FFOODSSpectrum April 2023

For queries, please contact : [email protected] TO SUBSCRIBE SCAN THE QR CODE FROM YOUR MOBILE www.mmactiv.com An publication Comprehensive Ecosystem Coverage Spiraling Growth TRUSTED B2B MEDIA IN BIOTECH, HEALTHCARE & AGRO SECTOR Policy Business Science Technology The only B2B Media for the complete ecosystem of: Nutraceuticals, Dietary Supplements, Functional Foods, Ingredients, Food Processing www.nuffoodsspectrum.in www.biospectrumasia.com Trusted across APAC by Biotech & Healthcare sectors for over a decade BioSpectrum India NuFFooDs Spectrum BioSpectrum Asia AgroSpectrum India Trusted by Biotech & Healthcare sectors in India for over a decade www.biospectrumindia.com Trusted by Agro Sector in India www.agrospectrumindia.com

Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Australia develops FODMAP cookbook for people with irritable bowel syndrome Thailand takes lead in making Southeast Asia global hub for FoodTech Japan establishes future creation consortium for cultured meat Singapore’s Nutri-Grade labelling influences consumers to make healthier choices 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 8 | April 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 Mandar More Regional Business Manager 1st Floor, CIDCO Convention Center, Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra-400703. Mobile: +919870009281 [email protected] ASIA PACIFIC AND SOUTH EAST ASIAAnkit Kankar DY. General Manager - Digital Strategy & Programmes #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 HandHeld: +65 90150305 [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] NORTH AMERICA & 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, Among different commodities that started our trade relations with the world and opened new sea routes many centuries back, the most important was our spices. They attracted several seafarers to our coast who, for centuries, carried our spices to their lands. Indian spices influenced the cuisines and cultures in those lands. Spices are an indispensable part of our daily meals and are consumed in various forms and are the key ingredients in countless dishes. Several of them have different health benefits. We all know how turmeric alone is an effective home remedy, being used as an antiseptic for wounds to soothe a sore throat due to an infection or chewing on cloves in case of dental issues. From adding taste to our food to helping improve our health, spices are an integral part of our life. Hence, we have decided to give the spices their due coverage in nuFFOODS Spectrum by carrying a cover package on it, exploring its market potential. In 2021- 22 India exported spices worth $4.14 billion. In which the seed spices alone were $0.6 billion (Rs 4500 crore) and 3.38 lakh tonne in volume. The demand for Indian spices abroad is growing and it’s not a surprise that the Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders is expecting the exports to touch $4.5 billion. Food fortification is another important area where India, though little latecomer, is making strides. Globally, acceptance of fortified food is growing. A recent survey showed that 52 per cent Asian consumers, 42 per cent North American and 33 per cent European are seeking fortified foods and beverages. This trend is expected to increase the fortified food and beverage market to $235 million by 2031. With regard to fortification of foods, there’s been an interesting development. In February this year, the Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) has published a report that focuses on the industry-funded, founded and industry-led body called the Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC), which holds a seat within the FSSAI and has influence over state programme implementation, funding, and evaluation. The report puts forth potential conflicts of interest in decision-making around food fortification. It says that the FFRC’s members are promoters of fortification and are linked to nutraceutical and food corporations that stand to benefit financially from a push towards food fortification in India. Hence it calls for an immediate reevaluation of the stakeholders within the FSSAI and an investigation into conflict of interest to ensure that the FSSAI receives unbiased expertise to be able to conduct its affairs in the interest of public health and the right to food. Happy reading! Thanks & Regards, Yours Sincerely, Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 5

$10B Export Target for Booming SPICE Industry In recent years, India’s spice exports have witnessed an impressive surge, with a 115 per cent increase in volume and an 84 per cent rise in value between 2014 and 2021, reaching a historic high of $4.2 billion in 2020-21. This remarkable growth has captured the attention of several multi million-dollar FMCG companies in India, who are now eyeing the spice market. Startups in the sector are also not lagging behind. With the Spice Board of India and other government bodies introducing various initiatives for the sector’s growth, it's worth examining what the Indian spice sector looks like in 2023. INSIDE 6 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Editorial 09 Regulatory News 10 Finance News 12 Company News 14 Start-Up News 17 R & D News 20 REGULARS COVER STORY 23 World News 21 World Raw News 22 Supplier News 47 Ingredients News 48 People News 49 Let’s Talk Food 50

INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 7 34 30 39 42 45 “Nootropic supplements have great relevance not only in the fitness industry but in the overall sports industry” The Fortification Fallout: Examining India's Controversial Nutrition Strategy From Farm to Fork: India's Fight Against Food Loss and Waste Regulatory Landscape in Asia for Biofortification “India has always prioritised its responsibility towards the world and its resolve to serve humanity” Vishnu Menon, Founder, Iron Asylum India Dr Satyanarayana Kandukuri, Food Processing practice lead, Sathguru Management Consultants Ravinder Grover, Regional Coordinator-Asia, HarvestPlus Speaking with Fortification Food wastage Biofortification Global Millets Conference 36 “Things are changing and India is planning to take a more supportive standpoint on nutraceuticals” Puneet Sood, Country Manager- India, Blackmores

8 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 nuFFOODS Spectrum for the lovely write-up on women entrepreneurs in the millets space in India! - Sangeeta KK, Chennai Thank you for taking forward my thoughts on how dynamic partnerships can spur food innovation in India in your March edition. - Ashwin Bhadri, Mumbai The interview of Sairaj Dhond, Founder and CEO, Wakao Foods is very interesting. It will definitely help the jackfruit growers for better business opportunities as a stakeholder of plant-based meat value chain in India. - Snehit Porwal, Mumbai NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

EDIT 9 T he Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) proposal on front-of-the-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) seems to be passing through rough weather, not only in India, but in Europe also. Europe too, is taking longer than expected to develop an EU-wide food labelling system. It was planned to be introduced by late 2022, aimed at helping consumers make healthier food choices. The EU's nutri-score ranks food on green to red and A to E scale. The system was created by France. Over 270 food scientists from the EU supported the system in March 2021. But now Italy and four other countries have opposed the system fearing that its cultural icons like olive oil will get 'bad grades'. With the EU commission deciding against it now in view of the opposition, its implementation is on shaky ground. In India, the Indian Sellers’ Collective has opposed the proposal on the grounds that it could put traditional snack and beverage makers on the back foot. The FOPNL proposal for packaged food and beverages will award star ratings for nutritional value to foods depending on the salt, sugar and fat content. The label on front-of-the-package is based on recognisable symbols and should indicate how much energy, saturated fat, sugar, sodium and essential nutrients the food item in the package contains. The regulator had issued a notification for the same in September 2022. The Sellers’ Collective maintain that Indian traditional cuisine uses salt, sugar and fat for various customary and scientific reasons. It does not fit into the proposed mathematical calculations of the ingredients. Hence, they may get negative star ratings, labelling them as for ‘unhealthy’ food. The star system is favourable to multinational companies that are better equipped to modify nutritional composition, the Collective felt. The row over the FOPNL is in the background of failure to meet the sodium reduction goal set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Sodium intake is to be reduced by 30 per cent by 2025. But the WHO report released in the last month states that only 5 per cent WHO member states have instituted mandatory and comprehensive sodium reaction policies. But 73 per cent lack a full range of implementation of the policies. WHO recommended bringing down the global average of sodium intake from daily 4 grams (10.8 grams of salt) to 2 grams (less than 5 grams of salt). The excessive sodium intake is estimated to be associated with 1.89 million deaths a year. Total fat intake is recommended to be reduced to less than 30 per cent of total energy intake and saturated fats to less than 10 per cent and trans fats to less than1 per cent. Progress on those fronts also is not very encouraging. Considering these factors, it is essential that the consumers need proper nutrition information on ready to eat foods to make an informed decision. But, how far the FOPNL are useful for that is still a question, going by some recent research. Analysing hundreds of international studies, a new research has claimed that nutrition labelling is largely ineffective at preventing people choosing unhealthy processed foods. For this purpose, large graphic warning labels are required on front of the packaging, it said. People ignore a basic food label telling consumers the food is not good for health. But a big warning label clearly saying this will hurt your works, the research published in Journal of Policy and Marketing said. Stop sign warning labels were actually found to be successful in five countries. Similar are the views of the Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Ratings will not be effective in reducing consumption of unhealthy foods, they feel. However, in its study, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad suggests that warning labels can discourage the choice and consumption of even moderately unhealthy foods. Summary ratings like health star or NutriScore can help identify healthier variants among the available foods. The food regulator will have to take into consideration the industry’s apprehensions and objections, but will have to come out with some formula for the labels that will be accepted by all. Dr Milind Kokje Chief Editor Informing Vs Scaring Consumers NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

10 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken steps to strengthen the country’s testing infrastructure by encouraging states and union territories (UTs) to send proposals for setting up and upgrading labs to FSSAI for technical and financial assistance. In addition, they have advised the creation of designated officers and Food Safety Officers (FSOs) positions, and to fill any vacant posts, to strengthen the enforcement machinery in the country. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI, has announced that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will coordinate with the Ministry of Education to establish health clubs in schools under CBSE across the country, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodya Vidyalayas. He has also asked State/UT Food and Drug Administrations (FDAs) to work with municipal bodies to identify clean and hygienic areas suitable for street food hubs. Furthermore, states and UTs have been directed to ensure testing of 10 milk samples per day, by utilising the available 168 Food Safety on Wheel (FSW) vans for on-the-spot food testing. Overall, these measures are aimed at strengthening the country's food safety and regulatory policies. FSSAI ramps up food safety measures with new labs and staff The Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, has urged states and union territories (UTs) to increase their surveillance, monitoring, inspections, and random sampling of food products to ensure compliance with the laid-down standards. This advice was given during the 39th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) which was held under his chairmanship on March 9-10, 2023, in Panaji, Goa. As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the CAC is constituted for close cooperation between the FSSAI and enforcement agencies/organisations in the food industry. The committee meets 3-4 times a year and advises on various matters, including prioritisation of work, identifying potential risks, and pooling of knowledge. The states and UTs have been advised to plan a special surveillance drive to tackle the rising cases of food poisoning and adulteration, particularly during festive seasons, weddings and events. The CEO also suggested that the states/UTs and regional offices lift around 5 lakh samples by March 2024. To ensure the quality and safety of milk and milk products, State/UT Food and Drug Administrations (FDAs) have been advised to work closely with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of their respective regions to conduct an effective surveillance drive. In light of the festive season of Holi, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directed state and union territories (UTs) to deploy Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) mobile food testing vans to check for adulteration of milk and milk products. The FSSAI requested the Commissioner of Food Safety of all states and UTs to test at least 10 samples of milk and milk products per FSW daily, to increase vigilance against milk adulteration. The FSSAI also encourages consumers to have their milk and milk products tested through the FSWs closest to them. These tests can be done free of cost. The objective of this exercise is to ensure the availability of safe and pure milk and milk products to consumers across the country. Currently, the states and UTs have access to 168 FSWs that can carry out on-the-spot food testing for various food products, including milk and milk derivatives. The Milk-o-Screen system installed in these vans can test for fats, solid-non-fat, protein and adulterants such as added water, urea, sucrose, maltodextrin, and ammonium sulphate. FSSAI directs states/UTs to deploy mobile food testing vans for safe milk products FSSAI calls for increased inspections to tackle rise in food poisoning cases NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has entrusted the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) with promoting Indian millets in the international market, according to Minister of State Anupriya Patel. To achieve this, APEDA has created e-catalogues for 30 major millet-importing countries and for 21 Indian millet-producing states. These e-catalogues contain information on individual country profiles; Indian millets and their value-added products, millet production scenarios, India’s millet exports, international millet standards, and contact lists of exporters, startups, FPOs, importers, and Indian missions in each country. APEDA has also published a knowledge book titled “Superfood Millets: A $2 Billion Export Opportunity for India” in association with a knowledge partner to assist prospective millet exporters. To enable APEDA to pursue market access, provide commercial intelligence, promote quality and adherence to standards in agriculture exports, and handle Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) issues, the government has approved a restructuring plan, which includes creating 20 new positions. Govt pushes APEDA to promote Indian millets in international market The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reconstituted its Scientific Panels (SP) and has enlisted approximately 200 scientific experts from various scientific organisations such as ICMR, CSIR, ICAR, NIFTEM, IITs and other institutes working in the field of food safety and nutrition. These experts will work with FSSAI for the next three years and provide suggestions on the scientific aspects of food safety, leading to the notification of food standards and regulations. The Scientific Committee and the 21 Scientific Panels are the principal scientific bodies of the food authority in the standard development process. The FSSAI has reconstituted 21 Scientific Panels, each comprising nine members and the Scientific Committee, consisting of the chair of the 21 scientific panels and 6 independent members. The Scientific Panels are formed by the Food Authority under Section 13 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) for the purpose of developing standards, and to provide scientific opinion/inputs to the food authority, as and when sought. Initially, at the inception of FSSAI, the Food Authority had commissioned only eight SPs. Currently, there are a total of 21 SPs, which consist of 11 vertical and 10 horizontal panels. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, has directed the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) to promote the ‘International Year of the Millets’ (IYoM) 2023 on a global scale. Under Tomar’s guidance, NAFED has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to extend its support to millet initiatives. As part of this collaboration, NAFED has started extending marketing linkage to milletcentric startups, setting up a millet corner in NAFED Bazaar retail stores, installing millet vending machines across Delhi-NCR and establishing a millet experience centre at Delhi Haat, INA to promote nutritious millets and create awareness about the rich history of India through millet-based dishes. NAFED to promote ‘International Year of the Millets’ 2023 on global scale FSSAI reconstitutes Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 11

Bikano injects Rs 400 Cr for establishment of new project in Greater Noida DIC India, a leading manufacturer of printing inks, innovative packaging solutions, and allied materials in the country, and a part of Japan’s DIC group, has opened its latest and advanced Toluene-free plant, ‘Optima,’ for liquid ink manufacturing in Saykha, Bharuch district, Gujarat. The plant covers an area of 92,500 sqm, and can manufacture over 10,000 tonnes of TF, KF/NTNK (Toluene Free/ Ketone Free) liquid inks in two shifts during phase-I. The plant is planned to be further expanded to produce valueadded and specialty products for both domestic and export markets. The new plant which is the company’s fifth in India has been established with a total investment of Rs 110 crore for phase-I, and it will create direct employment for 100 associates to meet the growing demand for toluene-free and ketone-free inks in the country. DIC India’s other four plants are located in Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat (Ahmedabad), and Karnataka, and with the opening of this new plant, the company will have an expanded footprint in India. The DIC group provides a broad range of gravure printing inks for various applications from food packaging to industrial usage worldwide. DIC Group opens manufacturing facility in Gujarat with Rs 110 Cr investment The PepsiCo Foundation is partnering with Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial FORCE Trust to expand its safe water access and sustainable sanitation programme in Uttar Pradesh (UP). This initiative is aligned with three priority campaigns of Government of India – the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Shakti Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission. The Foundation will invest $400,000 in the project. Over a period of three years, the PepsiCo Foundation and Pandit Jagat Ram Memorial FORCE Trust will provide improved access to fresh water for drinking and domestic purposes, impacting more than 20,000 people and 3,000 children across 13 villages in Mathura district. The Safe Water Access Programme will promote water as a fundamental human right and focus on three key aspects of safe water access – conservation, distribution and purification – to help advance access in water risk communities in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Another important focus for the programme is the development of a sustainable system to enable groundwater recharge of 20 million litres of harvested rainwater in the area.  The partnership will also create WASH awareness (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) focusing on sanitation, solid waste management, and hygiene practices with an aim to impact 50,000 people and 3000 children by improving water quality, safety and personal health behaviours. PepsiCo invests $400 K to provide safe water access in Uttar Pradesh Packaged food manufacturing company, Bikano, has invested Rs 400 crore to inaugurate its newest plant in Greater Noida, as a part of its long-term expansion strategy focused on the northern and eastern regions. The primary goal of the company is to meet the increasing demand for its products in the region and expand market coverage. With this investment the company aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 1800 crore by FY23-24. By establishing a new facility, the company plans to improve its supply chain efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and better serve its customers in the northern part of the country. Additionally, Bikano aims to compete with other snacking companies in the region by providing a more comprehensive product line and quicker delivery times to its suppliers in Tier 2 and 3, as well as rural areas. The company also plans to increase its workforce and provide job opportunities through the new project launched in Greater Noida. 12 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

FINANCE NEWS 13 Nandu’s in Rs 100 crore club in 10 months MUFG Bank, based in Japan, has invested $10 million in Indian craft beer brand Bira 91, which is produced by New Delhi-based startup B9 Beverages. The investment is a testament to the strong belief in Bira 91’s growth potential, as the beer brand has continued to rapidly expand and triple its market share from pre-COVID-19 levels. This investment follows a recent Series-D funding round led by Japanese beer company Kirin Holdings, which raised $70 million. With the new investment from MUFG Bank, Bira 91 plans to increase its production capacity, strengthen its supply chain, and enhance its innovation capabilities. As the fourth-largest beer company in India, Bira 91 holds a market share of 5 per cent across key markets in the country and has a combined manufacturing footprint of about 2.5 million hectolitres, across its five manufacturing facilities. The startup has also expanded to 550 towns and 18 countries worldwide and aims to lead the global shift towards more flavourful and colourful beer. Indian brewer Bira 91 raises $10M from Japan’s MUFG Bank MITRA, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brand, has raised an undisclosed amount in a recent funding round from ah! Ventures Angel Platform, led by Bestvantage Investments. The startup plans to use the capital to establish a manufacturing unit and deploy technology to strengthen its product and service capabilities. Since its inception in 2022, MITRA has reportedly witnessed 42x growth coupled with a 68 per cent repeat rate. The D2C brand has reportedly sold over 42,000 flour packs through its network of more than 200 distributors, retailers, and online platforms. The Gurugram-based company’s product portfolio comprises 10 categories of flour, pulses, spices, dry fruits, nuts, rice, instant mixes, millet-based and ready-to-eat products in 40 variants, prepared using singlebreed isolation technology to ensure the product’s quality. These are sourced directly from farmers across India, choosing crops grown without chemical pesticides. The products are processed and packaged in a controlled environment with minimal moisture levels to increase the shelf life to six months, thereby resolving storage-related issues for its channel partners and customers. MITRA has reportedly sold over 42,000 flour packs through its network of more than 200 distributors, retailers, and online platforms. ah! Ventures has invested in 115 startups to date with a total investment portfolio of Rs 316 crore, and 15 investments have happened through all three platforms in 2023. MITRA raises seed round from ah! Ventures NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Bengaluru-based Nandu’s, an omnichannel meat retail brand with hyperlocal operations, has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the revenue of Rs 100 crore for FY 22-23, with a month to go for the year-end. The brand has consolidated its position as the most successful, organised D2C omnichannel meat retail brand in India with these latest numbers. Nandu’s is part of the Nanda Group, a 60-year-old poultry business that revolutionised the industry in India. Launched in 2016, Nandu’s aimed to provide 100 per cent traceability and transparency to consumers by bringing their own produce directly. The brand operates more than 50 stores in Bengaluru and Hyderabad and plans to launch 20 new omnichannel outlets in the next financial year. Nandu’s is looking at a revenue of Rs 200 crore in FY 23-24. The company reported a turnover of Rs 67 crore in FY 21-22, achieving 2X growth by the end of this fiscal while attaining operational profitability. Nandu’s follows an omnichannel model, offering retail and home delivery services via its e-commerce website, app, call centre orders, e-commerce marketplaces and quick-commerce apps.

14 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Bagrrys India has expanded its breakfast range with the introduction of Bagrry’s Organic Wild Honey. The New Delhibased brand, known for its health food and breakfast cereals, aims to provide a wholesome and nutritious solution for those seeking 100 per cent natural organic honey. By entering the premium honey and preserves category, the brand extends its product portfolio into new categories. Certified as organic honey and free from adulteration, added sugar and preservatives, the product is priced at Rs 599. Sourced directly from organic farms free from harmful chemicals and pesticides is backed by organic certification from renowned regulatory bodies. With traces of natural pollen grains containing nutritional enzymes, the multifloral honey aids digestion and strengthens the immune system. The unprocessed, unfiltered and unpasteurised product retains its natural probiotic properties, rich taste, and nutritional benefits while boasting a natural dark colour.  Bagrrys India sweetens breakfast range with organic honey Pernod Ricard India (PRI), a global leader in the wine and spirit industry, has launched its first-ever innovation centre in Nashik. This is part of its strategy to accelerate transformational innovation and strengthen its portfolio offerings. The centre will facilitate cutting-edge research and the incubation of trend-setting products, packaging, and process innovations. India being a strategic market for the company, PRI aims to exemplify ‘Make in India’ by stepping up local innovations in multiple categories for diverse cohorts while scaling its sustainability and cost leadership in the market. Located on the periphery of Pernod Ricard India’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nashik, the innovation centre will serve as the apex lab for enhancing expertise in whiskies, white and brown spirits as well as non-alcoholic beverages. It will provide opportunities for collaboration while equipping the organisation with the latest insights, techniques, best practices, equipment, and future-ready technical capabilities. The dedicated Innovation and Research & Development (R&D) head will spearhead the team, consisting of liquid, packaging, analytical and process specialists. Empowered with data and analytics, advanced digital solutions, and equipment integrations, the team will innovate in India for the world. Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL), the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures (RRVL), has introduced a new avatar of the iconic brand,  Campa, aimed at a modern India. The initial Campa portfolio includes Campa Cola, Campa Lemon and Campa Orange in the sparkling beverage category. The launch is part of the company’s strategy to promote homegrown Indian brands with a rich heritage and a strong connection to Indian consumers through their unique tastes and flavours. The roll-out of RCPL’s cold beverage portfolio across India, starting with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, aligns with the company’s vision of providing value and choice to Indian consumers through high-quality products at affordable prices. This launch strengthens RCPL’s versatile FMCG portfolio, which features heritage brands like Sosyo Hajoori, a confectionary range from Lotus Chocolate, Sri Lanka’s leading biscuit brand Maliban, as well as daily essentials under its own brands like Independence and Good Life, among others. Reliance to relaunch Campa brand Pernod Ricard India sets up innovation centre in Nashik

COMPANY NEWS 15 Marico, an FMCG firm based in Mumbai, has signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NutrihubTechnology Business Incubator at the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad, which operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The MoU aims to increase research, development, and training collaboration in millet processing and value addition. Dr B Dayakar Rao, Chief Executive Officer of Nutrihub, ICAR-IIMR and Dr Shilpa Vora, Chief Research and Development Officer at Marico, signed the MoU in the presence of G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The partnership aims to promote millets and expand Marico’s millet product offerings by experimenting with different recipes that balance taste with health. This partnership is also a milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its healthy foods portfolio, which currently includes products made with millet such as Saffola Oats Karara Crunch and Saffola Munchiez Ragi chips. Marico inks MoU with Nutrihub IIMR to promote millets New Delhi-based contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Akums Drugs and Pharmaceutical has announced its entry into the nutraceutical gummies segment with a series of novel formulations for wellness and common ailments. This initiative seeks to cater to a host of conditions and provide an alternative to conventional dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and syrups for adults, paediatrics and geriatric populations who may find pills, and syrups unpalatable or inconvenient. The production of its new gummy formulations is done at its state-of-the-art Maxcure Nutravedics plant, a subsidiary of Akums, with proven expertise in nutraceutical, ayurvedic, and health supplements. The global gummies market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3 per cent between 2021 and 2028, with current valuations of the segment at around $3.4 billion to $8 billion. Akums says its venture in gummies manufacturing is a game-changer with all possible combinations of flavours and textures, such as natural, natural identical, and artificial colours; pectin, gelatin, and sugar-based; low sugar, no added sugar, etc. Within this year, Akums will expand its R&D and manufacturing facility to introduce nextgen gummies for the first time in the world, thus supporting the differentiated requirements of diverse consumers. Life Health Foods launches oat milk Akums enters nutraceutical gummies segment Life Health Foods (India), a pioneer in the plant-based beverage segment, has launched a new vegan drink, So Good Oat Unsweetened beverage, which is a dairy-free, oat milk-based beverage. Fortified with essential vitamins, this drink has no added sugar, zero cholesterol, and is free from preservatives. The So Good plantbased beverage range includes Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Soy and Oat – all available in both 1L and 200ml formats. With the launch of So Good Oat Unsweetened beverage, Mumbai-based Life Health Foods aims to build on its reputation for providing the widest range of ready-to-drink dairy alternatives in India. Although the nondairy alternative category is currently a niche, it is growing at a rate of 20 per cent year on year, offering significant interest and opportunity. Life Health Foods International has a long-term vision of “Enriching lives through creating innovative, plant-based foods” and sells its products around the world, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, India and the United Kingdom. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

16 COMPANY NEWS Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a multi-business corporation and FMCG Conglomerate based in Noida, has partnered with luxury Swiss chocolate brand Läderach to launch its first-ever productline in India.  The move aims to expand DS Group’s presence in the confectionery space and marks its entry into the chocolate segment, which is the largest in the confectionery industry. DS Group is already an established player in confectionery with brands such as Pulse, Chingles, Rajnigandha Silver Pearls, and Maze. Additionally, the group has experience of managing luxury retail brands like Le Marche, L’Opera, Uncafe, and Les Petits. It has also been managing internationally acclaimed brands such as YSL, Tom Ford, Berluti etc. Founded in 1962, Läderach is renowned for its recipes that blend classic and modern notes. The brand produces each chocolate using carefully selected fresh ingredients exclusively in Switzerland to ensure premium quality. The Indian chocolate market was valued at $2.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1 per cent to reach $3.8 billion by 2027, according to a study by the IMARC Group.   DS Group brings Swiss luxury chocolate brand Läderach to India Nestlé Health Science has launched  the ‘Opt2Win’ programme  powered by Nestlé Optifast in India, as part of its commitment to helping people live healthier lives. The programme which was launched on World Obesity Day, (4 March), aims to drive awareness and positive action on weight-management through strategic partners, health and wellness platforms and healthcare professionals. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data shows that obesity among Indians has increased in 2019-21 compared to 2015-16, with nearly one in four people now overweight. Obesity is a growing concern and a leading cause of several non-communicable and progressive diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Opt2win is a year-long programme consisting of on-ground and digital activations, wellness programmes, and weight management protocols with healthcare professionals. Nestlé India has partnered with NovoLiver, to conduct HCP-led wellness workshops and will set up an OPTIFAST centre of excellence for weight management in 25 clinics across locations such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai to expand the programme’s reach. Nestlé India plans to educate at-risk individuals via a systematic, step-by-step method to help patients reverse chronic obesity-related conditions such as fatty liver. OPTIFAST clinics will focus on driving awareness and engagement through workshops, patient monitoring and consultations, engaging medical experts. US-based food company Cargill has launched its Gemini Pureit edible oil in Karnataka, as part of its expansion plans for its edible oils portfolio in South India. The Gemini Pureit brand will be available to consumers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This year marks the 40-year anniversary for the Gemini brand. Gemini Sunflower oil was recently ranked No.1 in quality in India, by Consumer Voice amongst 12 other sunflower oil brands in the country. Cargill’s recently acquired facility in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, which began operations in December 2022, is spread over 4.2 lakh sq. ft., and will support the expansion of the brand in south India. The $35 million investment has increased Cargill’s edible oil footprint in southern India, and the plant has boosted its production capacity and supply chain capabilities for sunflower oil, refined palm oil, palm olein, vanaspati, bakery shortenings and sunflower oil. The expansion into south India is expected to meet the growing demand for edible oils in the region, which accounts for nearly twothirds of the country’s sunflower oil consumption. Cargill Food launches Gemini Pureit sunflower oil in K’taka Nestlé Health Science ‘Opt2Win’ prog to address obesity in India NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

STARTUPS NEWS 17 Swiggy, the online delivery platform, has sold its Cloud Kitchen business to Bengalurubased startup Kitchens@, a prominent player in the rapidly growing cloud kitchen industry. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed. As part of the all-equity transaction, Swiggy will become a stakeholder in Kitchens@ through its Swiggy Access programme. The programme enables restaurant partners to set up kitchen spaces in localities where they do not currently operate, with the aim of providing more variety and shorter delivery times to customers. Kitchens@ intends to leverage Swiggy’s analysis of local demand and selection of high-performing partners to diversify its food options and meet customers’ specific requirements in certain areas. To reduce costs, Swiggy reportedly plans to lay off 380 employees. The company has also announced that it will soon shut down its meat marketplace. Swiggy pulls out of cloud kitchen biz Sid’s Farm,  a premium D2C dairy startup brand based in Telangana, has launched its latest product, ‘Sweet Lassi’, packed in 200 ml recyclable food-grade disposable cups and priced at Rs 30. This product will be available immediately in Hyderabad, distributed through the direct- to-consumer channel and available for home delivery. Soon, it will also be available in Bengaluru, through designated and easily accessible e - c o m m e r c e and aggregator channels. Since 2016, Sid’s Farm has been promoting the concept of pure, healthy, adulterant-free milk and milk products. The company adheres to stringent norms and test processes to ensure the highest quality of milk and dairy products. To eliminate the possibility of any adulteration at a micro level, Sid’s Farm checks and removes the presence of urea, sugar, glucose, starch, peroxide, baking soda, caustic soda, formalin, melamine, and three classes of antibiotics at a can level. Their state-of-the-art lab conducts over 6,500 tests daily to ensure that only real, adulterant-free milk and dairy products are supplied to their customers. Anthill Ventures launches prog to fast-track alco-bev startups Anthill Ventures, a global venture capital and speed-scaling ecosystem, has launched Anthill Spirits, India’s first speed-scaling accelerator programme dedicated to supporting early-stage alco-bev startups. The initiative aims to provide funding and market access to entrepreneurs to create innovative brands and technologies in India’s rapidly growing alco-bev industry, which is estimated to be worth nearly $50 billion by 2023. Anthill Spirits intends to fund  up to $1 million  across the venture-building process for startups with a compelling vision, a clear business plan and a strong founding team, and a core team in place. Eligible startups must have a running business in at least two key core markets, demonstrate a productmarket fit and have a significant market size. Anthill Spirits’ venture builder accelerator programme will offer startups funding, market access, guidance, and know-how in areas such as business model refinement, new product development, marketing, market access, celebrity engagement and stage-based access to capital. Anthill Ventures has a noteworthy portfolio in the alco-bev industry, including award-winning brands like NAO Spirits (Hapusa and Greater Than) in the gin segment, Salud, a ready-to-drink and lifestyle beverage brand that is redefining alco-bev marketing with techs like NFT, Moonshine, a category disruptor and leader in meads, and Matinee, the first women-led Indian alco-bev craft spirit. Anthill Spirits aims to build an ecosystem of founders, partners, mentors, corporates and investors to nurture and scale innovative alcobev brands. Sid’s Farm launches Sweet Lassi in Hyd & Bengaluru NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

18 STARTUPS NEWS Yu, a consumer food brand that entered the Indian market in October 2021 with its instant meal bowls, has expanded its product range with the launch of Instant Hakka Noodles. Yu’s Hakka Noodles consists of steamed noodles, chef curated sauce, cut veggies, chicken and chilli oil. The noodles can be prepared in just five minutes, and consumers only need a pot for boiling water. The brand has launched two flavours –  Schezwan Stir Fry and  Kung Pao Chicken, with a third variant set to launch next month. The Gurugram-based startup creates instant packaged foods using only 100 per cent natural, recognisable, and locally sourced ingredients. These meals contain no artificial ingredients or food substitutes, have zero preservatives and use no artificial flavour enhancers. Given the innovative product offering, Q-commerce delivery platform Blinkit has partnered with Yu Foods for an exclusive Pan India brand drop.  Yu Foodlabs unveils Instant Hakka Noodles Hyderabad-based startup Skippi, which claims to be India’s first ice-pop brand offering 100 per cent naturally flavoured ice pops, plans to expand distribution from metro cities to remote places across the country and sees opportunities for expansion into other countries as well. Skippi ice pops are currently available in India, Bhutan, New Zealand, Mauritius, UAE, Kuwait, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Recognising the product’s potential in the Indian market, co-founders Anuja and Ravi Kabram launched their popsicle brand, Skippi Ice pops, in 2021. The brand offers a variety of flavours including Raspberry Freshness, Tangy Orange, Juicy Mango Twist, Lemon-O-Licious, Refreshing Cola, and Yum Yum Bubble-gum. Skippi has also recently launched new tropical flavours, such as Lychee, Pineapple, and Pink Guava. In addition, Skippi plans to launch exclusive flavoured chuskis for Holi. The brand has gained attention after being selected as one of the top five favourite brands on the business-pitch reality show, Shark Tank India. Ice-pop brand Skippi to expand footprint to remote areas Veera Health launches VeeVital PCOS Support Veera Health, a Mumbai-based startup and one of the largest digital therapeutics platforms for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), has entered the nutraceutical market with the launch of Veera Wellness. This new line aims to help women with PCOS access science-backed supplement regimens that complement their treatment.  As part of Veera Wellness, the platform has launched its firstever nutraceutical supplement called VeeVital PCOS Support to aid in better management of the disorder. VeeVital includes the clinically studied dose of Myo-inositol, which has beneficial effects on PCOS symptoms by improving insulin levels, lowering male hormone levels, regulating periods, and improving ovarian function and fertility.  Studies show that women with PCOS are often at risk of developing nutrient deficiencies. VeeVital PCOS Support provides a blend of essential nutrients like vitamin D, B12, and dietary folate to help meet nutritional deficiencies and support overall health, in addition to Myo-inositol. The levels of common minerals like potassium, magnesium and other vitamins such as B12, B9 and Vitamin D are insufficient in women with PCOS. Each box of VeeVital PCOS Support contains 15 powdered sachets of Myo-inositol, making it easy to carry in single-dose packets or for on-the-go consumption. VeeVital is currently priced at Rs 850. The unique formulation of VeeVital is certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and has been developed under the guidance of advisors from top USbased research institutes. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

STARTUPS NEWS 19 Nutrazee, a Hyderabad-based startup, known for its innovative vegan supplements and gummy vitamin products, has announced the launch of its latest product – Nutrazee Probiotic Gummies for Digestive & Immune Health. Specifically formulated to support digestive and immune health, the gummies are suitable for both adults and children. The gummies contain a patented and clinically validated probiotic strain of Bacillus coagulans, known for its many health benefits, such as reducing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in children. The probiotics help alleviate common symptoms associated with IBS such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and straining at stool, while also helping to improve stool consistency. They also contain prebiotic fibre, which nourishes the good bacteria in the gut, creating an optimal environment for the probiotics to thrive, enhancing their effectiveness. Unlike many other probiotic supplements, Nutrazee Probiotic Gummies are designed to survive stomach acid, including gastric and intestinal tracts, ensuring they reach the gut, where they can balance the gut microbiome. Furthermore, Nutrazee Probiotic Gummies are shelf-stable at room temperature throughout their shelf life, making them convenient and easy to carry and use anywhere, without refrigeration. Nutrazee launches probiotic gummies for adults and kids Mumbai-based startup NextG Apex  has announced its plans to expand its business operations across various verticals, including FMCG, health & beauty, and Food & Beverage (F&B), over the next 2-3 years. The company intends to raise its headcount and office count across India to realise these expansion plans in line with its steady growth trajectory. NextG Apex has recently launched two of its home brands – Mamafeast and Naturefest.  Mamafeast offers a healthy breakfast food category, while Naturefest provides unpolished and minimally processed dals and rice. Currently, the startup has four regional offices in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Noida, and Bangalore, with plans to open eight new field offices in Tier 2 and 3 cities by 2024.  While the recruitment focus is currently centered on major cities  contributing over 80 per cent of the business, it will soon expand to include Tier 2 and 3 cities. Approximately 40-50 per cent of all new hires will come from these towns. NextG Apex plans to hire 300 employees in the next 2-3 months, increasing to 1,760 by the end of the year, 3,288 by 2024, and 5,361 by 2025.  NextG Apex expands FMCG, F&B operations, hires more VAHDAM India spices up masala market NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in VAHDAM India, the global wellness brand and leader in organic, premium teas, is venturing into the spice market with the launch of VAHDAM Spices. The New Delhi-based startup aims to innovate the spices industry by creating fresher products for an increasingly health-conscious world. VAHDAM India has expanded its partnership with Indian farmers and cooperatives to bring high quality and authentic Indian spices to consumers to help them achieve their wellness goals. With VAHDAM Spices, the brand is introducing a collection of India’s finest spices, all sourced garden-fresh, packaged at VAHDAM India’s state-of-the-art British Retail Consortium (BRC) certified facility in India and shipped directly to consumers. All of the spices are single-origin from states and regions known for high-quality products. Each batch of spices is tested for purity in accredited labs in Europe to ensure VAHDAM brings only the healing benefits of Indian spices. VAHDAM Spices have zero adulterants, pesticides, colours, or toxins. The company has raised over $40 million in venture funding from India’s top consumer investors and venture capitalists (VCs) to date and has already achieved profitability.

20 R & D NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have developed a three-dimensional (3D) paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds. The test could be even performed at home. It can detect multiple substances commonly used as adulterating agents including urea, detergents, soap, starch, hydrogen peroxide, sodiumhydrogen-carbonate and salt, among others Unlike conventional laboratory-based methods to test the purity of milk, which are both expensive and time-consuming, this new technology is affordable and could also be used to test other liquids such as water, fresh juices, and milkshakes for traces of adulteration. Only a millilitre of any liquid would be as a sample to test for adulterants. Milk is one of the most vital foods important to lead a healthy lifestyle and yet is the most adulterated food item in the world. The adulteration of milk is a growing menace, especially in developing countries like India, Pakistan, China, and Brazil. Consumption of adulterated milk could cause medical complications such as kidney problems, infant death, gastrointestinal complications, Diarrhoea, and even cancer. IIT-M develops pocketfriendly device to detect milk adulteration in 30 secs A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur has created and demonstrated a cost-effective and highly sensitive tactile pressure sensor for detecting fruit ripeness. The sensor utilises nanoneedle textured PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) as the dielectric layer and is lithography-free, allowing for flexible and large-scale fabrication. The team characterised the sensitivity and hysterics response of the capacitive tactile sensor and examined its transient response. By measuring the elastic modulus and capacitance, the researchers were able to demonstrate ripeness assessment for different types of tomatoes.  The developed sensor is capable of sorting fruits as per their ripeness and hence, by integrating the newly developed sensor with a robotic arm, it will be possible to create a high-throughput system that can effectively sort fruits based on their ripeness and quality during the plucking or transportation stages. This cost-effective system will be particularly useful for exporting high-value fruits over long distances.  IIT Jodhpur creates cost-effective sensor for detecting fruit ripeness IISER Bhopal develops AI-based tool called GutBug Scientists at  Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal  have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based method to predict how the bacteria in the gut break down the various types of food and medication. This web-based tool provides information about the specific bacterial enzymes, reactions, and bacteria involved in the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients by the human gut. The AI-based tool called “GutBug” can potentially predict all possible bacterial enzymes that act on bioactive dietary molecules as well as oral drugs.  GutBug was able to identify the specific enzymes involved in the breakdown of various molecules and the bacterial strains that carry them. The tool was tested with 27 different molecules, including complex carbohydrates, flavonoids, and drugs, and was shown to be highly accurate, with success rates ranging from 0.78 to 0.97. The uniqueness of this study was the use of the largest enzyme substrate database to train the model. The database contained information on the gut bacterial species from eight populations to understand how drug and food metabolism varies across populations due to gut bacteria activity.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WORLD NEWS 21 The Government of Japan has contributed an additional $6.6 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to over one million Sri Lankans. Through this funding, WFP will provide families with food baskets, including rice, pulses and cooking oil, to meet half their monthly food needs for two months. The donation will also be used to procure maize and soybean for the production of Thriposha, a fortified food product for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and young children at risk of malnutrition for four months.   WFP’s latest surveys indicate that food insecurity in Sri Lanka is still alarmingly high. Seven out of every 10 households are adopting negative coping strategies such as cutting back on nutritious food like protein and dairy or skipping meals altogether. Japan has been a long-standing donor to the Government of Sri Lanka and WFP for over a decade, providing critical assistance in emergencies while supporting longer-term recovery and development efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security in the country. Japan’s latest funding is an extension of its support to the people of Sri Lanka to help safeguard communities affected by the economic crisis. Japan adds $6.6M emergency food aid to Sri Lanka The World Food Programme (WFP) is forced to reduce its lifesaving assistance to four million Afghans due to funding shortfalls. Therefore, the WFP is calling for urgent and continued support for critical operations in Afghanistan. Severe hunger has affected nearly 20 million Afghans, with six million people being one step away from famine. The international community must prioritise the basic needs of Afghanistan’s most vulnerable people. At current funding levels, WFP can only provide crucial support to four million people out of the 13 million planned in April. To ensure half rations for those in need, WFP urgently needs $93 million by April and $800 million for the next six months.  Levels of moderate acute malnutrition in Afghanistan are the highest ever recorded in the country. An estimated four million children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year. WFP calls for urgent funding to continue rations for starving Afghans Md Zakir Hossain, Bangladesh’s State Minister of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, recently launched the feasibility study for a national school feeding programme in his country, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). The study’s objective is to identify the most appropriate school feeding modality, by examining beneficiary acceptability, the government’s capacity to implement, cost, and education/nutrition impact. As of 2022, three million children in 104 upazilas were covered under the school feeding programme. In October 2013, a pilot programme was launched, providing cooked meals consisting of fortified rice, pulses, vegetables and eggs sourced from local women farmers. Both the biscuit and cooked meals modalities had a positive impact on educational outcomes for children. School enrolment increased by 4.2 per cent, and dropouts decreased by 7.5 per cent. In schools with feeding programmes, the prevalence of anaemia was less than half that of schools without, at 10.9 per cent versus 21.9 per cent respectively. B’desh launches WFP-aided feasibility study for national school feeding prog

22 WORLD RAW NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in The World Health Organisation (WHO)  has emphasised the need for massive efforts to reduce salt intake, as shown in a first-of-itskind global report on sodium intake reduction. The report indicates that the world is not on track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025.  Excess sodium, an essential nutrient, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. While table salt (sodium chloride) is the primary source of sodium, it is also present in other condiments like sodium glutamate. The report reveals that only 5 per cent of WHO member states are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies, and 73 per cent lack full implementation of such policies. By implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies, an estimated 7 million lives could be saved globally by 2030, making it an essential component of action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases. Currently, only nine countries (Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay) have a comprehensive package of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake. WHO flags concerns over salt intake The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing a severe food security crisis due to the combination of high food inflation and collapsing currencies. This crisis is affecting millions of people in the region, especially those living in countries already experiencing conflict and instability. Food prices are soaring, and many countries in the region are dealing with crippling budget deficits, high levels of public debt, currency devaluation and dangerous levels of inflation.  During the year, five countries in the region have experienced food inflation of more than 60 per cent, with Lebanon and Syria facing triple-digit food inflation at 138 per cent and 105 per cent, respectively. In Iran, Türkiye, and Egypt, annual food inflation is more than 61 per cent, making it difficult for families to afford essential food items like bread, rice, and vegetables.   As national food production cannot meet domestic needs, heavy reliance on imports has exposed the region to fluctuations in global food prices, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, as well as to supply chain disruptions caused most recently by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Inflation threatens food security in Middle East and North Africa A new United Nations (UN) report has drawn attention to the unavailability of school meals amid a global food crisis that is leaving families in many countries struggling to put food on the table. The report, called the State of School-Feeding Worldwide, states that governments worldwide are increasingly convinced that school meals are a powerful and cost-effective way of ensuring that vulnerable children get the food they need. According to the report, almost 420 million children worldwide receive school meals today, providing a critical safety net for vulnerable children and households, especially at a time when 345 million people face crisis levels of hunger, including 153 million children and young people. The report highlighted that due to a determined effort by governments to restore free lunch programmes following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of children receiving meals globally is now 30 million higher than in 2020, representing about 41 per cent of all children in school.  Lack of school meals worsening global food crisis: UN report

$10B Export Target for Booming SPICE Industry In recent years, India’s spice exports have witnessed an impressive surge, with a 115 per cent increase in volume and an 84 per cent rise in value between 2014 and 2021, reaching a historic high of $4.2 billion in 2020-21. This remarkable growth has captured the attention of several multi million-dollar FMCG companies in India, who are now eyeing the spice market. Startups in the sector are also not lagging behind. With the Spice Board of India and other government bodies introducing various initiatives for the sector’s growth, it's worth examining what the Indian spice sector looks like in 2023. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 23

24 COVER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in I n September 2022, Indian FMCG company Dabur India entered the spices market with the launch of Dabur Hommade Tasty Masala. Less than a year later, in January 2023, the company acquired 51 per cent equity stake in Badshah Masala Private Limited, a prominent, domestic producer, marketer, and exporter of powdered spices and seasonings. The deal was worth Rs 5,87.52 crore ($71.2 million). This acquisition provides Dabur India with a foothold in the Indian packaged herbs, spices and seasonings market, valued at $1.5 billion. Additionally, Badshah Masala will be able to expand the domestic and export base for its spices, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The Indian market for packaged Indian herbs, spices and seasonings is fiercely competitive, with numerous domestic brands and private labels vying for retail shelf space. In order to target cost-sensitive mass retail consumers, companies often compete on price. However, media reports on adulterated spices have led to a growing demand for authentic and high-quality powdered spices and seasonings among higher-income urban households. According to market research firm ResearchAndMarkets, the Indian spices market was valued at Rs 142,569.3 crore in 2021. It expects the market to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.29 per cent during the period of 2021-2027, reaching a value of Rs 270,928.4 crore by 2027. Bobby Verghese, a Senior Research Analyst, at GlobalData, notes, “Owing to the extensive use of spices in local cuisine, India is the world’s largest consumer and one of the largest producers of herbs, spices and seasonings. Indians traditionally purchase fresh spices and seasonings in loose form from open markets and local spice shops and grind them at home or local mills. However, the demand for packaged spices and seasoning products is surging, catalysed by rapid urbanisation, a booming organised retail sector and new product launches in convenient formats, supported by intense marketing campaigns.” As a result of this trend, a portion of the untapped unorganised spices market is also attracting local and multinational companies, including domestic Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) heavyweights such as Tata Consumer Products with its Tata Sampann brand, and ITC, with its Aashirvaad brand. In addition to its existing foothold in the Indian spices market, FMCG player ITC has been experiencing strong growth. Recently, the company invested Rs 200 crore to launch its internationally benchmarked spices plant in Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh. This state-of-the-art mega facility boasts processing lines for turmeric, chilli, and blended spices, with an annual capacity of 20,400 MT of spices. The plant will have the capacity to produce over 15 organic spices and is expected to boost ITC’s food exports globally, with target markets including Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and China, among others. The new plant will also support a sustainable spices value chain and extend support to farmers through a robust crop development programme, ensuring traceability. “We have customised our products in line with the regional tastes and preferences and have adjusted the delivery on the key parameters in terms of pungency, volatile oils, aroma and the core ingredients itself. Going forward, the idea is to take the regional specialities to newer markets. We are also looking at introducing new culinary solutions in Western cuisine,” said Ganesh K Sundararaman, Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Chief Executive, Staples, Snacks and Meals, Foods Division, ITC. Another major player in the food industry, Nestle India, has also been working to strengthen its MAGGI noodles line with the addition of spices. To support the economic stability of spice farmers, Nestlé MAGGI has implemented a Sustainable Sourcing Programme for spices. The programme is founded on the principles of traceability and responsible sourcing, and aims to ensure transparency in the origins of spices, while progressively delivering positive impacts for farmer communities, the environment, and the business within its spices supply chain. The MAGGI Spice plan is focused on tracing seven key spices – Chilli, Turmeric, Coriander, Cumin, Aniseed, Fenugreek, and Nutmeg – used in MAGGI products. The key areas of intervention include ensuring good soil health, reducing water wastage, eliminating pesticide residues, improving the economics of cultivation, and enhancing biodiversity on spice farms. Commenting on the thought behind this programme, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, said, “Spices are important for India, for Indians, and hence for the MAGGI portfolio. At Nestlé India, we have always aimed to create value for our stakeholders, especially for the communities in which we operate. The

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 25 “ “When it comes to export of spices in whole raw form, we do not currently enjoy a cost advantage over many countries in Asia and Africa regions, which means we should focus on increasing the export of value-added spice products.” Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution “ “The demand for packaged spices and seasoning products is surging, catalysed by rapid urbanisation, booming organised retail sector and new product launches in convenient formats, supported by intense marketing campaigns.” Bobby Verghese, Senior Research Analyst, GlobalData “ “We are also looking at introducing new culinary solutions in Western cuisine.” Ganesh K Sundararaman, SBU Chief Executive, Staples, Snacks and Meals, Foods Division, ITC programme is built on three aspects: planet, people, and profits (for farmers). Through this, we wish to contribute to improving the livelihood of spice farmers by introducing them to the best farming practices that are sustainable and will help them grow the best produce while ensuring safe living and working conditions for them.” Why the bets on spices are heating up Apart from Dabur, ITC, and Nestle, many Indian brands have been venturing into the spice market in the past 2-3 years. Spices have become a must-have offering for most Indian FMCGs and food businesses. In December 2022, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting signed a definitive agreement to acquire Nirapara, one of the top-selling packaged food and spice brands from Kerala, owned by KKR Group of Companies. This move comes after Wipro’s announcement of its foray into the food business in India and its ambition to become a significant player in the snack food, spices, and ready-tocook market. “Nirapara is our 13th acquisition. This acquisition gives us a clear foothold in the spices and ready-to-cook segment in India. We are excited to enter a large segment that is expected to grow rapidly,” said Vineet Agrawal, CEO, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, and Executive Director of Wipro Enterprises. Kolkata-based Emami Agrotech, the branded food manufacturing arm of the diversified business conglomerate Emami Group, launched Mantra Spices under its widely popular Emami Healthy and Tasty brand. Emami Agrotech has curated the Mantra Masala range with a wide variety of pure spices in expansive categories, including Haldi (Turmeric), Mirch (Chilli), Jeera (Cumin), and Dhaniya (Coriander) powders, as well as blended spices like Garam Masala, Meat Masala, Chicken Masala, Pav Bhaji Masala, Chhole Masala, Chaat Masala, Sabji Masala, and

26 COVER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Companies/ Startups and their spice brands Company/ Startup Spice brand Dabur, Uttar Pradesh Dabur Hommade ITC, Kolkata Aashirvaad and Sunrise Nestlé India, Gurgaon MAGGI Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, Karnataka Nirapara Emami Agrotech, Kolkata Mantra Spices MK Agrotech Group, Karnataka Sunpure Licious, Bengaluru Licious Meat Masala Hesa, Hyderabad Suhas LifeSpice India, Chennai LifeSpice Spice Story, Mumbai Spice Story 4 steps to further boost Spice market Indian spices to be Brand Ambassador of Quality: Spices Board must expand the reach of the Lab network to all regions in India to ensure the highest quality standards. Focus on packaging to promote Brand India: Packaging serves as a strong first impression. It will help increase the ‘Brand Equity’ of Indian spices. Promote Spice Tourism: Need to collaborate with State Governments to conduct tours, tasting festivals & exhibitions to create awareness about Indian spices in India & world. Let's create Unicorns in the Spices sector: We have many millionaires (Gulati, Vadilal Shah family) in the spices sector. Why can’t we take it to the next level? We should aim to make the spices sector the next unicorn-generating sector, creating jobs in Tier II & III cities. Hing. Other spices like Sambar Masala and Kashmiri Lal Mirch will be added soon. The company plans to introduce Tastemakers in the national market in the next phase. Commenting on the launch of the new category, Krishna Mohan Nyayapati, Director, Emami Agrotech said, “Following the successful West Bengal launch of Mantra Spices, this is a critical step for Emami Healthy & Tasty to strengthen its presence in the national market. We plan to expand our footprint across two lakh retail outlets by the end of this year and five lakh outlets in the next three years and will have a significant presence in modern trade and e-commerce channels. We are also bullish about achieving our revenue target of Rs 700 - 1000 crore in the next five years for Mantra.” Another big name on the list is Sunpure, a renowned South Indian edible oil brand and part of the MK Agrotech Group, which has recently expanded its product line to include spices. The brand has launched three new products, Sunpure Red Chilli Powder, Sunpure Turmeric Powder, and Sunpure Coriander Powder, and plans to introduce blended spice mixes soon. Sunpure’s spices are carefully processed to retain their bioactive components, such as capsaicin in chilli, curcumin in turmeric, and essential oil in coriander. The spices are carefully graded, scientifically processed, and hygienically packed, adhering to the quality parameters of the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and Good Hygiene Practice (GHP). Sunpure’s commitment to these standards ensures the quality and safety of their products throughout the food supply chain. Startups' contribution While India is already experiencing a surge of established players in the spice aisle, a good amount of traffic is concurrently incoming from the startups as well. Many are exploring the market for the first time, whereas, others are looking to strengthen their existing spice portfolio, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. Bengaluru-based meat startup Licious has recently entered into the spice segment with its new range of Meat Masalas. With this latest category expansion, the brand has introduced eight expertly crafted classic masalas for consumers. The range includes Asli Garam Masala, Classic Chicken Masala, Classic Meat Masala, Khansama Biryani Masala, Original Tandoori Chicken Masala, Shandaar Butter Chicken Masala, Chatpata Fish Fry Masala, and Dakshin Pepper Fry Masala. Licious aims to build this category to over Rs 300 crore within the next five years.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 27 “ “We wish to contribute to improving the livelihood of spice farmers by introducing them to the best farming practices that are sustainable.” Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India “ “Nirapara acquisition gives us a clear foothold in the spices and ready-to-cook segment in India. Vineet Agrawal, CEO, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, and Executive Director, Wipro Enterprises “ “We plan to expand our footprint across two lakh retail outlets by the end of this year and five lakh outlets in the next three years.” Krishna Mohan Nyayapati, Director, Emami Agrotech Speaking about expanding the brand’s offering with this new range, Vivek Gupta, Founder of Licious, said, “Licious’ latest foray into masalas aligns with the company’s strategy of portfolio diversification leveraging its strong core brand equity. We have observed a shift in consumption patterns, with consumers wanting to recreate authentic recipes within the comfort of their homes. With our specially crafted classic meat masalas, we want to offer our consumers the convenience of enjoying these authentic meat preparations. We are confident that consumers will truly relish this new offering and choose the perfect match for their most loved meat dishes.” Hesa, a rural marketplace headquartered in Hyderabad, has recently launched a new household consumer brand called SUHAS, which offers a wide range of kitchen spices and other essential ingredients such as lentils and grains. Hesa’s focus on enabling transactions, promotions, and access has made it the largest rural marketplace in India, and now they are foraying into a new category to strengthen their consumer portfolio. With SUHAS, Hesa aims to preserve the Indian heritage of spice and provide consumers with natural, chemical-free ingredients. “Working in rural India for more than a decade, we discovered the consumer need for quality and affordable spices. With Suhas going forward we plan to directly procure produce from Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and other agri groups in the future. The idea is to elevate the earning potential of the farmers without any additional cost. Hesa

28 COVER NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Eight crop specific Spices Parks established by Spices Board Name of the Spices Park State Spices covered Chhindwara Madhya Pradesh Garlic and Chilli Guna Madhya Pradesh Coriander Guntur Andhra Pradesh Chillies Jodhpur Rajasthan Cumin Ramganjmandi Rajasthan Coriander Puttady Kerala Cardamom and Pepper Raebareli Uttar Pradesh Mint Sivaganga Tamil Nadu Chillies and Turmeric “ “Both brands have a Consumer First approach with convenience at its core. It would also help in strengthening our product development strategy.” Soumyadeep Mukherjee, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Spice Story “ “Our latest foray into masalas aligns with the company’s strategy of portfolio diversification, leveraging its strong core brand equity.” Vivek Gupta, Founder, Licious “ “Working in rural India for more than a decade, we discovered the consumer’s need for quality and affordable spices.” Vamsi Udayagiri, Founder and CEO, Hesa aims to bolster its commitment of empowering rural India by addressing the challenges of branding and market access through Suhas,” said Vamsi Udayagiri, Founder and CEO of Hesa. The Indian spice industry is being bolstered by established players such as Chennai-based startup LifeSpice India and a Mumbai-based startup Spice Story. These companies have made commendable efforts to strengthen the industry. Recently LifeSpice made waves by launching India’s first science-backed spice mixes. The startup conducted pre-clinical level in vivo tests on Zebrafish to establish that spices contain phytochemicals such as Oleanole, Anethole, Cineole, Piperine, Capsaicin, Curcumin, Cuminaldehyde, Cuminum, which, when consumed in optimal combinations, can upregulate human genes and help fight heart ailments, cancer, diabetes, cholesterol and asthma. The company has already received one patent, and three more are in the pipeline. On the other hand, Spice Story has raised an undisclosed amount of pre-series A funding from Agility Ventures, Maxar.vc, Nafa capital and select leaders from the FMCG industry, including Anupam Bokey and Anand Dhodapkar. The raised capital will be primarily utilised to strengthen the brand’s distribution network and expand its presence on online platforms. Previously, the company had raised a seed round in January 2021. Since then, it has grown threefold and aims to achieve 25 times growth over the next three years. Moreover, in its pursuit of offline expansion, the startup has entered into a partnership with Jayanti Herbs and Spice, a Bengaluru-based supplier of herbs and spices. This partnership will enable Spice Story to tap into Jayanti Herbs and Spice’s extensive distribution network, which consists of over 23,000 multi-brand modern format retail stores, including national and regional chains, as well as standalone modern retail stores. Speaking on the development, Soumyadeep Mukherjee, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Spice Story said, “This is a partnership we look forward to not only from a business augmentation point of view but because both organisations have a lot in common in terms of thought-process and vision. Both brands have a Consumer First approach with convenience at its core. It would also help in strengthening our product development strategy.”

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 29 The $10 billion spice export target At the 35th-anniversary event of the Spices Board of India in 2022, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles urged the Spices Industry to double its sector exports to $10 billion within the next five years. However, the question arises: how achievable is this goal and is India equipped to meet this target? Let's take a closer look. According to recent statistics, India’s spice exports have shown astonishing growth, with a 115 per cent increase in volume and 84 per cent increase in value ($) between 2014 and 2021. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, exports reached an alltime high of $4.2 billion, and Indian spices & spice products are now available in over 180 countries worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India's traditional medicinal practices, such as the use of spices in Ayurvedic products like Ayush Kwath (which contains cinnamon, tulsi, dry ginger and black pepper), and Golden Milk (made with turmeric and pepper), gained global recognition for their immune-boosting properties. As a result, turmeric exports from India increased by 42 per cent in 2021. The Spice Board of India is taking concerted action by partnering with several national and international agencies to launch various projects and initiatives that are driving growth in the Indian spice industry. These include collaborations with: 1. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) of WTO and FAO, aimed at strengthening the spice value chain in India and improving market access through capacity building and innovative interventions. 2. The Quality Council of India for INDGAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Certification. 3. The spice industry and international agencies such as IDH and GIZ in Germany on the National Sustainable Spice Programme. 4. The UNDP’s Accelerator Lab, India, for the development of blockchain enabled traceability platform for spices. These collaborative efforts are contributing significantly to the development and expansion of the Indian spice industry. Moreover, the Spice Board of India’s Quality Evaluation Laboratory network provides analytical services to exporters and other stakeholders across the major ports of India. Currently, the Spice Board runs state-of-the-art labs at eight locations, including Kochi in Kerala, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, Tuticorin and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Mumbai in Maharashtra, Kandla in Gujarat, Narela near Delhi, and Kolkata in West Bengal. The Spices Board has implemented several digital programmes, including a cloud-based live e-auction system for small cardamom, to promote transparency and facilitate ease of doing business. Most of the Board’s services are now digitised and available online. Recently, the Board launched Spice Xchange India, a first-of-its-kind online portal exclusively dedicated to spice trade. The portal utilises Artificial Intelligence tools to facilitate B2B matchmaking between spice exporters and importers worldwide. By connecting Indian exporters and global buyers through a technology-linked platform, the portal has significantly strengthened the export transactions of spices from India. The Spice Xchange India is a giant leap towards promoting the ease of doing business in the spice industry. Although India is a global leader in the spice industry, it is not without its challenges. During a discussion on the sector’s issues, Piyush Goyal stated, “when it comes to export of spices in whole raw form, we do not currently enjoy cost advantage over many countries in Asia and Africa regions, which means we should focus on increasing the export of value-added spice products. Also, we face challenges in preparing our production system and manufacturing systems to meet stringent quality and food safety standards. Our aim should be to maintain the competitive edge of the Indian spice industry with added thrust on high-end value addition and new product development so as to cater to the specific requirements of varied consumers around the globe, while committed to ensuring food safety, quality, and sustainability.” India has long held a top position in the global spice industry, serving as a leading producer, consumer, and exporter of spices and spice products while also being a global hub for spice processing and value addition. The government and industry players have taken proactive measures to further enhance the sector’s growth. Hence, if the challenges of quality, safety, and regulation can be effectively addressed, achieving the $10 billion export target within the next five years is a realistic goal. Mansi Jamsudkar ([email protected])

30 FORTIFICATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in T he subject of mandatory or compulsory food fortification in India, has gained traction and become controversial in recent times. India’s position of 107 out of 121 on the Global Hunger Index 2022 has highlighted the prevalence of child malnutrition, nutrition deficiency, and hunger crisis in the country. The index takes into account factors such as stunting, wasting, and mortality among children, as well as caloric insufficiency among the general population. While the government of India has taken several steps to address these issues, food fortification has emerged as a widely-discussed solution to tackle malnutrition in the country. In 2018, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations 2018, which laid down standards for fortification and labelling. These regulations mandate the fortification of edible oil and milk with Vitamin A and/ or Vitamin D 33, and salt with iron and iodine to produce Double Fortified Salt (DFS). Wheat (both maida and atta), and rice , are to be fortified with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, along with optional vitamins like Zinc, Vit A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Pyridoxine. The regulations also cover the fortification of processed foods such as cereals and bakery products. Currently, fortification of foods is not compulsory, except for iodised salt. However, the government plans to make fortification mandatory for packaged edible oil and milk. The FSSAI has issued guidelines for the mandatory fortification of these products, and the Fortification of Foods Regulations 2018 provide a framework for mandatory fortification of other staples, subject to government direction. Following the guidelines for mandatory fortification of edible oil and milk from the FSSAI, the government has already expressed its intention to introduce compulsory iron fortification of rice in all major food programmes. The Indian government sees mandatory food fortification as a promising solution to address malnutrition in the country. However, a letter dated August 2, 2021, addressed to Ashok Kumar Mishra, the assistant director of the Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC), which regulates food fortification under the FSSAI, presents a different perspective. The letter, signed by people and organisations including medical experts and nutritionists, opposes the synthetic fortification of foods such as rice with iron. The validity of this criticism against mandatory food fortification is a topic of debate. Mandatory food fortification: A blanket approach? Experts are criticising India’s ‘Blanket Approach’ to addressing the complexity of malnutrition in the country. The government has started including synthetically-fortified The Fortification Fallout: Examining India's Controversial Nutrition Strategy On February 16, 2023, the Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) published a report that focuses on the industry-funded, founded, and industry-led body called the Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC), which holds a seat within the FSSAI and has influence over state programme implementation, funding, and evaluation. It raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest in decision-making around food fortification. It also says that the FFRC’s members are promoters of fortification and are linked to nutraceutical and food corporations that stand to benefit financially from a push towards food fortification in India. Hence it calls for an immediate re-evaluation of the stakeholders within the FSSAI and an investigation into conflict of interest to ensure that the FSSAI receives unbiased expertise to be able to conduct its affairs in the interest of public health and the right to food.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FORTIFICATION 31 foods in all its public food programmes, like the PDS (Public Distribution System), ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme), PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, a COVID-19-related food scheme), and MDMS (Mid Day Meal Scheme renamed as POSHAN, which provides meals to school children throughout India). As a result, the majority of the population, who rely on India’s food security programmes, are exposed to these foods. Advocates of the right to food have raised concerns about several risks associated with large-scale, nearmandatory food fortification programmes. These risks include threats to the livelihoods of small-scale producers and processors, public health risks such as over-reliance on a few food groups of cereals for vitamins and minerals, and irreversible market shifts that could make people dependent on ultra-processed foods manufactured by corporations instead of natural and diverse foods produced by local communities. Mandatory food fortification could have a significant economic impact. Many small players like the Atta Chakkis, oil mills, and rice mills could be adversely affected, leading to poverty and malnutrition. Jimena Monroy-Gomez, Technical Nutrition Associate at Sight and Life in Switzerland, commented on the incapability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to follow food fortification practices and the resulting livelihood risks. She said, “The lack of relevant data to design contextappropriate food fortification strategies is an indirect obstacle to SMEs engaging in food fortification practices. This data gap limits the opportunity to guide SMEs to implement food fortification activities according to local needs. Limited access to sustainable finance is also a crucial barrier that prevents SMEs from implementing innovations or improving their capacity to produce more fortified foods. The cost of manufacturing fortified food compared to non-fortified food can be <1 per cent up to 1.33 per cent higher for wheat flour, milk, and edible oil, and up to 4.5 per cent higher for some varieties of rice. Moreover, the lack of technical knowledge limits SMEs’ ability to improve their operations, revenues, and shelf storage process.” Additionally, it is worth noting that these food programmes are legally entitled to the majority of Indians. However, no independent risk analysis has been conducted in the country, and as of 2023, evaluation studies for the 3-year pilot programme on fortified rice in PDS, initiated in 2019 by the government in partnership with certain NGOs, including those linked to the nutraceutical industry, are still not available. Such NGOs have been doing their own evaluation studies of their own fortification interventions in different states. These evaluations where they exist, have been found to be highly biased, giving glowing reviews to their own programmes. One significant health risk of mandatory food fortification, as per FSSAI’s own regulations, is that iron-fortified foods cannot be given to patients who are contraindicated to eat iron. Iron can be toxic to those suffering from infections like malaria and tuberculosis, or hemoglobinopathies like thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia. However, fact-finding visits by the Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA-Kisan Swaraj network) and Right to Food Campaign teams to Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh revealed that such patients were not being screened and were indiscriminately being fed iron-fortified rice, as the central authorities had not established clear protocols to protect such patients. Despite such glaring policy gaps, the programme is being rapidly scaled up across the country. “High body iron stores have been associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia in adults and adolescents. The potential escalation of NCD risk should be an additional consideration when evaluating the benefits and harms of multiple public health interventions to enhance iron intake for addressing anaemia. A rational approach that improves erythropoiesis in those who need it, through a wide approach of calibrated intake of diverse diets along with physical activity and a clean environment, 23

32 FORTIFICATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in is likely to benefit populations much more than single nutrient initiatives. This is especially relevant to iron supplementation and food iron fortification programmes that are directed at Indian children. This should be considered when evaluating the benefits and harms of enhancing iron intake in anaemia prevention programmes,” said Dr Tinku Thomas, Professor & Head, Dept. of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore. The large-scale near-mandatory food fortification seems to convey the message that the government expects poor Indians to receive the bulk of their nutrition through one or two chemically fortified cereals like rice or wheat. However, similar policy and programmatic emphasis is not being given to balanced and diverse diets, which are essential for adequate caloric intake and for essential proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Although the FSSAI has acknowledged that dietary diversity is the ‘best choice’ to address malnutrition, and that fortification is a ‘complementary strategy,’ it is clear that corporate-led fortification is becoming the main policy thrust, while holistic, balanced natural diets, produced and processed by communities themselves, are not receiving the same attention. Where does the origin of this controversy lie? In February 2023, the Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) published a report titled “Do India’s Food Safety Regulator (FSSAI) and Indian Citizens Need Saving From (Foreign & Indian) Private Players Behind Food Fortification Initiatives? – A Report on the Objectionable Conflict of Interest that Pervades India’s Food Fortification Public Policies & Programmes.” The report raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest in decision-making around food fortification, which is currently receiving unprecedented policy support in India as the silver bullet solution to malnutrition and anaemia. The report focuses on the industry-funded, founded, and industry-led body called the Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC), which holds a seat within the FSSAI and has influence over state programme implementation, funding, and evaluation. According to the ASHA report, the FFRC’s members are promoters of fortification and are linked to nutraceutical and food corporations that stand to benefit financially from a push towards food fortification in India. As per the report by ASHA, the FFRC is an industry body comprising members who function as lobby groups to advocate for fortification-friendly policies in India. Despite the FFRC’s claim of being merely a resource centre, its significant influence and role in policy-making are apparent. The report provides a detailed account of the corporate actors and NGOs within the FFRC, as well as their financial interests in fortification, based on publicly available information about these entities. Some of the members of the FFRC include the Tata Trusts, the founding partner of the FFRC with links to the Tata Group, as well as Wella Nutrologicals and Tata Global Beverages. All of these members have a financial interest in fortification since they produce nutraceuticals used in fortification and manufacture fortified food products. Another significant partner, GAIN, has been referred to as a lobby group for nutraceutical and big food “ “The lack of relevant data to design contextappropriate food fortification strategies is an indirect obstacle to SMEs engaging in food fortification practices. This data gap limits the opportunity to guide SMEs to implement food fortification activities according to local needs.” Jimena Monroy-Gomez Technical Nutrition Associate, Sight and Life, Switzerland “ “The potential escalation of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk should be an additional consideration when evaluating the benefits and harms of multiple public health interventions to enhance iron intake for addressing anaemia.” Dr Tinku Thomas, Professor & Head, Dept. of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore “ “Regulatory decisionmaking by agencies like FSSAI should include a needs, benefits, and alternatives analysis which will lead to lasting, sustainable solutions. Regulation should also prevent conflict of interest, especially of industry entities and keep out Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GAIN, and other such entities fully.” Kavitha Kuruganti, Founder Convenor, ASHA

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FORTIFICATION 33 Name of the FFRC partner NGO Associated Corporate entities Tata Trusts Tata Group, Wella Nutrologicals, Tata Global Beverages GAIN Sun Business Network that includes micronutrient producers such as- BASF, Royal DSM, Cargill Nutrition Connect- is a platform launched by GAIN Indian corporations- AQC Chem Labs, DSM Nutritional Products, Hexagon Nutrition, Global Calcium, Manisha Pharmo Plast, NuTaste Food & Drink, P D Navkar Biochem, Piramal Enterprises, Pristine Organics, Wella Nutrologicals, Jubilant Life Sciences PATH Mott MacDonald, PATH and Abbott created a proprietary technology called Ultra Rice, a rice fortification technology that they have been promoting within India. Nutrition International DSM, Teck Resources Limited The Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) BASF, DSM, Cargill The Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) Cargill, DSM Some FFRC partner NGOs and their associated corporate entities that have a financial interest in fortification Source- ASHA Report “Do India’s Food Safety Regulator (FSSAI) and Indian Citizens Need Saving From (Foreign & Indian) Private Players Behind Food Fortification Initiatives? – A Report on the Objectionable Conflict of Interest that Pervades India’s Food Fortification Public Policies & Programmes” corporations such as BASF, DSM, and Cargill. Additionally, GAIN operates its own premix facility to produce and supply fortified foods to international markets. PATH, a company that produces vaccines, drugs, and devices, has a proprietary fortified rice technology called Ultra Rice, which is currently being used in government mid-day meals in some states. The report highlights several other examples where corporate actors have a financial stake in promoting fortification in India. The oversized role of the Gates Foundation within the FFRC is particularly noteworthy, including the presence of Bill Gates himself, during the centre’s launch. Furthermore, various NGOs linked to corporations within the FFRC are being financially supported by the Gates Foundation. Kavitha Kuruganti, Founder Convenor, ASHA, said, “Regulatory decision-making by agencies like FSSAI should include a needs, benefits, and alternatives analysis which will lead to lasting, sustainable solutions. Regulation should also prevent conflict of interest, especially of industry entities and keep out Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GAIN, and other such entities fully. Government should promote awareness, working with civil society and others who are working on lowcost, sustainable solutions such as agro-ecological farming, promotion of uncultivated foods, setting up of kitchen gardens, popularising bran in diet, and revival of nutrition-rich diverse varieties of crops. Instead of pushing mandatory food fortification (including rice and oils) of doubtful benefit and potential harm, launching a major awareness campaign on the importance of micronutrients and their availability in millets, microgreens, vegetables, and fruits as awareness itself can alter behaviour beneficially.” This report also highlights the issue of private interests being housed within a regulatory body like the FSSAI, urging that their sphere of influence should be checked in matters of public health and food safety in accordance with India’s laws. Additionally, the report notes that fortification is often portrayed as a silver bullet solution without considering critical perspectives and evidence. Finally, it is noted that the mandates of the FSSAI and the FFRC are divergent, with the former being guided by principles of food safety that include independent and transparent risk assessment, public consultations and protection of consumer choice and interest, among others. Mansi Jamsudkar ([email protected])

34 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in How are you exploring the space of products that support brain health in the sports nutrition arena, given their success in other categories? These products are called Nootropics. Nootropic supplements enhance focus, alertness, memory, creativity, and overall cognitive function. Lack of focus and attention can directly impact performance in sports and other physical activities. Achieving great focus in sports requires undivided attention, which is very difficult to achieve through our daily diet alone. Hence, supplementation is a practical solution, making nootropic supplements relevant not only in the fitness industry but also in the overall sports industry. Currently, many pre-workout supplements in the fitness industry contain nootropic ingredients for their beneficial effects. We are also working on a project with Prosupps USA LLC to manufacture a range of pre-workouts with similar benefits. Vishnu Menon, Founder, Iron Asylum India “Nootropic supplements have great relevance not only in the fitness industry but in the overall sports industry” Iron Asylum India, based in Bangalore, is a distributor and marketer of imported food supplements across India. With the burgeoning fitness and sports industry, the company is expanding into the D2C segment and intends to introduce new sports nutrition products in 2023. In an interview with nuFFooDS Spectrum, Vishnu Menon, the Founder of Iron Asylum India, sheds insights on the company’s latest developments. Here are edited excerpts from the conversation:

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 35 Could you please update us on the newly launched sports nutrition supplements and products in the pipeline? We are currently involved in more than 20 product manufacturing projects in India, with some already launched and others in the pipeline. Our entire range will be available to users by 2023. As the exclusive partner for the Prosupps India Manufacturing Project, Iron Asylum offers the entire sports nutrition range, which includes whey protein, amino acids and more. Prosupps is the world's best-selling pre-workout product, and its range of products is popular not only among fitness athletes but also among sports professionals. We are currently working on various products with Prosupps. These include Hyde Thermo, a pre-workout product supplemented with nootropic ingredients and CapsiMax, a novel ingredient that helps increase metabolism and thermogenesis for fat loss. Another product is Hyde Max Pump, which contains Nitrosigine, an ingredient that holds multiple patents, which increases blood flow as a vasodilator, leading to improved athletic performance and libido, as well as cognitive function. Alpha Whey is another product we offer, a protein blend with multiple whey components that is thirdparty certified for purity. Each box comes with a batch test result inside. The protein claim for Alpha whey is 24 grams/serving as per the label. However, the result showed that it contains at least 26 grams/per serving. We also have Prosupps L-Arginine 1000 mg tablets. We are also involved in the Insane Labz importation project, where Iron Asylum serves as the official partner in India to make their products available to users all over India. Insane Labz, USA offers unique and popular hardcore energy products such as pre-workouts, fat burners and more. Some of their most popular products include Psychotic Pre-workout (Hardcore energy pre-workout), Insane Cuts (Hardcore energy fat burner), and Kill H20 (Diuretic). What was the revenue of the company in FY 2022-23? What do you expect in FY 2023-24? In FY 2022-23, we sold more than $12 million worth of products. For FY 2023-24, we are projecting a 300 per cent increase in sales. What is the size of the sports nutrition supplements market in India and how do you see market opportunities? There is no official data available, but our finance department reports indicate that sports nutrition in India is worth over $500 million. There are endless opportunities for brands to introduce innovative and user-focused products in this market. What are the regulatory challenges in the Indian sports nutrition supplements segment? How important is it to focus on clean labels? In the food industry, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the regulatory board, has very strict and clear guidelines on the ingredients to be used and about the label claims. But the sad truth is these regulations are not followed by many of the Indianorigin brands which often affects consumers’ trust in the entire market. One of the other challenges that the industry is facing is that many products come through unauthorised channels. Those products can be either fake or altered and can be very harmful to the user's health. All our authorised products have an Iron Asylum stamp and a verification code to authenticate. Please share your thoughts on the plant-based sports nutrition category. It is very difficult to fulfil our nutrient requirements, particularly for protein and healthy fats with a strictly vegetarian or vegan daily diet. To overcome this challenge, dietary supplementation may be necessary. However, many Indians follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and are aware of the importance of nutrition and fitness. As a result, there is a significant potential for the growth of plant-based nutrition in India. Please highlight the R&D efforts of the company in the sports nutrition segment. How much has been invested in the R&D of your products, and where are your facilities based? Iron Asylum has its own formulation and R&D team based in Bangalore to research, analyse and develop sports nutrition products in India. We have developed many popular products for Prosupps and Enhanced Labz in India. Our in-house production and QC team help us release only the best products. We have invested significantly in R&D, and our facilities are based in Bangalore with warehouses spread across the country. What are your plans for product development, international exports, and expansion? Iron Asylum has export contracts signed with Russia, and we are in discussions with many other potential partnerships. We are also working closely with Prosupps on their Hyde Energy drink project for India. Our plans for product development include expanding into Exercise and Athletics (EA) sports supplements and gaming supplements, which we expect will be popular and in demand in the future. Mansi Jamsudkar ([email protected])

36 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in When did Blackmores enter the Indian market? Blackmores is a leading Australian natural health company that was established in the 1930s by Maurice Blackmore, a pioneering naturopath and visionary – Puneet Sood, Country Manager- India, Blackmores Globally, the nutraceuticals market is projected to reach $446.35 billion in 2027. In light of the growing acceptance of health supplements, Indian companies have been introducing new nutraceuticals to cater to various consumer health needs. Meanwhile, global players are actively innovating in this space and entering the Indian market. One such player is Blackmores, a natural health company headquartered in Australia. Leveraging their expertise in vitamins, minerals, herbs and nutrients, Blackmores develops high-quality products and services along with global health experts at the Blackmores Institute. Puneet Sood, Country Manager, Blackmores, discussed the latest updates related to the company in a conversation with nuFFooDS Spectrum. Edited excerpts: pharmacist. The brand entered the Indian market in October 2021 to cater to the growing nutraceuticals market. We had been focusing on India as a market to enter since 2018 as it is a key territory with sizeable “Things are changing and India is planning to take a more supportive standpoint on nutraceuticals”

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 37 audience to address and a comparatively higher awareness about nature’s healing powers. In the last few years, we had seen how a preventive and proactive approach to healthcare had driven the demand for cleaner foods, and transparency about the ingredients that are used to manufacture the products that people buy. This growth in demand for natural products backed by strong scientific evidence and research was in sync with Blackmores’ vision of empowering people to take well-informed health and wellbeing decisions. Our products proved to be a perfect fit for the quality and effectiveness-conscious audience. However, the pandemic delayed our launch plans and we eventually introduced our products in October 2021. How many products of Blackmores are available in India? Please share details of these products. Blackmores currently offers seven products in India, including fish oil, ultra-refined black-seed oil, and bio calcium tablets. These products are available on leading ecommerce platforms such as Amazon India, Flipkart, Nykaa, PharmEasy, NetMeds, Tata 1 MG, Healthkart, Nutrabay, and Health XP. They are also available through retail partners such as Wellness Forever, Apollo Pharmacy, Noble Plus, Frank Ross, and Guardian. Our product Blackmores Bio Calcium provides a high-quality, concentrated source of calcium, plus vitamin D3 to help maintain the health of bones and teeth. With 500 mg of elemental calcium in each tablet, this product has the highest levels of calcium in the market. Another product, Blackmores Blue Light Defence, supports healthy eye function through its scientifically formulated antioxidant formula. We also have Blackmores CoQ10 150 mg, which provides coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant enzyme naturally concentrated in the metabolically active organs, especially the heart. Blackmores CoQ10 150 mg supports a healthy cardiovascular system, maintaining healthy blood fats and blood vessel health. Supplementing a daily diet with Blackmores CoQ10 150 mg can boost energy levels, cardiovascular health and general health and wellbeing as we age. Moreover, Blackmores Fish Oil 1000 mg Odourless Capsules are an ideal supplement for vegetarian Indian adults and children and also for those who don’t eat the recommended diet of sea-fish 2-3 times a week. It is an excellent source of Omega 3 and supports cardiovascular, brain, eye, nervous system and skin health, supporting general wellbeing and healthy growth and development in children. Blackmores Glucosogreen 1500 provides a vegetarian and scientifically validated source of glucosamine to support healthy joint cartilage production and relieve symptoms of mild arthritis, mild joint aches and pains and mild joint stiffness. Whereas Blackmores Shine Power D3 provides vitamin D3 in a capsule format for those who do not get enough sunlight. Vitamin D3 supports healthy immune system function and healthy bone development and helps maintain muscle strength and health. Apart from other things, Vitamin D is also important in maintaining the body’s immune health. Lastly, Blackmores Ultra Refined Black Seed Oil is a high-potency, quality-sourced, cold-pressed black seed oil in a convenient capsule format. This vegetarian, pure, ultra-refined black seed oil has multi-action benefits, provides a natural source of omega fatty acids, and supports healthy immune and antioxidant functions. In the coming months, we plan to expand the product range to 10 and these would be variants of our fish oil products. For instance, the existing fish oil pills in the market are large in size which could be difficult for some people to swallow. The new product would be a smaller capsule, and there is also a variant with a higher concentration of fish oil as well as one calcium supplement in the works. We are also looking at manufacturing our formulations locally in India to cater to the domestic market as well as for the global audience. How are these products unique when compared to other products already available in the market? The Indian nutraceuticals market is dominated by two key product categories which are fish oil supplements and multivitamins. These two product categories alone account for about 60 per cent of the market size currently. From a consumer perspective, there is a need to drive awareness about the need for nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Despite plenty of access to natural foods and sunlight, the majority of the Indians are found deficient in these nutrients and remain oblivious to the need for supplements. Not only that, the existing nutraceuticals and dietary supplements often failed to invoke adequate trust due to a lack of transparency about ingredients and effectiveness. At Blackmores, we have consistently focused on empowering people with knowledge and access to the true power of nature’s curing powers and enabling them to live a better quality of life through our high-quality products. This access to world-class products is a market gap which exists in India, and we are currently aiming to cover it across all Tier-I cities in the country, and for all the people in the longer run. Do you have an R&D facility or manufacturing facility in India? Currently, we do not have an R&D or manufacturing

38 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in facility in India. Although globally Blackmores has collaborations with leading institutes, universities, healthcare professionals and natural healthcare advocacy groups that give the company an unmatched scientific understanding of natural ingredients and formulations. To fulfil the brand’s commitment to quality, our products pass over 30 pre-market tests and checks and are made using high-quality ingredients sourced from different parts of the world. All the raw materials are laboratory-tested for their identity, purity and potency. The company also has a stringent auditing process for raw material suppliers and manufacturing facilities with all the products manufactured to exceed the high Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) standards. The Australian government's TGA standards ensure that therapeutic goods available in Australia are safe and fit for their intended purpose. What is the size of your team in India? Currently, we have a small team of around 10 people operating out of India. In Asia Pacific, Blackmores is present in 13 markets with over 750 employees and annual revenue of $649 million. It is the strong emphasis on best quality and adequate backing of scientific evidence that has made Blackmores a market leader in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Blackmores also has an academic and professional arm called the Blackmores Institute that aims to improve and promote high-quality natural medicine. There is a large team of researchers, academics, healthcare professionals, and educators as well as more than 40 technical experts that constantly strive to further finetune the offerings and conduct path-breaking research to develop new solutions. What are your views on the regulatory constraints of selling nutraceuticals/ dietary supplements in India? The regulations in the nutraceuticals segment are very different in India. For instance, multivitamins which are one of the highest-selling nutraceuticals, have different formulation rules and limitations under FSSAI rules in India compared to the other markets. Globally, we have a range of over 200 products, but in India, we have so far launched only seven and are going to expand it to 10 products soon. However, things are changing and the government is planning to take a more supportive standpoint on nutraceuticals and to separate the segment from food or pharmaceuticals regulations. In the last couple of years, a lot of good work has been done by the government and we expect changes to be seen in the next year or so. Have you launched your products in other Asian countries? Which ones? In the year 1938, Maurice set up the first Blackmores naturopathic clinic in Brisbane, Australia to start formulating and dispensing natural remedies to his patients. With time, the remedies achieved great success and Blackmores expanded its range of natural health products to include supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc. Blackmores is now renowned and respected in the Australian as well as international markets for its high-quality, evidence-based natural health products. Today, Blackmores has a rich legacy of over 90 years of research and development of products and has achieved market leadership in Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand, and a strong presence in 12 markets in the region with revenue of $649 million. What opportunities and challenges are in store for the nutraceuticals/ dietary supplements market in Asia, particularly India in the coming years? In recent years, there has been a lot of emphasis on nature-based wellness and nutrition products in India. Consumers are increasingly focusing on the goodness of natural ingredients to boost body functions and immunity instead of going for conventional pharmaceuticals. This is partly driven by the experience of the pandemic, and also due to the understanding of climate change events, and know-how about the natural ways of living proving to be more sustainable and healthy. The nutraceuticals market has grown stronger in recent years with greater awareness and acceptance among global audiences about the power of nature. People are focusing more on preventive care and living healthy through natural means, and that’s driving the nutraceuticals market in countries like India, where it is growing at an impressive CAGR of 29.5 per cent currently and is expected to continue at that pace until 2027. The market is currently valued at around $5 billion to $6 billion, and a lot of international players are now entering India. The Government of India has also taken various steps to provide regulatory support and introduce friendly policies such as the recent FSS (Nutra) regulations, 2022 which will help brands like Blackmores create formulations that can be manufactured in India. For instance, we hope to manufacture our multivitamins in the country in times ahead and might set up a manufacturing plant in the long term. With further innovation and research in the future and a supportive environment, the nutraceuticals industry is set to grow bigger with consumers opening up to try out different supplements for their specific needs. Manbeena Chawla ([email protected])

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FOOD WASTAGE 39 F ood loss and waste (FLW) refers to the decrease in quantity or quality of food throughout the supply chain. ‘Food Loss’ takes place from harvest, slaughter or catch, up to, but not including, the retail level, while ‘Food Waste’ occurs at the retail and consumption levels. FLW results in economic losses and poses serious food and nutrition security challenges. FLW also has implications for natural resources used in producing the food lost, as well as environmental pollution and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted in the process. Reducing FLW is a crucial part of the UN 2030 Agenda Dr Satyanarayana Kandukuri, Food Processing practice lead, Sathguru Management Consultants From Farm to Fork: India's Fight Against Food Loss and Waste India lacks a national policy and national strategy for food loss and waste (FLW) reduction. In the absence of a predetermined FLW reduction target under SDG 12.3 and a lack of established methodology for measuring FLW, efforts to reduce FLW in India may not lead to quantifiable results. There is a need to create a mechanism to generate data on FLW using appropriate methodologies that will enable monitoring and evaluation of FLW reduction at the national level. for Sustainable Development, with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 12.3 calling for halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reducing food loss along production and supply chains (including post-harvest losses) by 2030. Indicator 12.3.1 measures a country’s progress towards this target and has two sub-indicators: the Food Loss Index (FLI) and the Food Waste Index (FWI). The FLI measures changes in the percentage of losses for a basket of 10 key commodities by a country compared to a base period, while the FWI measures food waste at the retail and consumer levels (households and food services).

40 FOOD WASTAGE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are the custodians for FLI and FWI respectively. They work with international stakeholders to establish detailed methodologies and guidance and measure progress towards SDG Target 12.3. According to FAO estimates for FLI in 2019, approximately 14 per cent of food produced globally is lost from post-harvest up to, but not including, the retail level. The UNEP FWI Report 2021 estimates that the global average food wastage is 121 kg/person annually, with India’s household food waste estimated to be 50 kg/person annually, amounting to an estimated household food waste of 68.7 million tonnes/ year. FLW measurement in India India has been actively involved in implementing the SDGs since their adoption, and it has integrated them into its national development agenda and plans. However, India has not set an FLW reduction target under SDG Target 12.3, and does not report data on Indicator 12.3.1. One of the reasons for this could be a lack of nationally representative data on FLW generated through an approved or widely recognised methodology. Limited studies have been conducted on food loss and food waste estimation in India and the data on losses are not comparable due to the use of different methodologies and metrics. According to a study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (ICAR-CIPHET) in 2015, which estimated the economic value of harvest and post-harvest losses of major agricultural produce at the national level based on actual measurement of losses, the reverses were valued at Rs 92,651 crore, using 2012-13 production data at 2014 average annual prices. Lack of storage infrastructure at the farm level and lack of intermediate processing in production areas were identified as the primary causes of post-harvest loss. In another study led by FAO in 2018, a case study methodology was used to assess quantitative and qualitative food loss in rice, chickpea, milk and mango food supply chains in Andhra Pradesh. This study highlighted the critical loss points in select food supply chains and the need for capacity building at different levels of value chain actors, investment in large storage facilities, and other related infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, to ensure a reduction in food loss. Similarly, data on food waste is scarce, and there are no national estimates of food waste in India. Policy and legislation related to FLW India currently lacks a national policy or strategy for reducing food loss and waste (FLW) and there are no laws and regulations that limit or prohibit FLW. However, the country does have some regulations on solid waste management and food donation. In 2016, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF & CC) notified the solid waste management (SWM) rule, which emphasises segregation at source to channelise waste towards wealth by recovery, reuse, and recycling. All hotels and restaurants are required to segregate biodegradable waste and establish collection systems to ensure that food waste is utilised for composting or bio-methanation on the premises. The Compulsory Food Waste Reduction Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019, which proposed the establishment of a committee for food waste reduction. Within six months of establishment, the committee was to publish a food waste reduction strategy that aimed to halve food wastage in India by 2025, require supermarkets and food manufacturers to reduce the food waste across their supply chains by 30 per cent by 2025 from a 2016 baseline, and make proposals for achieving a 50 per cent reduction of food waste by 2030. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified a regulation in 2019 to promote food recovery by businesses, providing legitimate backup to food donation in India and reducing wastage. The FSS (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019, specifies the responsibilities of food donors and surplus food distribution organisations in ensuring that donated food remains safe for human consumption. FSSAI has developed guidelines for the safe and easy recovery of surplus food to help citizens, restaurants and recovery agencies Niti Aayog has released policy guidelines on promoting behaviour change to strengthen waste segregation at the source. According to Niti Aayog, composting waste food at home can save up to 15 billion tonnes of food from going to landfills. Initiatives to reduce food loss and waste Cold chain solutions address the problem of food loss directly by increasing the shelf life of food, and indirectly by increasing the reach of food to markets and processing facilities. Several initiatives for cold storage development have been taken in the past in India, but the focus has now shifted to creating an integrated cold chain across the supply chain. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is promoting the “Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure” scheme to create infrastructure facilities along the entire supply chain, without any break from farm gate to the consumer. This includes pre-cooling, sorting and grading facilities at the farm level; multi-product/ multi-temperature cold storage, controlled atmosphere

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FOOD WASTAGE 41 (CA) storage, packing facility, individual quick freezing (IQF), blast freezing in the distribution hub; and reefer vans and mobile cooling units for the distribution of perishable produce. The private sector is also providing solutions and services that can address the cold chain sector and reduce FLW. Examples include Ecogen, which provides solar-based cold storage solutions suitable for farm gate, and WayCool, which streamlines the fresh produce supply chain for efficiency. Food waste in India is generally managed by producing compost, animal feed, value–added products or through food donation. A notable case is the Kumbakonam Municipality, which processes 40-42 tonnes of biodegradable waste per day through five micro-composting centres and 34 onsite composting centres (producing compost) and a bio methanation plant (producing biogas). The responsibility of food waste collection was entrusted by this municipality to hotel associations, which are major waste generators. The private sector in India is also taking initiatives in food waste management and creating circular processes. Players like Avris Environment Technologies have developed a compact bio-digester that converts food waste, kitchen and garden waste into biogas and organic manure. Wastelink assists food manufacturers in managing their surplus and waste by transforming it into animal feed. Loopworm grows black soldier fly larvae using waste food, which are then used to produce protein-rich fish and poultry feed. The FSSAI started an initiative called ‘Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy’ to promote food donation and reduce FLW in the country. As part of this, FSSAI created the Indian Food Sharing Alliance (IFSA) - a network of partners, food donors, food recovery agencies and NGOs, thus facilitating infrastructural and logistical support to help solve food waste and hunger in India. The India Food Banking Network (IFBN), a multi-stakeholder collaboration, supports the recovery of surplus inventory of good quality packaged food (within the best-before date of products) from the food industry and connects it to feed the needy. The regulations and guidelines for ensuring the safe storage and distribution of collected food, and the governmental support in promoting food recovery services, are expected to help in reducing food waste in India. Challenges and recommendations for reducing FLW The cold chain throughout the supply chain remains a major challenge in India. The uneven distribution of cold storage, lack of access to multi-product packhouses, pre-cooling and cold storage near the farm gate, and inefficient cold logistics result in significant losses across perishable produce. India needs to create an efficient and integrated cold chain to reduce FLW. India lacks a national policy and national strategy for FLW reduction. In the absence of a predetermined FLW reduction target under SDG 12.3 and a lack of established methodology for measuring FLW, efforts to reduce FLW in India may not lead to quantifiable results. There is a need to create a mechanism to generate data on FLW using appropriate methodologies that will enable monitoring and evaluation of FLW reduction at the national level. India needs to develop a policy that encourages the active participation of the private sector in FLW reduction. Research grants and fiscal incentives such as tax exemptions can encourage participation by academia, industry and startups in FLW reduction or food waste valorisation. Unlike South Korea, which has adopted regulations and policy guidelines to reduce FLW, India does not have laws and regulations that prohibit or restrict the generation of food waste. South Korea is considered a model for food waste management, as it has increased the amount of food waste recycling from 2 per cent in 1995 to 95 per cent currently, thanks to a helpful regulatory framework. It implemented strict FLW policies by banning the dumping of food in landfills in 2005, introducing compulsory food waste recycling using biodegradable bags in 2013, and citizens were made to pay for food waste disposal by weight. It is necessary to have similar laws and regulations in India to reduce FLW. National standards are required to enable the safe use of food waste as animal feed and other value-added products. Regulatory frameworks need to be adopted to ensure that food waste being used and processed for feed and other products at the production site do not cause environmental pollution and that the safety hazards in food waste being used for feed production are addressed. Lack of public awareness of FLW, its impact and the factors responsible for FLW is another challenge. Awareness campaigns, conducted through partnerships between various stakeholders, on responsible consumption practices by consumers, serving sizes and plate waste in restaurants, canteens, etc., can help reduce FLW. To guide the disposal behaviour choices of consumers, food waste and non-recyclable products could carry suitable colour labels for disposal in appropriate dustbins. Reducing FLW is crucial for addressing food security, reducing carbon emissions, and building resilient food systems. FLW reduction needs to be recognised as a priority action agenda that requires collaboration and coordination among all the stakeholders.

42 BIOFORTIFICATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Around 88 per cent of Asian and African countries face two or three forms of malnutrition simultaneously. Several factors such as insufficient food supply, low household income, poor healthcare facilities and food insecurity are responsible for increased prevalence of malnutrition in South Asian countries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), about 181 million people in as many as 41 countries, could face food Ravinder Grover, Regional Coordinator-Asia, HarvestPlus Regulatory Landscape in Asia for Biofortification South Asia has the world’s largest concentration of poverty and malnutrition, but at the same time holds a great potential to make the food systems more diverse and sustainable. The region’s agri-food systems face significant challenges such as poverty reduction, climate change and environmental issues impacting adequate and affordable supply of diverse foods required for a sustainable, healthy diet. Biofortification has proved to be a strong instrument against malnutrition and therefore, governments in South Asia should invest more in this area. crises or increased food-insecurity. The Russia-Ukraine war contributing to high food prices, COVID-related disruptions in supply chains, political instability and several other factors over the last two years worsened the situation further. As a result, approximately 7.6 to 13.1 million more people could be undernourished globally in 2022. Traditional nutritional interventions mainly focus on four main strategies: dietary modification,

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in BIOFORTIFICATION 43 supplementation, commercial fortification, and biofortification. Biofortification involves selectively breeding staple plant varieties to increase nutrient content in staple crops. We all know that no single intervention can solve the problem of micronutrient malnutrition, but biofortification complements the existing interventions to provide micronutrients to the most vulnerable people in a relatively inexpensive, costeffective, and sustainable manner. Iron, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies are the most common contributors to poor growth, cognitive impairments, perinatal complications, and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In biofortification, these micronutrients are naturally enhanced in the staple crops and roughly 400 varieties of wheat, rice, maize, beans, cassava, sweet potato, and pearl millet in 40 countries are available benefiting an estimated 64 million. In India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has released more than 25 varieties of iron & zinc enriched staples. Biofortification as a strategy offers a way to reach poor consumers who have difficulty in accessing diverse diets, supplements, or fortified food products. Biofortification Biofortification provides a comparatively costeffective, sustainable, and long-term means of delivering micronutrients to populations that might otherwise not have access to a fully balanced diet. Biofortification as a strategy also fits with some of the emerging trends in the food sector, such as the increased demand for naturally nutritious foods, plant-based foods etc. Biofortification through its supply chain also takes account of key parameters such as gender empowerment, improving nutrition, climate adaptation etc. Asia perspective It was found that about half of the preschool children are malnourished, ranging from 16 per cent in China to 64 per cent in Bangladesh. Iron deficiency anaemia affects 40 - 50 per cent of preschool and primary school children in Asia. Nearly half of all vitamin A deficiency and xeropthalmia in the world occurs in South and Southeast Asia, with large numbers of cases in India (35.3 million), Indonesia (12.6 million) and China (11.4 million). According to the World Food Programme, 6.3 million people, or over 30 per cent of Sri Lanka's population, are food insecure. About 6.7 million people are not consuming an adequate diet and 5.3 million people are reducing the number of meals partaken during the day while more than 60 per cent of families are eating less, cheaper, and less nutritious food. In Afghanistan, 14 million people are facing acute food insecurity. HarvestPlus through its efforts has been working with 600+ partners globally since 2003 to facilitate the release of more than 260 biofortified varieties of 11 staple crops in 30 countries. In Asia, around 11 varieties of zinc wheat have been released in countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal, 10 varieties of zinc rice have been released in Bangladesh, India and Indonesia, 18 varieties of vitamin A sweet potato have been released in China, Indonesia, South Korea etc. and there is ample evidence supporting drastic improvement in nutrition status in these countries. These nutrientenriched varieties are multiplied and made available to countries through their national agricultural research systems (NARS). NARS through its processes, tests and develops these varieties with farmers through multilocation trials and different planting seasons, in order to compare the performance of these biofortified variants with the varieties grown in that region. The best-performing varieties are then selected and further released for planting by farmers in that country. Biofortification as a strategy can significantly improve the nutritional status of people in developing countries. So, the time has come to shift our focus towards food and nutritional sufficiency. Governments in these regions should invest more on research in this particular subject, to improve the nutritional status of the people living in South Asia. Large sections of people living there have poor access to other fortified foods or nutritional supplements, and are hampered by low income, limited awareness etc. Policy environment Governments around the world are endorsing biofortification. The Government of Bangladesh has started procuring zinc rice in its safety net programmes. In Pakistan, the zinc wheat seeds had reached an impressive 20 per cent share of the certified wheat seed market. The Food labelling & Marketing guidelines for biofortified food products have also been prepared and circulated in Pakistan. In Indonesia, HarvestPlus is working with the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS) to accelerate the rollout of NutriZinc. The Presidential Regulation No. 18/2020 also talks about promoting the production of biofortified zinc rice. The Government of India is also consciously working towards promoting the benefits of consuming biofortified staples. It has linked them with several government programmes to make India free from malnutrition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 17 biofortified varieties of eight crops to the nation on the 75th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). On September 28, 2021, the PM also launched 35 crop varieties with special traits developed

44 BIOFORTIFICATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in by the ICAR. These include drought-tolerant variety of chickpea, wilt and sterility mosaic resistant pigeonpea, early maturing variety of soybean, disease resistant varieties of rice and biofortified varieties of wheat, pearl millet, maize and chickpea, quinoa, buckwheat, winged bean and faba bean. The increased consumer preference for nutritious, sustainable, and clean-label ingredients is driving the demand for nutrient-enriched crops. Several big players in the cereals and snacks industries, as well as startups, are looking at opportunities to incorporate biofortified food ingredients in their food-product portfolio. In India, ready-to-eat food such as pearl millet noodles and pearl millet flakes from biofortified grains are already being marketed. In Pakistan, zinc-biofortified wheat production is rapidly scaling up and processed food products made with biofortified wheat, such as packaged flour, bread, noodles, and breakfast cereals are already available. Private sector engagement and investment will help create an ecosystem for scaling up biofortified crops to address the complex issue of micronutrient-malnutrition. The private sector can play a significant role in improving productivity, resilience, and quality of biofortification value chains, and increasing the availability and accessibility of nutritious biofortified products for farmers and consumers, at competitive prices. Role of standards The lack of standards for grain had been identified as a binding constraint to scale up and commercialise biofortified seeds, grains, and foods. Earlier, users or buyers of grain did not have a reference point or a benchmark for what made a grain nutrient-rich compared to standard grains.  The British Standards Institute (BSI) recently released the first-ever international standards for nutrient-enriched (biofortified) grains for zinc, vitamin A and iron-enriched crops, paving the way for global and national trade and ensuring rapid adoption of nutrient-enriched grains in commercial food systems. These standards can help overcome the barriers to scale and be a game-changer for the commercialisation of biofortification, which is a powerful technique for addressing malnutrition. Standards, in general, allow for the smooth transaction of goods, and ultimately ensure the nutritional quality of relevant grains and that they are safe and acceptable for consumption. Application of these standards by food market participants and government regulators will assure buyers that they are receiving quality biofortified products, increasing market confidence and spurring growth in trade. Successful adoption of the Publicly Available Standard (PAS) along with food labelling laws and regulations will make it easier to label foods and communicate nutrition-related health claims to the consumers. This will also open up a huge opportunity for food producers and processors looking to procure nutrient-enriched grains for product innovations. Challenges There are several challenges associated with commercialisation of biofortified crops such as traceability, awareness-generation among relevant stakeholders, consumers, farmers, and government etc. regarding matters such as the concept of biofortification and ensuring appropriate functioning of the supply chain. One of the key steps for policymakers is to understand how nutrition security is the larger whole, of which food security is a part. In case of biofortification, farmers, with limited resources and inadequate market access, can grow biofortified crops since they do not need repeated purchases of seeds year after year- they can use a part of their produce as the seeds for the following year. The Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global biofortification market will project a CAGR of 8.6 per cent for the period 2021-2028. Several factors contribute to the growth of the biofortification market. These include the growth and expansion of the food and beverages industry, increasing population across the globe, rising consumer preference for highquality, healthy and nutritional food products, surging investments in agro-genomics and increasing personal disposable income. Emerging economies such as China and India in the Asia-Pacific region, dominate the biofortification market and will continue to do so, during the forecast period owing to the growing investments in agro-genomics and increasing awareness about the autonomous environment for biofortification. Biofortification has proved to be a strong instrument against malnutrition and therefore, governments in South Asia should invest more in this area. Also, integration of biofortification in the safety net scheme and public distribution programmes and several other government related interventions will significantly enhance the consumption of nutrient-enriched staples. Around 24 governments have already integrated biofortification in official policies. Academia and the knowledge industry could fulfil their responsibility by framing policy-level guidelines and engaging in research-related activities. The key components of this role include developing biofortified seeds, conducting efficacy studies, monitoring improvements in nutritional statuses of target populations, and researching on crop improvement. Private sector prioritisation, driven by increasing health awareness, and more demand for naturally nutritious food can also play a significant role.

I ndia has always placed its sense of duty towards the world and its resolve to serve humanity, above all, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he inaugurated the two-day Global Millets Conference (Shree Anna), in New Delhi on March 18. He noted that such events are not only necessary for the global good, but also a symbol of India’s responsibilities towards it. The PM informed foreign delegates about India’s branding initiatives for millets, which are now called Shree Anna. He explained that Shri Anna is not limited to just food or farming, and highlighted its role in the holistic development in India. Invoking the significance of prefixing the term “Shree” before anything in Indian culture, the PM said, “Shree Anna is becoming a medium of holistic development in India. It is linked with Gaon as well as Garib (village and the poor). Shree Anna is a door to prosperity for the small farmers of the country, the cornerstone of nutrition for crores of countrymen, the felicitation of the Adivasi community, getting more crops for less water, a big foundation for chemical-free farming, and a huge help in fighting climate change.”    Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the government’s consistent efforts to turn Shree Anna into a global movement. He informed that millets were declared nutri-cereals in 2018, and work has been carried out on all levels from making farmers aware of its benefits to generating interest in the market. Millets are primarily cultivated in 12-13 different states in the country, where at-home consumption per month per person was not more than 3 kilograms. However, consumption has increased to 14 kilograms per month today, and the sale of millet food products has seen a boost of roughly 30 per cent. The PM also noted the inception of millet cafes and social media channels dedicated to millet recipes. “Millets have also been selected in 19 districts of the country under the ‘One District, One Product’ scheme”, Modi added. About 2.5 crore small farmers are directly involved in the production of millets in India, and they face the challenges of climate change, even though they own very little land. “India's Millet Mission - The campaign for Shri Anna will prove to be a boon for 2.5 crore farmers of the country”, the Prime Minister said. He pointed out that it is for the first time after independence that the government “India has always prioritised its responsibility towards the world and its resolve to serve humanity” has taken care of 2.5 crore small farmers who grow millets. Noting that millets are now available in stores and markets through processed and packaged food items, the Prime Minister emphasised that the income of these 2.5 crore small farmers involved in millet production will increase with a boost to the Shree Anna market, thereby strengthening the rural economy. He informed that more than 500 startups working on Shree Anna have emerged, and a large number of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have also come forward in recent years. He also pointed out that a complete supply chain is being Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference on the occasion of International Millets Year 2023 in New Delhi on March 18, 2023. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in GLOBAL MILLETS CONFERENCE 45

developed in the country, where women from self-help groups in small villages are making millet products that are finding their way into malls and supermarkets.  The Prime Minister emphasised that India wants to share its agricultural practices and experiences related to Shree Anna with the world while also learning from other countries. He specially requested the Agriculture Ministers of the friendly nations present to develop a stable mechanism in this direction and stressed the need for a new supply chain with shared responsibilities from field to market and from one country to another. He also highlighted the climate resilience of millets and informed that they can be easily produced even in adverse climatic conditions. He noted that millets are a preferred crop for water-stressed areas as they require relatively less water to produce. He also pointed out that millets can be grown naturally without chemicals, thereby safeguarding the health of both humans and the soil. Modi highlighted the food security challenges faced by the world today, emphasising the issues of food security for the poor in the Global South and diseases linked to food habits in the Global North. “We have the problem of food security on the one hand, and the problem of food habits on the other hand,” he said, noting concerns about the heavy use of chemicals in agricultural produce. The Prime Minister noted that Shree Anna provides solutions to these problems since it is easy to grow, costs less, and is ready for cultivation faster than other crops. Modi listed the benefits of Shree Anna pointing out that it is nutritious, delicious, high in fibre, and helpful in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.  “Millets bring endless possibilities”, the Prime Minister remarked. He informed that Shree Anna only contributes 5-6 per cent to the national food basket in India and urged scientists and agriculture experts to work towards increasing this contribution, setting achievable targets for every year. Modi also noted that the country has launched a Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) to give a boost to the food processing sector. The Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure that the millet sector benefits from this scheme, and more companies come forward to make millet products. He also observed that many states have included Shree Anna in their Public Distribution System and recommended that other states follow suit. Modi proposed including Shree Anna in the mid-day meal programme to ensure that children receive proper nutrition while also adding a new taste and variety to the food. “In joint efforts with farmers and all stakeholders, food will add a new shine to the prosperity of India and the world,” the Prime Minister concluded. He then inaugurated and visited the Exhibition cum Buyer Seller Meet Pavilion. The Prime Minister also unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin. Following this, he digitally launched a compendium of Indian Millet (Shri Anna) startups, a book of millet (Shri Anna) standards, and declared the Indian Institute of Millets Research of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) as a Global Centre of Excellence. Brainstorming sessions on topics such as millet farming, the millet economy, health benefits, and farmers’ income, among others, were held with active participation from Gram Panchayats, Krishi Kendras, schools, colleges and agricultural universities, as well as Indian embassies and several foreign countries. Over 75 lakh farmers participated in the programme virtually. India’s Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal and Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Kailash Choudhary and Shobha Karandlaje were present on the occasion among others.  The conference was attended by Agriculture Ministers from various countries, international scientists, nutritionists, health experts, startup leaders and other stakeholders. 46 GLOBAL MILLETS CONFERENCE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, presenting a bouquet of millets to Narendra Modi, Prime minister at the inauguration of the Global Millets Conference (Shree Anna), on March 18, 2023 in New Delhi.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS 47 Switzerland-based company Mettler Toledo  has recently launched a fully-automated, label inspection service for food manufacturers. The technology enables the inspection of 100 per cent of products and shapes and identifies all label data and quality challenges. This new offering is a costeffective solution that replaces unreliable, manual checks with 100 per cent automated label inspection on high-speed production lines. It helps achieve documented label inspection in line with industry guidelines, such as the BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards), to support consumer safety, prevent recalls, and avoid expensive retailer fines. The new service includes advanced smart cameras that inspect oriented products from the side and top. This unique new smart line scan camera effectively inspects labels or prints on the underside of products and offers a 360° inspection head for checking round objects. The cameras can be mixed and matched to suit any production need and can also be used to inspect caps and lids. The software is user-friendly and features a dedicated tool set for label inspection that helps with product set-up. Furthermore, it offers Software Tooltips which are inspection tools to intuitively guide operators through the image processing settings such as lights, shutter or focus to maximise image quality. The new technology can be retrofitted onto existing equipment, offering considerable space savings. Mettler Toledo offers food manufacturers auto-label inspection service Everest Instruments launches innovative Fatscan Milk Analyser Everest Instruments, a leading provider of dairy technology solutions, based in Ahmedabad, has launched its latest product, the Fatscan Milk Analyser. This product uses cutting-edge technology to provide an accurate and efficient analysis of milk quality. This cost-effective device can measure FAT, SNF, Added Water, Density, Protein, and Lactose percentage in less than 30 seconds. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, the Fatscan Milk Analyser is suitable for all users. The device is portable and can be used in a variety of settings. The Fatscan Milk Analyser was exhibited at the 49th Diary Industry Conference and Exhibition that took place from March 16 to 18 at Gandhinagar. The company noted that until now, milk analysers were imported from Europe. The Fatscan Milk Analyser is developed and made in India. It will make a significant contribution to improving the quality and enhancing the safety of milk and milk products for consumers. Elanpro unveils energyefficient, affordable products for HoReCa sector Gurugram-based commercial refrigeration company Elanpro  has  recently unveiled a  new range of energyefficient freezers, coolers and ice machines  for the food service industry. The new product line-up reflects the company’s vision to create a diverse ecosystem of cooling products that cater to food and beverage businesses of varying sizes.  These products were launched at the 37th edition of AAHAR – an International Food & Hospitality Fair  organised by  the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO)  at  Pragati Maidan, New Delhi  from  March 14-18, 2023. The new line-up consists of seven and three products for Hotel, Restaurant, Café (HoReCa), and retail food and beverage (F&B) operators, respectively, and will be available in the market in the upcoming season. The company’s exclusive showcase of retail refrigeration at AAHAR also includes breakthrough products such as  FreeTop and Island Freezer.  Elanpro FreeTop is a combination of an upright freezer and countertop, with a small footprint and portable, lightweight design that meets impressive display needs at a cost-effective price. The Island Freezer is a differentiated chest freezer with six push-andpull doors. Elanpro  has also introduced fresh fruit juice vending machines by Orna Fresh from Italy.

48 ACADEMIC NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENT NEWS Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company  based in Switzerland, has launched Orange NextGen replacers and extenders, its natural alternative to FTNF  (From The Named Fruit)  orange oils, achieving identical orange flavours at a significant economic benefit to customers and enabling sustained supply. Due to crop shortages, poor fruit quality, climaterelated challenges, and transportation instability, the global orange oil market has been under severe pressure and volatility in recent years. To address these supply disruptions and meet the growing demand for orange citrus oils, Firmenich has developed a range of natural, high-performing Orange WONF (With Other Natural Flavours) solutions that achieve taste profiles identical to orange oils. Firmenich’s Orange NextGen is designed for use in a wide variety of applications, including waters, juices, alcoholic beverages, sweet goods, and savoury products. It can replace or extend orange oils, helping customers avoid product disruptions and delivering the same great flavour. Univar Solutions, a US-based company has announced the expansion of its food ingredients portfolio as Leprino Foods Company has chosen Univar as its authorised distributor of nutritional ingredients and dairy products. These products include lactose, sweet whey, whey protein concentrate and isolate, micellar casein, and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in both the United States and Canada. These ingredients are becoming increasingly popular in adult, early life, and nutraceutical blends, sports and animal nutrition products, as well as commercial food and beverage applications. Healthconscious consumers demand such ingredients as they focus on improving their overall health and wellness. Food brands of all sizes can benefit from Univar’s expansive specialty ingredients portfolio, innovative recipe formulation and testing, and Foodology. The company’s centralised distribution network and custom supply chain solutions support critical business operations, offering customers and suppliers access to far more than just a distributor. With access to Leprino Foods’ nutrient-rich dairy products, customers can now better deliver food and beverage dairy solutions across the United States and Canada. Univar Solutions joins Leprino Foods to expand food ingredients portfolio Next Gen orange solutions from Firmenich ADM & Marel to push alt protein capabilities with innovation centre NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a US-based firm and global leader in human and animal nutrition, has partnered with Marel, a leading provider of advanced food processing solutions, to build an innovation centre at the Wageningen Campus in the Netherlands’ food valley. The joint venture agreement is subject to regulatory approvals, with the centre set to open in the second half of 2024. The customer-centric innovation centre will allow food manufacturers to work alongside food scientists, extrusion experts and culinary professionals to prototype, manufacture and market new alternative protein products, as well as leverage pilot plant production with novel processing techniques. The centre will offer a wide range of opportunities, including training and workshops, to inspire next-generation solutions with exemplary sensory experiences, ultimately supporting the increasing consumer demand for a variety of protein offerings. The centre will use equipment from Marel and Wenger, enabling unique innovation and creation from raw ingredients, through the extrusion process to finished products. Until the opening of the new taste and texture innovation centre in 2024, ADM will occupy a temporary laboratory in the Plus Ultra II building, located within the Wageningen Campus, to support customer development projects. 

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS 49 Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointment of Rohit Jawa as the new Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from June 27, 2023. Jawa will join the company as CEO designate and whole-time director from April 1, 2023, and also take over as President, of Unilever South Asia. He will join the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) on April 1, 2023. Sanjiv Mehta, who has had a transformational tenure of 10 years at the helm of HUL, will retire from the company. Jawa who is 56 years old, is currently the Chief of Transformation for Unilever in London and has a proven track record of sustained business results across – India, South East Asia, and North Asia. He started his career with HUL as a management trainee in 1988. As EVP for North Asia & Chairman for Unilever China, he led a significant transformation of Unilever China into a competitive, profitable, and consistent business, now Unilever’s 3rd biggest globally. As the Chairman of Unilever Philippines, he led the business to become one of the top 10 markets for Unilever globally. Jawa’s ability to integrate traditional markets with digital technologies and future-fit business models positions him well to take HUL into its next growth phase. HUL is an Indian consumer goods company headquartered in Mumbai and a subsidiary of the British company Unilever. Its products include foods, beverages, cleaning agents, personal care products, water purifiers and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). Rohit Jawa takes over as CEO and MD of HUL Parag Milk Foods, a Mumbai-based company, has named Vivek Rathore as the Business Intelligence Lead to build a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) cost-saving environment, capitalising on the advantages of a younger talent base. With his extensive experience as a management consultant across diversified industries like Media & Entertainment, E-Commerce, Food & Beverage, Telecom, FMCG, Transport & Logistics and his intrinsic understanding of technology and creative ways to use it to the company’s advantage, Rathore is wellequipped to take on the challenges of the retail landscape. He is a management consultant with over 16+ years of diversified experience across industries with varied skills. Previously, Rathore worked with Gourang Paper Products, a company with a legacy in manufacturing paper products for over 17 years, where he served as the Director and CEO of New Business and Growth. Parag Milk Foods names Vivek Rathore as Business Intelligence Lead Sameer Batra has been appointed as President and Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Domino’s India, effective from March 9, 2023. In this role, he will be responsible for driving Domino’s Pizza India’s growth in areas such as customer experience, operational excellence, same store growth and store expansion. Batra brings over 22 years of experience in the consumer space, with expertise in pricing, large scale P&L management, team leadership and digital businesses. He previously worked at Amazon as Director of Prime Video’s Marketplace and Business Expansion, where he built strategic alliances for Amazon’s consumer offerings like Amazon Prime, Prime Video, Audible/ Kindle across India, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He also held leadership positions at Bharti Airtel between 2006 and 2019, including Circle CEO for Mobility, Enterprise and DTH business, and India CEO for Broadband home business. Jubilant FoodWorks makes Sameer Batra, President of Domino’s India

An estimated 1.89 million die each year (largest number of diet-related deaths) due to an excessive intake of sodium, a well-established cause of raised blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is according to the latest global report on sodium intake reduction released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on March 9, 2023. This shows the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025. Urgent action is required to modify the production and consumption of foods and beverages, including industry manufactured (pre-packaged) food. Of greatest concern is excess consumption of sodium, sugars and unhealthy fats, particularly transfatty acids (trans fats) and saturated fatty acids and low consumption of whole grains, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated seven million lives globally by 2030. It is an important component of action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). But today, only nine countries (Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay) have a comprehensive package of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake. A comprehensive approach to sodium reduction includes adopting mandatory policies and WHO’s four “best buy” interventions related to sodium which greatly contribute to preventing NCDs. These include:1. Reformulating foods to contain less salt, and setting targets for the amount of sodium in foods and meals. 2. Establishing public food procurement policies to limit salt or sodium rich foods in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and nursing homes. 3. Front-of-package labelling that helps consumers select products lower in sodium and 4. Behaviour change communication and mass media campaigns to reduce salt/sodium consumption. Countries are encouraged to establish sodium content targets for processed foods, in line with the WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks and enforce them through these policies. Mandatory sodium reduction policies are more effective, as they achieve broader coverage and safeguard against commercial interests, while providing a level playing field for food manufacturers. As part of the report, the WHO developed a Sodium Country Scorecard for Member States based on the type and number of sodium reduction policies they have in place. The Scorecard monitors a country’s progress in making national commitments and taking a multifaceted approach to implementing policies to reduce sodium intake. According to the report, India’s sodium scorecard is 2 as the country launched voluntary policies to reduce sodium, including media campaigns and mandatory declaration of sodium on pre-packaged food. However, there aren't any other mandatory measures. The global average sodium intake is estimated to be 4310 mg/day (10.78 g of salt per day), which far exceeds the physiological requirement and is more than double the WHO recommendation of <2000 mg of sodium (equivalent to <5 g of salt) per day in adults. The report noted that India has an average sodium intake of 3873 mg/day (3831 - 3917) (9.8 g of salt per day). On September 5, 2019 India launched the Eat Right India Movement of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), touted as the new healthy eating approach which places citizens at the centre of a Health Revolution through food and fitness. As part of this movement, food businesses have committed to the government to promote healthier food options in several ways such as Reformulation of food products by major food companies to reduce the content of sugar and salt in packaged food; Provision of healthier food options by the food services sector and introduction of menu labelling on nutrition information and Promotion of healthier food options and responsible retail practices by food retailers and e-commerce players. The WHO noted that the Eat Right campaign is a true example of multi-sectoral collaborative approach that it has been advocating for, to address NCDs such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, among others. Narayan Kulkarni Editor [email protected] Saying Na-Na to 'Na' for Better Health 50 LET’S TALK FOOD NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in