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Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Japan provides $130 M to tackle deepening global hunger crisis Singapore to develop seafood products using world’s first unagi cell lines Australia helps deliver food security with major international grant Korea establishes food consortium for UN Organisations and WFP procurement TOP STORIES 'nuFFooDS Spectrum' monthly publication is owned by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd., Published and Printed by Ravindra Boratkar, Printed at Spectrum Offset, D2/4, Satyam Industrial Estate, Behind CDSS, Erandawana, Pune - 411 038. and Published at 'Ashirwad', 36/A/s, S. No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Near Bank of Baroda, Pune - 411 045. Editor: Narayan Kulkarni Reprinted for private circulation. Volume 10 | Issue 6 | February 2023 www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Publisher & Managing Editor Ravindra Boratkar Editorial Chief Editor Dr Milind Kokje [email protected] Advisor - Content Vijay Thombre Editor: Narayan Kulkarni [email protected] Executive Editor: Dr Manbeena Chawla [email protected] Assistant Editor - Nitesh Pillai, [email protected] Assistant Editor ( Digital) - Sanjiv Das, [email protected] Content Team Singapore: Hithaishi C. Bhaskar [email protected] SOUTH REGION Apoorva Mahajan Key Account Executive “NITON”, Block B, First Floor, 11/3, Palace Road, Bangalore 560052 Mobile: +91-7724025888 [email protected] NEW DELHI International offices Dr Manbeena Chawla Media Coordinator 103-104, 1st Floor, Rohit House 3 Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi - 110001 Mobile: +91-8861043732 [email protected] PUNE Vipan Kumar Relationship Executive - Media Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Pune-411045 Mobile: +91-98347 45564 [email protected] NAGPUR Manisha Boratkar 402, Govind Apartments, Shankar Nagar Square, Nagpur - 440 010 Tel. +91-712-2555 249 MUMBAI Ankit Kankar Dy. General Manager Digital Intell & Growth 1st Floor, CIDCO Convention Center, Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra-400703. Mobile: +919579069369 [email protected] USA BioSpectrum Bureau MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Mobile: +91-9579069369 E-mail: [email protected] SINGAPORE Saradha Mani MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 Tel : +65 6336 9142 Mobile: +6590681202 [email protected] EUROPE BioSpectrum Bureau MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Mobile: +91-9579069369 E-mail: [email protected] MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Social Media Communications: Poonam Bhosale [email protected] Production & Design MEDIA VISION, Pune Cover Design Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. Business CFO & Special Correspondent Manasee Kurlekar [email protected] Dy. General Manager Digital Intell & Growth Ankit Kankar [email protected] Operations and HR Asmita Thakar [email protected] Circulation, Subscription and Media Enquiry: Sudam Walekar [email protected]
Letter from Publisher Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor, MD, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd. Dear Readers, By the time this issue lands on your table, we all would have known our country’s financial position and the government’s plans and estimates for raising financial resources as well as for expenditures. As the country’s budget for 2023-24 is presented on February 1, it is the most important news for the business community. As February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day, we have dealt with the topic from the food and nutrition perspective. Cancer has become a crucial issue for India as incidences of cancer in India are adding to the already overburdened Indian healthcare system. The National Cancer Registry Programme of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimated that cancer incidences were 13,92,179 in 2020, which rose to 14,61,427 in 2022. The estimated mortality caused by cancer increased from 7,70,230 in 2020 to 8,08,558 in 2022. It is estimated that the number of patients will grow in the coming years. You will find several websites and articles online informing about foods that can cause cancer or increase the risk of cancer, dubbed carcinogenic foods. They include red meat and processed meat. At the same time, there are some foods which directly do not cause cancer but their effects on the body increase the risk of cancer. Take for instance sugar. Excess sugar consumption not only makes us overweight, but also adds to risk of cancer. About 8 types of cancers are linked to obesity alone. In this issue, our editorial team has explored the link between processed foods and cancers. The cover topic of this issue deals with packaging which has become a sensitive issue considering the wastage involved in it after unwrapping a package and the consequent environmental impact. With various new types of services, the packaging requirements, too, are changing. For instance, online food delivery or online buying of groceries demand different, innovative packaging solutions. The growing awareness among consumers about the adverse effects of the material of the packaging on the human body is also pushing the packaging industry to look for innovative, safe and acceptable packaging material. The days of wrapping everything in old newspapers and delivering them are no longer acceptable. Whatever may be the type of packaging, it ought to be eco-friendly and recyclable. Considering that, eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging is the need of the hour. The industry and the innovators are also constantly looking for new solutions. As a result, a lot of innovations are happening in this area. Our editorial team has looked into the innovations in eco-friendly and recyclable packaging for food and beverages and presented them to you. I am sure that many of our readers may find some required solutions for new types of packaging solutions and materials to adopt eco-friendly operations. Enjoy reading the new issue and continue to share your feedback. Thanking you, Yours Sincerely, Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 5
Going Green with Sustainable packaging has been consistently gaining acceptance in the packaging industry for quite a long time now, becoming quite a buzzword in the sector. Historically, actions by fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and retailers have mostly focused on quick wins such as reducing weight and materials usage, to enable them to lower their packaging costs. Curbing the use of plastic packaging and changing packaging materials comes at a cost in terms of additional complexities and trade-offs. Not all types of actions have the same impact on the different aspects of the sustainability footprint. Technical and economic feasibility varies by plastic type and application, as well as by geographic region, and cost implications go beyond just packaging material prices and conversion costs. Shipment of packaged food containers from Maharashtra to Gujarat, for instance, is more economical if the current traditional packaging is considered. Swapping it with the new alternatives to plastic is a bold move as it greatly impacts costs. Here’s a look at how the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry has been driving innovations in the sustainable packaging space in India and globally. Packaging Eco-friendly INSIDE 6 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 21
INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 7 Video Snippets 08 Editorial 09 Regulatory News 10 Finance News 12 Company News 15 Start-Up News 18 World News 45 People News 46 R&D News 47 Ingredients News 48 Supplier News 49 Let’s Talk Food 50 REGULARS 34 36 39 40 42 28 31 “The Indian market is dynamic and evolving and we are looking at our next phase of investment in India” The evolving landscape of evidence-based nutraceuticals Milk polar lipids for improving infant feeding formula – a promising area for research Why Adopting Tribal Food Habits Makes Sense Karnataka turns enabler of Next Gen Smart Food, New Businesses & Technology Ultra-processed Foods Raise Cancer Risks How inflation is shrinking Low-Unit-Packs Siddharth Rastogi, General Manager, Indian Subcontinent/South-West Asia, Kerry Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, Nutriconnect Arun Kedia, Managing Director, VAV Life Sciences Pritee Chaudhary, Director – Western Region, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Speaking with Nutraceuticals Infant feeding Tribal Foods Event report Cancer Low-Unit-Packs
8 VIDEO SNIPPETS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Please send your feedback to [email protected] 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 Acknowledgements/ Feedback Thank you for taking forward the interaction with Tarun Arora, Director- Single Family Office, IG International in your esteemed publication. We appreciated it a lot. Maushmi Chawda, Kolkata Thank you nuFFooDS Spectrum for starting Good Food Institute’s new year with this fantastic article! Everything covered in the article (and the one before this) is a critical piece of the puzzle and integral to our work here at GFI India, but doesn't always get highlighted in the media. We really appreciate your interest in the larger ecosystem-building work we do as part of our National Mission. Thank you, again. Mansi Virmani, Mumbai Thank you nuFFooDS Spectrum for all the support your publication is providing. Amod Ashok Salgaonkar, Mumbai
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EDIT 9 T he new year augurs well for the rice sector with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) releasing the regulatory standards for Basmati rice in January. The standards will come into effect and will be enforced from August 1, 2023. This is a significant development as this is the first regulatory standard set for Basmati rice. Known as ‘The Scented Pearl' due to its aroma, Basmati is an important variety among the numerous types of rice grown in India. This long grain aromatic rice attracts the consumers with its shape and smell. So far, its 34 varieties have been notified. It is grown in the Himalayan foothills in the states of Punjab, Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh. Setting quality standards for Basmati rice is crucial due to its unique status among rice varieties and its commanding demand in the export market. Its export potential continues to soar high and India remains its leading exporter. In 2021-22 India exported 39.48 lakh MT of the fragrant rice worth Rs 26,400 crore. It is much sought-after and exported to 132 countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE and Yemen. But, almost 75 per cent of the Indian export is to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, where Basmati rice is a staple food. In the first eight months of the current financial year, the export value increased by 39 per cent to $2.8 billion from $2 billion for the same period in the previous year. India’s share in the global trade of Basmati rice is 80 per cent. The new standard is expected to ensure quality and boost exports further. The FSSAI has set the standards as ‘Basmati rice is prone to various types of adulteration which may include, among others, undeclared blending of other non-basmati varieties of rice’. The standards would ensure availability of only standardised, genuine variety in the market. That is expected to help increase the business around the crop in exports as well as in the domestic market. The standards are applicable for four types of subvarieties. The standards on parameters include average size of grain and their elongation ratio after cooking and set the maximum limits for moisture, amylose content, uric acid, damaged rice and presence of non-Basmati rice. Retaining its aroma has been made mandatory as per the standards. All kinds of artificial colours, polish are prohibited. This will ensure that only specified quality of Basmati will reach the importing countries, protecting the ‘fetching qualities’ of the commodity. Maintaining standards is essential since there are people who wish to replicate the rice so to speak, and exploit its popularity. In 1997 a Texas-based company developed American Basmati varieties and patented them under the brand name ‘Kasmati’ and ‘Texmati’. The patent was contested by India through its main science and industry institute, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It claimed that the name Basmati could be used only for Basmati rice from India and Pakistan. The landmark decision was in favour of India, prohibiting the American company from using the name ‘Basmati’. In a similar vein, Pakistan had opposed India’s application in 2020 for a geographical indication (GI) tag which was accepted in the European market. The decision is still pending. But, such developments clearly highlight the popularity of the variety and the ceaseless endeavours to either copy the name or claim ownership. All these concerns will, hopefully, be addressed, once and for all, by the FSSAI regulatory standards. While the new regulatory standards might be a thorn in the side of the unscrupulous entities, the honest and genuine ones in the sector will not only welcome this move, but also hail FSSAI’s stand regarding the aromatic treasure of India. Dr Milind Kokje Chief Editor Securing the Pristine ‘Scented Pearl’
10 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS The Union cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the new integrated food security scheme to provide free food grains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) & Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries, to be rolled out from January 1, 2023. The new scheme has been named Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY). Implementation of this scheme started from January 1, 2023, benefitting more than 80 crore poor and poorest of poor people. The central government plans to spend more than Rs 2 lakh crore in 2023 on food subsidies under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, and other welfare schemes. Keeping in view the welfare of the beneficiaries and in order to maintain uniformity across the States, free food grains will be provided under PMGKAY for the year 2023 to all PHH and AAY beneficiaries, as per entitlement under the NFSA. The integrated scheme will strengthen the provisions of NFSA, 2013 in terms of accessibility, affordability and availability of food grains for the poor. For the effective and uniform implementation of NFSA 2013, PMGKAY will subsume the two subsidy schemes of the Department of Food & Public Distribution (a) Food Subsidy to Food Corporation of India (FCI) (b) Food Subsidy for decentralised procurement states dealing with procurement, allocation and delivery of free food grains to the states under NFSA. Centre names new integrated food security scheme as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana The Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released a guide ‘Endorsements Knowhows!’ for celebrities, influencers and virtual influencers on social media platforms on January 20. The guide aims to ensure that individuals do not mislead their audiences when endorsing products or services and that they are in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and any associated rules or guidelines. Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs released the "Endorsement Know-hows!" in response to the rapidly growing digital world, where advertisements are no longer limited to traditional media like print, television, or radio. With the increasing reach of digital platforms and social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, there has been a rise in the influence of virtual influencers, in addition to celebrities and social media influencers. This has led to an increased risk of consumers being misled by advertisements and unfair trade practices by these individuals on social media platforms. The guide is released in alignment with the guidelines set by the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. The Act established guidelines for protecting consumers from unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. The industry appreciated and supported the release of these guidelines. They stated that this will further strengthen the industry and protect consumer interests. Looking at the importance and increased need for front-of-pack-labelling (FoPL) of packaged food products in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the apex food regulator in the country, has assigned Food Label Solutions (FoLSol) by LabelBlind, India’s first food labelling and regulatory compliance digital food rating platform to study the baseline nutrition values of packed food products. The statistical findings of the study done by LabelBlind would go on to provide data intelligence and insights for the draft regulation on India’s first FoPL of packaged food products with Nutrition Star Ratings. The regulation, as it comes into force, will guide consumers to choose healthier food options, besides creating nutrition literacy amongst them. Their food rating system established ratings for 8000 high-consumption packaged food products, across 140 food categories, on a nutrition score of 1 (least healthy) to 5 (healthiest). In 2020-21, the company created FoLSol to strengthen food regulation compliances with a digital labelling model that is accurate, fast and economical, to benefit packed foods in hotels, restaurants and QSR businesses. In 2022, FoLSol by LabelBlind was taken to the market and went on to create labelling software for leading players in the food industry. They have gone on to establish partnerships in the food space to extend labelling compliance services in the areas of lab tests, quality compliance and food standard certifications. FSSAI assigns probe of baseline nutrition of packed foods to LabelBlind Centre releases endorsement guidelines for Celebs and Social Media Influencers NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
REGULATORY NEWS 11 The exports of agricultural and processed food products rose by 16 per cent in the eight months (AprilNovember) of the current Financial Year (FY) 2022-23 in comparison to the corresponding period of FY 2021-22. According to the provisional data by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), the overall export of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) products increased by 16 per cent growth during April-November 2022 to $17.43 billion from $15.07 billion over the same period of the last fiscal. The initiatives taken by the APEDA which works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have helped the country in achieving 74 per cent of its total export target for the year 2022-23 in eight months of the current fiscal. For the year 2022-23, an export target of $23.56 billion has been fixed for the agricultural and processed food products basket and an export of $17.435 billion has already been achieved in eight months of the current fiscal. As per the DGCI&S provisional data, processed fruits and vegetables (F&V) recorded a growth of 32.60 per cent (April-November 2022), while fresh fruits registered four per cent growth in comparison to the corresponding months of the previous year. Also, processed food products like cereals and miscellaneous processed items reported a growth of 28.29 per cent in comparison to the first eight months of the previous year. Agri & processed food exports rose to $17.43 B in April-Nov FY 22-23 Indian Railways Varanasi Cantt Railway Station has been awarded a 5- star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification for providing high-quality, nutritious food to passengers. This certification is granted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to railway stations adhering to standard food storage and hygiene practices. The ‘Eat Right Station’ certification is awarded by FSSAI to railway stations that set benchmarks in providing safe and wholesome food to passengers. The station is awarded a certificate upon conclusion of an FSSAI-empanelled third-party audit agency with ratings from 1 to 5. The 5-star rating indicates full compliance by the station to ensure Varanasi Cantt Railway Station gets 5 star rating from FSSAI For the first time in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified the identity standards for Basmati Rice (including Brown Basmati Rice, Milled Basmati Rice, Parboiled Brown Basmati Rice and Milled Parboiled Basmati Rice) vide Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 notified in the Gazette of India. As per these standards, Basmati rice shall possess the natural fragrance characteristic of basmati rice and be free from artificial colouring, polishing agents and artificial fragrances. These standards also specify various identity and quality parameters for basmati rice such as the average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking; maximum limits of moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective/damaged grains and incidental presence of other non-basmati rice etc. The standards are aimed at establishing fair practices in the trade of Basmati rice and protecting consumer interest, both domestically and globally. These standards will be enforced from August 1, 2023. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FSSAI notifies comprehensive regulatory standards for Basmati Rice safe and hygienic food is available to passengers. The other railway stations with Star certification include Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station (Delhi); Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai); Mumbai Central Railway Station, (Mumbai); Vadodara Railway Station, Chandigarh Railway Station and Bhopal Railway Station.
12 FINANCE NEWS South Korean firm Lotte Confectionery is investing 70 billion won ($56.6 million) in its ice creammaking affiliate in India, Havmor Ice Cream, over the next five years as the confectionery maker plans to strengthen its rapidly growing Indian business. Lotte Confectionery will build a new 60,000-square-metre ice cream factory in Pune. The envisioned factory will be the first for Havmor Ice Cream in India after the South Korean confectionery maker acquired the company in 2017 for 167.2 billion won. Havmor Ice Cream operates 216 stores in India and distributes two ice cream brands made by Lotte Confectionery — Snow Ice and World Cone. The Pune factory will become the third manufacturing plant for Lotte Confectionery in India. Last year, Lotte Confectionery merged with Lotte Foods, a food and dairy products maker of Lotte Group, to improve profitability and streamline overlapping business areas. Lotte Confectionery pours in $56.6 M to expand ice cream biz in India ITC has announced that the company plans to acquire 100 per cent of the share capital (on a fully diluted basis) of Sproutlife Foods, a Bengaluru-based startup primarily engaged in the business of manufacture and sale of food products under the trademark ‘Yoga Bar’. ITC is fortifying its presence in the Rs 45,000 crore, fast-growing, nutrition-led healthy foods space, with a proposed strategic investment in Sproutlife Foods. The acquisition will enable ITC to augment its futureready portfolio and enhance market presence in the ‘Good for You’ space which currently includes Aashirvaad MultiGrain Atta, Aashirvaad Nature’s Super Foods, Farmlite range of biscuits, Sunfeast Protein Shake, B Natural Nutrilite ABC Beverage among others. Yoga Bar is expected to be rapidly scaled up, leveraging ITC’s enterprise strengths in areas such as sales & distribution, sourcing, product development, and digital. Yoga Bar currently has a high salience of online sales (D2C, e-commerce platforms etc.) with a growing presence in offline stores. In a relatively short span of time, Yoga Bar has established itself as a leader in the bars segment and has built a strong market position in the muesli segment. ITC to buy out Sproutlife Foods ‘Yoga Bar’ Direct-to-consumer (D2C) dairy brand, Sid’s Farm has raised $1 million in a bridge round from its customers and their referrals. Being a bootstrapped enterprise driven by organic growth so far, this first fundraising from its high net-worth customers and their referrals is testimony to its brand credibility, superior quality, and unparalleled customer experience. The company plans to use this fund for new product development, infrastructure upgrades, deeper retail penetration, and digital transformation in order to gear up for its future trajectory. Founded in 2016 by Dr Kishore Indukuri, Sid’s Farm has now become synonymous with pure milk and clean production. As a brand promise, Sid’s Farm is trying to revolutionise the testing of milk ensuring no traces of antibiotics, hormones, or preservatives in the milk and dairy products. With a model farm, state-of-theart laboratory, and modern production facility at Chevella near Hyderabad, Sid’s Farm has more than 15,000 customers in the area. The revenue of India’s organised dairy industry is expected to rebound a good 12 per cent year-on-year this fiscal to Rs 1.6 lakh crore. As per a report from Statista, the online sale of milk has grown to 2.1 per cent of organised milk sales in India, from 0.5 per cent in 2017. D2C dairy brand Sid’s Farm raises $1 M NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
FINANCE NEWS 13 Mumbai-based D2C food brand The Whole Truth (TWT) has secured about $15 million in its Series B funding round led by Sequoia Capital India. Existing investors Matrix Partners India, Sauce.Vc and angel investors including Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath, Swiggy’s Sriharsha Majety and Jaydeep Burman of Rebel Foods also participated in the funding round. The startup will use the fresh capital to scale its manufacturing capacity, hire talent, and expand its retail distribution. TWT offers healthy food snacks such as protein bars, peanut butter and muesli, among others to consumers via its website and e-commerce platforms. The startup manages an online community of more than 300K users and also has grown 7X since its last fundraising, which was held in July 2021. It has an offline presence in 10 Indian cities. Founded in 2019 by ex-Unilever marketing executive Shashank Mehta, the D2C startup was earlier named ‘And Nothing Else’ but later got rebranded to ‘The Whole Truth’. D2C brand The Whole Truth bags $15M in Series B funding In a major move to expand its product line, Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL), the FMCG division of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), has acquired Delhi-based startup “To Be Honest” (TBH), a market leader in India for nutritious and distinctive fruit and vegetable snacks. The acquisition will allow GCL to enter the health-conscious snacking market, a move that is particularly timely given the increased focus on fitness and wellness. The startup currently offers ten different varieties of snacks, including ripe jackfruit, taro, purple sweet potatoes, golden sweet potatoes, beetroot, mixed sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and tomatoes. In addition to its existing line of products, TBH recently expanded its “Ready-to-Cook” product line with the introduction of solardehydrated sprouts made with lentils and superfoods. These sprouts can be rehydrated in just five minutes, making them a convenient and healthy snack option. The entire TBH team will join GCL and will be a part of GCL’s Impulse business. With a revenue of Rs 1,400 crore in FY22, the company is on track to reach Rs 2000 crore by FY23. GCL acquires health snack startup ‘To Be Honest’ The Hamdard Group has signed a definitive agreement with the Reliance Model Economic Township (MET) City to build the Hamdard Food Park Cluster (HFPC) at Jhajjar in Haryana. MET City, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is developing a worldclass greenfield Smart City near Gurugram, Haryana. According to Reliance, Hamdard plans to develop HFPC to manufacture some of its core food categories on approximately 10 acres of land at MET City. They are planning to spend about Rs 100 to 150 crore in the first phase of setting up manufacturing facilities. The project includes a honey processing plant and similar product manufacturing facilities; a spices manufacturing plant for various pure, whole and blended spices under the brand of “Hamdard Khaalis” spices; edible oil processing and filling facilities for oils like Mustard Oil, Olive Oil, Rice Bran Oil & Soya Oil; extruded products processing and manufacturing facilities for Vermicelli, Soya Chunks; and beverages filling and packing for the products like dairy drinks, still juices and carbonated drinks. Hamdard to invest Rs 100-150 Cr in Haryana cluster food park NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
14 FINANCE NEWS Reliance Consumer Products, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures, is acquiring 50 per cent equity in Surat-based Sosyo Hajoori Beverages, which owns and operates a beverage business under the flagship brand ‘Sosyo’. The existing promoters, Hajoori family, will continue to own the remaining stake in the company. Established in 1923 by Abbas Abdulrahim Hajoori, the company is one of the leading players in the domestic soft drinks market. Its portfolio includes Sosyo, Kashmira, Lemee, Ginlim, Runner, Opener, Hajoori Soda and S’eau. The company has 18 manufacturing units and 16 franchises across India. It exports to countries like UAE, Zambia, Switzerland, USA, UK, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. According to Reliance, this investment will help take forward the company’s vision of empowering local heritage brands and presenting them with new growth opportunities. Reliance to invest in Sosyo Hajoori Beverages Bajo Foods, the parent company of Bengalurubased Keto Brand – Lo! Foods has raised funding of $2 million for its two new first-of-theirkind product ranges in India – DiabeSmart and Protein Chef. Mount Judi Ventures is the lead anchor in this funding round, its first investment in the FMCG space. Strong investors participated in this fundraiser, including S Ramadorai (Former VC, TCS), KP Balaraj, founder of KPB Trust (Former co-founder of Sequoia Capital India and WestBridge Capital). With this funding, the FMCG startup expects to grow by 3.5 times in the next 18 months. Bajo Foods plans to use the fundraising for brand building of its new product ranges and expanding its channels to offline retail, B2B, and hospitals. It will also look to bolster its leadership team in branding and revenue generation to drive its growth ambitions. Aiming to impact health at scale, the mission of Bajo Foods is to reduce the number of carbohydrates that India consumes to 50 per cent (from 75 to 85 per cent). With their new product lines, they intend to serve 100 million Indians by making scientifically backed and tested low-carb products. Tata Consumer Products Overseas Holdings (TCP Overseas), a subsidiary of the company through its UK arm is set to buy 23.3 per cent of the share capital of Joekels Tea Packers, Republic of South Africa, from its Joint-Venture (JV) partners. This is as per the transaction agreements between TCP Overseas, Joekels and the JV Partners. The acquisition of the stake by TCP Overseas from the JV partners is for a consideration value of around Rs 43.65 crore plus the adjustment amount (which will be payable later, based on the conditions mentioned in the Transaction Agreements). The said transaction is subject to the fulfilment of various terms and conditions. As a result of the acquisition, the holding of TCP Overseas in Joekels will increase from 51.7 per cent to 75 per cent of the equity share capital and the remaining 25 per cent is held by the joint venture partners. Under Joekels, Tata’s Tetley has made inroads in South Africa, with Tetley Green tea becoming the leading green tea in the local market just six months into its launch in 2017. Joekels also owns the leading kid's tea brand on the market, Tea4Kidz. Joekels offers seven renowned brands, and Laager Rooibos is now the second largest Rooibos (red tea/redbush tea) brand in the world. TCP Overseas buys additional stake in Joekels Tea Packers Bajo Foods gets $2M funding for its diabetes, protein brands NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
COMPANY NEWS 15 Strengthening the commitment to enable people to live healthier lives, Nestlé India has launched ThickenUp Clear, a food and beverage thickener that can be used to help patients with swallowing difficulties, especially in oropharyngeal dysphagia. It can be administered to those experiencing challenges in swallowing, clinically known as dysphagia due to conditions such as head and neck cancer, stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease among others. Dysphagia is a major yet understated health condition that leads to dehydration, malnutrition led infections and impaired quality of life. ThickenUp Clear is clinically proven to improve swallowing safety and efficacy. The product is scientifically designed and is manufactured by a unique technology at Osthofen, Germany, exclusively for Nestlé Health Science. It is xanthan gum-based, tasteless, colourless, odourless and amylase resistant. The product can be added to various liquids to enhance swallowing safety and efficacy. Nestlé launches food & beverage thickener for Dysphagia patients Procter & Gamble (P&G) India has introduced the latest addition to the House of Vicks in India – the new Vicks ZzzQuil NATURA, a melatonin sleep supplement. It is marketed as a non-addictive sleep supplement in gummy form, suitable for occasional sleeplessness with no next-day drowsiness. It also has Vitamin B6. Sleep is essential for a person’s health and well-being, yet millions of people in India do not get enough sleep. The ZzzQuil India National Sleep Survey by Kantar in association with P&G Health reveals that only 15 per cent of Indians on average get good sleep at night, with almost 60 per cent of Indians facing occasional sleeplessness. More than 40 per cent sleep less than 7 hours on workdays, with a large part of the population unaware of the impact of sleeplessness on daily life. According to the ZzzQuil India National Sleep Survey report India is the second most sleep deprived country with 6 out of 10 Indians facing occasional sleeplessness. Consumers will begin to see ZzzQuil NATURA on shelves of major chemist, mass, and modern retail stores across the country as early as January 2023. The gummy is blended with natural chamomile and lavender. It will be available for a maximum retail price of Rs 199 for 10 chewable gummies and Rs 449 for 24 gummies. Heritage Foods launches instant energy drink GlucoShakti P&G Health introduces sleep supplement Vicks ZzzQuil NATURA Hyderabad-based dairy player Heritage Foods has announced the launch of GlucoShakti, a whey-based instant energy drink. Primarily in the business of milk and dairy products, renewable energy, and cattle feed, this product is the company’s entry into the fast-growing energy drink segment. GlucoShakti has the goodness of whey, fortified with glucose. It has naturally occurring minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which help replenish the essential body salts. Heritage Foods claims it has ~1.5 times more potassium than other competing products, a natural source of energy with no gas. GlucoShakti is a natural, non-carbonated & affordable energy drink for people on the go. Available in a 200 ml pouch-pack priced at Rs 10, it is a pocket-friendly & convenient source of energy without fizz. It is currently being launched in a tangy orange flavour across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The company has also unveiled its premium ‘Creamilicious Curd’, with 4.5% fat made with a unique curdculture recipe. Initially rolled out in Delhi NCR, this new Creamilicious Curd has now been launched across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
16 COMPANY NEWS Hunch Ventures, a New Delhi-based Investment fund, has announced a global partnership with Earth First Food Ventures (EFFV) to build India’s first Net-Zero Food Tech Innovation project. Catalysed by the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP), this Net-Zero Food Tech Innovation project will be the first of its kind in India. It is focused on smart proteins and innovative technologies in food production for lower carbon emissions as well as cleaner and healthier production of proteins with lower GHG emissions. The goal is to move towards a net-zero society over the coming decades. The partners envisage strong growth for the enterprise as well as for the country as a whole. The proposed states and localities are now being defined for the first site. With the capacity to meet future demand over the next decade, the Net-Zero Food Technology Innovation Project will encompass plant-based assets, precision and biomass fermentation production and eventually cultivated (i.e., Cel-Ag) technologies, to strengthen local food supply chains and address the need to alleviate hunger and the burgeoning (and international) markets. Over time, there will be multiple Net-Zero Food Technology Innovation projects that will also serve as a social enterprise for the increase in quality of life for everyone from producers to consumers in the ecosystem. Tata’s premium instant coffee travels North Hunch Ventures to build India’s first net-zero food tech innovation project In line with its focus on innovation, Tata Consumer Products has announced the launch of its premium instant coffee ‘Tata Coffee Grand Premium’ a 100 per cent coffee blend with flavour-locked decoction crystals. The product has been launched keeping in mind the taste preference of consumers in non-South markets who tend to prefer a 100 per cent coffee blend over a coffee:chicory blend (which is preferred in the South). Tata Coffee Grand Premium, while being a 100 per cent coffee blend, also has unique flavour-locked decoction crystals which lock in taste and aroma. This is the key differentiator for the brand as it is a unique product offering over its key competitors. The new launch is supported by a captivating film, using ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) that showcases the sensory journey of Tata Coffee Grand Premium from bean to cup. In 2015, Tata Consumer Products made its entry into the branded instant coffee business in India under the brand name Tata Coffee Grand. After leading the Indian tea market under its iconic Tata Tea brand, the company took the strategic step to leverage its product, marketing, and retail expertise to enter the branded coffee space in India. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in A new product Jan Aushadhi Special Chyawanprash under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has been launched by the Chief Executive Officer of Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) Ravi Dadhich. This Chwanprash Special will now be available at all Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country at a reasonable price. Chyawanprash Special is a potent antioxidant paste, prepared through the synergistic blending of around 50 herbs and spices. With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, PMBJP was launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Government of India, by the implementing agency PMBI. Currently, there are more than 9000 Janaushadhi Kendras in India. The successful implementation of the scheme has already earned Rs 869.12 crore in sales in the current financial year, and is targeting a revenue of Rs 1200 crore next year. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India launches Special Chyawanprash
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 17 Mumbai-based FMCG firm Marico has launched Saffola Munchiez – a new range of healthy snacking options. Made from super grains like Ragi and Makhana, Saffola Munchiez aims at making snacking better for you. Marico, under their Saffola portfolio, has been consistently innovating to curate healthier food options while catering to the taste preferences of a modern Indian consumer. The company has rolled out its latest innovation in the ready-to-eat (RTE) snacks category – Saffola Munchiez Ragi Chips and Saffola Munchiez Roasted Makhana in various flavours. Saffola Munchiez Ragi Chips have 50 per cent less saturated fat than chips fried in palm oil. Currently, the product has been launched in two flavours -Masala Twist and Takatak Tomato. Saffola Munchiez Roasted Makhana comes in two flavours – Cheezy Onion and Masala Twist. Saffola Munchiez aims to address the rising trend of conscious indulgence among today’s consumers. It was observed by the brands that an increasing number of consumers prefer branded snacks over unpackaged snacks and the company recognised a rising demand for healthier snacking options in the packaged snacks segment. The company’s entry into the RTE snack category will further strengthen its foothold in the healthy and premium foods segment. Marico launches ragi & makhana RTE snacks New Delhi-based D2C company Modicare has expanded its wellness range with the launch of ‘Well Gummies’. The ‘Well Gummy’ range offers five different variants namely Well Hair, Skin & Nail Gummy, Well Perfect Body Gummy, Well Detox Gummy, Well Sharp Eye Gummy and Well Yummytamin Gummy. These gummies are 100 per cent natural, devoid of any artificial colours, and rich in flavours. These nutrient-rich gummies also aim to increase energy, strengthen immunity, improve metabolism, and boost overall well-being. According to Samir Kumaar Modi, Founder and Managing Director, Modicare, the growing awareness about nutrition and a positive shift towards healthier and active lifestyles have increased the demand for nutrient-rich consumables. Consumers today are looking for simple solutions that go well with their fast-paced lifestyles, to help them maintain a healthy body. Well Gummies claim to address these gaps and fulfil nutritional needs on the go. A result of extensive research and development shows that Well Gummies are purely vegan, gelatin-free, soy-free and nut-free, with expertise from Europe and USA. They eliminate the hassles of swallowing pills and support active living with edibles which are nutritional. Their extensive range strives to ensure that modern-day consumers enjoy a natural and nutritious experience at Rs 699 for 30 pieces of each variant. India’s Zeon Lifesciences & UK’s Vitonnix make sublingual nutrient spray Modicare expands ‘Well range’ with gummies New Delhi-based nutraceutical and herbal product manufacturer Zeon Lifesciences has collaborated with Vitonnix to launch a sublingual spray to meet one’s daily nutrient requirement. Given that nutraceuticals are a current trend, industry collaboration within the nutraceutical sector is essential to fostering technological growth and innovation that benefits both parties. Sublingual Sprays, a patented product created by doctors and pharmacy professionals after years of thorough research and development, are the product of the UK-based company, Vitonnix. While expressing his views on the development, Suresh Garg, MD, and Founder, Zeon Lifesciences, said they are forming joint ventures with different businesses to produce cutting-edge products. In an effort to revolutionise medical innovation and research in India, Zeon continually supports creative and translational research. The spokesperson from Vitonnix said his company has made game-changing innovations redefining nutrition. It has brought its technology to India, to help achieve a Kuposhan Mukt India just like a polio-free India.
18 STARTUPS NEWS ProV foods, a brand owned by Mumbaibased startup Proventus Agrocom, has announced the launch of a new line of products called ProV Minis. Designed specifically for the Indian market, ProV Minis are small snack packs of flavoured dry fruits, nuts and seeds that are ideal for healthy on-the-go nutrition, priced at Rs 30 per pack. ProV Minis are currently available in flavours such as Cashew Roasted & Salted, Nut & Seed Mix, Cashew Creamy Cheese, Cashew Cracked Pepper, Almonds Roasted & Salted and Almonds Piri Piri. The company will launch additional flavours and variants over the coming months. Commenting on the launch of ProV Minis, Shalin Khanna, Co-Founder and CMO, ProV Foods said that Indian consumers often struggle with finding healthy snacking options for themselves and their families and often end up snacking on unhealthy snacks like chips and namkeens. The few healthy alternatives that exist tend to have higher price points not suitable for impulse purchases or to stock at local kiranas, or lack in flavour and taste. Over the past three years, ProV has steadily gained popularity as a smart choice for a healthy lifestyle. By next year ProV is targeting a revenue of Rs 500 crore run rate and aims to achieve a 20x growth by the year 2026. ProV Foods launches mini snack-pack of nuts Startup India Innovation week culminated on January 16, 2023 with the felicitation of winners of the National Startup Awards (NSA) 2022 on National Startup Day. The awards were presented by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Multiple startups were recognised across various sectors such as agriculture, fintech, health & wellness, environment, construction, education & skill development, energy etc. To mention a few, New Delhi-based startup Fruvetech was one of the winners in the Agriculture sector. Founded in 2021, the startup has developed a novel technology to enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Dr Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti, Founder, Fruvetech said that with extensive research they have developed safe, self-sustainable systems for the safe storage of fruits, vegetables and other perishable items like fresh mushrooms. On the other hand, Bengalurubased food startup Mallipathra Nutraceutical was one of the winners in the Health & Wellness sector. Founded in 2016, the startup is cultivating the world’s costliest, high medicinal value instilled Cordyceps mushrooms, to develop nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products. National Startup Awards 2022 acknowledges startups and enablers who have been instrumental in revolutionising the development story of India and in demonstrating exceptional capabilities not just in terms of financial gains but also for the measurable impact on society. Mallipathra Nutraceutical & Fruvetech among winners of NSA 2022 D WA Herbals launches wellness drinks range Delhi-based startup D WA Herbals has forayed into a range of herbal wellness drinks under the functional water category. This move comes in the wake of the company’s concerted plans to tap the growing popularity of herbal drinks with their health benefits. This was disclosed by Dr Sushil Kumar, Founder Director, D WA Herbals during the launch, which makes the brand the first in India, to venture into this category. The company offers a range of herbal drinks with added functional value in the form of oxygen, minerals, vitamins, botanicals, etc. With a highly research-based product range, the company has successfully optimised the effect of well-known herbs using innovative technology. All these products are tested at an NABL-approved lab and certified safe to drink. Currently, D WA Herbals offers four variants, Daily Wellness drink, Detox drink, Skin radiant drink, and Calm drink in 300 ml packaging. These are priced at Rs 65 for daily wellness and for others it is Rs 45. Presently, these are being retailed in leading hospitality segments and wellness centres in Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Chandigarh. Dr Sushil Kumar said that currently, in Pune, Delhi NCR alone, the startup has placed products in over 150 outlets in a short period and hopes to increase its reach in the coming days. They plan to retail in all modern retail formats including e-comm platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, etc. Besides the domestic market, the startup’s international research network from the USA, Russia, Germany, and Dubai enables them to customise its products and expand its global reach. The startup is gearing up for a major expansion and will have its pilot plant beside its current plants in Pune and Dehradun. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
STARTUPS NEWS 19 Rage Coffee, a Delhi-based caffeine innovation FMCG startup that manufactures, markets, and distributes packaged caffeine-related products, has announced the launch of its 20 ml coffee sachets. The innovative mobile packaging offers a cup of filter coffee laced with 200 mg of caffeine. Rage Coffee is India’s first 100 per cent plantpowered coffee infused with six plant vitamins. Made using 100 per cent Arabica beans sourced from some of India’s most renowned plantations, Rage Coffee comes in nine flavours and caffeine-based bars and cookies. The startup has also entered into the healthy snacking segment recently with the launch of three new snacks – Coffee Peanut Bars, Caffeine Almond Bars, and Chocolate Oats Cookies. These products provide consumers with options in the healthy snacking category as all of them are gluten-free, crafted with natural premium ingredients, and contain no preservatives or colourants. Rage Coffee presents sachets with concentrated caffeine Superfoods Valley, a nutrition and food-tech startup based in Bengaluru, has launched its flagship product Good Monk, a one-of-a-kind nutrition mix. The company has also unveiled a new app that helps educate users and creates transparency about the nutritive value of the food we consume. The launch was attended by Dr B Sesikeran, former Director, National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Sheela Krishnaswamy, renowned nutrition and wellness expert, Dr Shovan Ganguli, Food Researcher & Scientist, and Dr P R Krishnaswamy, Ex-Director & Founder, Protein Foods and Nutrition Development Association of India, who highlighted the importance and need of such products in the Indian market. Good Monk is a unique mix of highly bio-available ingredients such as Probiotics & Fibre, Lysine (Protein building block), Vit A, B6, B9, B12, C, D, Iron, Zinc, Ashwagandha and Brahmi. The power of 13 nutri-herbs helps improve gut health, support immunity, unlock energy and aid mental development. The recommended dosage varies for adults and children – 1 sachet a day for children aged 7 to 12 years and 2 sachets per day for adults (1 sachet per meal). HempStreet inks collaboration with MGC Pharma to launch nutra mouth spray New Delhi-based startup HempStreet, India’s first research-to-retail medicinal cannabis venture, has launched ArtemiC, a nutraceutical mouth spray to speed up recovery for patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms. ArtemiC has been launched in collaboration with MGC Pharma, a company with which HempStreet announced a partnership earlier this year. Headquartered in the UK, MGC Pharma is a pharmaceutical company working on polyherbal formulations based on cannabis and other phytopharmaceuticals. HempStreet, through its collaboration with MGC Pharma, aims to create and bring to market phytopharma products to tackle mass ailments. With ArtemiC, the companies expect to reduce the symptoms of long COVID-19, which still affects more than 15 million people in India. ArtemiC, includes four natural-based ingredients consisting of Curcumin, Boswellia serrata, Artemisinin and Vitamin C. ArtemiC Rescue and ArtemiC Support are the two variations of this product that will be available via medical practitioners and leading pharmacies. ArtemiC Rescue is an adjunctive treatment for the symptoms of COVID-19, whereas ArtemiC Support is a daily supplement that does not contain artemisinin. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Superfoods Valley unveils one-of-a-kind nutrition mix
20 STARTUPS NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Aiming to curtail one of the world’s largest environmental problems of global plastic pollution, Seven Spring, the premium tea brand from Gujarat, has introduced India’s first-ever 100 per cent compostable tea bag sachets with zero plastic and aluminium foils. This new packaging is environment-friendly and focuses to cut back on waste, zero plastic consumption, and carbon emissions. After extensive research for around nine months, the Seven Spring team came up with the 100 per cent compostable tea bag sachets that are completely plant-based and can dissolve in water or mud. As of now, the startup Seven Spring has introduced this compostable packaging in its economical range, which is available on Amazon, Big Basket and the company’s website. These are also available in the B2B segment – in the hotels that the brand has tie-ups with. Seven Spring was launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2020. The brand, which brews teas from tea leaves sourced throughout the world, has grown considerably over the past two years, both in terms of varieties and reach, currently offering 30 varieties. Seven Spring introduces India’s first 100% compostable tea sachets Bengaluru-based startup WOW Life Science has launched its new peanut butter range, with a twist. For almost a year, WOW Life Science has been developing a unique peanut butter that offers consumers unmatched health benefits. The internal innovation team has developed the first peanut butter with superfoods in India after doing significant customer research and seeking advice from experts. The brand has introduced two variants- one with super seeds (chia, pumpkin, watermelon, sunflower) and the other with Sattu (roasted chana powder). Loaded with these superfoods, the peanut butter contains protein & nutrients like Omega 3, Vitamin E, and Magnesium. They are 100 per cent natural and have no added sugar, palm oil, preservatives, or emulsifiers. Moreover, pure jaggery is used to sweeten them. The startup will be soon collaborating with health experts and key opinion leaders for an experiential campaign and further its vision to provide nutritionrich alternatives and motivate the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. WOW Life Science launches India’s first peanut butter infused with superfoods Mama Mia launches first-ever gelato macarons in India Mama Mia, India’s oldest gelato brand, is shaking things up in the dessert segment with the launch of their new product: Gelato Macarons. This unique fusion of French macarons and Italian-style gelato is a first of its kind in India. Founded by Adhiraj Thirani and Akshat Singhania, Mama Mia has registered close to 90 per cent year-over-year growth in the online delivery segment and has saturated the Kolkata market with over 93 per cent pin code coverage and an average delivery time of 8 to 20 minutes, with many orders being delivered within 15 minutes of pickup. According to a report by IMARC Group, the ice cream market in India reached a value of Rs 194.1 billion in 2022. With a compound annual growth rate forecast of 17.5 per cent during the period 2023- 2028, the market is expected to reach a value of Rs 508.4 billion by 2028. During the same time, the desserts market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19 per cent. According to Thirani, the market is driven by changing consumer habits and rising disposable incomes, as well as heavy investment in product innovation and promotional campaigns by key players. In addition, the expansion of the food and beverage sector and the rise of online food delivery models along with e-FMCG are also contributing to the growth of the market.
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 21 Going Green with Sustainable packaging has been consistently gaining acceptance in the packaging industry for quite a long time now, becoming quite a buzzword in the sector. Historically, actions by fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and retailers have mostly focused on quick wins such as reducing weight and materials usage, to enable them to lower their packaging costs. Curbing the use of plastic packaging and changing packaging materials comes at a cost in terms of additional complexities and trade-offs. Not all types of actions have the same impact on the different aspects of the sustainability footprint. Technical and economic feasibility varies by plastic type and application, as well as by geographic region, and cost implications go beyond just packaging material prices and conversion costs. Shipment of packaged food containers from Maharashtra to Gujarat, for instance, is more economical if the current traditional packaging is considered. Swapping it with the new alternatives to plastic is a bold move as it greatly impacts costs. Here’s a look at how the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry has been driving innovations in the sustainable packaging space in India and globally. Packaging Eco-friendly
22 COVER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in New data by Trivium Packaging in its 2022 Global Buying Green Report reveals that consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable product packaging has proven remarkably stable and robust despite the upheaval of societal changes in recent years. The study shows a steady climb in the dedication of younger consumers to sustainable living. Around 86 per cent of those 45 and under said they would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. This is up from 83 per cent, comparing the same data set in Trivium's 2021 report. Plastics are still in rampant circulation across India, despite the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs). Although the government is rather ambitious about this ban, efforts and investments need to be increased to develop alternatives to SUPs. Creating an organised plastic waste management system and developing an economic and environmental cost-benefit analysis are crucial. Indians are motivated to make more mindful choices which has increased the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging in the Indian F&B market. The big names in the industry such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kellogg’s, Danone, etc. have been actively eliminating plastic waste at the source and working towards 100 per cent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging for their food products. A lot of sustainability initiatives are being employed by these companies for their Indian consumers too. The announcement of the successful production of the world’s first food-grade Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles produced entirely from enzymatically recycled plastic by the Consortium – Carbios, L’Oréal, Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo, and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe has pushed the companies even closer to their sustainability goals. Developed by Carbios, a France-based green chemistry company that focuses on discovering and developing enzymatic bioprocesses applied to plastic and textile polymers, the patented enzymatic PET recycling process enables a wide variety of PET plastics to be recycled into virgin quality, food-grade rPET. Together, these brands are working to scale this innovation to help meet the global demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Apart from these names, there are plenty of small and medium-sized players making efforts to create sustainable packaging for the F&B industry in India. A variety of new materials have been employed in the space and innovations abound in the industry. New materials entering the space In June 2022, Corona India, a brand of beer produced by Anheuser Busch InBev launched a new 100 per cent biodegradable and compostable six-pack made from 100 per cent barley straw in India. With circularity at the core of this innovation, Corona works with Barley farmers in India to buy leftover straw that is often the cause of crop burning, a critical issue in North India, to manufacture these 100 per cent biodegradable compostable sixpacks. By commercialising barley straw, farmers receive an income for crop waste that otherwise has limited marketable benefits. Corona has worked with Craste, a Pune-headquartered green, sustainable packaging company, to develop this circular and scalable technology. AB InBev and Craste have been working towards developing this technology for more than three years. Speaking at the launch, Vineet Sharma, Vice President – Marketing, South Asia, AB InBev said, “Ever since its inception, Corona has been synonymous with the outdoors and has had a deep connection with nature. We believe it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it. After in-depth assessments across our supply chain, we wanted to first start by revamping our packaging and making it sustainable. We are proud to launch the future of packaging which is made from 100 per cent barley waste. This intervention speaks to Corona's mission of protecting the environment by reducing waste and truly being a globally responsible brand.” A division of the US-based packaging solutions company TricorBraun, TricorBraun Flex has launched a new fully-compostable, plant-based packaging bag. The high-barrier packaging solution, Biotré 3.0, has been awarded the BPI Certification Mark from the Biodegradable Products Institute and is available for specialty food and snacks, coffee, pet treats, and nutraceuticals. It
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 23 is made from high-barrier materials that prevent the penetration of water, oil, oxygen, gas, and light. The packaging can also be disposed off in composting bins for industrial composting, which contributes to TricorBraun’s sustainability goals. The scope of research for sustainable technologies is vast, and scientists around the globe have been exploring the research possibilities. Such efforts are not only material-centric but also involve new technologies, designs, manufacturing practices, etc. for incorporating sustainability in the packaging. Indian research institutes and scientists are also part of such studies and routinely present innovative solutions to the F&B industry in India. A team of scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati has developed an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable polymer using guar gum and chitosan, both of which are polysaccharides extracted from guar beans and shells of crab and shrimps. Polysaccharide is a biopolymer with high potential for use in the synthesis of packaging material. However, drawbacks related to high water-solubility and permeability have impacted their popularity in the past. Researchers have now developed a cross linked film that does not dissolve in water even after 240 hours. Another research group from the same institute developed a biodegradable, biopolymer nanocomposite that can detect relative humidity and can find application as smart packaging materials, especially for the food industry. In this, two biopolymers, Guar and Alginate were blended with carbon dots (nanomaterial) to make a nanocomposite film that was successfully used to detect relative humidity. Apart from IASST, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Andhra Pradesh developed nanotechnology-based food packaging materials that offer a greater advantage over conventional and nonbiodegradable packing materials by enhancing the functional properties of foods such as bio-availability, taste, and texture. The team emphasised the role of nanoparticles to provide mechanical stability to packing material. It showed how nano-sensors can be developed to detect pathogens, contamination, pesticides, and allergens and to enhance the antimicrobial properties of packing material to prevent food spoilage and contamination. Recyclable is a new sustainable For years, converting a high percentage of postconsumer recycled (PCR) content into film and having it meet food contact certification standards has been thought to be unachievable - particularly while maintaining quality and cost. Many packaging firms “ “Nandu’s goal now is to make 100 per cent of our packaging plastic-free by 2023.” Narendra Pasuparthy, Chief Farmer, Founder and CEO, Nandu’s “ “The evolution of secondary transport packaging is just what the global drinks industry needs as it looks to the future.” Tarik Aniba, Sales & Marketing Director, Mondi Group “ “After in-depth assessments across our supply chain, we wanted to first start by revamping our packaging and making it sustainable.” Vineet Sharma, Vice President – Marketing, South Asia, AB InBev
24 COVER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in around the globe have been working with their partners to control sourcing, material sortation, and blending within their PCR material, to achieve a higher quality product fit for food contact within all their products. Here are a few such companies: Australia-based Grounded Packaging, an end-to-end packaging supplier launched RE: MONO, a new recyclable, flexible packaging solution made of 83 per cent recycled materials. The new product contains the highest volume of PCR content currently available in the world for food contact pouches and other flexible packaging formats. This film laminate is made from disposed plastic sourced from recycling streams such as milk bottles and plastic bags. Grounded’s RE: MONO offers an alternative to reduce their environmental footprint by 57 per cent compared to virgin plastic packaging. RE: MONO is a mono-material, recyclable #4 (Low-density Polyethylene) soft and flexible material that can be recycled into the same thing at endof-life. “RE: MONO is an alternative to plastic that is an indispensable packaging material for most food producers and retailers,” said Benjamin Grant, co-founder of Grounded Packaging. “The packaging we’re launching has been deemed unattainable by other flexible packaging manufacturers, and we look forward to bringing to market more sustainable products like RE: MONO that are helping consumers and brands join the fight against the climate crisis.” Sweden-headquartered firms Lidl Sweden, a grocery retailer, and Trioworld, a sustainable polyethylene film solutions provider for agriculture, launched the first PCR plastic film, approved for frozen food packaging. This solution is powered by an innovative 5-layer concept that has met all the required tests and simulations as required by the European Regulations for Food Contact Material. The packaging is made of 30 per cent recycled PCR and is 100 per cent recyclable. “Trioworld’s multi-layer Loop offers Lidl a packaging solution that is not only fully recyclable but made from 30 per cent postconsumer recycled material and reduces its carbon footprint. Trioworld has a target to increase the percentage of recycled plastics in their products to 50 per cent by 2030 and is now continuing to develop thinner multilayer Loop film for more food application areas.”, says Evert Paardekooper, President Consumer Packaging Division, Trioworld. SABIC, a Singapore-headquartered global leader in the chemical industry, and Scientex, a manufacturer in flexible plastic packaging have developed the world’s first polypropylene (PP) flexible food packaging using PCR ocean-bound plastic (OBP). The material is being used in a premium brand of noodles packaging sold in Malaysia. OBP is abandoned plastic waste found in areas up to 50 km inland from waterways that may eventually be washed into the ocean by rainfall, rivers, or tides. The OBP used in the project is recovered and converted to pyrolysis oil in an advanced recycling process. This successful initiative demonstrates the feasibility of tackling the plastic waste issue through dedicated value chain collaborations and sets a milestone in shaping a circular plastics economy in Malaysia and across South East Asia. Paper-based packaging is burgeoning Paper packaging is amongst the most eco-friendly and economic forms of packaging. The global push for recyclability in the paper packaging market will create enormous opportunities for food companies globally. It is also observed that recycled paper packaging offers a distinct cost advantage for the production of corrugated boxes and cartons and other paper packaging solutions. Here are a few firms innovating in the paper packaging space: Switzerland-headquartered Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions has introduced a high-barrier, recyclable paperbased packaging- LifeSpan Performance Paper for snacks and confectionery in Europe. The new high-barrier, greaseresistant, FSC-certified paper-based solution has over 80 per cent paper fibre content, as well as being PVDC-free and recyclable across most European countries. The company plans to expand LifeSpan Performance Paper into coffee and culinary sectors. Tetra Pak, one of the leading food processing and packaging solutions companies, unveiled a paper-based and recyclable packaging- Tetra Stelo Aseptic for Minute Maid, a leading nutrition brand under The Coca-Cola Company’s portfolio in India. This is the first ever Tetra Stelo Aseptic package for The Coca-Cola Company in the world, and the first time the package is being launched by Tetra Pak in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. “The Tetra Stelo Aseptic is paper-based, recyclable, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and offers the environmental advantages that are unique to Tetra Pak packages.
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 25 Sustainable packaging materials Barley straw Guar gum and Chitosan Nanocomposites (a fusion of traditional food packaging material with nanoparticles) Paper fibres Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content Ocean-bound plastic (OBP) Guidelines and indications for sustainable packaging design Although many efforts have been made by scholars, business organisations and institutions to clearly define “sustainable food packaging”, fragmentation persists. Different organisations have published definitions and guidelines that could lead to the development of sustainable packaging (not in all cases framed only on the food sector). As can be seen in Table, the macro-themes covered and expanded in each publication with clear design directions are varied, often leaving aside issues such as prevention of food losses and social aspects by going more in-depth on environmental strategies. “ “Trioworld has a target to increase the percentage of recycled plastics in their products to 50 per cent by 2030 and is now continuing to develop thinner multi-layer Loop film for more food application areas.” Evert Paardekooper, President, Consumer Packaging Division, Trioworld “ SIG’s paper straws are a great alternative in line with our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact.” Vandana Tandan, Country Manager, SIG India “ A study could further be conducted to explore the different alternative materials, their cost, and their effect on the environment.” Dr Manoj Hudnurkar, Professor, Symbiosis Center for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune “ ““Our RE: MONO is an alternative to the plastic that is an indispensable packaging material for most food producers and retailers.” Benjamin Grant, Co-Founder, Grounded Packaging The package meets the needs of not just the consumer looking for nutritional, safe food, but also one who is environmentally conscious” says Ashutosh Manohar, Managing Director, Tetra Pak, South Asia. By launching innovative eco-friendly packaging for all its home delivery orders, Bengaluru-based omnichannel meat brand Nandu’s became India’s first meat-based startup to use sustainable packaging for its food. As part of its new green packaging, the primary packaging (which is in direct contact with hygienically processed meat) is made of non-plastic virgin food-grade material that is fully recyclable. Similarly, the secondary packaging (the outer box which contains the primary packaging) is made of a blend of recycled and virgin paper material that is fully recyclable, ensuring both sustainability and presentability. Commenting on this initiative, Narendra Pasuparthy, Chief Farmer, Founder and CEO, Nandu’s, said, “We have a strong commitment to the environment, which ensures that we make conscious efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. As far as our innovative packaging is concerned, after a lot of deliberation and researching materials, powered by the firm trust and loyalty of our consumers, we decided on a solution that is a win-win for us and the environment. While creating this innovation we took all measures to ensure that the product quality and safety are not compromised in any way. Nandu’s goal now is to make 100 per cent of our packaging plastic-free by 2023.” Austria-based Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has launched Hug&Hold, a recyclable, paperbased solution to replace plastic shrink wrap for PET beverage bottle bundle packs. Hug&Hold comprises two elements that provide secure and safe transportation as
26 COVER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Guidelines and indications for sustainable packaging design Guideline Name Author Macrothemes The responsible packaging code of practice Incpen The functions of packaging through the supply chain; Honesty in presentation; Convenience in use; Instructions, guidance & information; Legal requirements; Health, safety & consumer protection; Environmental aspects Packaging Sustainability Checklist FDF and INCPEN Functionality, Re-use, recovery & recycling, Transport Definition of Sustainable Packaging Sustainable Packaging Coalition Is beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle; Meets market criteria for performance and cost; Is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy; Optimizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials; Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices; Is made from materials healthy throughout the life cycle; Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy; Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed loop cycles. Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) Australian packaging covenant organisation Design for recovery; Optimise material efficiency; Design to reduce product waste; Eliminate hazardous materials; Use recycled materials; Use renewable materials; Design to minimise litter; Design for transport efficiency; Design for accessibility; Provide consumer information on environmental sustainability Packguide A guide to packaging ecodesign Incpen Design for minimization; design for re-use, recycling and recovery; design for compostability; communicating with stakeholders. Source- www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability well as stacking of bundles of bottled drinks. The first element is a patent-pending sleeve made of 100 per cent kraft paper that wraps around the bottles to hold them securely. Made from Advantage SpringPack Plus, it offers high tensile strength and can withstand enough weight to strap and stabilise the bottles during transportation. The second element is a corrugated clip that holds the bottles around the neck. “The evolution of secondary transport packaging is just what the global drinks industry needs as it looks to the future. A sustainable, functional and fully automated alternative to plastic shrink wrap means that brand owners can safely switch to a recyclable paper-based packaging solution, without any risk to their product or logistics,” says Tarik Aniba, Sales & Marketing Director, Mondi Group. SIG India, an aseptic carton packaging solutions provider has launched a wide range of recyclable paper straws in India with a variety of dimensions, shapes, and utilities. As a potential solution to the massive environmental damage caused by plastic straws, and in line with the plastic ban in India, SIG’s paper straws offer the best biodegradable non-plastic alternative, focused on both functionality and sustainability. SIG’s paper straws are made using paper obtained from FSC-certified sources, similar to its forest-based cartons, which are also made using renewable paperboard. “In recent years, India’s plastic waste output has exploded, with the country producing as much as 34 lakh tonnes of plastic waste in 2019-20! A significant part of this
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 27 Brief background of sustainable packaging materials Barley straw They have been reported to contain valuable compounds such as hemicelluloses, cellulose, lignin, etc. that can be used as both food packaging and edible film. Guar gum-Chitosan Guar gum-Chitosan composite film has high mechanical strength, lower water solubility, and hydrophobic nature; therefore, it can potentially be used in packaging applications. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content They close the loop on sustainable packaging by reducing virgin material consumption and endconsumer waste Ocean-bound plastic (OBP) A type of PCR that is at risk of ending up in the ocean can be used to produce flexible packaging and is a critical element in the fight against oceanic plastic pollution Nanocomposites Fabricated nanocomposite film can find application as smart packaging materials, especially for the food industry as they can monitor the packed food freshness using just a UV light source waste is caused by plastic straws, which clog up drainage systems, pollute water bodies, and cause irreparable, and even fatal damage to aquatic life. In line with this, India has announced a ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of several SUP products, including plates, cups, straws, trays, and polystyrene, from July 1, 2022. This makes SIG’s paper straws a great alternative, with the added benefit of convenience for both brands and consumers, in line with our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact,” said Vandana Tandan, Country Manager, SIG India. The correlation between increased awareness about the environment and consumer choices related to purchasing products is fairly obvious. But there is a considerable research gap in developing better and economical sustainable packaging materials, as the safety requirements are much higher for the F&B industry. While discussing his study related to sustainable packaging materials in the Indian F&B industry, Dr Manoj Hudnurkar, Professor at Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune said, “While exploring consumer behaviour towards sustainable packaging, this study fails to explore viable alternatives to the current packaging materials. We believe further research could be conducted to understand better the alternative economical packaging materials available in the market. A study could further be conducted to explore the different alternative materials, their cost, and their effect on the environment. Another interesting study, we believe, would be to understand customer behaviour towards change in packaging. Customers are often used to seeing their frequent purchases in a certain package or colour combination. It would be interesting to study their behaviour and purchase decisions when the said packaging is changed.” A successful sustainability innovation will need to be at a neutral or affordable cost trade-off to gain scale. Equally, many application innovations seem to be difficult to scale up beyond the smaller initiatives currently in place. This is partly because they are often at an early stage in the research process and use costly materials. However, as FMCG companies and retailers discover the need to move from an arm’s length relationship with suppliers to more of a partnership and collaborative approach, new opportunities could emerge for packaging innovators— particularly for agile innovators that are able to quickly expand their innovation capabilities. Developing sustainable packaging is no longer new, but making it affordable and safe remains challenging. In 2023, we need more innovations in the market that are not only advanced but should be compliant with all the parameters for better acceptance and sustainability in consumer behaviour. Mansi Jamsudkar ([email protected])
28 CANCER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in According to the National Cancer Registry Programme India report 2022, the estimated number of incident cases of cancer in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427 (crude rate:100.4 per 100,000). In India, one in nine people is likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Lung and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. Among the childhood (0-14 yr) cancers, lymphoid leukaemia (boys: 29.2 per cent and girls: 24.2 per cent) was the leading site. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) studies predicted that the incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020. The report further says that the rise in urban pollution has led to an increased rate of obesity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. As a result, the rate of cancer is growing in India. Lifestyle-related factors are the most important and preventable among environmental exposures. Dietary practices, reproductive and sexual practices, etc. account for a significant percentage of cancers. A study conducted by researchers at George Washington University found the presence of Phthalates- a compound that helps to make plastic pliable, in 70 per cent of collected samples of junk food. This chemical has been linked with several health problems including being wildly carcinogenic, causing liver damage, infertility, and even asthma. In India, the junk food consumption pattern has been quite significant in the last few years, making the population more prone to the risk of lifestyle diseases and even cancer. In a study conducted in South India, 73 per cent of respondents were regular consumers of fast food, making the population more vulnerable. “Industrially processed foods are laden with hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers, and thickeners. And consuming such products frequently can considerably raise the chance of developing certain malignancies like cancer. The increased risk of cancer associated with eating processed foods may also be influenced by some food additives and chemical contamination from food packaging. Hence, in order to lower the likelihood of developing such health problems, it’s critical to make an Ultra-processed Foods Raise Cancer Risks The total daily calories consumed by people globally, which mainly come from ultra-processed foods, has been continuously increasing in the past two decades. Ultra-processed foods are industrial ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat formulations made of little or no whole foods. These foods are usually high in added sugar, oils/fats, and refined starch, altering gut microbiota composition unfavorably and contributing to increased risk of weight gain and obesity -- an established risk factor for colorectal and many other cancers. Beyond poor nutrition profiles, ultra-processed foods commonly contain food additives such as dietary emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners, some types of which have been suggested to increase the pro-inflammatory potential of the gut microbiome, promoting carcinogenesis (when normal cells are transformed into cancer cells). Potential carcinogens may also be formed during the processing of meats containing sodium nitrates (for example, nitrosamines) or heat treatment (for example, acrylamide) or may migrate from the packaging of ultra-processed foods. Let’s get a better sense of why this food category, which has become the most preferred type of food today, invites different types of cancers.
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in CANCER 29 Even women were not free from the risk of processed food-driven colorectal cancer. A study led by the Washington University School of Medicine in the US, found a link between consuming sugary drinks and an increased risk of colorectal cancer among women under 50. The researchers calculated a 16 per cent increase in risk for each 8-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage served per day. Even milk is not safe, if processed Limiting energy-dense foods, fast foods, and sugary drinks that promote weight gain is a cancer prevention recommendation, but no recent studies have evaluated intake in relation to breast cancer risk. However, according to Marisa C. Weiss, MD, chief medical officer and founder, Breastcancer.org (the world's most utilised online resource for expert medical and personal information on breast health and breast cancer), although more research is needed to better understand the effect of diet on breast cancer risk, it is clear that calories do count — and fat is a major source of calories. High-fat diets can lead to being overweight or obese, which is a breast cancer risk factor. Overweight women are thought to be at higher risk for breast cancer because the extra fat cells make estrogen, which can cause extra breast cell growth. This extra growth increases the risk of breast cancer. A study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Health, California revealed that even relatively moderate amounts of dairy (milk) consumption can increase women's risk of breast cancer -- up to 80 per cent depending on the amount consumed. In the United States, and in many industrialised countries, raw cow's milk is Source: saludamerica.org Annual number and proportion of new cancer cases attributed to suboptimal intakes of 7 dietary factors among US adults effort to reduce the intake of these processed foods,” said Dr Vivek Srivastav, Senior Vice President, Zeon Lifesciences. Why junk food should be junked A new study by researchers at Tufts University and Harvard University found that men who consumed high rates of ultra-processed junk foods were at 29 per cent higher risk for developing colorectal cancer than men who consumed much smaller amounts. Men consuming ultraprocessed foods like meat, poultry, or fish-based, readyto-eat products and also sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, fruit-based beverages, and sugary milk-based beverages were found to be strongly associated with colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer — sometimes also called colon cancer or rectal cancer — is the third-leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. "We started out thinking that colorectal cancer could be cancer most impacted by diet compared to other cancer types," said Lu Wang, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts. "Processed meats, most of which fall into the category of ultra-processed foods, are a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer. Ultra-processed foods are also high in added sugars and low in fibre, which contribute to weight gain and obesity, and obesity is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer." Moreover, two studies published by the British medical journal found links between high consumption of ultraprocessed foods and increased risks of bowel (colorectal) cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death.
30 CAREER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in “ Ultra-processed foods are also high in added sugars and low in fibre, which contribute to weight gain and obesity, and obesity is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer." Lu Wang, postdoctoral fellow, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University “ A high-fruit and vegetable diet can lower the risk of malignancies of the mouth and throat, esophagus, lung, stomach, colon, and rectum.” Dr Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara, Professor, Cancer Biology Laboratory & DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT, Guwahati “ “Industrially processed foods are laden with hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, and thickeners. And consuming such products frequently can considerably raise the chance of developing certain malignancies like cancer.” Dr Vivek Srivastav, Senior Vice President, Zeon Lifesciences. processed before it is consumed. During processing, the fat content of the milk is adjusted, and various vitamins are added. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend three cups of milk per day, however, evidence from this study suggested that people should view that recommendation with caution. The controversy over fibre Many people commonly consume fibre-enriched foods to promote weight loss and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Dr Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara, Professor, Cancer Biology Laboratory & DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati said, “Growing lines of experimental evidence have proved that a diet comprising various bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids, vitamin C, and dietary fibres have a beneficial effect on different types of cancers. According to joint research by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, a high-fruit and vegetable diet can lower the risk of malignancies of the mouth and throat, esophagus, lung, stomach, colon, and rectum.” However, researchers from the University of Toledo, US have a different opinion on the fibres. They recently found that diets rich in highly refined fibre like inulin may increase the risk of liver cancer, particularly in individuals who have a vascular deformity in which blood from the intestines bypasses the liver. Fibre is formally classified into two main types, dietary fibre which is found naturally in foods, and functional fibre which is extracted and isolated from whole foods, then added to processed foods. While the researchers did not argue broadly against the health-promoting benefits of fibre, they urged attention on what kind of fibre certain individuals eat, underscoring the importance of personalised nutrition. Cancer raises an urgent need to develop a dietary intervention to provide treatment and preventive strategies to individuals. Like this dietary fibre controversy, there are many other food ingredients that require a thorough examination and analysis to develop dietary recommendations. An alliance between academia and industry is crucial to achieve this. Various studies have confirmed that a dietary change could be key to enhancing cancer treatment, especially colorectal cancer. Cancer cells need nutrients to survive and grow. According to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, when nutrients are limited, cancer cells dial down the nutrient-sensing cascade which leads to massive cell death. Hence this study suggested a low-protein diet for colon cancer. Likewise, various other nutrients like licorice, curcumin from turmeric, Vitamin D, etc. were found to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancers. Although the studies are small, they provide a strong impetus for research in the field. There is a dire need to initiate global-level studies to unlock the links between various processed foods and cancers. A lack of Indiacentric efforts and data on this subject is problematic. For developing appropriate dietary recommendation guidelines, such studies are the need of the hour in 2023 and beyond. Mansi Jamsudkar ([email protected])
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in LOW-UNIT-PACKS 31 T he low-income segment makes up a huge percentage of the Indian population. A report published by People Research on India’s Consumer Economy (PRICE); a Mumbai-based think-tank, revealed that the share of the middle class in the total population of India rose from 14 per cent in 2004-05 to 31 per cent in 2021-22. For such a population, a big commodity pack is not only unaffordable there always is a risk of wastage too, with bulk packs. Instead of buying a big batch of Nestle’s Munch chocolate worth Rs 200, a daily labourer in India prefers a small size packet of the same chocolate for his children which costs him barely Rs 5 or Rs 10. Similarly, a middle-class woman in India prefers buying a small sachet of Ginger Garlic Paste or Garam Masala for Rs 5 to prepare a daily meal instead of buying a huge pack that might expire if not used in time. Similarly, a small packet of Haldiram namkeen seems ideal even for office-goers during their tea breaks. In a low penetration market like India, such small packets also known as Low Unit Packs (LUPs) are in high demand as compared to the slower-moving large packs. Hence, for almost all fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands, LUPs have become a lever of their growth strategy. LUPs help to increase market penetration, and distribution, while protecting market share. However, for companies, there is more to LUPs than meets the eye. Why LUPs are proving to be a double-edged sword Although LUPs contribute a significant percentage of the total sale, they remain controversial for most FMCG brands. As compared to the bigger packs, the per unit production cost of LUPs is relatively high as they involve a bigger packaging cost. But even though the production cost is high, it’s almost impossible to increase the price of LUPs, unless every other competitor in the market agrees. And considering the established consumer behaviour toward LUPs, a consensus amongst competitors to hike rates is unlikely. Thus, despite very high volumes, the margin on LUPs is very low. Horlicks Health & Nutrition Drink (Classic Malt) could How inflation is shrinking Low-Unit-Packs The Indian economy has been severely affected by geopolitical crises such as the Russia-Ukraine War and also the palm oil export ban from Indonesia. In such a scenario, FMCG firms have been betting high on their Low Unit Packs (LUPs). For most F&B companies, there is no scope to further reduce the pack sizes of LUPs. This scenario has resulted in supporting the companies to look at Bridge packs. Will the bridge pack become the new LUP?
32 LOW-UNIT-PACKS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in be an interesting case study to justify the lower margin scenario. The 450 gm big pack of Horlicks Health & Nutrition Drink (Classic Malt) costs Rs 199, which works out to Rs 0.44 per gram of the product. On the other hand, the Rs 5 LUP of the same drink contains 20 gm of product, at Rs 0.25 per gram. That costs Horlicks approx. 43 per cent margin loss on LUPs. The Kellogg’s Chocos 1.15 kg Super Saver pack costs Rs 515 (Rs 0.44 per gm), whereas a mini version of the same product costs Rs 10 for 26 gm (Rs 0.38/ per gm), with a 14 per cent less margin. In the case of Amul Ice cream (Vanilla), a 1 L family pack is priced at Rs 195 (Rs 0.19 per ml), giving a 21 per cent extra margin as compared to the same ice cream cup which is priced at Rs 10 for 65 ml. In the case of Haldiram’s Namkeen Aloo Bhujiya, although the profit margin is the same in terms of both LUPs (Rs 5 for 20 gm) and larger packs (Rs 255 for 1 kg), there will always be an extra expenditure on the production of LUPs, decreasing the overall profit margin. Hence, although LUPs do contribute overall to total sales, the margins are markedly lower. This not only erodes the brand’s profitability but also prevents consumers from turning towards bigger packs, resulting in long-term effects. For the bigger brands like those mentioned here, this margin loss might be nominal, however, the smaller brands and new entrants are pressurised to start on the lower profit margins with LUPs because of the competition from big players. An inflation-induced shrinkage The Indian economy has been severely affected by geopolitical crises such as the Russia-Ukraine War and also the palm oil export ban from Indonesia. In such a scenario, LUPs have been thriving in the market for Indian consumers. FMCG firms have been betting high on their LUPs. Rising input costs and the pressure in terms of maintaining the same price point of the product have been challenging Indian FMCG players. A decrease in grammage (quantity per pack) has been the go-to strategy for almost all FMCG companies during inflation in addition to opting for lighter, cheaper, and recycled packaging and spending less on operations like marketing. Increasing the price would not be a great strategy as even a small price hike adversely affects the sales volume, particularly in a country like India. However, there are companies like Nestle and Hindustan Unilever that have increased the prices of their noodles, coffee, tea, etc. Although FMCG companies are cutting down on their grammage, this might hardly add to their profit margin as the move is part of their strategy to cope with inflation. Consumers are surely paying more for less, but brands are hardly gaining any benefit from it. Parle-G biscuits, one of the famous Indian glucose biscuits manufactured by Parle Products, is a well-known example of inflation-induced grammage reduction. According to Saptarshi Prakash, Swiggy’s Director of Design, until 2021, an LUP of Parle-G biscuit was priced at Rs 4 while the company started with almost 100 gm in 1994. As the years passed by, the brand slowly but steadily reduced the grammage of the product to 92.5 gm, then 88 gm and finally we have a 55 gm biscuit pack which costs Rs 5. A significant 45 per cent reduction in the grammage since 1994 is what inflation did to Parle-G. Many other food and beverages (F&B) brands manufacturing potato chips, chocolates, etc. have been using this strategy to not only gather a bit more profit but also to tackle increasing material and input costs. Launched in 2017, the Punjab-based Lahori Zeera brand cut down its quantity per bottle by almost 20 per cent (200 ml to 160 ml). Even big brands like Coca-Cola and Thums Up have reduced their quantity per bottle from 250 ml to 200 ml. The price of Nestle’s Maggi Noodles LUP CAGR index with FMCG Source- Nielsen featured insights
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in LOW-UNIT-PACKS 33 LUP increased from Rs 10, to Rs 12, and now it costs Rs 14 for almost 30 per cent less product. Haldiram’s have also been following this trend by reducing the weight of their Aloo Bhujia from 55 gm to 42 gm. Could bridge packs be the new LUP? LUPs of Rs 1, Rs 5, and Rs 10 have their own market at different societal levels (mainly in rural areas. Bridge packs – a middle category between the low and large unit packs that cost mostly in the range of Rs 10 to Rs 20 (or a little more in some cases) have been becoming popular. Bridge packs might help in the customer conversion process of upgrading from extreme LUPs to larger packs. For instance, Parle-G’s Rs 2 pack is already out of the market. The brand is also going beyond the Rs 5 LUP. The company recently introduced a Rs 15 bridge pack of Nutricrunch crackers to the market. New-Delhibased Greendot Health Foods has also launched a bridge Category Sub Rs 10 Salience Within Category Key Price Points (in Rs) Instant noodles 75% 10-12 Western salty snacks 87% 5 10 Traditional salty snacks 66% 5 10 Biscuits 69% 5 10 Tea 20% 5 10 Coffee 42% 2 4 Milk food drink 7% 5 Different F&B categories with key price points Source- Nielsen pack of Cornitos at Rs 35. Hindustan Unilever has also been actively working on the bridge pack strategy in its FMCG business. For most F&B companies in India, there is no scope to further reduce the pack sizes of LUPs. But LUPs drive significant sales in the rural parts of India, where consumers have lower purchasing power as compared to their urban counterparts. Bridge packs would be much more suitable in urban areas. In such a scenario, it would be interesting to see what Indian FMCGs have planned for consumers in FY 2023. Will LUPs become extinct in 2023? Will the bridge pack become the new LUP? Would price-correction be the way forward? Or would bulk packages become the only selling items? The answers would be interesting and game-changing at the same time. Mansi Jamsudkar ([email protected])
34 SPEAKING WITH Siddharth Rastogi, General Manager, Indian Subcontinent/ South-West Asia, Kerry “The Indian market is dynamic and evolving and we are looking at our next phase of investment in India” NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in What are the recent India-centric developments of Kerry in terms of the food business? Kerry supplies ingredient solutions to brands that are used in their products. For example, flavours and seasonings in snacks. We invest in localising our global technologies and concepts, customising them for the India market and producing everything here. We work with major brands across all categories and have more than 600 customers in India. The unique thing about the Indian market is that even smaller local players in tier two or three cities have the potential to become big brands with the right product. This is what we’ve seen with many of our existing customers who started off five years ago as small brands. The India market is dynamic and evolving and we are looking at our next phase of investment in India. Kerry has been in India since 2011, and it’s been more than 10 years since our first facility in the country was established, a manufacturing facility, which was followed by another in 2019. 2022 marks our 50th anniversary and our plans are to expand our manufacturing facilities in both the north and south of India. We have also opened a new development and application centre in Delhi. We expect to see growth in this region over the next 5-10 years. What was the food business revenue of the company in FY 21-22? How much growth do you expect in FY 22-23? How much does the Indian food business contribute to this revenue? Kerry achieved excellent growth across Q3 2022 through a combination of strong business volumes and pricing, despite an unprecedented inflationary pricing environment. In Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, we saw overall volume growth of 9 per cent with continued strong Q3 growth of 8.6 per cent. Volume growth was led Kerry Group is an international leader in taste & nutrition innovation headquartered in Ireland. The company is an ingredients supplier in the taste, functional and nutrition categories. It also provides food and beverage solutions as well as food service. Kerry owns technology and innovation centres across Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and North America, along with a global manufacturing network. Kerry brings big ideas to life with insights, research, execution, and thought-leadership for customers around the world. Following a decade-long presence in India, Kerry plans to further expand the food business in the country. In conversation with nuFFooDS Spectrum, Siddharth Rastogi, General Manager, Indian Subcontinent/South-West Asia, Kerry, sheds light on the company’s recent developments. Edited excerpts:
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 35 by Snacks, Meat and Bakery markets. India is a market that Kerry’s invested in for a decade, and we've been part of the growth story globally. From a demographic and economic perspective, we believe there is a unique opportunity in India. With a population of 1.4 billion people, India is a big market, economically, with consumers of different preferences and tastes. The Indian consumer has the advantage of being able to demand the best possible product at the lowest possible price. We are a value-seeking market but with rising commodity prices and supply chain concerns, it is challenging to continue to provide the best possible solutions to customers. Kerry has recently launched a new tool to access the front-of-pack nutrition labels. How would that help the FoPL regulations in India? KerryNutri Guide has been launched in response to the need to promote healthier diets globally amid a changing regulatory environment. Governments across the world are introducing taxes and restrictions on products that are high in fat, sugar and salt to combat health issues which put a huge burden on public resources, while manufacturers have the challenge of creating great tasting products that still meet these guidelines. Today, more than 40 countries worldwide use a front-of-pack nutrition label and this can be challenging for companies who have products sold in multiple markets to understand exactly how these labelling systems will appear on their product. Using KerryNutri Guide, we can innovate with customers to create products that meet challenges such as sugar taxes, sodium reduction targets, and comprehensive nutritional profile models. Using data entered by the user, the tool measures the impact of a product that is packaged and ready for the end consumer, calculating energy as well as saturated fat, sugar, fibre, protein and salt content. KerryNutri Guide then displays the nutrient score of each input, showing areas that are close to or exceeding a regulatory or dietary threshold. At Kerry, we have a broad range of technologies that can support reformulation as well as leading insights to support manufacturers in a challenging environment. We need to work together to create a world of sustainable nutrition, that is better for people and the planet – KerryNutri Guide is one way that we can support customers in our joint goals.” What are the challenges in terms of supply chain and exports of food ingredients and how is Kerry overcoming them? The challenge for us is how do we make our diverse portfolio relevant for our Indian customers and their consumers. Our local consumer insights and manufacturing facilities help us create appealing, localised products in a more cost-effective manner, which then help our customers’ business be more profitable, and the advantages are passed on to consumers. The last couple of years have been extremely strong for us here in India. We have grown more than two, three times more than what the market has grown. We see that as a continuing opportunity to improve our footprint and offer better solutions to our customers. Going local is our business strategy so that we can make it easy for our customers to work with us. Our leading consumer insights, global RD&A team of 1,100+ food scientists and extensive global footprint enable us to solve our customers’ complex challenges with differentiated solutions, while offering the speed to market in helping them create the right products. What are your most recent food business-related acquisitions? What are you expecting from them? In April 2022, we completed the acquisition of the U.S.-based Natreon, Inc., which supplies branded and scientifically studied and tested Ayurvedic extracts to the dietary supplement and functional food and beverage industries across the globe. This follows Kerry’s acquisition of Biosearch Life in 2021. Based in Grenada, Spain, Biosearch Life innovates, manufactures and distributes functional ingredients including probiotics, where it is a recognised leader in premium probiotics obtained from human breast milk, along with an extensive portfolio of science-backed botanical extracts and ultra-purified omega-3 oils. Both acquisitions significantly expand Kerry’s leadership position and ProActive Health portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients, furthering the company’s technology growth. Consumers today are increasingly looking for nutritional benefits when purchasing food and beverage products. The growth of our ProActive Health portfolio allows us to address a wider range of health needs, including healthy aging, cognitive, joint and digestive health and reflects the growing number of consumers becoming more proactive in their approach to managing their health. These acquisitions allow us to deliver health benefits substantiated by clinical research to a greater number of consumers, ultimately supporting Kerry’s ambition to reach over two billion people with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. Mansi Jamsudkar ([email protected])
36 NUTRACEUTICALS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Over the last few decades, a new health paradigm has emerged that places an emphasis on diet, nutrition and health maintenance. Nutraceuticals are an innovative concept and an umbrella term for nutritive supplement-like products with health benefits beyond their basic nutritional value. Nutraceuticals is a broad umbrella term used to label any product acquired from food origin with additional health advantages over and above the basic nutritious value available in foods. Nutraceuticals can be regarded as nonprecise biological remedies used to boost general health, regulate indications and avert malignant developments. The explanation of nutraceuticals and allied output generally relies on the origin. Nutraceuticals can be segmented on the foundation of their natural basis, pharmacological circumstances, as well as the chemical structure of the products. Over the past few decades, several bioactive constituents including food extracts or phytochemical-enriched extracts were developed and marketed as pharmaceutical formulations, such as capsules, solutions, powders, gels, etc. Defining nutraceuticals Defining nutraceuticals is always challenging because there is no acceptable global definition despite the proposals for a framework to do so. This complication is largely due to differences in legislation around the world for governing the sales, marketing, safety, and efficacy of such products. Another big challenge is to differentiate between nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods because in most cases, they are discussed together. Nutraceuticals contain nutrients or extracts that are generally derived from foods or sources of natural origin that are intended for prophylactic or therapeutic applications. On the other hand, dietary supplements are nutrients or compounds that are intended to support Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, Nutriconnect The evolving landscape of evidence-based nutraceuticals nutrient intake, prevent deficiencies, and may occasionally exhibit therapeutic benefits even if that is not their intended function. Despite their common appearance as tablets, capsules, gels, syrups or extracts, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements are generally considered non pharmaceutical and non medicinal products. Global market insights The nutraceutical industry is flourishing and diversifying rapidly. The current market trends in healthcare are inclined towards preventive healthcare strategies, rather than treatment and disease management. This trend is anticipated to grow as healthcare costs increase in both developing and developed countries. The value of the nutraceuticals industry is already more than 25 per cent of the value of the pharmaceutical industry, and in some countries like Australia that is very close to prescription medicines. Although the U.S., Japan, and Germany are currently the key drivers for this growth, over the coming decades three emerging economies -- China, India, and Brazil are projected to show the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR). There is a distinct paradigm shift in consumer preference from synthetic pharmaceutical preparations to natural and organic nutraceutical ingredients (Ghosh & Smarta, Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals-A shift in disease prevention, CRC Press, 2017). Several market research agencies predicted this growth, based on different parameters, but all of them predicted somewhere between 9 and 12 per cent CAGR in the next decade. Straits Research in their report (May 30, 2022) predicted that the growth of the global nutraceutical products market would be at a CAGR of 9 per cent over the forecast period 2022-2030 from $475,850 million in 2021 and is expected to reach $1,033,520 million by 2030. The global nutraceuticals market size was valued
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUTRACEUTICALS 37 at $454.55 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9 per cent from 2021 to 2030. The growing demand for evidence-based products for the management of illness is expected to be a key driving factor for the market over the forecast period. A favourable outlook towards medical nutrition considering the increasing application for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and malnutrition is likely to stimulate the growth of dietary supplements (Grand View Research, 2021). The demand for dietary supplements has reached new highs across the value chain, including among suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Even though the sales surge began with immunity products, the halo effect will likely spread for nutritional and health outcomes across the entire market. What’s driving exponential growth in the global nutraceutical market The nutraceutical industry is largely consumer-driven and will continue to grow because it fits perfectly into the changing lifestyles of people in both developing and developed countries. All market research organisations demonstrated the following factors for market growth, expansion, and segmentation: Increasing investment through M&A Development of function-specific antioxidants Increasing disposable income Increasing need for preventive healthcare Growing awareness regarding health and well-being Constant evidence-based innovations Increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders Increasing number of fitness/wellness centres in developing regions Rise of e-commerce industry Increasing ageing population The healthcare systems are continuously struggling to maintain a healthy lifespan for their elderly citizens, which is growing at a very high rate. However, healthy ageing can be attained mainly by consuming a healthy and nutritious diet, along with an active and appropriate lifestyle. Evidence-based nutraceuticals have the potential to protect against ageing and have been shown to prevent age-related chronic conditions, thereby promoting longevity and overall well-being for the elderly population. Increasing cost of healthcare system Changes in the healthcare industry, along with increasing healthcare and drug costs are also triggering the growth of the nutraceuticals market. Consumers are increasingly inclined to look towards nutraceuticals not only to improve their health but also to save money on expensive over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes have increased due to changing lifestyle habits, and treatment for such diseases is generally expensive. The growing trend among consumers to change their eating habits is projected to increase nutraceutical demand. The belief among consumers that a poor diet leads to increased pharmaceutical spending is expected to boost demand for nutraceutical products, which will benefit governments by lowering healthcare and social security costs. Increasing healthcare awareness Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes have all increased in various segments of the population due to accelerated socioeconomic advancement that leads to lifestyle changes over time. Nutraceuticals have become more popular due to increasing health consciousness and changing consumer preferences that encourage on-thego eating and the rising prevalence of replacing meals with relatively small nutritional snacks. Nutraceuticals are expected to play a significant role in personalised nutrition, encouraging people of all ages and demographics to choose products that meet their nutritional needs. Consumer awareness is expected to rise due to education and clear messages to the target population about various health concerns, resulting in increased product demand. Increasing number and nature of distribution channels Different distribution channels currently being used include online selling, direct marketing, business-tobusiness (B2B) channels and business-to-consumer (B2C) channels. The growth of online sales of nutraceutical products can be attributed to the growing number of internet users and the growing interest of many of them in online shopping. This applies even in the case of health products, due to convenience. Based on the Euromonitor International Research report, the global vitamin and supplement market accounted for about € 60.2 billion in internet sales, contributing a substantial share in the growth of demand for supplements. About 44 per cent of consumers purchase nutraceuticals online globally. Similar sales trends online are anticipated for India, being the second-largest growing online population. Digital marketing such as email marketing, social media, mobile applications (Apps), e-marketing, websites, virtual sales representatives, and closed platforms are becoming powerful tools for marketing nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements. In recent years, multi-level marketing of supplements and nutraceuticals has dramatically increased. Multi-level marketing is a strategy whereby independent distributors
38 NUTRACEUTICALS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in sell products directly to the consumer from their own homes, online, or via telecommunications. Impact of COVID-19 on the global nutraceutical market In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for nutraceuticals has skyrocketed. Initially, the nutraceutical supply chains were struggling on a global scale to keep pace with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. Now, this crisis is settling down and production has gradually resumed. Immunity-boosting supplements have become mainstream over the past year and this has led to a significant change in buying patterns and consumer behaviour. Moreover, after the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive healthcare measures such as dietary supplements will become a part of people’s everyday lives. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe has paved the way for nutraceuticals to build a strong presence in the global market. Product insights and dominant market trends The recent Consumer Survey by Washington-based Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) showed that four in five (79 per cent) U.S. adults now take dietary supplements, an all-time high. A similar trend was experienced in the Australian market as well. The post-pandemic consumers have reprioritised the list of nutritional ingredients such as immunity boosting probiotics, vitamin B12, collagen, vitamin D, and antioxidants. Year-end 2020 sales of nutraceuticals including functional foods and beverages promoting immunity, antioxidants, or botanicals were significantly high, particularly aligned to hydration, gut health, general immunity, long-lasting energy, and enhanced everyday performance. Weight loss products are still the fastest growing segment, whereas the prebiotics and probiotics segment is anticipated to register the highest growth rate in the coming decade. This sector had a promising role in supporting the immune system with preventive health supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing number of consumers that are adopting organic and vegan diets are propelling the engaged stakeholders in the nutraceutical market to focus on using organic and herbal ingredients for the production of their nutraceuticals. This is especially so, in the Asia-Pacific region which has a culture of herbal and Ayurvedic medicine. The exponential growth of the global functional beverages market is due to a rapid increase in the number of fitness & sports enthusiasts and their inclination towards healthy lifestyles. Most of the innovations are in the low calorie and low fat categories along with added fruit and vegetable flavour additives to increase appeal to a larger consumer base. Traditional formats such as tablets, hard capsules and soft gel capsules still dominate the mainstream dietary supplements industry, but this is changing. “Pill fatigue” results in poor compliance, and a demand for single daily doses, lower dosages (smaller capsules), or novel formats. The industry experiences many challenges, particularly in heat-sensitive ingredients. To overcome this, we can see some leading innovations such as Soft Gums, which use proprietary low temperature mogul (LTM) technology. Pharmaceutical companies have used drug or nutrient delivery systems (DDS) for many years, and the dietary supplements industry is now catching up. New format development and adoption of new delivery technology have shown tremendous development particularly in ubiquinone (CoQ10), Omega-3 PUFA, curcumin, resveratrol, palmitoylethanolamide and Boswellia in recent years. Future of overall nutraceutical industries Nutraceuticals offer potential preventive care and in some cases treatment for diseases at a low cost and with faster development time. Their health impacts can be conveniently determined because historical exposure and epidemiological studies can establish their safety profiles, cutting down the time and cost for expensive phase III clinical trials. Nutraceuticals can be applicable for several different indications due to their multi-targeted actions. The best example is curcumin from turmeric, which has lipid-lowering, blood pressure reducing, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties along with the capacity to improve insulin sensitivity. But unfortunately, not all nutraceuticals are developed using extensive safety, pre-clinical and clinical parameters. Clinical assessment will also provide a paradigm shift in nutraceutical classification as drugs/pro-drug/phytopharmaceuticals rather than just as supplements. Uniform regulatory systems across the world should allow identification and classification of these products and would provide clarity for quality, efficacy, mechanism of action, and safety to potential consumers. But unfortunately, the current regulatory regimen, particularly in Europe, may prevent small innovative companies from applying for novel food status or health claims on their products. Considering the current regulatory frameworks, there is a need to identify and systematically summarise existing literature on the benefits and safety of nutraceuticals. Epidemiological/observational studies can be a useful tool along with meta-analysis to shed light on the effectiveness of these products as well as to develop a safety profile for further clinical assessments.
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INFANT FEEDING 39 Human breast milk is the gold standard when it comes to the early nutrition of neonates. However, breastfeeding may not always be possible for some mothers for various reasons. This is when most people turn to infant feeding formulas as an alternative. Some young mothers may also opt for infant formulas over breastfeeding simply due to anxiety. Whatever may be the reason, one cannot ignore the growing demand for such products and the impact on the lives of infants that depend on them. For this reason, the onus lies on the manufacturers of infant feeding formulas to pursue newer ways of improving the nutritional and immunity benefits of their products. It may seem on one hand that formula feeding provides a convenient alternative to breast milk, for the flexibility it offers in terms of time, and frequency of feeding. However, on the other hand, it loses out on important antibodies, which are normally found in mother’s milk. As a result, infants may risk developing a weak immune system and being exposed to infections and chronic diseases. The only way to improve an infant feeding formula would be to replicate the composition and structure of human breast milk, in the best way possible. Interestingly, feeding formula supplemented with a particular component of bovine milk has been gaining a lot of importance as a hot topic for research lately, and.with good reason. MFGM – a potion to improve infant nutrition formula? The Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) is a component of milk comprising a tri-layer cocktail of polar lipids, glycolipids, and proteins. It has been at the centre of nutrition research, studied primarily to enhance the efficacy of infant nutrition formula. Going by some of these studies, scientists are starting to see promising results with infant formulas supplemented with bovine MFGM. They have observed better neurodevelopment and higher levels of defence against infections – both bacteria and viruses. Some of these also recorded a reduction in the incidence of diarrhoea. Additionally, certain components like polar lipids and membrane proteins have been shown to present several health benefits. Can dairy milk lipids come close to human breast milk? The development of a lipid that closely resembles human milk fat would mark a turning point in the infant formula industry. Going by the encouraging results reported by various studies, it may seem that milk polar lipids are getting closer to that mark. Polar lipids like sphingolipids are present in high concentrations in MFGM and help in the neuronal development of infants and the protection of neonates from infection. They are also known to impact various aspects of lipid metabolism and gut physiology. These are important factors for the overall development of neonates and infants during the growth stage. Sphingolipids like sphingomyelin are found in the myelin sheath covering axons of animal cells, thus, its supplementation greatly contributes to healthy cognitive development. Other polar lipids are important for brain functioning and immunity development. Gangliosides can inhibit potentially pathogenic micro-organisms in the intestine of premature babies and stimulate the growth of good bacteria. Also, ceramides are identical to skin lipids and their supplementation can improve disturbed skin conditions. An infant formula composition is designed to provide sufficient nutritional benefits. Unfortunately, some of the components of human breast milk cannot be fully replicated in these formulas. Unlocking the potential of milk polar lipids Lipids in human breast milk are extremely complex and diverse and the health outcomes are not yet fully understood. Introducing milk polar lipids may be an important way of improving the quality of infant formulas going forward but it will require more research. Arun Kedia, Managing Director, VAV Life Sciences Milk polar lipids for improving infant feeding formula – a promising area for research
40 TRIBAL FOODS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in T ribes are the first sons and daughters of Mother Nature. Their instinct to survive and wisdom to live life had built over the eras and continued. Unlike the practices of the modern world, they are more persistent in what they follow. Many of the good practices that we have forgotten with the everevolving modern world, are preserved by them. So, it’s a living reference book that can be read and seen in action, enabling us to form views through more empirical understandings. In contrast, the urban population always considers our practices more scientific and intelligent. However, growing lifestyle disease and ever-increasing expenses to control them have put a question mark on our intelligence. Thus, in actual terms this is a time for synthesis after thesis and antithesis of our old and new world order. However, after losing the old-world order in our surroundings we have only a window to peek at that system in tribal culture. And there are so many things that modern man can learn. The first and foremost thing that we can pick from tribal life is the use of millets. The same is being referred Pritee Chaudhary, Director – Western Region, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to now as Superfood and Nutri-cereal. Even the year 2023 has been declared as the International Year of Millets by the UN General Assembly. The buzz word of 2023 is the regular act of the tribal world. These are the grains which are rich in dietary fibres. They are not just easy to digest but they help in digestion. The pattern of slow release of energy in the body keeps you going for a longer time with a stuffed belly and less crave for frequent eating. At the same time keeping a Glycaemic Index on the lower side. These are the crops which are suitable for all landforms, resistant to insects’ attacks, resilient to climatic conditions and rich in nutrition. As a common feature these crops are less dependent on regular irrigation unlike wheat and rice, thus more sustainable to the environment. In addition to use as a single ingredient to prepare rotis (Indian Breads) any of this common millet can be easily ground to mix with the regular wheat flour. There are as many as 10 plus varieties of millets and pseudo millets, identified by various forums, however some of the commonly known and available millets can immediately be introduced in our food such as Pearl Millets, Sorghum, Finger Millets, Little Millets, Foxtail Millets. Why Adopting Tribal Food Habits Makes Sense
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in TRIBAL FOODS 41 The second good practice that we see in tribes is that they eat their food for a much smaller number of times as compared to urban populations. We call it intermittent fasting now, which is painful with the kind of diet we prefer. However, if the diet is full of fibres it's easy to sustain with intermittent fasting also. Fibres with the addition of water gives fullness and also creates gel kind consistency for easy absorption and excretion from the body. And millets support this pattern. We see consumption of many forest products, mushrooms etc. which are rich in minerals and proteins. Vegetable plate is very diverse with the tribes as compared to what we eat. Almost every plant, with the range of fibres eatworthy for humans, is a vegetable for tribes. Powdered Moringa leaf, Guar Gum through Chorafalli and Powdered Mahua Flowers, delicacies for us are part traditional tribal recipe in some form or other. Variety of vegetables are brought into the market by the vegetable vendors, but only some popular ones reach our plate, thus wiping out the other forests produced from the market. As an intelligent human being we must keep on shuffling our platter of vegetables. Mother nature has something good to offer in every single produce. So, diversifying our food plate is one important learning. In this larger synthesis of a new set of mutual learning we too need to transfer technology to make the millets and the forest produce more marketable with their sustainable availability. It will also ensure employment for the tribes. Innovation and popularising these traditional foods in today’s convenience-based formats can also offer exciting opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs. At the same time, the Government of India is also providing the necessary linkages through the TRIFOOD Scheme which is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED. The Implementation of TRIFOOD, We see consumption of many forest products, mushrooms etc. which are rich in minerals and proteins. Vegetable plate is very diverse with the tribes as compared to what we eat. Almost every plant, with the range of fibres eatworthy for humans, is a vegetable for tribes. Powdered Moringa leaf, Guar Gum through Chorafalli and Powdered Mahua Flowers, delicacies for us are part traditional tribal recipe in some form or other. Variety of vegetables are brought into the market by the vegetable vendors, but only some popular ones reach our plate, thus wiping out the other forests produced from the market. As an intelligent human being we must keep on shuffling our platter of vegetables. in the backdrop of VanDhan Yojana will promote value addition to Minor Forest Produce (MFP) too. Thus, bridging the gap is one fundamental requirement in order to make best use of this knowledge set. Finally, we need to scale up and integrate the efforts being taken by various stakeholders to reap the desired benefit of learnings from the Tribal Culture and Food. Our notion of favourite food and less favourite food also needs to go, be it a grain or vegetable. Diversification of food articles is the key to a healthy lifestyle. And traditional wisdom and modern science must have meeting points where they regularly interact.
42 EVENT REPORT NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in T he fourth edition of 'Millets & Organics – International Trade Fair 2023' organised by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka started on January 20, 2023 in Bengaluru. The three day event was held in collaboration with Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Ltd. (KAPPEC) and International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) as the Knowledge Partner. The trade fair is a platform for farmers, farmer groups, domestic and international companies, central and state institutions in the organic and millet sector to connect and explore opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, processing, machinery and agri-technology. The Government of Karnataka has been a leader in promotion of millets. The first Organics and Millets Fair was held in 2017, the second and third editions in 2018 and 2019 in Bengaluru respectively. Inaugurating the international conference Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Millets & Organics – International Trade Fair 2023 Karnataka turns enabler of Next Gen Smart Food, New Businesses & Technology Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, exhorted farmers and other participants to cultivate quality millets with optimal use of pesticides that can be taken to the international platform which would help them garner competitive prices for their produce. The government’s commitment to increase farmers’ income can be witnessed in the uptick of agriculture exports. In his address Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare stated that the budget allocation towards farmers has increased six times under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. Additionally, he also said that the country is focussed on developing 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and aiding farmers in setting up sorting and grading units, along with production of value-added products which are export ready. He emphasised the consumption of millet as the solution to address malnutrition, which will also benefit farmers in terms of better livelihood and increased income. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary (Crops), Ministry of Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (centre) along with the dignitaries at the launch of fourth edition of 'Millets & Organics – International Trade Fair 2023', January 20, Bengaluru.
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EVENT REPORT 43 Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, appreciated the model of Karnataka state government in millets promotion. She said, “Karnataka has been distributing millet grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS), organising district-wise Kisan Melas. Moreover, farmers of Karnataka have helped boost food production, especially during “Millet crops can be grown in less water and also help in increasing the income of farmers. With the increase in the production and consumption of millets in the country, its export will also increase, which will benefit a large number of farmers,” said Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Trade Fair on Millets and Organic Products 2023 on January 22, he lauded the efforts of Karnataka Government to increase the production and consumption of millets and termed the signing of MoUs worth Rs 201 crore as an important milestone. He also praised the incentives provided to the farmers of the state. Tomar further said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very sensitive towards the small farmers of the country. Modi, with foresight, raised the issue of millets in the United Nations, where the resolution of the Government of India was adopted with the support of 72 countries and as per the United Nations declaration, the year 2023 is now being celebrated under the leadership of India as the International Year of Millets. Behind this, the main objective of the government is to increase the production and productivity, processing and exports Farmers will benefit from increase in production, consumption and export of millets: Tomar of millets, which will ultimately help the farmers of the country. Tomar said that the Centre and the State Governments are running many important schemes for the welfare of the farmers including increasing their income. Farmers are being given an annual income aid of Rs 6,000 through the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Scheme. Besides, farmers in Karnataka are being given an additional annual income support of Rs 4,000 each. With the aim of increasing the potential of the majority of small farmers, Prime Minister Modi has initiated setting up of FPOs in the country, on which the Government of India is spending Rs 6,865 crore. He appreciated the enthusiastic contribution in formation of new FPOs across the country as well as in Karnataka. He said that many programmes have been launched by the Centre to make agriculture advanced and the farmers prosperous. On the occasion, Tomar gave away awards in various categories. The Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers and New and Renewable Energy, Bhagwanth Khuba, Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Surya Pratap Singh Shahi and state Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh, besides Agriculture Minister of Karnataka, B C Patil were present at the function. Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Trade Fair on Millets and Organic Products 2023 in Bengaluru on January 22. the pandemic, by cultivating millets.” She also added that, in the coming year, the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) programme will be reconstituted to the National Food and Nutrition Security Mission, paving the way for millets to reach the global forum. Followed by the inaugural ceremony, Basavaraj
44 EVENT REPORT NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Bommai, Chief Ministerof Karnataka, inaugurated the exhibition and Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal & Mines, inaugurated the Karnataka Pavilion. The Karnataka Pavilion showcased 30 millet startups, 15 Regional Organic Federations, five agriculture related departments, 14 Universities of Agricultural Sciences and 20 FPOs. Through its smart agricultural policies, practices and technology utilisation, Karnataka has emerged, not just as a millet producer, but also as an enabler of Next Gen Smart Food, new businesses, technology, producer and consumer of millets. To increase the area under millet cultivation in the state, the Department of Agriculture, Karnataka is offering an incentive of Rs 10,000 per hectare under a scheme called Raitha Siri Yojane. This amount was directly transferred to the bank account of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers growing minor millets. The scheme is being continued during 2022-23 with an incentive of Rs 6,000 per hectare (maximum of 2 Ha). During 2022-23 the state has also initiated ‘Chief Ministers Natural Farming’ Scheme through state’s Agri/ Horticultural Universities as farmers participatory research in 1000 acres farmer’s fields under each of the five Agri/ Horticultural Universities. The best practices of earlier Natural Farming experiments are integrated with the best practices of the organic farming system and replicated at farmers’ fields. A protocol for Natural Farming practices may emerge as a sustainable model for the future. Some of the key highlights of the fair include participation of over 250 exhibitors, millet and organic food court, buyer seller meets, international expo and conference, consumer connect, farmers workshop, “Karnataka has been organising highest number of organic/millet melas or Santhe at state/ district/ taluk levels and organic/ millet pavilions in all Krushi Melas of the State University of Agricultural Sciences,” said Shivayogi C Kalasad, Secretary Agriculture, Government of Karnataka. Speaking at the inaugural session of the conference on a topic ‘Overview of Organics and Millet Promotion in Karnataka’ he said “The State has also launched its own brand ‘Shrestha Karnataka‘ for organic produces and ‘Siri Karnataka‘ for millets. Karnataka Milk Federation has come out with two millet products namely millet malt and laddoo under their brand name ‘Nandini‘. Efforts are on to introduce “Karnataka has been organising highest number of organic and millet melas” millets in the midday meal scheme in schools and also nutri cereals into the Public Distribution System (PDS).” At the conference on the theme “Millets, Organics and Naturals: Opportunities Amidst Challenges” experts, policy makers, researchers and scientists shared their views on topics in different sessions that include Millets the Smart Food - Growth through Development & Training, Millets, Value Chain, Processing, Marketing, Millets: Higher Value add through Certified Organic Millets, Organics- Production and Certification, Organics and Millets- Marketing and Value Addition, Natural Farming: Strategic Focus and Research Outlook, Forging Collaborations and Partnerships in the market related initiatives in Natural Farming. cooking, drawing and quiz competitions, demonstration of millet recipes, among others. The key products on display during the fair were millets, organic and natural range, certified wild harvest produce, millet processing machinery, organic cereals and pulses, biodegradable packaging, eco-friendly products, etc. More than 200 wholesale and bulk buyers meetings were registered during the three days wherein farmers/ producers/buyers from across India and overseas, directly connected with each other for trade deals and new market opportunities, including exports. The star attraction of the trade fair was millet and organic food court wherein 15 food stalls presented millet delicacies, traditional foods using organic ingredients, freshly prepared dishes, sweets, snacks, savouries, pizza, pasta and burger made with millets for a healthy twist. The trade fair started with a welcome address by Shivayogi C Kalasad, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, followed by an introductory speech by B C Patil, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka. Dr Ashwatha Narayana C N, Minister for Higher Education, IT & BT and Science & Technology, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, launched the SEEMI Brand Products and Millets Calendar 2023 developed by Sahaja Samrudha Organisation. The event that concluded on January 22 brought together stakeholders from across the world seeking organic networks, besides being a platform to share expertise, knowledge and best business practices. For Karnataka, it offered an apt opportunity for stakeholders to showcase their millets and organic produce, the diversity and the overall competence of farmers and farming groups.
Currently, more than 30 million children in the 15 worstaffected countries suffer from wasting or acute malnutrition and 8 million of these children are severely wasted, the deadliest form of undernutrition. This is a major threat to children’s lives and to their long-term health and development, the impacts of which are felt by individuals, their communities and their countries. In response, five UN agencies – the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) – are calling for accelerated progress on the Global Action Plan on Child Wasting. It aims to prevent, detect and treat acute malnutrition among children in the worstaffected countries, which are Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, the Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen. The Global Action Plan addresses the need for a multi-sectoral approach and highlights priority actions in maternal and child nutrition through the food, health, water and sanitation, and social protection systems. In response to increasing needs, the UN agencies identified five priority actions that will be effective in addressing acute malnutrition in countries affected by conflict and natural disasters and in humanitarian emergencies. The priority actions include: enhancing analysis of the determinants of child wasting; ensuring essential maternal and child nutrition interventions; increasing availability, affordability and access to healthy diets; introducing specialised nutritious food products; and fostering a protective environment by ensuring joint nutrition. UN calls for urgent action to tackle acute malnutrition WORLD-ROW NEWS 45 A new United Nations report finds that 22.5 per cent of the people in Latin America and the Caribbean cannot afford a healthy diet. In the Caribbean this figure reaches 52 per cent; in Mesoamerica, 27.8 per cent; and in South America, 18.4 per cent. The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean reports that 131.3 million people in the region could not afford a healthy diet in 2020. This represents an increase of 8 million compared to 2019 and is due to the higher average daily cost of healthy diets in Latin America and the Caribbean compared to the rest of the world’s regions – an average of $3.89 per person per day, compared to the global average of $3.54. In the Caribbean this reaches a value of $4.23, followed by South America and Mesoamerica with $3.61 and $3.47, respectively. The report presents a clear relationship between the inability to afford a healthy diet and such variables as a country’s income level, the incidence of poverty, and the level of inequality. The report also reveals that the rise in international food prices experienced since 2020, exacerbated after the start of the war in Ukraine, and a regional increase in food inflation above the general level, have increased the difficulties for people to access a healthy diet. Healthy diet most expensive in Latin America and the Caribbean: UN The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved additional grant financing of $50 million from the Crisis Response window for the Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector Project in Tajikistan. This is to support the efforts of Tajikistan’s government to mitigate food and nutrition insecurity impacts on households and enhance the overall resilience of the agriculture sector. According to the World Food Programme, by the end of the year, 30 per cent of the population in Tajikistan will be classified as moderately foodinsecure, up from 20 per cent in 2021, while those acutely affected by food insecurity could more than double to 8.6 per cent of the population. Despite significant progress over the last decade, malnutrition among children and women continues to remain a major challenge for the country. With 18 per cent of children under the age of five being stunted, Tajikistan has the highest rate of stunting in Europe and Central Asia. Tajikistan gets $50M WB aid to address food and nutrition insecurity NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
46 ACADEMIC NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS G Kamala Vardhana Rao (IAS) has taken charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on December 29, 2022. Prior to this, he served as the Managing Director of Indian Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (ITDC), a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Tourism. Rao is an IAS officer of the 1990 batch from the Kerala cadre. He has earlier served as Principal Secretary, Public Works Department, and as Principal Secretary, Finance and Expenditure, Government of Kerala. He has also served as Secretary, Kerala Tourism and as Director Culture, Government of India. Arun Singhal is the outgoing CEO of FSSAI, appointed in June 2020. He currently works as the Secretary at the Department of Fertilisers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Government of India. G Kamala Vardhana Rao is the new FSSAI CEO Dr Rupinder Singh S Sodhi, Managing Director (MD) at Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), has stepped down after having served the company for more than four decades. Jayen Mehta has been appointed as the new managing director at Amul for an interim period. Mehta who has been associated with Amul for more than 31 years is the chief operating officer (COO) at Amul. Earlier, he had served as the company’s brand manager, group product manager and general manager in the marketing function. Dr Sodhi has been with Amul since 1982. He has 40 years of rich experience in leading & developing the cooperative sector within the Indian dairy industry, having served dairy farmers in several capacities. For almost three decades, Dr Sodhi worked under the direct guidance & mentorship of the legendary Dr Verghese Kurien (father of the dairy cooperative movement in India) and ensured that values cherished by Dr Kurien, such as integrity, dedication, courage, honesty, commitment to farmers and to consumers, remained deeply ingrained in the culture of Amul. Amul MD Dr R S Sodhi resigns, Jayen Mehta steps in Nilesh Lele, President of the Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses, has been elected as the Vice President of the Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (INDIA) or AFST(I). Lele has a varied experience in the field of engineering, finance, strategy and marketing. He is a serial entrepreneur with a successful track record of starting and managing businesses. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Lele worked with various MNCs in India and the US. He is also a mentor with Startup India, is on the mentorship board of 4 incubation centres across India and is associated directly or indirectly with 50+ startups across industries. Serving as the Director of Exelon Foodbio Advisors, Lele advises small and medium enterprise-level clients and assists them with strategy and fund raising, including mergers & acquisitions. Association of Food Scientists & Technologists elects Nilesh Lele as VP NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
R&D NEWS 47 The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced that Cadalmin LivCure extract, a patent-protected nutraceutical product developed by the researchers at CMFRI from seaweeds, against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, will hit the market soon. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between CMFRI and Kerala-based company Emineotech for the commercial production and marketing of the product. A unique blend of 100 per cent natural bioactive ingredients extracted from select seaweeds, the product is made of an eco-friendly green technology to improve liver health and is the ninth nutraceutical developed by the CMFRI. According to CMFRI director, Dr A Gopalakrishnan, commercialisation of the product will be greatly beneficial to a large number of people suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as it helps improve liver health, reduce disposition of fatty substances and maintain other liver/lipid parameters within the clinically acceptable limits. Researchers at the Department of Paper Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, have developed a water-based edible ink for printing and packaging applications that is manufactured from 100 per cent plantbased material i.e. “catechu” without using any chemicals. This ink is a substitute for synthetic ink, which is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and suitable for different packaging and printing applications. The ink, developed by Professor Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad and his M.Tech. student Lokman Hakim, has been developed to address the challenge of finding an environmentally friendly substitute for food printing. In the recycling of packages, synthetic ink is difficult to separate from printed packages, and the results can contribute to worsening environmental conditions. This is especially true in a country like India, where the consumption of packaging is estimated to be nearly 373.6 billion units in 2021. Furthermore, solvents and chemical components present in synthetic ink can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis upon skin contact. IIT Roorkee develops edible ink for food safety CMFRI to commercialise seaweed-extract cure for non-alcoholic fatty liver ICAR-NRCC transfers camel milk powder tech to industry The Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), Bikaner has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pearl Lacto (Hanumangarh), Rajasthan. This MoU transfers the innovative Camel Milk Powder (CMP) Technology, so that camel milk will be available across India. Dr Artabandhu Sahoo, Director, ICARNRCC and Aman Dhill, Founder, Pearl Lacto Company signed the MoU on behalf of the respective organisations. On the occasion, Dr Sahoo described camel milk as “a medicinal storehouse or superfood due to its therapeutic and nutraceutical properties”. Camel milk is rich in vitamin C and protective proteins such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme. Also, this milk is a substitute for lactose-intolerant people, who cannot consume cow’s milk. In pursuit of transforming the camel into a milch animal and in view of the beneficial properties of camel milk for human health, the Indian government has made several efforts to promote and popularise camel milk as a health drink. A range of value-added camel milk products has also been developed. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
48 ACADEMIC NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENT NEWS Lallemand Health Solutions is launching the first and unique organic version of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii to mark the hundredth anniversary of its discovery. This innovative positioning for S. boulardii creates new opportunities for consumers looking to make conscious buying choices. Consumers take pride in participating in sustainable development and this can be expressed in the responsible purchases they make, showing a strong preference for brands that align with their own beliefs. Research shows that 48 per cent of global consumers are willing to spend more money for an organic product most, or even all of the time. S. boulardii gives a competitive edge when compared to probiotic bacteria in the organic market space. Throughout the whole certification process, supply-chain transparency, and consumer confidence are ensured by a rigorous third-party verification programme, following European organic regulations. As a living microorganism, organic S. boulardii is produced with carefully selected organic raw ingredients in optimised manufacturing conditions. US-headquartered International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has entered into an agreement to sell its Savory Solutions Group to PAI Partners, a leading global private equity firm with a strong focus on the food and consumer industry. The transaction values the business at approximately $900 million and cash proceeds net of taxes and expenses will be primarily used to reduce outstanding debt. IFF’s Savory Solutions Group focuses primarily on ingredients for prepared foods and food service, including products for butchers, and plant-based solutions for the vegan and vegetarian markets. It includes several business units operating out of Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Canada, Mexico and Thailand. With approximately 1,800 employees, IFF’s Savory Solutions served more than 11,000 customers and generated approximately $475 million in revenue over the last 12 months. The transaction values the business at approximately 14x the last 12-month EBITDA. IFF and PAI Partners expect to close the transaction in the second quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including satisfaction of applicable consultation requirements, and regulatory clearances. PAI Partners buys IFF’s Savory Solutions Group for $900M Probiotic breakthrough from Lallemand: Unveils organic yeast strain Kerry Group, headquartered in Ireland, has entered into exclusive negotiations to sell the trade and assets of its Sweet Ingredients Portfolio to Italy’s IRCA, an international leader in chocolate, creams, and other high-quality semifinished food ingredients, for a consideration of €500 million. Kerry’s Sweet Ingredients Portfolio is a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products with a broad range of technological capabilities, primarily serving the end markets of bakery, cereal, confectionery, dairy and ice cream in Europe and the US. Its operational footprint covers four manufacturing facilities in the US (in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and California), and six facilities across the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and France. The portfolio incorporates a range of products spanning sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées. The combination of IRCA and Kerry’s Sweet Ingredients Portfolio is expected to create a global leader in semi-finished food ingredients with around €1 billion in revenues, a truly international footprint and a significant presence in the US. It would further strengthen IRCA’s leadership positioning and expand its broad assortment of high-value-added ingredients. This would represent IRCA’s third acquisition since it was acquired by Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, in July 2022. This follows the recent acquisitions of Anastasi Group, a leading Italian pistachio ingredients company, and of Cesarin SpA, a leading artisanal fruit-based ingredients company. In sweet deal, IRCA to buy Kerry portfolio for €500 M NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
SUPPLIER NEWS 49 New Delhi-based HILKNIGHTLY INDIA has signed up with Denmark-based firm Tefcold A/s to promote and distribute Tefcold commercial refrigeration solutions for the Indian Subcontinent region. The segments serviced are hospitality, restaurant, super mart, quick service restaurants (QSR), and self-service kiosks. Tefcold is known worldwide to provide the latest European technology in cooling, international design, and immediate deliveries with little to no lead time, at highly affordable rates. The refrigeration solutions are made for kitchens in SS 304 stainless, bars, and retailing food and beverage packaged goods at super marts, convenience and department stores. HILKNIGHTLY will provide the entire catalogue of Tefcold Commercial Refrigeration for the Indian market in Hospitality, Food Service, and Retail. It includes display freezers for frozen packaged goods and ice creams, reach-in refrigerators, self-service can coolers, bottle coolers, commercial walk-in coolers and walkin freezers, back-bar coolers, glass frosters, wine coolers, wine bottle displays for wine stores, delicatessen displays, ice cream freezers, dessert and food displays for coffee shops, countertop display merchandisers, medical freezers and coolers, blast chillers, and a full line of gastro refrigeration for bakery, butchery, kitchen, pizzeria, and salad bars. Danish Tefcold commercial refrigeration now in India Maspex offers tethered cap for SIG’s carton bottle combidome Poland’s Maspex Wadowice Group, one of the largest food manufacturers in Central and Eastern Europe, continues its close partnership with packaging firm SIG as it debuts the domeTwist closure with tethered cap (domeTwist TC) for SIG’s unique carton bottle combidome. This is an important step forward on Maspex’ sustainability roadmap, as it leads the way in adding innovative solutions to its juice ranges. The retail launch by Maspex comes well ahead of the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, which states that all single-use beverage containers must come with caps that stay attached to the pack by July 2024, so they can be easily disposed of and recycled with the rest of the pack. The company recently launched its Tymbark Vega juices in combidome 500 ml with domeTwist TC, followed by Tymbark juice in 1,000 ml combidome with tethered cap. Switzerland-based SIG’s domeTwist closure with tethered cap does not compromise on convenience for consumers and is compatible with SIG’s existing filling lines and closure applicators, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of SIG’s packaging and filling solutions for customers at minimum cost. Carbios and Novozymes partner for world’s first biorecycling of PET Carbios and Novozymes have announced an exclusive longterm global strategic partnership. This major agreement ensures the long-term production and supply of Carbios’ proprietary polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-degrading enzymes at an industrial scale for the world’s first biological PET-recycling plant due to start production in 2025 in Longlaville (France), as well as Carbios’ future licensee customers. Construction will begin later this year. Both building and operating permits have been filed with local authorities. Production at the plant is set to start in 2025 and the processing capacity will be 50,000 tonnes of waste per year. Carbios and Novozymes have had a partnership since 2019 to develop enzymebased solutions and address the sustainability challenge of plastic pollution, both within PET-recycling and PLA-biodegradation. Building on the current Joint Development Agreement (JDA), under the new agreement, Carbios and Novozymes will extend their collaboration to develop, optimise and produce enzymes that will subsequently be supplied by Novozymes to all licensees of Carbios’ technology. The new agreement grants both parties exclusivity in the field of the partnership. They aim to achieve a truly circular economy for plastics and textiles, beneficial to the environment and economically viable for all business partners. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
As proposed by India, the world is celebrating 2023 as the International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM-2023). Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, while presenting the last full Budget of the government, as the country will be going for polls next year, pointed out that India is at the forefront of popularising millets to enhance nutrition, food security and welfare of farmers. India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of ‘Shree Anna’ (millets) in the world. Indian farmers grow several types of 'Shree Anna' such as jowar, ragi, bajra, kuttu, ramdana, kangni, kutki, kodo, cheena, and sama. These ancient grains have numerous health benefits and have been an integral part of our food for centuries. Acknowledging the huge service done by small farmers in contributing to the health of fellow citizens by growing these ‘Shree Anna’, the Union Finance Minister wanted to make India a global hub for 'Shree Anna'. To achieve this objective, the Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will be supported as the Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the international level. As part of the yearlong celebrations of IYM 2023, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) will be organising a three-day Mega Food Event from November 3, 2023 in New Delhi. In this regard, the MoFPI has started interacting with all stakeholders including all ministries, industry leaders, Foreign Missions. On January 20, at a roundtable meeting, representatives of 19 Foreign Missions in India which included Ambassadors of Serbia, Myanmar, and senior officials from New Zealand, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Netherlands and Mexico expressed their interest to take part in the Mega Event in November this year. To make the IYM 2023 a success, the MoFPI has taken up many activities since last year. The ministry is supporting post-harvest value addition, enhanced domestic consumption, branding millet products nationally and internationally through its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Industry and PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME). The MoFPI has added a new component for millet-based products with an outlay of Rs 800 crore in PLI Scheme and 30 applications for millet-based products have been approved for assistance under the scheme during 2022. During 2022, the MoFPI selected millet and its products as One District One Product (ODOP) in 19 districts of 10 States under the PMFME scheme. Loans/ subsidies have been sanctioned to 458 millet–based micro enterprises and nine incubation centres have been approved with millet processing lines under the scheme till December 15, 2022. The ministry has launched three millet brands (Somdana brand for Millet Flour, Bhimtadi brand for Ragi, Sorghum and Jowar and Seemi Brand for Milletbased products). Besides MoFPI, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has also implemented many programmes in 2022 as part of its promotional activities namely developing and sharing millets recipe book with Ministries/Departments, Embassies and States; signing MoU between DA&FW and NAFED for installing of vending machines of millets based products at various locations of nodal Ministries/ Departments; showcasing showcased millets products in Dubai Expo 2020, Surajkund Mela, IITF, AAHAR, Millets Culinary carnival at Delhi Haat, ITPGRFA, etc. The DA&FW has contributed $500,000 to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for IYM-2023. The MoFPI has started organising Millets Mahotsav across 20 States and 30 Districts in the country to create awareness about the nutritional benefits, value addition, consumption and export potential of millets. In January, the MoFPI hosted Millets Mahotsavs in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh and at Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. Grown in more than 130 countries currently, millets are considered traditional food for more than half a billion people across Asia and Africa. Towards this endeavour, let’s all, including the Indian embassies, International Organisations, Academia, Chefs, Media, Indian Diaspora, Startup communities, Civil Society and others in the Millets value-chain join hands to revive the forgotten glory of the ‘Miracle Millets’ through the grand celebration of International Year of Millets - 2023. Narayan Kulkarni Editor [email protected] Year of ‘Miracle Millets’ 50 LET’S TALK FOOD NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in