salty, and will be available across the North
launched Vetro Power's Indian states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and
Fruits & Veggie Wash Himachal Pradesh. Thins, which are quite popular in western
that helps one eat clean countries, is the first of its kind initiative in India. Consumers
want light, easily digestible and nutritious option for anytime
and stay healthy. snacking. The chia and quinoa seeds biscuits are rich in Iron,
This chemical-free Magnesium, Potassium and Fiber. Whereas, Americana Thins
product uses Tulsi Sesame has health properties including boosting bone health,
for its anti-bacterial, digestion anti-ageing properties, good source of energy and
anti-fungal, anti-viral stabilizing blood pressure. This new range of biscuits will
properties leaving facilitate Bonn’s strategic expansion while assuring the brand
zero residues behind remains sustainable and catering to people’s need in these
with no smell and changing times.
aftertaste as well.
Its current product
range includes
nano-tech & clean-
tech based safety &
hygiene products like
Nano Anti-Microbial
Shield spray, Nano
Mask Protector, Fruit

& Veggie Wash and Hand Cleansing wipes.
The key highlight of these products being
made with uncompromising quality with
their formulation in Germany & been tested
aggressively as per EU safety standards, the
company noted in a statement.

Eureka Forbes adds ayurvedic ingredients to drinking water

Water purifier brand Eureka water that is loaded with authentic traditional benefits of herbs and
Forbes has introduced the new herbs and spices sourced from the spices, Dr Aquaguard with Ayurfresh
Dr Aquaguard with Ayurfresh fertile lands of Kerala - Cinnamon has no added preservatives,
technology to give a refreshing (provides anti-fungal properties), sweeteners or colours. It is packed
taste and aroma to everyday Black Pepper (for prevention of in a hygienic seal pack that
drinking water. Dr Aquaguard stomach disorders), Clove buds dispenses ayurvedic water through
Edge Ayurfresh and Dr Aquaguard (for dental treatment), Cumin (to a slow-release technology. Dr
Classic+ Ayurfresh purifiers come improve digestion), Cardamom Aquaguard Edge Ayurfresh also
with a technology that infuses (to treat bad breath), Tulsi leaves comes with silver shield protection,
the goodness of 7 Ayurvedic (ability to boost immunity) and which releases silver ions into the
ingredients in every glass of great Ginger (to increase digestive power) water, keeping water purified. It
tasting water. Eliminating the hassle and blended beautifully into the also comes with a first of its kind
of sourcing essential ingredients Ayurfresh cartridge. Marrying ‘do it yourself’ water filter system,
and boiling them in water, Dr. tradition with modern technology enabling the customer to change
Aquaguard with Ayurfresh, offers to provide benefits of ancient and the filters on their own.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 15

Dabur introduces new PMEDS
products into portfolio brings unique
nutraceutical
Dabur India has recently launched Dabur Himalayan Organic Apple formulation
Cider Vinegar and 100 per cent pure cow ghee into the market. The
launch of Dabur Himalayan Organic Apple CiderVinegar demonstrates PreEmptive Meds, Inc., (PMEDS), a
Dabur's continued commitment to providing innovative natural research-driven Over-The-Counter
products of the highest quality standards, without compromise. therapeutics company focused on
Apple Cider Vinegar is brewed vinegar made by fermenting the real pre-emptive care, has recently unveiled
apple juice, extracted from the finest of apples from Himalayas in PreVID – a proprietary nutraceutical
order to offer maximum health & wellness benefit. Dabur Himalayan formulation developed by doctors to
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is Organic-Certified apple cider vinegar. power up immunity in individuals who
It is 100 per cent pure, unfiltered, undiluted and unpasteurized Apple are at risk of viral diseases. PMEDS- India,
Cider Vinegar with genuine mother of Vinegar content. On the other a subsidiary of PMEDS-US manufactures
hand, cow ghee has been launched as a natural immunity booster its branded nutraceuticals in India for
with antioxidant properties. It improves digestion and is a good the Indian market and for export from
source of energy. The hygienic process of making this ghee ensures India. PreVID will be available at select
nutrition in every spoon and it has a great taste and aroma. Apollo Pharmacy stores and Noble Plus
Pharmacy stores across the country, as
Hamdard Labs offers immunity well as on online eCommerce platforms.
boosting unani medicines Former Indian cricket team captain
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has a stake in
Hamdard Laboratories strengthening body immunity PreEmptive Meds, the Indian subsidiary
(Medicine Division) has and overall health. Hamdard of PMEDS. PreVID is a formulated
launched 12 new over the Laboratories has launched nutraceutical delivering a burst of
counter (OTC) medicines to their first-ever range of Unani immuno-nutrients. Available in three
build strong body immunity medicines, ‘Habb-e-Bukhar’ for different flavours, PreVID is a 100 per
and treat illnesses like fever, fever, ‘Lauq Sapistan’ for cough cent vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free
cold, cough, etc. Hamdard’s and cold along with immunity product. This product is completely
latest offerings continue to enhancer ‘Sufoof-e-Satte Gilo’ developed and manufactured in India,
take advantage of trusted and ‘Khameera Hameedi’ suitable for anyone to consume over the
Unani formulations that offer to strengthen the body. In age of eight. The fight against COVID-19
holistic healthcare without addition, Hamdard has also has proven that building a stronger
any risk of side-effects. announced the sachet version immunity was the best response to win
The new range of products of Ayush Joshanda. The brand the battle against this (or any) virus.
contains single ingredients like also launched ‘Memoprash’, a Thus, the need for strong immunity
Ashwagandha, Kalonji, Gilo, unique memory enhancement boosting and building nutraceuticals.
and Jamun powder along with product for kids and adults
Zafran, which are known for alike.

16 STARTUPS NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

WayCool Foods, Plant protein startup Proeon
IIT-H to develop enters global accelerator programme
antimicrobial
food packaging Proeon, a food technology startup ingredients are deemed to
material based in Pune, has been selected possess superior nutritional value,
for Food Tech Studio - Bites! - a functional profile, taste, and
Chennai based startup WayCool global accelerator programme flavor, which makes it easy for
Foods has signed a 3 year by Scrum Ventures to support plant-based food manufacturers
Memorandum of Understanding emerging and out-of-the-box to make superior products and
(MoU) with IIT Hyderabad (IIT-H) sustainable food solutions. Scrum take them to market quickly.
to develop antimicrobial food Ventures is founded by Tak Food Tech Studio - Bites! was
packaging material by using Miyata, a seasoned entrepreneur launched in September last
biopolymers. The aim is to from Japan with startup and year with the vision of creating
develop economically viable and executive experience in Silicon a global community of cutting-
biodegradable packaging that will Valley. Proeon innovates plant edge startups across all stages
retain the freshness of fruits and protein ingredients that are to optimise, augment, and
vegetables longer, leading to a highly suitable for creating food streamline the food development
reduction in food wastage across applications like plant-based ecosystem. Some of the key
the supply chain by up to 20 per meat, plant-based milk and objectives of this programme are
cent. This packing material will other dairy products, plant- to address the pressing problems
enhance the shelf life of mainstream based egg-replacement and of the food industry today such as
fruits and vegetables such as okra, protein supplements. Proeon’s health, safety and wastage.
capsicum, Indian gooseberry, and
guava as well as exotic produce The Healthy Company
such as strawberry and broccoli. raises funds for rapid growth
WayCool will invest close to Rs 2
million over a period of 3 years of Gurugram based startup The Healthy Company has raised an undisclosed
this association. WayCool distributes amount of funding from DSG Consumer Partners and Getvantage in a
its wide range of fresh produce and mixture of equity and RBF debt. With this capital infusion, the startup
staples in brands such as Shuddha, will further accelerate its rapid growth with superfoods-based, outcome-
Dhaanyaa, KitchenJi, L’exotique, focused health plans.The company is building a complete health ecosystem
Madhuram, and Freshey’s, to nearly democratising access to superfood products, expert consultations and
20,000 retail outlets, as well as an empathetic community for health-focused individuals. Currently, they
institutional clients. The innovative offer superfood infused products and health plans focused on immunity,
packaging, when developed, is weight loss, detox & keto diets. This is supplemented by EVA, an AI-powered
intended to be starkly different from health-coaching platform, for users to manage their diet and lifestyle.
conventional packaging and will The Healthy Company combines scientifically-backed, natural, & holistic
help consumers enjoy fresh produce superfoods with AI-based personal health coaching to combat modern
longer. lifestyle health concerns. They offer outcome-focused plans for users to
focus on holistic fitness, offering plans for different lifestyle concerns like:
weight management, keto diet and immunity building. They also aim to
target problems like PCOS, thyroid and broken sleep patterns.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS NEWS 17

Zomato helps Govt to take street food vendors online

As a part of Prime Minister and help these vendors grow their economic profiling of PM
Street Vendor’s AtmaNibhar businesses. Further, MoHUA has SVANidhi beneficiaries and
Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, launched the Mobile Application for their families to link them to
Ministry of Housing and PMSVANidhi se Samriddhi- Socio- various Central Government
Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Schemes. In a first of its
Government of India has kind initiative, MoHUA had
entered into a Memorandum previously entered into an
of Understanding (MoU) with MoU with Swiggy and it
Zomato, one of the largest is now joining hands with
online platforms for ordering Zomato to empower street
and delivery of food in India, food vendors with digital
to onboard street food vendors technology and facilitate greater
on its food-tech platform. This will income earning opportunities by
give street food vendors online being present on a popular food-
access to thousands of consumers tech platforms.

MOPP Foods Licious solidifies
enters meals market
presence by entering
Gurugram based online food delivery startup MOPP
Foods, which operates popular brand Mad Over Parathas & 7 new markets
Pakodas adds another feather to its cap with a new brand
Mealy – Your Everyday Meals. Focus of the new brand is to Licious has announced a strategic expansion to 7
serve wholesome meals made with high quality ingredients new cities in India. After launching in Jaipur and
prepared in MOPP’s best in class hygienic kitchens and Coimbatore in November-December 2020, the
served at pocket friendly prices. With its range of comfort Bengaluru based meat e-marketplace startup
food meals made with homely recipes and taste menu is brand has extended its operations to Vijayawada,
designed to be your everyday meal choice, which aptly fits Vizag, and Kochi. Licious is also all set to enter
the brand tag line Your Everyday Meal. Mealy will also be Puducherry and Kolkata, India’s key culinary hub
available in a subscription model wherein a customer can for meat and seafood, by early 2021. With its
pre-book meals on a monthly basis, which will be delivered foray into these 7 new markets, Licious aims at
to the doorstep. Meals is a huge market in India. Mealy is unlocking the huge business opportunity in the
an attempt to tap this opportunity and create a national fresh meat and seafood segment, while adding to
brand. Currently delivering across Gurugram via Zomato, its roster of 7 existing markets across India. Licious
Swiggy and direct orders, the brand will also be launched is entering into these strategic markets, including
from multiple locations in Delhi and Noida in Q1 2021. tier-II cities, to elevate an industry that is still
96 per cent unorganised. India’s meat market is
valued at $40 billion, with over 73 per cent of the
country’s population being meat-eaters. Licious
plans to offer its entire range of over 200 SKUs in
all their new markets as well.

18 WORLD NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

FAO, CIHEAM US includes infant nutrition
and UfM in new dietary guidelines
join forces
to boost Nutrition in America took a major ages – from birth through older
food system step forward recently with the adults. Importantly, this edition
publication of Dietary Guidelines expands the guidance, for the first
The Food and Agriculture for Americans, 2020-2025. Jointly time including recommended
Organization of the published by the U.S. Departments healthy dietary patterns for infants
United Nations (FAO), the of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and toddlers. As always, the new
International Centre for and Human Services (HHS) every guidelines build on the previous
Advanced Mediterranean five years, the guidelines provide editions and were informed by
Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) science-based recommendations the scientific report developed by
and the Union for the designed to foster healthy dietary the Dietary Guidelines Advisory
Mediterranean (UfM) have patterns for Americans of all Committee, along with comments
signed a Memorandum of from the public and input from
Understanding aimed at federal agencies. Dietary Guidelines
accelerating progress on the for Americans is the nation’s trusted
2030 Agenda through food resource for evidence-based
systems transformation in nutrition guidance. The guidelines
the Mediterranean region. are designed for use by healthcare
The agreement marks a professionals and policy makers for
new step in collaboration outreach to the general public and
between the three partners provide the nutritional foundation
to jointly develop and adopt for federal nutrition programmes.
an innovative and science-
based framework of actions Europe aims at mandatory
to support the transition front-of-pack nutrition labelling
towards more sustainable
food systems, while According to the action plan for the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, the European
addressing the disruptions Commission intends to submit, by the end of 2022, a proposal for harmonised
and fragilities caused by the mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling and for the setting of nutrient
COVID-19 pandemic and profiles to restrict the promotion of food high in, for example, salt, sugars and/
contributing to build back or fat. The European Commission has asked European Food Safety Authority
better. The development (EFSA) to provide scientific advice on nutrients of public health importance for
of a multi-stakeholder European populations, including
platform (SFS-MED Platform) non-nutrient components of food
to leverage the existing (e.g. energy, dietary fibre); food
knowledge, experience and groups, which have important
skills of institutions across the roles in the diets of European
Mediterranean is also foreseen. populations and subgroups; and
Capitalizing on their technical, criteria to guide the choice of
scientific and political nutrients and other non-nutrient
mandates, FAO, CIHEAM and components of food for nutrient
UfM will support the SFS-MED profiling. The experts will assess
Platform to develop a 10-year recent scientific information,
transitional work plan that, including such sources as published reviews on dietary recommendations for
through a substantial scientific healthy diets based on evidence from studies on humans; EFSA’s own work
base, will inform policy on dietary reference values and nutrient profiles; national food-based dietary
dialogue and transformative guidelines in European countries; and a comprehensive review of front-of-
decision-making in the region. pack labelling schemes provided by the European Commission.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WORLD NEWS 19

India pushes Bangladesh gets
food products
export to Bhutan first fully-automated

In a bid to boost exports potential of India’s agricultural dairy farm
and processed food products exports, Agricultural and
Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Eon Group has established Bangladesh's first
(APEDA), an Apex-Export Trade Promotion Active automated dairy farm in a village of Badarganj
government body set up by the Ministry of Commerce upazila in Rangpur. The state-of-the-art facility
and Industry, Government of India, had organized a will mainly produce pasteurised milk alongside
Virtual Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) in association with other milk-based products such as ghee, curd
Indian Embassy in Bhutan. The meet brought together and ice cream. All aspects of the facility are
key stakeholders from the respective governments fully automated, from preparing the fodder to
and trade on a common platform for strengthening packaging the milk. The control machine runs all
strategic cooperation between India and Bhutan in Agri the steps for producing safe milk while cutting
Food Sector. During the Virtual-BSM, discussions were expenses. In addition, IOT sensors have been set
held by Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCBL), Ministry of up on every cow to monitor their health, food
Agriculture & Forests, Bhutan and Trade Associations intake, application of drugs and breeding as
from India (Vegetables & Fruits Exporters Association well. The farm's processing unit can separate the
(VAFA), All India Food Processors Association (AIFPA), All harmful antibiotics and aflatoxin from the milk,
India Meat & Livestock Exporters Association (AIMLEA), which will be available in 500ml and 1,000ml packs
The Rice Exporters Association (TREA) on exports of in the market.
potential agri products to Bhutan.

Cargill, Rizq join forces to combat food insecurity in Pakistan

Cargill and Rizq have come together and delivering monthly food storing and distributing excess
with the shared goal of ending supplies to food insecure families food to low-income families and
hunger across Pakistan by setting and establishing a community Rizq Future Generation Programme,
up a food bank network in Lyari, center, RizqBachao, collecting, mobilizing youth from schools and
Karachi, one of the largest food universities to support activities of
insecure communities in Pakistan. zero waste and zero hunger. In phase
The Rizq Cargill ecosystem will work two, the programme will progress
to create a food secure Lyari, reduce towards setting up the RizqXchange,
food wastage and will be able to a collaborative initiative to mobilize
serve about 200,000 meals in the resources through a network of
community, annually. The RizqBank RizqBanks. The Rizq Xchange is
will offer four key services to help enabled by ShareRizq platform,
eradicate food insecurity and end cloud-foodbanking technology
hunger in slum communities across that connects people, who want to
the country. This includes RizqDaig, donate food, with distributors that
distribution of food within the are giving food to beneficiaries in
community, RizqRation, identifying real-time.

20 UNIONBUDGET2021-22 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Govt intensifies
plans for nutrition,
ayurveda, startups
& manufacturing

Nutrition has been highlighted as an integral component of the country’s health and wellbeing.
To strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach, and outcome, the Union Budget 2021 has
proposed merger of the supplementary nutrition programme and the Poshan Abhiyan. These will
form the umbrella of Mission Poshan 2.0. An intensified strategy to improve nutritional outcomes
across 112 aspirational districts has been proposed. The budget also focuses on the need of clean
water, allocation of Rs 2970.30 crore to AYUSH Ministry, value addition in agriculture and allied
products, incentivizing funding for startups and highlighting production-linked incentive (PLI)
scheme for manufacturing sector.

The Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister
(FM) Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2021
strongly positioned health and wellbeing as one
of the six crucial pillars of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Healthy
India, along with other sectors “will further strengthen
the sankalp of Nation First”, she stated while presenting
the Union Budget 2021-22 in the Parliament.

Nutrition
Nutrition has been highlighted as an integral
component of the country’s health and wellbeing.
To strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach,
and outcome, the Union Budget 2021 has proposed
merger of the supplementary nutrition programme and
the Poshan Abhiyan. These will form the umbrella of
Mission Poshan 2.0. An intensified strategy to improve
nutritional outcomes across 112 aspirational districts
has been proposed.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in UNIONBUDGET2021-22 21

Speaking on the holistic nature of health, Dr Harsh “An Agricultural Fund
Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, of India has been
Government of India, New Delhi throws light on the created that will have
Mission Poshan 2.0, which will strengthen nutritional complete information
content, delivery, outreach and outcomes. "This will about the crops that
merge supplementary nutritional programmes and are grown in each district
Poshan Abhiyan and is proposed to adopt and intensify and their related
strategy to improve nutritional outcomes across 112 nutritional value.”
aspirational districts", he says.
- Narendra Modi
In order to improve the nutritional status of Prime Minister,
women and children, the Ministry of Women and
Child Development is currently implementing Government of India, New Delhi
supplementary nutrition programme under anganwadi
services and scheme for adolescent girls under the “India's manufacturing
umbrella Integrated Child Development Services companies need to
(ICDS) scheme to children (6 months to 6 years), become an integral
pregnant women, lactating mothers and out-of-school part of global supply
adolescent girls (11-14 years). chains, possess
core competence and
On the other hand, The Prime Minister’s overarching cutting-edge technology
scheme for holistic nutrition or Poshan Abhiyaan or to become a $5 trillion
National Nutrition Mission, is government’s flagship economy.”
programme to improve nutritional outcomes for
children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. - Nirmala Sitharaman
Launched in 2018, the Poshan Abhiyaan directs the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs,
attention of the country towards the problem of Government of India, New Delhi
malnutrition and address it in a mission-mode.

“It is very important that according to the season
of a particular region, a well-balanced and nutrient
rich, diet plan should be drafted to include local food
grains, fruits and the vegetables cultivated there. An

“Mission Poshan 2.0 will
merge supplementary
nutritional programmes
and Poshan Abhiyan
and is proposed to
adopt and intensify strategy
to improve nutritional
outcomes across 112
aspirational districts."

- Dr Harsh Vardhan
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare,

Government of India, New Delhi

22 UNIONBUDGET2021-22 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Key highlights of or underlying causes of malnutrition.”
Union Budget 2021-22 In sync with this observation Dr Swadeep

● Merger of supplementary nutrition programme Srivastava, Founder & CEO, HEAL Health Connect
& Poshan Abhiyan Solutions, Noida says, “The budget has given a boost to
an attempt of combating malnutrition. The proposal to
● Launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) launch an improvised Mission Poshan 2.0, and to merge
● Boost value addition in agriculture and allied some of the other nutrition-related programmes to
give this initiative a boost considering malnutrition as
products one of the primary concerns in India because of which
● Increased credit flows to animal husbandry, many health-related indicators are still not improving, is
another welcome move”.
dairy, and fisheries
● Incentivize funding of startups Clean Water
● Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes Noting that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has
repeatedly stressed the importance of clean water,
announced for 13 manufacturing sectors sanitation, and clean environment, as a pre requisite
● Allocation of Rs 2970.30 Cr to AYUSH Ministry to achieving universal health, the budget has made
● Allocation of Rs 50,000 Cr, spread over five significant allocation to these sectors. The budget
has announced the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission
years, for National Research Foundation (Urban). It aims at universal water supply in all 4,378
urban local bodies with 2.86 crore household tap
Agricultural Fund of India has been created that will connections, as well as liquid waste management in
have complete information about the crops that are 500 cities of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
grown in each district and their related nutritional Transformation (AMRUT). It will be implemented over 5
value”, says Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Government years, with an outlay of Rs 2,87,000 crore.
of India, New Delhi.
“We have been saying that emphasis on promotive,
Expressing his observations on nutrition being preventive and primary care only can help in making
highlighted as an integral component of the country’s India healthy. One rupee spent on these three Ps can
health and wellbeing in the budget, Dr Sujeet Ranjan, save five on curative care. Sanitation, drinking water,
Executive Director, The Coalition for Food and Nutrition and nutrition have a similar impact. We are happy to
Security (CFNS), New Delhi mentions, “India is not only note that the budget is focused on these issues”, points
fighting COVID-19 outbreak but is also battling existing out Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, Association of
undernutrition in the country. The National Family Healthcare Providers- India (AHPI), New Delhi.
Health Survey- 5 (NFHS-5) data shows the significance
of nutrition than ever before as the nutrition indicators
have not fared well. This Union Budget has given a
road map to boost the efforts already initiated to take
the agenda of nutrition in a mission mode. The multi-
sectoral approach to achieve nutrition outcomes will
be further leveraged with health, sanitation, public
distribution system, agriculture etc. to address the root

“The manufacturing Agri & allied products
of commercial Additionally, to boost value addition in agriculture and
refrigerators is allied products and their exports, the FM has proposed
important and it will to increase the scope of Operation Green Scheme
help in improving that is presently applicable to tomatoes, onions,
the agricultural industry as it and potatoes (TOPS), to be enlarged to include 22
perishable products.
would help avoid the wastage
And to provide adequate credit to the farmers, the
of vegetables and fruits due to lack of improper FM has enhanced the agricultural credit target to Rs
16.5 lakh crore in FY22. The minister has further said
cold chain facilities.” that the government will focus on ensuring increased

- Sanjay Jain,

Director, Elan Professionals, Gurugram

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in UNIONBUDGET2021-22 23

credit flows to animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries. “About 8800 units are part
To start with, 5 major fishing harbours namely Kochi, of the AYUSH industry
Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, and Petuaghat will in India, and they are
be developed as hubs of economic activity. poised to capitalise
on the various booster
“As India’s largest hyperlocal and omni-channel provisions that this budget
meat brand, we are particularly excited about the
FM’s announcement to develop five major fishing offers to the industry.”
hubs in Chennai, Kochi and Paradip. This will not only
help create more employment opportunities, but also - Ranjit Puranik,
encourage more investment in the sector. In addition
to this, the enhancement of agricultural targets MD & CEO, Shree Dhootapapeshwar, Mumbai
will further ensure increased credit flow to animal
husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors”, says Narendra
Pasuparthy, CEO & Founder, Nandu's, Bengaluru.

Adding his views on this note, Ravichandran
Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, Chennai
shares, “Despite the pandemic, the farm centre and
the processing industries have responded well,
wherein we continue to see good demand and
the CAPEX cycle picking up. To further accelerate
the growth in the industry, the government has
increased investments in the dairy sector. The
plans to modernise key fishing harbours such as
Kochi, Chennai, and Vishakapatnam, etc. and the
improvement of indigenous fishing harbours as hubs
for increased economic activity necessitates deeper
localisation and R&D growth in the fisheries sector
for future prospects for increased productivity and
profitability.”

Startups Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
Further, in order to incentivize startups in the country, The government has committed nearly Rs 1.97 lakh
the FM has announced an extension in the eligibility crore in the next 5 years starting FY 2021-22 to help
for claiming tax holiday for startups by one more year bring scale and size in key sectors, create and nurture
till March 31, 2022. And in order to incentivize funding global champions and provide jobs to our youth. To
of startups, the budget has proposed extending the achieve this, PLI schemes to create manufacturing
capital gains exemption for investment in startups by global champions for an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat have
one more year till March 31, 2022. been announced for 13 sectors.

“Startup ecosystem emerged during 2018-2020. “India's manufacturing companies need to become
This timeframe played a catalytic role for startups with an integral part of global supply chains, possess core
policy and tax reforms. Extending the eligibility for tax competence and cutting-edge technology to become
holidays to startups for one more year is a positive step. a $5 trillion economy and for this, our manufacturing
Additionally, extending capital gain tax exemption for sector has to grow in double digits on a sustained
investment in startup by one more year is conducive for basis”, says Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and
investors to invest and for startups to keep going. These Corporate Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
two extensions will take down the burden and pressure
off from the investors and startups as well, attracting Lauding this development by the government,
more investments”, says Pallav Bihani, Founder & CEO, Sanjay Jain, Director, Elan Professionals, Gurugram says,
Boldfit, Bengaluru. “I think it is important to consider our industry under
the PLI scheme to boost Atma Nirbhar Bharat packages.
The manufacturing of commercial refrigerators is
important and it will help in improving the agricultural
industry as it would help avoid the wastage of

24 UNIONBUDGET2021-22 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“Extending capital gain “The plans to modernise
tax exemption for key fishing harbours
investment in startup such as Kochi, Chennai,
by one more year is and Vishakapatnam,
conducive for investors etc. and the
to invest and for startups to improvement of indigenous
fishing harbours as hubs for
keep going.” increased economic activity necessitates deeper
localisation and R&D growth in the fisheries
- Pallav Bihani, sector for future prospects for increased
productivity and profitability.”
Founder & CEO,
- Ravichandran Purushothaman,
Boldfit, Bengaluru President, Danfoss India, Chennai

“There is going to be vegetables and fruits due to lack of improper cold chain
a special thrust in facilities. Also, almost 50 per cent of cold chains are still
natural medicines import dependent.”
and therapy and this
will give a boost to the
nutraceutical segment.”

- Sushant Raorane,
Director and Co-Founder
Adroit Biomed, Mumbai

“We are particularly Nutraceuticals
excited about the Since the government has put a major focus on both
FM’s announcement preventive and curative healthcare, the industry is
to develop five eagerly for the budget’s implementation within the
major fishing hubs in nutraceutical sector. It is indeed a well-known fact
Chennai, Kochi and Paradip. that the growth of nutraceutical sector can play an
This will not only help create important role for managing chronic and diseases as
more employment opportunities, but also well as preventive health.
encourage more investment in the sector.
“For the first time, the government has explicitly
- Narendra Pasuparthy, mentioned the emphasis on overall wellbeing. Mission
CEO & Founder, Poshan 2.0, which will be focused on strengthening
the nutritional content, delivery, and the outcome is
Nandu's, Bengaluru a great initiative and a big boost for the nutraceutical
industry. Further extension of the PLI scheme
“The budget shows and emphasis on manufacturing in India is also
the government’s encouraging. We will look forward to further specifics
commitment to especially the PLI scheme for the nutraceutical sector”,
enhance the health mentions Sanjaya Mariwala, Executive Chairman and
infrastructure for the Managing Director, OmniActive Health Technologies,
wellness of all citizens. This shall Mumbai.

be good for the ayurvedic sector Sharing similar thoughts on this aspect, Sushant
Raorane, Director and Co-Founder Adroit Biomed,
too, especially with the recent appreciation from Mumbai says, “Just the symbolic placement of the
healthcare sector in the first section of the budget
consumers.” speech shows the government’s commitment to
enhance the health infrastructure for the wellness of all
- Chintan Gandhi, citizens. There is going to be a special thrust in natural
medicines and therapy and this will give a boost to the
Managing Director, nutraceutical segment.”

Millennium Herbal Care, Mumbai

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in UNIONBUDGET2021-22 25

“Taking the right policy “For the first time, the
measures in the budget government has
2021 for fisheries, explicitly mentioned
encouragement of the emphasis on
startups, along with overall wellbeing.
disinvestment and Atma Mission Poshan 2.0 which will
Nirbhar Bharat programme and
production-linked incentives (PLI), this would be focused on strengthening the
lead to stable incomes and higher purchasing
power which would, in turn, generate demand nutritional content, delivery, and the outcome
for FMCG and food products and services.”
is a great initiative and a big boost for the
- Shyam Sunder Aggarwal,
Managing Director, Bikano, New Delhi nutraceutical industry.”

- Sanjaya Mariwala,

Executive Chairman and Managing Director,

OmniActive Health Technologies, Mumbai

Ayurveda & CEO, AyurVAID Hospitals, and Chairman, CII Ayurveda
The Union Budget 2021 has brought out numerous Group, Bengaluru says, “A goal-defined project like
enablers and catalysts, which the AYUSH sector can the National Research Foundation, with its Rs 10,000
tap, and taken together, they place the sector on a crore outlay for 5 years, is a potential catalyst for
sustainable path of growth. Rs 2970.30 crore has been the ayurveda sector, since a small proportion of this
allocated to Ministry of AYUSH for the next fiscal year allocation is sufficient to produce world class evidence
marking an increase of 40 per cent of the corresponding in a few areas of Ayurveda.”
figure of Rs 2122.08 crore of the current fiscal.
What’s next?
On this note, Ranjit Puranik MD & CEO, Shree Although the holistic approach towards healthcare
Dhootapapeshwar, Mumbai says, “Scientific studies in in this year’s budget is indeed a positive sign, the
AYUSH would increase and give impetus to AYUSH as a industry has also expressed its disappointment towards
medical stream. Rs 4000 crore was recently earmarked the technological development of the Food and
for the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) for Beverage sector being ignored in the budget. “Given
backward integration projects dealing with medicine the global disruption in supply chains, the budget
plants. About 8800 units are part of the AYUSH industry fails to recognize the spending on technological
in India, and they are poised to capitalise on the various innovation in private sector as well as food processing
booster provisions that this budget offers to the industries”, says Gargi Rao, Economic Research Analyst
industry.” at GlobalData, Hyderabad.

R&D and Innovation The budget’s focus towards improving the health
To strengthen the overall research ecosystem of the of the mother and a child with the Mission Poshan
country, the government has proposed an outlay of 2.0 scheme is likely to create more awareness on the
Rs 50,000 crore, spread over five years, for National importance of consuming a well-balanced meal for
Research Foundation. It is aimed at ensuring that a healthy living. But perhaps what is also required is
the overall research ecosystem of the country is the inclusion and awareness of immunity boosting
strengthened with focus on identified national-priority ingredients and natural medicines as an integral part of
thrust areas. the national nutrition mission by the government. This
will not only ensure the defeat of the current healthcare
Sharing his thoughts on this development and burden of India in the form of diseases such as obesity,
linking it with Ayurveda research, Rajiv Vasudevan, MD tuberculosis, diabetes etc., but it will keep us in shape
to face any adversity in the future.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

26 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

ACHIEVING
EQUAL
FUTURE

At present, a large number of women across India are excelling in their respective fields and rising

as exemplary figures while putting their best efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. On the

frontline of the pandemic, with their courage and determination, these women are inspiring

countless people. NuFFooDS Spectrum brings out the profiles of Indian women, who

are making us proud by leading the fight against COVID-19 in the Food & Beverage

sector to mark the International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 each year.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 27

The International Women’s Day theme for The study, carried out by the UK based University of
2021, celebrated on March 8 every year, Liverpool and the University of Reading, revealed that
is #ChooseToChallenge, which highlights agile policy measures in the initial three months of the
the importance of challenging biases and pandemic in female-led countries saved nearly two
misconceptions in the interest of creating times more lives than those run by male leaders despite
a more inclusive and gender-equal world. having similar numbers of cases.
At the same time, the United Nations
(UN) has issued a 2021 theme: Women in leadership- Moreover, an important facet the study highlighted
Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world. The UN’s is the fact that women were less willing to take risks with
2021 theme celebrates efforts from girls and women in lives and imposed a nationwide lockdown significantly
creating a more equal future and COVID-19 pandemic earlier than male leaders. Concurrently, they were more
recovery. willing to take risks in the domain of the economy.

It is also aligned with the priority theme of the 65th In almost all cases, they locked down earlier than
session of the Commission on the Status of Women male leaders in similar circumstances. While this may
that says- ‘Women's full and effective participation and have longer-term economic implications, it has certainly
decision making in public life, as well as the elimination helped these countries to save lives, as evidenced by the
of violence, for achieving gender equality and the significantly lower number of deaths in these countries.
empowerment of all women and girls’, and the flagship
Generation Equality campaign, which calls for women’s Another major development was seen around
right to decision making in all areas of life, equal pay, November 2020 when Kamala Harris got elected as
equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work, an the Vice President of the United States, as the first
end all forms of violence against women and girls, and black woman and the first person of Indian descent
healthcare services that respond to their needs. nominated for national office by a major party and only
the fourth woman on a presidential ticket.
Women across the globe are standing at the front
lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as healthcare workers, Likewise, India has a history of electing female
caregivers, innovators, community organizers, leaders to top positions. India’s Minister of Finance and
nutritionists, business leaders and as some of the Corporate Affairs and President of Federation of Indian
most exemplary and effective national leaders in Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) are women.
combating the pandemic. The crisis has highlighted In addition, Indian women, such as the Chief Scientist
both the centrality of their contributions and the of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Chief
disproportionate burdens that women carry. Economist of International Monetary Fund (IMF), are
providing crucial leadership in the global arena during
Women leaders and workers have demonstrated the COVID-19 crisis.
their skills, knowledge and networks to effectively lead in
COVID-19 response and recovery efforts throughout 2020. However, on the other hand, the scenario in India is
Today, there is more acceptance than ever before that not that bright. India slipped to 112th spot from its 108th
women bring different experiences, perspectives and position in 2018 in the World Economic Forum’s Global
skills to the table, and make irreplaceable contributions Gender Gap Index 2020, which covered 153 economies.
to decisions, policies and laws that work better for all. Although India ranks 18th in Political Empowerment
category, the positions in other sub-indices such as
Majority of the countries that have been more Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational
successful in stemming the tide of the pandemic and Attainment, and Health and Survival is still low. There is
responding to its health and broader socio-economic still a 31.4 per cent average gender gap that remains to
impacts, are headed by women. For instance, countries be closed globally.
such as Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Iceland,
New Zealand and Slovakia, led by women in the Nevertheless, at present, a large number of women
government, have been widely recognized for the across India are excelling in their respective fields and
rapidity, decisiveness and effectiveness of their national rising as exemplary figures while putting their best
response to COVID-19, as well as the compassionate efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. On the
communication of fact based public health information. frontline of the pandemic, with their courage and
determination, these women are inspiring countless
According to a recent study published in the Centre people. NuFFooDS Spectrum brings to you a list of
for Economic Policy Research and the World Economic Indian women who are making us proud by leading the
Forum, countries with women leaders at the helm seem fight against COVID-19 in the F&B sector.
to have handled the coronavirus pandemic significantly
better than their male counterparts. Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]
(With inputs from Akshay Nayak)

28 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

DR SRIDEVI ANNAPURNA SINGH DURING THE INITIAL DAYS OF THE
PANDEMIC OUTBREAK, CFTRI HAS DEVELOPED
Director, Central Food Technological Research HAND SANITISERS AND PRODUCED IMMUNITY-
Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru BOOSTING FOODS. THE ONGOING PROJECT WITH
CCMB, WITH FUNDING FROM CSIR, IS FOCUSED
APhD in Food Science, Dr Sridevi ON DEVELOPING AN APTAMER-BASED DIPSTICK
Annapurna Singh was recently appointed TESTING KIT. WE ARE PROGRESSING ON IT. IT
as the first female director of Mysuru- IS ONE-TENTH THE COST OF RT-PCR MODE OF
based Central Food Technological TESTING AND IS FASTER.”
Research Institute (CFTRI). After passing
out from CFTRI with M.Sc. in Food Technology in
1988, Dr Sridevi worked with Kissan Products in
Bengaluru for a short stint before returning to her
Alma Mater in 1991. She grew up to the position of
Chief Scientist & Head of Department of Protein
Chemistry and Technology before moving to the
position of Director. In her career spanning over three
decades, she has worked extensively on both basic
and applied aspects of food science. As a researcher,
she is focusing on alternate and unconventional
sources of protein and micronutrients to combat
malnutrition and the development of novel food
ingredients for health benefits. At present, under Dr
Sridevi’s supervision, CFTRI is working along with the
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in
Hyderabad, on a cheaper and faster rapid indigenous
diagnostic testing kit for COVID-19.

THE INSTITUTE HAS DR R HEMALATHA
RECOMMENDED THE REQUIRED QUANTUM
OF FOOD TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS A FREE Director, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad
RATION FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE
LOCKDOWN. AS A WHOLE, PROPER Dr R Hemalatha took over as the Director of the
HYGIENE HABITS CAN HELP OVERCOME National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad
ANY INFECTION.” in December 2017. As a researcher, she has carried
out extensive work in the realm of nutrition,
infection and immunity with special emphasis on
women and child health, preconception nutrition and the first
1000 days of life. She has conducted a battery of experiments,
on the gut and vaginal microbiome and inflammation, that
have generated vital information on the impact of unhealthy
diet and inflammation on foetal growth and pregnancy
outcomes. She has spearheaded several funded projects and
has more than 200 scientific publications and several popular
articles to her credit. At the onset of COVID-19, Dr Hemlatha
and her team undertook a number of surveys in order to
understand the nutrition and health status of Indians. Based
on the survey results, her team provided suggestions to
the government regarding nutrition and immunity in the
backdrop of the fight against coronavirus. Additionally, she
was instrumental in organising various activities after NIN
became the nodal centre in Telangana for receiving the
COVID-19 test kits and reagents from the Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology,
Pune and distributing them to various test centres.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 29

NEERAJA SHETTY MADHUMITA MANNA

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director, Vice-President, Consumer Health Division,
Sami-Sabinsa Group, Bengaluru Esperer Onco Nutrition, Mumbai

Neeraja Shetty possesses over two and Ahighly skilled and result-driven
half decades of rich experience in the professional, Madhumita Manna has
life sciences space, both in India and more than two decades of experience
abroad with a focus on strategy, business in leadership roles across industries. She
development and sales. She started her has led and managed profit centres for
career with Biocon and later relocated to Singapore to companies like Pfizer, Torrent Pharma & DRL in the
join Corporate Physicians International as a Country pharmaceutical space. An IIM-Calcutta alumnus
Manager for Singapore, India and Malaysia. Her stint in business management, Madhumita has been
with Bengaluru based producer of nutraceuticals instrumental in understanding the micros and
and other health products Sami-Sabinsa Group goes macros of trends, inter-disciplinary dynamics and
back to 2002 when she started working as the CEO strategies going forward for Esperer Onco Nutrition
- Formulations till 2008 and then as the Director & soon after she took up the position of Vice-President,
President – Strategy & Business Development from Consumer Health Division in November 2020. During
2011 to 2017. As the CEO and Director, Neeraja has COVID-19 it was imperative that as a healthcare
been overseeing and driving key functions of strategy, professional, one rises up to the situation and
operations, supply chain, finance and new projects helps the patients to get the medicines seamlessly.
to help achieve the ambitious growth plans of the Madhumita did this by quick learning and introducing
company right after she stepped into this position in e-detailing to continue the communication with
March 2020. During the earlier days of the COVID-19 the doctors and the pharmacy on the company's
outbreak, she personally oversaw the sanitization of medicine so that the patients are served well.
the five-acre corporate facility as per the guidelines This also involved blitzkrieg training to the field
given to the company. Thereafter, Neeraja had been force to manage the new e-calling protocols. The
moving ahead strategically, and figuring out worst- process, in terms of e-detailers, emailers, WhatsApp
case scenarios, like a high number of COVID-19 cases communications, was quickly rolled out to simplify
within the company and putting together a strategy life for the medical representatives and easy
to combat that. comprehension of the content by the doctors, under
Madhumita’s supervision.
BUSINESSWISE,
DURING THE AS A FEMALE LEADER ONE BRINGS
LOCKDOWN, IN A LOT OF SANCTITY TO THE OUTCOMES BY
WE FACED EMPATHETICALLY THINKING THROUGH EVERY
TREMENDOUS DETAIL, PROCESS AND IS VERY PEOPLE-CENTRIC.
CHALLENGES WOMEN ARE NATURALLY COMPASSIONATE AND
TO TRANSPORT VALUE RELATIONSHIPS AND AS LEADERS, THESE
RAW MATERIAL ARE SPECIAL TRAITS ONE BRINGS TO THE TABLE.”
BUT WE
ABSORBED THE
EXTRA COST
AND ENSURED
CONTINUOUS
SUPPLY TO OUR
CUSTOMERS
THROUGH
AIR AND SEA
SHIPMENTS
BY WORKING
CLOSELY WITH
OUR VENDORS.”

30 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

THE FIRST ROLE THAT I HAD TO PLAY MEGHA MORE
DURING COVID-19 WAS TO CALM DOWN THE
NERVES AND KEEP PEOPLE MOTIVATED. IT Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer (COO),
WASN’T EASY AS THE BLACK SWAN EVENT Possible, Bengaluru
CAME OUT OF THE BLUE WITH NO MANUALS TO
REFER TO. I BELIEVE THAT KEEPING THE HOPE On a mission to help individuals live a disease-
ALIVE WAS THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION.” free life by using food as medicine, Megha
More founded Truweight, now Possible,
back in 2015, with Vishnu Saraf in Bengaluru.
Through her startup, Megha brings specially
picked superfoods from around the world with premium-
quality ingredients such as spirulina, moringa, quinoa, and
garcinia to offer a healthy diet. She believes in providing
the right nutrition by changing an individual’s food habits
without compromising on the taste. With Possible, Megha
and her team are continuing to do so and add more
superfoods to the basket of offerings in years to come.
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Possible team
initiated a new ‘Immunity Course’ and ‘Immunity Diet
Plan’ to help people fight the disease. Megha believes
that education on nutrition is lacking in our education
system, and so her brand aspires to take the mantle
of making India Nutri-literate. With customized health
supervision, personal coaches, and nutrition-dense diets,
Megha is teaching the psychology of food and nutrition
through her business venture, thereby helping individuals
to live well and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

ANUBHA JHAWAR

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder, Celes Te, New Delhi

Incepted in January 2020, New Delhi based startup Celes Te was formed
by Anubha Jhawar to go beyond a mere drink and cater to the range
of emotions that every Indian tea lover feels for their perfect cup of the
beverage. Its inception came into being after the founder tasted teas from
various reputed brands. Then, she really thought good tea with no artificial
additives is the need and people do need to know what exactly ‘Tea’ is. Anubha’s
tryst with tea began at an early age. She looked forward to accompanying
her father, Manoj Jhawar, a master tea taster, on his numerous tea tasting
expeditions. She spent a good part of her childhood in and around the
sprawling tea estates that dot the foothills of the Himalayas in Darjeeling, West
Bengal. Anubha pursued her interest in tea by training under the British Tea
Master Jane Pettigrew in London in 2018. When COVID-19 started setting in,
Anubha and her team started launching gift boxes and starter packs of various
tea blends so that people can benefit from the immunity-boosting properties of
tea. All teas and ingredients are sourced domestically, including the packaging,
which in turn helps the local farmers and also help in boosting the economy.

COVID-19 DIDN’T AFFECT THE TEA INDUSTRY MUCH BECAUSE IT
IS A BEVERAGE WHICH IS HIGHLY CONSUMED ALL OVER THE WORLD. IN
FACT, IT’S THE SECOND MOST PREFERRED BEVERAGE AFTER WATER. ALSO

DUE THE MULTIPLE HEALTH BENEFITS, THE TEA INDUSTRY WILL GROW
MULTIPLE FOLDS DUE TO HIGH DEMAND IN HEALTH TONICS.”

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 31

AARTI GILL

Co-Founder, OZiva, Mumbai

Aarti Gill, an IIT alumnus, left her corporate job to follow her interest
in preventive healthcare and started OZiva in 2016 with the vision
of building India’s leading clean, plant-based nutrition brand. The
brand’s core differentiator lies in building a nutrition and fitness
ecosystem that combines the best of ancient sciences such as
Ayurveda, modern micronutrients, and an instantaneous digital community
altogether. Born and brought up in Chandigarh, Aarti completed her
engineering from IIT Roorkee and later an MBA from INSEAD. When COVID-19
pandemic was penetrating across the globe in 2020, Aarti was busy working
with investors to raise $5 million in a Series A funding round, in order to widen
her customer base and invest deeper in R&D and technology. Soon after, OZiva
launched Superfood Plant Protein, a vegan clean protein blend of plant protein,
ayurvedic herbs and multivitamins for holistic health and nutrition to help her
customers fight the pandemic. Around the same time, the startup launched
another product HerBones, targeted towards women aged 25 years and above
with potential calcium deficiency, which was well received by the consumers.

OUR FOCUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON PROVIDING INNOVATIVE PLANT-
BASED NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS. WOMEN’S
NUTRITION IS AN IMPORTANT FOCUS AREA FOR US AT OZIVA. WE HAVE
HEAVILY INVESTED IN MARRYING CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS WITH R&D
SOLUTIONS TO PROVIDE CLEAN PLANT-BASED NUTRITION.”

SAKSHI BAKSHI

Founder, Nucros Science & Taste, New Delhi

Sakshi Bakshi comes from a background in healthcare and doctors.
She completed her course in Business Management from Singapore
Management University and returned to her roots to combine her
passion for food, her experience in the healthcare department to give
us a platform that provides a 360-degree solution for those looking
to make a shift towards a healthier and longer life. She also pursued a culinary
course from Le Cordon Bleu, London, before launching Nucros Science in 2020.
Nucros Science combines the latest science with wholesome and powerful
natural ingredients for a great-tasting diet that makes it easy and fast to achieve
your nutrition goals. Her future plans include pan India expansion and hence
the startup has recently launched a do-it-yourself (DIY) meal subscription plans
wherein subscribers from across the country can follow their diets by preparing
recipes that are provided by Nucros’s kitchen. She used the lockdown time to
materialize the plan and form Nucros’s team of nutritionists, gynaecologists,
cooks, marketing experts, etc. who have been the backbone of the company.
She hopes to capture larger chunks of the market soon. People are loving the
concept and are content with the results so far.

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS TO LAUNCH OUR OWN RETAIL PRODUCTS
LIKE DETOX BUNDLES, KETO PLANS, KETO MEAL REPLACEMENTS, ETC., SO
THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR HEALTHIER OPTIONS IN THE MARKET

CAN SIMPLY BUY THESE PRODUCTS AND FOLLOW THEIR DIET PLANS.”

32 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

DR SMITA NARAM HIMA BINDU

Co-Founder, Ayushakti, Mumbai Co-Founder and Nutritionist, Timios, Bengaluru

Awell-accomplished ayurvedic physician, Hima Bindu is a mom of two and holds a
pharmaceutical herbalist, and nutritionist, Masters in Nutrition. She has worked as a
Dr Smita Naram started her journey of research associate in product development
bringing in ancient health solutions, with a in an Agriculture University, worked in the
vision to transform the health of billions of FMCG sector and also with a renowned
people on this planet in 1987. Since then, her venture obesity clinic, until she found her true calling with
Ayushakti, managed along with Hema Raney, has Timios in 2016. Along with her brother, Aswani
helped more than 1.5 million clients across the world Chaitanya, Hima is developing healthy snack food for
and transformed their lives with vibrant health and children as she passionately believes that children
long-lasting relief from chronic health challenges. should grow up eating better food and discover that
Apart from being a master pulse reader, Dr Smita eating healthy can be fun. She kept this passion going
is also a detoxification specialist and Ayushakti even when the pandemic struck, which impacted
has successfully executed more than 200,000 businesses and industries across the globe. To start
detoxifications worldwide for the past 32 years. She with, the lockdown period brought in pre-series A
also shares health tips, kitchen remedies, herbal funding for the startup, led by Rangsons Technologies
remedies, marma, and detox plans for contributing to LLP, part of NR Group. Following this, Hima and her
people’s lives for long-lasting results in many health team launched two new products which include a
problems. During the peak of the pandemic, Dr Smita children’s finger food Melts, and a Made-to-Order
shifted from physical consultation in clinics to online porridge range for infants and toddlers. Hima
consultation worldwide. She kept focus on future highlights the fact that from the time lockdown
business development by planning global expansion started, there was an increasing demand for healthy
and increasing the number of franchises in India, UK, food products and this trend worked in her favour
Europe and the USA. Currently, she is running 150 as the startup’s products are created with natural
clinics across the globe and plans to make it 300 by ingredients. To cater to the increasing demand, her
providing quality services to people globally, in the team introduced D2C channels to explore newer
post-COVID-19 era. categories of consumers, strengthen communication,
and easily connect with existing customers.
AS
A FEMALE THE
ENTREPRENEUR, PANDEMIC
I CONSIDER MY HAS BEEN
EMPLOYEES LIKE OVERBEARING
FAMILY AND FOR ON US, NO
ME, IT WAS VERY DOUBT. THE
IMPORTANT TO UPSIDE TO THE
PROTECT THEM PANDEMIC
IN A PANDEMIC IS THAT IT
LIKE A MOTHER. HELPED US
I BELIEVE THAT DISCOVER OUR
WHEN THE STRENGTH AS
ENTIRE TEAM IS A COMPANY
SUPPORTING THE AND BUILD
VISION OF THE ON THE CORE
COMPANY, THIS VALUES WHICH
HELPS US GROW HELPED US
TOGETHER UNDER TURN THINGS
PRESSURE, IN AROUND FOR
CHALLENGING THE GREATER
TIMES LIKE
GOOD.”
THESE.”

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 33

GEETIKA ANAND GUPTA COVID-19 HAS AFFECTED
DISPOSABLE INCOME AVAILABLE WITH
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), MASSES AND PEOPLE ARE LOOKING
MOPP Foods, Gurugram FOR ECONOMICAL ALTERNATIVES
TO EVERYTHING IN LIFE INCLUDING
With over 16 years of experience encompassing HEALTHY MEALS. I SEE DAILY MEALS
hospitality management, product marketing MARKET GETTING GREAT IMPETUS AS THE
management, brand management, retail ECONOMY RECOVERS FROM THE EFFECT
management, PR, events & exhibitions and OF A LONG LOCKDOWN.”
corporate communications for B2C and
B2B target audience, Geetika Anand Gupta has been a part
of several F&B ventures in the past. This gave her a deeper
understanding of the industry and has prepared her well for her
new venture MOPP Foods, which she started in 2019. She is a
gold medalist in MBA from Amity Business School and her past
experience includes senior positions at Sony, HTC and Blue Star.
She has also consulted a few startups and family businesses
in their marketing and branding efforts. When the industry
was coping-up with the after-effects of the lockdown, Geetika
kept her focus on raising funds for her new venture. She aims
to top Rs 4 crore in revenue this financial year and plans to
invest in excess of Rs 50 crore over the next 3 years with over
100 operational outlets. At the beginning of 2021, Geetika added
another feather to her cap with a new brand called Mealy – Your
Everyday Meals, which is focused on serving wholesome meals
made with high-quality ingredients prepared in MOPP’s best in
class hygienic kitchens and served at pocket-friendly prices.

PARIKSHA RAO SINCE WE ALL ARE LIVING AN
EXTREMELY FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE,
Co-Founder & Chief Nutrition Officer, WE OFTEN COMPROMISE ON OUR
Lil’Goodness, Bengaluru DAILY DOSE OF HEALTHY AND
NUTRITIOUS FOOD. IT’S EXTREMELY
Working as the Chief Nutrition Officer at Bengaluru IMPORTANT TO INCULCATE GOOD
based startup Lil’ Goodness, Pariksha Rao is EATING HABITS AMONG KIDS AT
revolutionising the eating habits among children AN EARLY STAGE OF LIFE IN ORDER
by building an ecosystem that nurtures good and TO PROTECT THEM FROM VARIOUS
tasty food and nutritious food habits. With nearly LIFESTYLE DISORDERS.”
14 years’ experience, she is also currently working as an independent
consultant on patient behaviour, capacity building, patient
segmentation, pathophysiology, risk assessment, digital wellness,
soft skills for the healthcare industry, and the requirements for the
development of health and wellness management software that can
be easily accessible to patients. When COVID-19 started, Pariksha,
as a responsible citizen, immediately got on the field by partnering
with Swiggy's ‘Hope, not Hunger’ campaign to provide nutritious,
hygienic meals to the less privileged children in Bengaluru. Her
team at Lil’ Goodness also started an initiative to provide immunity
based nutritious meals filled with vitamins and minerals for those
with medical needs across age groups at the convenience of their
doorsteps. In addition, she also worked on developing a first of its
kind chocolate with prebiotic fibres, which activate healthy bacteria
in the gut and improves the absorption of essential vitamins and
minerals, therefore promoting better immunity and good health.

34 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

SHWETA JAIN

Vice President, Luxury Commercial & Key Accounts, Diageo India,
Gurugram

As Vice President for Luxury Commercial & Key Accounts at the
beverage alcohol company Diageo India, Shweta Jain leads the
extensive premiumisation strategy for Diageo’s luxury brands’
portfolio. Prior to joining Diageo India in 2017, Shweta gained
extensive spirits and consumer goods industry experience, having
led mandates at William Grant, Pernod Ricard, Gillette & Ogilvy. She has been
part of brand turnaround journeys of Monkey Shoulder, Glenfiddich, Sprite &
100 Pipers. Her repertoire of deep dive into consumer insights and channel
play leading to new product launches include HT - Mint & Gillette Vector.
Amidst the pandemic, in June 2020, she and her team led the ‘Raising the
Bar’ programme wherein the company committed to spend Rs 75 crore to
support Bars, Pubs & Restaurants serving alcohol in key cities over a two-year
period. For the 1500+ qualified outlets that got registered in the very first
phase, Shweta’s team made provisions of physical equipment and hygiene
kits comprising of high-quality permanent sanitiser dispensers, medical-grade
hand sanitiser and a range of personal protection equipment, including masks
and gloves. The programme is also helping establish partnerships with online
reservations and cashless systems; mobile bars and outdoor equipment.

THE INDIAN HOSPITALITY AND F&B INDUSTRY HAS WITNESSED AN UNPRECEDENTED LOSS OF
REVENUES DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. PUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS, WHICH ARE AN INTEGRAL PART
OF OUR COMMUNITIES BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO SOCIALISE AND CELEBRATE, SUFFERED GREATLY. THE
REVIVAL OF THIS SECTOR IS VITAL TO THE ECONOMY.”

DR HUMA ALI

Unit Head (Goa), Diageo India

Dr Huma Ali is a PhD in oncology and has worked in senior
positions in the Indian and multinational pharmaceutical
manufacturing space at companies like Cipla, Merck, Micro Labs,
and Dr. Reddy’s, before joining Diageo as head of its Goa plant.
She is the only woman to head a Diageo manufacturing unit
in India. When the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in acute shortage of hand
sanitizers in March 2020, Dr Huma and her team pledged to produce around
three lakh litres of bulk hand sanitisers and donated five lakh litres of Extra
Neutral Alcohol (ENA) to the sanitiser industry to make (2 million units of
250 ml each) hand sanitisers. Not knowing anything about making hand
sanitizers, Dr Huma within five days repurposed the manufacturing plant to
produce the first batch of hand sanitizers at the Goa unit. It was a challenge to
accomplish this feat within such a short lead time, complete all the necessary
prerequisites and clearances and with limited resources at the factory. Under
her defined guidance, the team was able to identify the actionable points,
planned strategically, and executed within record timelines.

THE IMMENSE SATISFACTION OF HAVING BEEN ABLE TO SERVICE THE SOCIETY, FRONTLINE COVID-19
WARRIORS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS THROUGH OUR SANITIZER PRODUCTION INITIATIVE WAS THE
GREATEST MOTIVATION THAT HELPED ME TACKLE ALL MY APPREHENSIONS, WORRIES AND PRESSURE.”

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS 35

COVID-19: An opportunity in
disguise for wellness startups

As the pandemic disrupted traditional businesses across the world, it has paved way for new-age
innovations in all sectors. An important one of them being the health and wellness sector, the crisis has
created an opportunity for the mushrooming players to hold prominence in the segment with path-
breaking innovative products. Growing startups in the space put forth the challenges and opportunities they
face in a bid to make a mark in the market.

Health and wellness have been timeless and have increased manifold.
never gone out of style but only evolved with
time to suit the modern-day human’s needs. With Divij Bajaj, Founder, Aesthetic
a rise in diseases which again have grown centuries on Nutrition Pvt Ltd, New Delhi feels
centuries, although curative measures have been age- that the Indian health and wellness
old, people with time have revolutionised and started sector is seeing a wholesome
becoming more mindful about wellbeing through evolution and is paving way for newer
preventive measures by engaging into - physical fitness, players given their new-age innovation.
healthy diet and mental-stress-alleviating activities. “There is not one brand or one alternative
but a wholesome evolution that is coming around in
While medical advancement has increased life this sector. There is a huge surge in need of wellness
expectancy, a lifestyle change has been responsible products. When we look at nutritional foods, there is
for bringing in a whole new set of diseases. To list a innovation all around, which translates to all the new
few, obesity, diabetes, heart ailments, cirrhosis, etc., all alternatives that are coming up because eventually,
stem from an ignorant and sedentary lifestyle. In 2020, nobody would like to stick to pills.” adds Bajaj.
according to the International Diabetes Federation
(IDF), 463 million people have diabetes in the world Agreeing with Bajaj about the shift that the Indian
and 88 million people in the Southeast Asia region. Of consumer market is showing in opting
this 88 million people, 77 million belong to India. The for more new-age functional foods,
prevalence of diabetes in the population is 8.9 per cent,
according to the IDF. Reportedly, diabetes being the Vishal Shah, Founder & Managing
foremost comorbidity responsible for the death of a
COVID-19 affected individual, the statistics are alarming Director, Storia Foods & Beverages
already. While the COVID-19 pandemic did stir havoc Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, mentions, with new
globally, claiming human lives and livelihood, the crisis startups emerging in the functional
had a silver lining to it - the uptick in the health and foods space, the segment is looking
wellness sector. According to FICCI-EY Wellness and
Beauty Report, the wellness market is projected to reach
$24 billion by the end of 2020.

High ground for wellness startups
While there have been traditional well-heeled players
catering to the wellness sector, which comprises
nutraceuticals, functional foods and healthy alternatives,
the current pandemic has set grounds for the small
players and startups to emerge quickly and lead from
the front. On the back of growing consumer awareness
and the rising impetus by the government on public
health in the wake of the pandemic, the potential
for mushrooming players in the wellness sector has

36 STARTUPS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

at a healthy CAGR considering the performance of the in this segment to let the new businesses thrive.
category alone which grew by 33 per cent in 2019-2020. The key challenge remains to educate the consumers.
Listing the reasons for the growth, Shah expresses,
“People now definitely understand the deficiencies Looking at the percentage, the educated market remains
in the human system and they are more educated only at 10-12 per cent and the key business in food comes
in consuming the right kind of food. Now with the from Tier-2 and 3 cities where educating the consumer
lockdown, people are educating themself on eating is still going to take some time, elucidates Shah. The
good stuff that also have some functional benefits Indian market is still price-conscious due to which having
on them. Apart from it, the government, likewise, has the right prices and meeting health benefits becomes
unveiled a lot of programmes and initiatives wherein important. A lot of functional foods available in the
a lot of the commodities have to be fortified moving markets are pretty expensive for the middle-class Indian
forward. Functional foods have a good future moving consumer for regular consumption. “What also could be
forward. The last three quarters also projected the looked at is, the government decreasing the slab of GST
potential that Tier-II and III markets hold for functional for fortified foods, which could definitely make it more
foods now.” affordable and the market will start evolving. There is a
higher sentiment of organisations like us to invest in them
Homegrown functional foods are not only because then you find the real commercial benefit on it
gaining prominence in the domestic market but also as well to compete with all the multi-national players in a
internationally with the Indian products seeing very longer time,” adds Shah.
good potential in the West, and also in other countries
like Japan, given that they have started Power Gummies from Aesthetic Nutrition too
increasingly seeing at the health value. had to face the same brunt, as in India, people still
don't know why do they need vitamins. People in the
Anuja Jadhav, Co-founder, Kokos West actually monitor their daily intake of vitamins
Natural, Mumbai opined, “The and what kind of quantity is going in their bodies.
past three years have projected a Scanning through the reports in India, vitamin
steady rise in domestic consumption deficiency is prominent in the Indian citizens, which
of functional foods and healthy is because, with the natural foods that we consume,
alternatives. Healthy alternatives like there are a few vitamins that are impossible to be
gluten-free foods, Keto diet foods, etc., have also picked taken in through these foods, echoed Bajaj.
up traction and Indian foods are doing a good job in
replacing them.” “Explaining them about vitamins and why they
should add them into their diet, and
In the words of Indraneel Chitale, Co- what do they do actually is the
biggest challenge. The second
founder, SSCI Foods and Beverages
LLP, Pune, “The growing aspirational
value of the country’s population and
the conscious awareness of making
choices are adding value not only
from health and nutrition point of

view but also from the perspective
of empowerment which makes India a very great
marketplace for startups to come up with new products.”

Hindrances on the way
While innovation has certainly helped several startups in
the wellness space to rule the roost, the others are faced
with external environment impediments that dampen
their growth trajectory. A majority of the respondents
say that though the consumer sentiments are evolving,
in-depth sensitising is duly required ahead of or post the
launch of a product given the fact that consumers are also
wary of trying new products in the market. Moreover, the
startups seek governmental support in terms of increasing
consumer confidence for functional foods and wellness
products, and to decrease the GST rate slab for the players

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS 37

biggest challenge that we feel is the expectation. We imbibe natural herbs in the most consumable and easy
Indians are blended with false marketing standards by form to lead a better and healthy life.”
several companies, which have shaken the consumer
sentiments for quick results from the products that What’s in store for future
they use or consume. It was certainly a task to make As aforementioned that the pandemic has proved to be
the people understand about the processing time more of a boon than bane for the wellness sector, the
of vitamins depending on metabolism, subjective picture for the startups in this space also looks positive
dependence on body to body, etc., and all of it takes with a lot of investors being bullish to invest in path-
time. Also, with vitamins, one needs to have patience as breaking innovative health and wellness startups, and that
it is a process of 4-5 months. False advertisements lead the consumers’ dependence on immunity-boosting foods
to a lot of consumers dropouts. We have addressed this is here to stay for the rest of the decade even after the
challenge nicely, wherein we tell the consumers exactly world puts this pandemic behind, opine the respondents.
what the clinical trials show that the effect of vitamins is
a 90-day process,” Bajaj explains. During this crisis, wellness has outrun all other
categories as all the big funds want to have a health and
Talking about challenges Jadhav said, “Initially, the wellness product into their portfolio, opines Bajaj. Giving
biggest challenge was spreading awareness of the a future outlook glimpse, he adds, “For the next 10
product. Many of the consumers don't even know about years, we will only stick to gummies. We have around 40
the product that we are offering, be it coconut sugar, variants at hand which are not just vitamin providers but
cassava atta, and also raw banana flour. Also, coconut are solution-oriented right from weight management to
flour is a new product and is again seldom known in the PMS-related problems.”
market. To make the customers understand why to use
and how to use such products was the biggest challenge.” For the next 10 years, the consumer focus is going
to be on health and it will only accelerate with the
For Chitale to launch Herbea (an herbal tea range long-lasting effects of the pandemic, voices Shah. With
of products), the main challenge was the right way to health being at the forefront, this segment automatically
attracts a lot of investment. Furthermore, not a lot of
communicate the brand proposition. With an idea big players are into this, so a lot of the next big guns are
to break the concept of Ayurveda from being medicinal going to come from the small segments. Banking on the
to being a lifestyle product, Chitale said, “They are right product and the distribution strength showcased
essentially trying to communicate that one needs to by the startup will certainly be head turners in the
investment market, he approves.

Going by the data, the food industry at large has
gathered a lot of attention in terms of investments, as it
usually is recession-proof. Also, during these pandemic
times, it was evident that pharmaceuticals and the food
industry performed well. “Food is something that doesn't
go out of trend and the Indian market has evolved
wherein they are taking money out of their pockets to
provide healthy alternatives. This kind of consumption
trend which is evident in the market has actually paved
the way for more investors in this space,” notes Jadhav.
Having introduced new products like coconut flour and
Immunity Powder, Jadhav says that Kokos Natural aims
to present Indian foods as superfoods both domestically
and internationally.

“The investment scenario looks vibrant and we are
seeing some good response for this business idea. We
do plan to widen our product range to further increase
our appeal to consumers and investors as well. Our idea
is to create a stable platform for ayurvedic food products
that appeal to the modern, health-conscious consumer,”
concludes Chitale.

Akshay Nayak
[email protected]

38 Q&A NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Eva van Pelt, “Digitalization plays
an important role for
Co-CEO & Chief Commercial Officer, the company’s future”
Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, Germany

Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1945, Eppendorf AG tackling COVID. Therefore, we expanded our production
has more than 3,300 employees worldwide and has capability to the maximum currently possible using a
subsidiaries in 26 countries and is represented in all shift system enabling production 24/7. Furthermore, we
important markets by distributors. In an interaction with increased the size of one of our production sites, adding
NuFFooDS Spectrum, Eva van Pelt, Co-Chief Executive Officer & more floor space and machinery for the production line.
Chief Commercial Officer, Eppendorf AG, who was appointed This construction process will also continue in 2021.
to this position on December 6, 2019 shared her view about In doing so we ramp up production of consumables
the company’s contributions in the fight against COVID-19 by about 30 per cent. Our global sales and service
and the growth plans of the company. Edited excerpts- teams also remained actionable due to the same high
adaptability and commitment under these challenging
circumstances. Even throughout the lockdown phases
What have been your key contributions within the across the different regions we remained in close contact
organization towards fighting COVID-19? with our customers – be it to support on-site or via virtual
The current challenges posed by the corona virus are both support mechanisms. Our e-shops for example offer our
a mission and a motivation for us. Since the company's customers the opportunity to order goods digitally in
beginnings more than 75 years ago, Eppendorf has pursued over 30 countries, including China. The platform is being
the mission of "improving human living conditions". The updated continuously, the new version will be available in
importance of this mission, yesterday and today, is also the course of this year.
evident in the current situation concerning the coronavirus.
As part of this mission we focus on two main aspects – the How was the performance in the FY20? How much
safety and health of our global workforce and providing growth is expected in the FY21?
laboratories with the best and reliable equipment. All The Eppendorf Group has had an impressive and never
employees, who are able to do so, to work from home. This seen before growth in 2020 with a sales growth of more
measure in return not only protects them and their families than 20 per cent worldwide. We are aware that this is due to
but also all colleagues who cannot work from home, such an exceptional situation created by the pandemic in 2020,
as in production and logistics. Furthermore, amongst which is why our expectation for this year is a single digit
other aspects, wearing personal protection equipment is growth worldwide.
mandatory as well as complying with the needed social
distance. Protecting our employees also contributes to the What are the major goals set in for 2021?
second aspect – serving our customers on the front-line of Eppendorf will continue to drive forward its future initiative
the battle against the corona virus. Here our primary goal and the targeted transformation of the company in 2021.
is to ensure Eppendorf's production and delivery capacity. The investments planned for this purpose in the company's
Our customers can count on us to deliver and support their global sites and infrastructure will be made as planned.
tireless effort of developing vaccines and medications. Digitalization plays an important role for the company’s
future, therefore we continue to work intensively on the
How have you been able to tackle the pressure development of customer solutions for the digital lab of
created by the pandemic? the future.
The high demand for our products, especially consumables
such as pipet tips is unbroken as they are essential for Ankit Kankar
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Q&A 39

“Our focus is to Varun Khanna,
introduce unique
effervescent curcumin” Director and Co-Founder,
Fullife Healthcare, Mumbai

On the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ingredients impact the business?
nutritional supplement market in India has grown Initially, it was a challenging task for us. Everything
tremendously. With the growing demand for came to a sudden standstill because of the pandemic.
supplements among the common public, the number Even though we have our own manufacturing unit in
of sellers have also increased. A large pool of brands, Maharashtra, labour was severely affected, putting a halt
sellers, and products are prevailing in the market for the to production. Additionally, sourcing of ingredients also
customers to choose from. However, a drawback is that was a challenge since we do not believe in compromise
50-60 per cent of the nutrition supplements sold in India and all our products are of the highest quality
are counterfeit, unregistered, or unauthorized. In line with ingredients sourced globally. The travel ban added to our
this observation, NuFFooDS Spectrum spoke to Varun woes but with the team being so incredible, we pushed
Khanna, Director and Co-Founder, Fullife Healthcare, through some toughest times.
Mumbai to find out his perspective on the need of
regulations and policies of nutraceutical industry, and As India is serving grounds for various
much more. Edited excerpts - international nutrition brands and home-grown
startups booming in this space too, how are
Nutraceuticals are deemed to be used for your products catering to the masses to enhance
preventive purpose. How is the trend now slowly general fitness?
shifting towards a lifestyle need? At Fullife, we are the market leaders in effervescent
The world changed in 2020 with the outbreak of the and innovative Swiss technology. Our flagship brand
COVID-19 pandemic. While health was a concern Fast&Up, initially started as a sports nutrition brand
to majority of Indians, it was not on the top list of but today, we are catering to all kinds of audience with
priorities if we go by statistics. The pandemic helped different nutritional needs. We believe in intelligent
put the spotlight on the importance of being healthy nutrition and are expanding our scope and vision
and leading an active, fit and balanced life. Indians are
becoming more aware and conscious when it comes
to lifestyle changes and this awareness coupled with
exposure, has brought about this shift. Earlier, doctors
prescribed vitamins or supplements as an ‘addition’ to
the list of medicines to tackle various health problems.
Today, people are smart, on the go and are aware of
what is happening in the world. We are going back to
our roots and traditions and are realising that taking
supplements or immunity boosters is as crucial as eating
a well-balanced diet or exercising daily.

What were the challenges and opportunities faced
by Fullife Healthcare in the wake of the pandemic?
How did the exports of products and imports of

40 Q&A NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

beyond just being a sports nutrition brand. We have completely removes the chances of any disturbance
always believed in preventive care vs sick care. We have in the gut or side effects. They are clinically tested,
entered the plant-based nutrition market with our Terra informed choice certified and backed by science. Hence,
range. We recently launched our kids range to help we take a lot of care into what goes into our products.
build stronger immunity in children from a young age. We do not add any artificial colouring or added sugar, it
There is something for everyone. Whether you want to is free from any banned substances. We have a team of
protect your lungs, take care of your knee joints or boost experts, who guide us on the making of our products. It
immunity, or energise on the go, we have your needs is important to choose wisely because people may have
covered. With Fast&Up, we have been able to reach medical conditions and symptoms. People should read
out to millions of Indians. Fast&Up been the nutrition the label when buying any product, especially when it
partner for all the big marathons in India and has run comes to supplements and immunity boosters. The good
many initiatives to promote our core belief of living thing is that we as Indians are becoming more aware and
an active and fit lifestyle through intelligent nutrition. will not blindly buy anything until we have researched
Fast&Up runs virtual fitness festivals, engages constantly a product/company or heard good feedback through
with its online community of enthusiasts, does many word of mouth.
interactions, and live sessions with medicals experts on
different topics. Our other flagship brand, Chicnutrix, is With the acquisition of Novelty Pharma, how are
an all-woman’s brand started by women for women to you looking at closely working with their R&D to
cater to their overall well-being and targets every phase expand further in the West and to bring the Swiss-
of a woman’s life. Therefore, we are covering the entire brands nutraceuticals products in India?
gambit to include women, children, older people, fitness With Novelty Pharma we brought the effervescent
enthusiasts, sportspersons, millennials and families. technology to India and built Fast&Up, a brand owned
by Fullife that focuses on nutrition for sports, fitness and
Side effects is a general woe for the downside of health. We also recently introduced Chicnutrix that’s
the nutraceutical industry in India. Your views on focused on beauty & women wellness. With respect
the regulation and the spread of awareness among to further expansion in the west, since the knowledge
the citizens? on effervescent nutrition is higher, our focus is to
Most of our nutrition is in an effervescent format, which open many more markets and introduce our unique
formulations such as effervescent curcumin that is
currently very popular in the west.

Given the recent investments raised, how
does 2021 looks in terms of expanding SKUs,
production capacity, etc.?
We have raised Rs 50 crore in a fresh round of funding
from existing shareholders Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and
Sixth Sense. Amansa Capital has joined the cap-table in
this round. Prior to this, the company has raised Rs 50
crore making the total funding till date Rs 100 crore.

We now have a target run rate of Rs 200 crore by
March 2021 with an over 40 per cent CAGR in the last
three years. We have an independent state-of-the-art
manufacturing facility at Khopoli, near Mumbai, utilising
the best ingredients sourced from natural and fair-trade
resources. With the recent investment, our focus is to
ramp up our operations, and our production capacity. In
the last year, we have introduced 11 new products in the
Fast&Up portfolio and launched two new categories -
plant based nutrition and kids’ nutrition. With Chicnutrix
we have launched India’s first gel-based collagen and
products that cater to women’s health.

Akshay Nayak
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in HERBALISM 41

Healing renal stones
through herbal drugs

Herbal remedies have proved to be quite useful for many diseases, though rationale behind their use is not
well established through systematic pharmacological studies except for some composite formulations
and few individual plants. There is a constant need of exploring the new herbal drugs for their antilithiatic
potentials using modern systematic pharmacological techniques.

The human renal system, which has the maximum Excessive increase of uric acid in blood leads to
excretory capacity, plays a major role in its deposition in bone joints (gout), allopurinols are
homeostasis. Due to change in lifestyle, renal being prescribed in such cases. At drug untreatable
stone occurrence (Urolithiasis/ renal calculi) have conditions, renal stones are usually treated by surgical
become a very common problem. The major risk and interventional procedures. The surgical procedures
factor for its occurrence can be divided into two types (percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopy,
one is dietary factor (medicine side effect, low fluid extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) are prohibitively
intake, high dietary intake of animal protein, sodium costly for a common man, which requires careful long
and oxalate) and another is metabolic condition time follow-up and besides its recurrence is quite
(cystinuria, hyperuricosuria, xanthinuria, hyperoxaluria, common. The modern system of medicines lacking
hyperthyroidism, distal tubular acidosis). In observational clinically satisfactory drugs requires the dependence on
study, 1 out of 100 in a population of a developed nation alternative medication.
suffers from renal stone and its recurrence rate is 30 to 40
per cent at 5 years of interval. In modern era, the demand for herbal remedy for any
ailment is growing exponentially throughout the world
To dissolve renal stones at initial stage, physicians and major pharmaceutical companies are currently
prescribe medication to reduce the size of stone conducting extensive research on plant materials for
or solubilise the formed crystals based on its their potential medicinal value. The initiation of these
composition and position. For patients with research works are fuelled by herbal medication.
high amount of calcium in urine or calcium
stones in the kidney, thiazide diuretics India is endowed with different types of
are prescribed with which help to medicinal system like ayurvedha, unani, siddha
remove excessive calcium from
kidney and transport etc. These treatments are not formulated
it back into the based on ailments and organs alone,
blood stream. To but on the person as a whole. These
dissolve the medications contain several
uric acid phytoconstituent and exert
stones their beneficial effect on
(calcium health. The secondary
and cystine metabolites present in
stones) the plants (or its parts),
formed suggested as a cure for
because of low renal stones are rich in
urinary citrate, potassium citrates are Triterpenoids.
prescribed. This increases the citrate The commonly
level in urine (makes it more alkaline) and suggested cure for renal
helps to prevent generation of calcium stones. stone in ancient Egypt
is the seeds of Ammi
visnaga. Studies

42 HERBALISM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Anti-urolithiatic crystallization in both normal subjects and in stone
Activity & Medicinal Plants formers. Additionally research works have proved
that Tribulus terrestris are now suggested for kidney
Since, evolution, humans race is constantly disorder called Bright's disease as it has proven to
being challenged by many dreadful diseases increase diuretic activity and root extract of Moringa
and it is a difficult task to combat each one of oleifera reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, showing
them in the present scenario. This situation a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis in
has brought about an alarming situations hyperoxaluria.
with sporadic increase in the incidences of life
style diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart Though these plant origin sources have scientifically
diseases, arthritis, cancer and urolithiasis, all over the proven to reduce the formation and dissolution of renal
world and India is not an exception. Amongst others stones, these remedies are merely known to populace.
a large proportion of population is affected with The most common and accepted bio-material as a
urolithiasis, which is one among the oldest and widely remedy for renal stone is the extract of Musa-central
reported diseases to mankind. stem. It is considered to be useful in dissolving the
stones in the kidney and urinary bladder. The antilithiatic
Urolithiasis is a recurrence disease with a property of Musa-central stem (banana stem) is helpful
reversion rate of 50 per cent in 5-10 year and 75 in reducing the formation and also breaking the pre-
per cent in 20 year. It is estimated that 12 per formed stones of magnesium ammonium phosphate
cent of world population experiences renal stone with traces of calcium oxalate in the urinary bladder. In
disease with a recurrence rate 70-80 per cent in Southern parts of India it is believed that rizome of Musa,
male and 47-60 per cent in female (Orson, 2006, helps to detoxify the body by functioning as a diuretic
Soundararajan et.al.,2006). The life time risk of and its inflorescence extract when mixed with coconut
developing urolithiasis is about 10-15 per cent in oil and spices aids in flushing the urinary blocks.
the western world, but can be as high as 20-25 per
cent in the Middle East (Coe et al.,2005). The overuse Need of exploration
of synthetic drugs which results in higher incidence Though, these herbal remedies have proved to be
of adverse effects, hence humans has created an quite useful, though rationale behind their use is not
interest in traditional medicines. Herbs and herbal well established through systematic pharmacological
drugs has motivated people to return to nature for studies except for some composite formulations
safe remedies. WHO (World Health Organization) and few individual plants. In order to obtain the
estimated that 80 per cent of people worldwide rely standardized herbal medicines, there is a constant need
on herbal medicine for some aspects of their primary of exploring the new herbal drugs for their antilithiatic
health care needs. potentials using modern systematic pharmacological
techniques.
On the basis of ethnobotanical survey published
in RSP Science Hub (Volume 02 Issue 08 August Pushpavalli S, Research Scholar;
2020) a total of 111 plant species are identified with Amelia Keran D, Research Scholar and
potential to provide chemicals that can be used as
antiurolithiatic agent. There is huge interest in and Suresh Kumar P, Principal Scientist,
support to carry further research for new and useful Division of Crop Production & Post Harvest Technology,
drugs from higher plants to cure various diseases.
ICAR National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy
Source: RSP Science Hub

have proved that. The active chemical constituents
viz. khellin and visnagin obtained from the A. visnaga
seeds are reported to have activity of antilithiogenic
and pleiotropic. Other herbal medications suggested
for urolithiasis are the leaf infusion of Phyllanthus niruri,
which is reported to decreased uric acid and urinary
oxalate levels that contribute to the development of
stones. In similar way studies have proved that, intake
of Tamarindus indicus pulp at the dose of 10 g showed
significant beneficial effect in inhibiting spontaneous

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COSMETICS 43

Essential scientific Dr Mudra Kapoor,
backing for
Manager, Regulatory Medical Writing,
nutricosmetics Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai

Cutting-edge technologies of the 20th century provide advance instrumentation
techniques for testing efficacy of nutricosmetics via oral or transdermal pathways.
Bio-imaging techniques along with absorption data with sufficient sample size acts

as a robust platform to validate the data.

Nutricosmetic simply means providing nutritional The consumers are well read educated and ask for
benefit to skin, hair, nail, lip, or area surrounding scientific validation of the claims made on the product in
the eyes. This can be delivered by edible route such a situation it becomes imperative for any brand to
such as oral supplements or drinks; or novel pathways provide scientific validated data and also to publish their
such as topical or transdermal application via skin; findings in relevant domains. This aids the confidence
transfollicular delivery or transepithelial application via of the consumers to initially buy the products, check
lip tissue or eye mucosa. the results themselves and then share their feedbacks
on various digital platforms. This in turn initiates the
The novel pathways have been studied in detail product sale cycle and continuous improvement is made
for drug/bioactive delivery and are being explored to suit regional buyer requirement.
by scientific fraternity to address unmet needs of
micronutrient deficiencies. Different kinds of nutritional Scientist and formulators are constantly trying to
supplement such as variety of vitamins, botanical develop nutricosmetics backed by strong scientific
extracts, collagen substitutes, omega 3 fatty acids, amino evidences that can substantiate the claims made by
acids, hydroxyl acids as well as probiotics such as lactic marketing and concept development teams. Regulatory
acid can also be provided via nutricosmetics. authorities have tightened the norms for claims so
that the consumers are benefitted by buying authentic
Nutrition via skin and hair has been advocated products.
traditionally in India for healthy mind and body. Use of
oils such as combination of saturated and unsaturated Scientist are working on newer in vitro models such
fatty acid for hair and body massage provides as artificial skin or cellular studies to check the effect
moisturization to skin, improve blood circulation, of nutricosmetics on the cell proliferation and growth.
enhance cellular development, improve neuromuscular Depending on in vitro data, formulations can be chosen
movements, and strengthen collagen. There are strong for clinical trials, which can cover multiple ethnicity,
scientific evidences for use of active ingredients for skin types, color, food patterns, lifestyle present in
claim purpose in a number of products such as henna, India. The skin type in India is diverse and this makes
kohl but the complete formulation efficacy needs to be it all the more challenging to develop robust testing
ascertained with use of modern testing tools both in protocols.
vitro and in vivo studies.
Brands with scientific backbone are investing in
Cosmetic trend amongst Indian consumers is research and technology to develop products and build
evolving from external beauty to beauty from within. scientific methodologies to provide sufficiently robust
They are consciously picking up beauty products data. They are also sharing few platforms to understand
with wider benefits for instant and long term efficacy. consumer requirement and how to fit their needs.
These days, consumers organically think about the
nutricosmetics as a necessary nutritional requirement The market spurge of nutricosmetics have reasonably
in today’s fast pace changing environment. They have grown high, multiple brands and products have
evolved and are exploratory in nature to try newer flooded the Indian markets, many of them only makes
products and are looking forward to products that truly claims, however few have invested in getting their
delivers the claims, it makes. They are following western claims validated. The challenge is tremendous, yet the
countries where nutricosmetics form an essential aspect companies have made reasonable growth and a lot more
of their daily lives. can be done to reach the optimum level of efficacy of
nutricosmetics in India.

44 FSSAI INITIATIVE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

CSFH –Moving towards
cleaner and safer street
food and vegetable markets

Arun Singhal, As a part of the Eat Right India movement FSSAI has launched the Clean Street
Food Hub (CSFH) initiative last year that seen great enthusiasm from several
Chief Executive Officer, states, and so far 20 have been certified covering Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya
Food Safety and Standards Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh; another 19
Authority of India (FSSAI), locations are in the pipeline.

New Delhi

Food safety is critical to preventing food borne the infrastructure and hygiene compliance levels in food
illnesses and improving public health. Food that is businesses and establishments are in place that target
not safe, is not food. Ensuring food safety is a shared both the organized and unorganized food businesses.
responsibility that spans all sectors in the food ecosystem.
For this, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India For petty food vendors and hawkers, a cluster approach
(FSSAI) has launched the Eat Right India movement, which is adopted. A cluster is an aggregation of vendors located
converges various stakeholders under a common agenda- in a given geographical area with similar kind of business;
eating safe, eating healthy and eating sustainably. for e.g. an aggregation of around 50 street food vendors
is a cluster and can be certified as a Clean Street Food
Eat Right India is not merely a concept or an abstract Hub. A structured process of defining benchmarks, gap
thought - it is an action-oriented programme, driven analysis, filling infrastructure gaps, training, capacity
by a judicious mix of regulatory, capacity-building, building and certification is adopted in a cluster. This is
collaborative and empowerment measures with a systematic way to ensure compliance to food safety
implementable projects and initiatives. The strategy standards and helps to organize hawkers and petty food
of Eat Right India is to ensure that our food is good for vendors to improve food safety and hygiene. It is also
both the people and the planet. The action plan, thus, an important convergence point, with local municipal
encompasses a bouquet of initiatives to promote both authorities taking a lead in setting up clusters (e.g., clean
the demand for, and supply of, safe and healthy food, in street food hubs, vegetable and fruit markets etc.) and
a sustainable way. While the supply-side interventions with other government programmes like Swachh Bharat
are aimed at building capacities of food businesses to Abhiyaan (for cleanliness drives) and Jal Jeevan Mission
promote self-compliance, the demand-side initiatives (for potable water supply).
work towards motivating consumers to demand safe and
healthy food. On the supply-side, several benchmarking, Currently, cluster initiatives include:
certification schemes and cluster initiatives to improve ● Clean Street Food Hubs
● Clean and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Markets

State wise potential Clean Street Food Hubs in India

S No State No of Hubs 10 Delhi 6
Karnataka 6
1 Uttar Pradesh 19 11 Jharkhand 6
Goa 5
2 Gujarat 18 12 Chandigarh 2
Telangana 2
3 Maharashtra 18 13 Odisha 2
Chhattisgarh 2
4 Rajasthan 12 14 Tamil Nadu 1
144
5 Uttarakhand 10 15

6 Madhya Pradesh 10 16

7 West Bengal 9 17

8 Bihar 9 18

9 Punjab 7 Total

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FSSAI INITIATIVE 45

● BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) - Places of Worship List of Training Partners
● Eat Right Station
The Clean Street Food Hub (CSFH) initiative has 1 Assocom India Pvt. Ltd.
seen great enthusiasm from several states, and so far 2 Bright Future.com
20 have been certified covering Gujarat, Maharashtra, 3 Equinox Solutions
Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh and 4 Green Food Consultancy
Chhattisgarh; another 19 locations are in the pipeline. 5 Intellisome Knowledge and Skills Centre (IKoSC)
The CSFH have been inaugurated by Chief Ministers/ 6 Parikshan
other dignitaries in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. 7 The Food Safety Awareness and Training
CSR support has been extended by companies like HUL,
Nestle, Jubilant Life Sciences, Zydus, Herbalife etc. Organisation (FSATO)
One of the first Clean Street Food Hubs to be certified 8 Sadik Masih Medical Social Servant Society
was in Kankariya, Ahmedabad. The validity of certificate 9 Indian Society of Healthcare Professionals
will be of one year from date of issue of certificate. Other 10 Indraprastha Academy Foundation
iconic street food hubs, which have been certified as Clean 11 Quantus Management System
Street Food Hubs include Juhu Chowpatty and Girgaon 12 Oxypro Labs Pvt. Ltd.
Chowpatty (Mumbai), Chappan Dukaan (Indore), Urban 13 Asian Society for Entrepreneurship Education &
Chowk (Ahmedabad), Sector 8 Market (Chandigarh) etc.
These hubs took several measures to improve hygiene Development
and food safety standards. Food handlers started wearing 14 Institute of EHS Studies
gloves, mask, caps etc. in the correct manner. They made a 15 Indianeers Media Pvt. Ltd.
policy for procurement of raw and packed products from 16 Cotecna Inspection India Pvt. Ltd.
FSSAI-licensed/registered suppliers only. Products started 17 Inter Institute of Education and Skill Training
being tested randomly at frequent intervals of time. They 18 Virtuoso Sales Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
replaced non-food grade disposables with food-grade 19 SOCIETY (Society of Oriental Computer
disposables for serving, which is healthy for consumers
and the environment too. Cast iron and wood utensils Information & Education Training for Youth)
have been replaced with stainless steel utensils. Now, 20 Central University of Haryana
proper arrangements for storage of raw food and semi- 21 Lady Irwin College
cooked food have been made. They have also started using 22 Association of Food Scientists & Technologists
potable water for washing of utensils and demarcated a 23 Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
common pot washing area. The Municipality is taking care 24 Federation of Biscuit Manufacturer of India
of timely disposal of waste. Proper hand washing points/ 25 Safefoodz Solutions
stations have been made available to consumers. License/ 26 Kerala Food Technologists Association
Registration along with Food Safety Display Boards is 27 Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion
prominently displayed in each vendor’s stall.
Clean and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market initiative Trust
aims to ensure that safety standards are maintained in
fruit and vegetable retail. Under this cluster certification List of Auditing Agencies
initiative, an entire ‘Sabzi Mandi’ will be audited, trained
and certified. It is expected that the fruit and vegetable 1 Onecert International Private Limited, Jaipur
shops in such certified Mandis will follow food safety 2 Bureau Veritas (India) Private Limited, Mumbai
standards individually and collectively. This is a relatively 3 BSI Group India Private Limited, Delhi
new initiative, but already seven markets have been 4 DNV GL Business Assurance, Mumbai
identified and are at various stages of completion. Five 5 Intertek India Pvt Limited, New Delhi
are in Delhi, one in Uttarakhand and one in Goa. 6 IRCLASS Systems and Solutions Private Limited,
As consumers, people can boost these efforts by
checking certification and demanding that their favourite Mumbai
street food hubs and vegetable markets are certified. 7 RIR Certification Private Limited, Gurgaon
Recently, Delhi has also got its own Clean Street Food Hub 8 TUV India Private Limited, Mumbai
at Parathewaali Galli in Chandni Chowk. Now consumers 9 TUV Rheinland (India) Private Limited,
can safely enjoy street delicacies without worrying about
their stomachs. Bengaluru
10 MS Certification Services Private Limited, Kolkata
11 SGS India Pvt Ltd, Kolkatta
12 Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Limited,

Mumbai
13 URS Certification Ltd, Noida

46 ACAPDEEOMPLICE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

World Food Prize winner Dr Rattan Lal gets Padma Shri

The International Fertilizer for his trailblazing work on
Development Center (IFDC) developing and mainstreaming a
Board of Directors member Dr soil-centric approach to increasing
Rattan Lal has been selected as a food production, Dr Lal has
2021 recipient of the Padma Shri received many other accolades,
Award. The Padma Shri Award is including the GCHERA World
the fourth highest civilian honor Agriculture Prize (2018), Glinka
of India, announced annually on World Soil Prize (2018), Japan
January 25, the eve of Republic Prize (2019), and U.S. Awasthi
Day. Last year, Dr Lal received the IFFCO Prize (2019). Dr Lal earned
World Food Prize, recognizing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at
research and work to advocate for Punjab Agricultural University and
healthier soils and higher yields. Dr the Indian Agriculture Research
Lal’s previous awards include the Institute, respectively, and a
Borlaug Award and the Von Liebig doctorate from The Ohio State
Award. Internationally recognized University.

HUL appoints Milk Mantra names
Ritesh Tiwari as
CFO and ED Sandipan Ghosh as

Fast moving consumer goods company Hindustan chief operating officer
Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the
appointment of Ritesh Tiwari as Executive Director- Odisha based Milk Mantra has appointed Sandipan
Finance, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and a Ghosh as chief operating officer (COO) of the
company. He will lead full company operations and
member of the drive scale and innovation at Milk Mantra optimising
board, HUL, with the entire process of tech-enabled growth from
effect from May farmer sourcing to production, supply chain, sales
1, 2021. Tiwari and marketing and the D2C subscription app. Ghosh
succeeds Srinivas takes over from Bibhu Nanda who, having completed
Phatak, who is his contractual year with Milk Mantra, has moved
set to move to on for his next assignment. With his two decades of
the company’s experience working across multiple food categories
headquarter and global cultures across India, South Asia,
in London as Middle East and North Africa, Ghosh is an expert in
Executive Vice consumer dairy with a granular understanding of
President- Financial on-ground operations. He joins Milk Mantra
Control and Risk after his tenure of four years
Management, as the commercial and
and be part of the marketing director and
finance Leadership board member at Lactalis
Executive Team. Groupe India where he
Tiwari, who joined steered the organisation’s
the company in vision in the areas of
1999 as management trainee, has spent over two commercial growth, sales
decades leading a variety of roles within India and and launching new brands
across Unilever. He will also take over as the vice and products for
president, finance, South Asia, Unilever, HUL. Thirumala, Anik
and Prabhat.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENTS NEWS 47

Nitta Gelatin India brings premium quality gelatin

Nitta Gelatin India (NGIL), a leading gelatin manufactured with Japanese technology as
manufacturer in India, has launched per GMP and HACCP system under hygiene
premium gelatin of international standard rules by European Regulation (EC). Derived
in the HoReCa category allowing food from natural sources, the gelatin contains
connoisseurs to prepare and experience all essential amino acids except Tryptophan.
a variety of desserts, jellies, frozen sweets, Promoted by Kerala State Industrial
soft candies, marshmallows, etc., at Development Corporation, in collaboration
international standards. This is the first time with Nitta Gelatin Inc., Japan, Nitta Gelatin
a gelatin manufacturer in India is offering India is a leading global manufacturer of
food-grade gelatin in their own brand for Gelatin, Ossein, Di-Calcium Phosphate and
the retail segment. The premium gelatin is Collagen Peptide.

Anshul Life Sciences Sami Sabinsa's
to distribute Exberry Curcumin C3
Colouring Foods Reduct effective for
oral health issues
GNT International has colorants derived from fruits,
appointed Mumbai based vegetables, spices and herbs New research has recently been
Anshul Life Sciences to using non-selective water- published that builds upon evidence
distribute its Exberry based extraction methods from a previous trial investigating the
Coloring Foods across India. that retain the original potential of Bengaluru based Sami-
The agreement follows the characteristics of the source Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Reduct ingredient
publication of a notification material. Founded over 40 in oral care applications. Canker sore
of a new standard for years ago on the principle (Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis, RAS) or
Coloring Foods by the of coloring food with food, the painful ulcers inside the mouth or at
Food Safety & Standards Exberry has established the base of the gums, and gingivitis, the
Authority of India (FSSAI) itself as the leading brand common gum disease associated with
on December 29, 2020. The of natural colors for the gum bleeding, are among the common
standard paves the way for food and beverage industry. oral health care issues afflicting the
the use of Exberry in food Exberry contains truly natural population today, yet treatment regimens
and beverage products in color solutions from fruits, currently available leave much room for
the Indian market. It covers vegetables, and edible plants. improvement. In a recent clinical trial
involving 30 canker sore patients and
29 patients with gingivitis, treatment
with Curcumin C3 Reduct (two 100 mg
chewable tablets/day) over a three week
period showed remarkable results. At the
end of the study, all canker sore patients
were completely cured of their painful
ulcerous lesions. The efficacy of C3 Reduct
in treating common oral health care
issues like gingivitis and was evaluated
by several parameters including gingival
index score, bleeding and inflammation.
C3 Reduct treatment led to impressive
abatement of pain, numbness, ulcer
formation, dryness with no staining or
allergic symptoms.

48 INGREDIENTS NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Evolva introduces
natural sugar
blocker L-arabinose

Evolva, the Swiss biotech in the production of Novozymes develops
company focused on the savory flavors such
research, development, as chicken and beef. novel solution
and commercialization Made by fermentation,
of products based on Evolva's L-arabinose for grain millers
nature, has launched is fully renewable and
L-arabinose, a natural sustainable, it has a Frontia GlutenEx is the newest innovation
sugar blocker used in high-purity level (>99 per within Denmark based firm Novozymes’ Frontia
food and beverages and cent) and no hydrochloric platform, a range of enzymatic solutions to
reducing sugar applied in acid is used in the help grain millers improve their processes and
food processing. Studies manufacturing process. business. Wheat has become a sought-after
show that L-arabinose L-arabinose is FEMA substrate for starch and ethanol production,
as a sugar blocker can GRAS approved for use mainly due to the increase in demand for vital
support healthy blood in food and beverages. wheat gluten (VWG), which is the valuable gluten
sugar levels and weight L-arabinose taste profile protein product in the wheat separation process.
management. It also has is well-suited for use in The unique properties of VWG makes it applicable
potential application as products such as yogurt, in the baking industry, the aquafeed sector and
a prebiotic. As reducing chocolate, soft drinks, ice for plant-based protein products. Novozymes’
sugar, L-arabinose is cream, cereal, power bars new biological innovation has a special focus
also frequently applied and confectionery. on improving the recovery of wheat gluten
enabling VWG producers to get the most out of
their wheat. The company has developed Frontia
GlutenEx to help wheat processors increase their
gluten protein recovery and at the same time cut
down on the energy consumption.

Fooditive, Frutco bring sustainable banana sweetener into market

Fooditive BV and Frutco AG have exclusive partner, Frutco will use and production capacity will be
announced their partnership for the Fooditive production methods groundbreaking for the industry. It
the global launch of the Fooditive for bananas, and will industrially is the first continuous fermentation
banana sweetener line. Fooditive manufacture and sell the Fooditive to produce sweeteners and
BV reaffirms its commitment to banana sweeteners. The project functional ingredients. The project
the fight against food waste and started in January 2021 and is
for more sustainability, and its scheduled to run for 1.5 years, so
promise to deliver the highest that the fermentation plant can go
quality products to consumers. into production in mid-2022. The
Frutco is one of the largest new facility will create more local
processed tropical fruit companies jobs and offer the opportunity to
in Europe, the Middle East, create healthier solutions for the
Africa and South America. As the food industry.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS 49

3M brings AI based solution for food safety labs

3M Food Safety has introduced the networks to enumerate 3M Petrifilm easy-to-use software that simplifies
3M Petrifilm Plate Reader Advanced, Plates, which can get users results results storage and data analytics,
a new automation technology that in 4-6 seconds or up to 900 plates plus produces automated data
gives food safety professionals new per hour. The 3M Petrifilm Plate and reports. The new 3M Petrifilm
options to rapidly and accurately Reader Advanced provides accurate Plate Reader Advanced is a small,
image, count and document colony counting with proactive, peripheral device containing a
microbiological colonies on 3M five-megapixel camera and versatile
Petrifilm Plates indicator tests. By bar code reader. The device utilizes
rapidly automating the colony- fixed AI networks to enumerate
counting step of 3M Petrifilm 3M Petrifilm Plates. 3M Petrifilm
Plates, the 3M Petrifilm Plate Reader Plates are inserted into the device,
Advanced saves food safety labs with imaging and information
time and increases productivity. The automatically displaying on a USB-
3M Petrifilm Plate Reader Advanced connected computer in less than
can improve laboratory efficiency six seconds, processing up to 900
with fixed artificial intelligence (AI) plates per hour.

Mettler-Toledo
unveils X-ray
system for
food inspection

Food manufacturers will be able to identify

very small contaminants in a quicker and

Bühler focuses on more reliable manner following the launch
efficient plant-based
meat production of a new X-ray system from the product

Bühler, a Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer, has inspection division of US based Mettler-
recently launched PolyCool 1000, a high-performance cooling die
that, together with an extruder, provides an efficient and flexible Toledo. The X34 X-ray inspection system
solution for food producers creating tasty and sustainable plant-
based meat or fish alternatives. Extrusion is a highly versatile provides detection of metal, glass, high-
process that can be applied to a wide range of plant-based raw
materials to create tasty meat or fish alternatives. An integral density plastic, mineral stone and calcified
part of the process is the cooling die. With PolyCool 1000, Bühler
adds a new high-performance cooling die to its range. With the bone fragments across a wide range of
PolyCool 1000 cooling die in combination with an extruder, it is
possible to produce wet-textured proteins based on a wide range packaged foods: eliminating costly product
of raw materials including soy, pulses, oilseeds, upcycled side
streams like brewer spent grains, as well as newer ingredients recalls and protecting brand reputations.
such as microalgae, at throughputs of up to 1,000 kg per hour.
The PolyCool 1000 enables production of products of different The system also comes with advanced
shapes and structures while meeting the standards required by
industrial-scale production. software that enables automated product

set-up, dramatically decreasing

the chance of human error and

greatly reducing the number

of false rejects. This makes for

more efficient and profitable

operations, while

delivering excellent

return on investment.

The X34 is a single lane

X-ray system designed

for the inspection of a wide

range of small and medium-

sized packaged products.

50 SUPPLIER NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Kanchan Metals Tetra Pak explores packaging
launches model with paperboard producers
vertical tray
lifting system Tetra Pak has introduced a new collaborative innovation model with
leading paperboard producers, a move aimed at tackling the food
New Delhi based Kanchan Metals packaging industry's sustainability challenges. The traditional operating
has launched an intermittent model of a linear supply chain has changed, and a new partner ecosystem
vertical tray lifting system for the model is emerging, where the entire industry works in close collaboration.
food processing industry. This This brings together not only producers
system is used for ascending and and suppliers but also research institutions,
descending crates, trays, boxes universities and start-ups in an attempt
of weight up to 50kg and offers to find solutions. According to the latest
a transfer rate of 100 products research, the global food supply chain
per hour, which will increase the system is responsible for 26 per cent of global
distribution space and productivity. greenhouse gas emissions; a third of all food
The vertical tray lifting system helps is lost or wasted somewhere in the supply
to provide floor space savings, chain; fossil fuel-based materials need to be
improve worker ergonomics, and phased out, and significant improvements
help control on-going processes. are needed to the way packaging is dealt with after use. The challenges the
Companies can operate this system industry faces include removing the thin layers of plastic and aluminium
in an easy and efficient manner. The replacing them with plant or wood fibre-based materials, developing a
product is suitable for companies renewable alternative to the plastic straw, and improving the recyclability
having multi-floor construction of packages. When responsibly sourced, plant-based renewable materials
and need to transfer products can support protecting biodiversity and the natural ecosystem.
between floors. Its low maintenance
component gives it an edge over PerkinElmer offers E. coli
other machines. Apart from this, it detection system for beef
has a space-saving feature as it has
a vertical lift design against a spiral PerkinElmer has launched also require less training than
conveyor. It stands out because of the Solus One E. coli O157 traditional approaches for lab
it is effortlessly energy efficient and Pathogen Detection Assay for technicians, enabling them to
quick transport components. Its raw ground beef and raw beef “set it and forget it” for up to
customised height adjustable to any trim. This system is designed for two hours, freeing their time to
factory or warehouse and modular customers, who receive a high conduct other lab work such
design looks make the system volume of food samples daily as running another automated
reliable and more durable satisfying and need a highly sensitive, protocol to maximize sample
all the needs of the customer. cost-effective assay. The assay throughout. Escherichia coli (E.
is compatible with the Dynex coli) is bacteria commonly found
DS2 automated reader, offering as part of normal gut flora of
industry-leading result sample humans and animals. Most are
volume. PerkinElmer’s Solus harmless, however, some strains
One E. coli O157 system features including the most common
a single, 10-hour enrichment, E. coli O157 produce toxins
one-step sample preparation and that can cause intestinal illness
automated workflow to process especially in people in higher-risk
up to 192 tests per run. The
user-friendly categories such as
instrument, pregnant women,
kits and immunosuppressed
methods people and the
elderly.