NuFFooDS Spectrum May 2020

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4 EDITORIAL NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Foods in Coronadays

Milind Kokje
Chief Editor

COVID-19 pandemic has affected every sphere of foods protection of farm workers and people employed
life. Food is no exception. After healthcare the in food factories is very crucial. How the norms of social
second sector which is facing major challenges in distancing can be applied at there will have to be seen.
these testing times is the food sector. Making adequate Wherever needed they will have to be provided with
supply of food grains available throughout the country personal protection equipment (PPEs). In some food
and ensuring it reaches to the end consumer is the first factories in Europe the workers have demanded these
challenge. Keeping it virus free despite handling by many things.
unknown people is the second challenge.
While the outbreak has posed several challenges,
The industryhas to ensure supply of inputs to including job loss, it also has some silver lining to the dark
keep their factories running and make processed and clouds. The growing demand from consumers to store
packaged foods available to the people who need them. the food in homes, has made some companies abroad
Timely distribution for perishable foods is another recruit more people to cope with the growing needs. It
challenge. has also generated new ideas and business models.

In the absence of any vaccine or medicine one of Several steps have been initiated at different places
the major defences against COVID-19 at the moment on how coronavirus can be fought using known food
is building immunity. Everyone knows consumption of ingredients or what new precautions should be taken to
healthy food plays an important role in building immunity. avoid spread of the disease. Scientists in the Philippines
Hence, regular supply of food grains and safe and healthy are examining if virgin coconut oil can prove effective
processed food becomes important. against the virus. In China, four major dairy industry
associations have issued set of guidelines for dairy and
In India, big MNCs, including Nestle and Coca Cola, dairy products consumption to strengthen immunity.
have demanded that food and beverage manufacturing
should be included in essential services in order to keep Large number of customers who are aware of the
shelves stocked and avoid further panic in view of the importance of food in increasing immunity are trying
lockdown. to buy immunity boosting foods. A UK-based food
technology startup is helping consumers to locate such
World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued nutrition foods easily. It has launched ‘immunity support tag’ which
advice for adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. It has works by showcasing relevant products to shoppers
asked people to eat fresh foods rather than processed based on individual requirements and preferences.
foods. But people are buying frozen and packaged foods Developed by nutritionists and data scientists, the
more for storage as they are not allowed to go out in the tag identifies foods rich in zinc, vitamin C, prebiotics,
lockdown period with regular frequency. probiotics, antioxidents. The tag can be used for shopping
in markets as well as for online shopping. Though the
Market research company, IRI found this trend idea emerged during the outbreak days, it will continue
in Europe as frozen and packaged foods purchases further in normal times also since at least a section of
continued to increase. Packaged food sales in Italy people will always look for healthy foods.
increased by 110 per cent over the same period the
previous year. Poultry sausages sale in France increased The lockdowns and building immunity through
by 93 per cent and canned meat sales in UK increased foods may change the people’s food habits even after
by 72 per cent. Though figures in India are not readily the corona days. Food industry will have to prepare for
available, sales of packaged foods must have shown that.
some growth. Large number of Indians still prefer fresh
meat than frozen meat products so on that front there
may not have been much rise.

As people are buying more packaged and frozen

New Voice of the Nutraceuticals &
New - Gen Food Indystry in Asia

Volume 7 | IIssssuuee98 || MAapyri2l 2002200 Production & Design Nutraceuticals Nutritionals
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Functional Foods Wellness
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6 INSIDE NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Cover Story 16

studies
underway
on dietary
supplements
to tackle

COVID-19
For a long time nutrition is intricately linked to immunity and to the risk and severity of infections.
Poorly nourished individuals are at a greater risk of various bacterial, viral, and other infections.
Conversely, chronic or severe infections lead to nutritional disorders or worsen the nutritional status
of affected people. Therefore, it is imperative to pay attention to diet and nutritional status during the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this direction, many studies are being taken up across the globe to
demonstrate the efficacy of using a dietary supplement specifically to prevent or to treat COVID-19.

COVID-19 25 28

22 Building immune Disruption
defense through in supply
Nutraceuticals right nutrition chain &
providing evidence
to counter COVID-19 Rajesh Sahetiya, labour force
hit FMCG
DrDilip Ghosh, Director, Human Nutrition and Health industry
(India/South Asia), DSM India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai
Principal consultant, Nutriconnect, Amrinder Singh,
Sydney, Australia 27
Director, Bonn Group
26 Challenges and of Industries, Ludhiana
learnings for meat
Nutraceuticals - & seafood industry
For overall well-being!
Nishanth Chandran,
Dr Muhammed Majeed,
Founder and CEO, Tendercuts, Chennai
Founder and Chairman,
Sami-Sabinsa Group, Bengaluru

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE 7

World Nutrition Day 29 REGULARS

Overcoming COVID-19 Editorial 04
impact through digital marketing

Video Snippets 08

COVID-19 31 Policy and Regulatory News 09

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM WEBINAR ON Finance News 11
“NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION TO COMBAT COVID-19”
Company News 12
“India is rich in immunity
boosting food ingredients”

Start-Up News 14

People News 45

Academic News 46

Supplier News 47

Trends 33 R&D News 49
Adopting plantbased lifestyle

Trends 42

Gluten management
for celiac patients

Sreemathy Venkatraman,

Clinical dietitian/Wellness Nutritionist,
BRAINS Hospital, Bengaluru

Nutrition 36 Ingredient 43
Organic medication
Access to Nutrition Spotlight Index 2020 rising with moringa

Address double burden of malnutrition Dr Pratibha,
through comprehensive strategies
Asst. Manager (Technical),
Speaking with 40 Sunpure Extracts, New Delhi

“There is tremendous Trends 44
opportunity in enhancing Making India a
warehousing and cold chain global fruit bowl
infrastructure”
Pankaj Khandelwal,
Nitin Puri,
Chairman and Managing
Group President and Global Head - Director, InI Farms, Mumbai
Food and Agri Strategic Advisory and
Research (FASAR), YES BANK, New Delhi

8 VIDEO SNIPPETS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Todd Fryhover,
President, Washington
Apple Commission
talks about the
Washington Apple
business in India.

Scan the QR Code » Acknowledgements
The interaction with Dr Muhammed Majeed, Founder
Vivek Chauhan, & Chairman, Sami-Sabinsa Group is well appreciated
Sales Manager in the April issue.
(North India), Propix
Technologies shares - R Rajmohan, Bengaluru
details about the
company’s inspection The article titled ‘Bringing down chronic load’ looks
solutions being offered great. Thank you.
to the F&B industry.
- Sreemathy Venkatraman, Bengaluru

The write-up on ‘Market for probiotics is gaining
transaction’ in the April edition has come out nice.

- Ishita Tripathi, Mumbai

Scan the QR Code » Thank you for carrying out updates on Arjuna Natural.
- Liat Simha, Israel
Paresh Sharma,
Asst. General Thanks for your feedback. We have taken note of
Manager-Exports, Parle your suggestions and will surely try to incorporate
Global Technologies the content accordingly in coming issues. Please
looks forward to the keep sending us your feedback and updating us on
growth of automation your views about the issue and keep giving your
technology in the food opinions on the content.
industry.
– Editor
Scan the QR Code » Please send your feedback to
[email protected]

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 9

FSSAI classifies Import FSSAI
Clearance and Food Testing
Labs as Essential Services virtually

Food Safety & Standards Authority (FSSAI) has classified the import clearance inspects
of food items and functioning of notified food testing laboratories (including
National Food Labs) under Essential Services during the COVID-19. All FBOs
personnel who are assigned the charge of above essential services have
been working in order to facilitate the trade as well as ensure smoother The Food Safety and
operation of related services across the country. FSSAI has its offices at six Standards Authority of
locations namely Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin andTuticorinand India (FSSAI) is allowing
all these offices are fully operational for scrutiny of applications, visual State licensing authorities
inspection and sampling for import clearance to ensure expeditious to conduct e-inspections to
processing of applications and timely issuance of NOC. Therefore, all avoid any delay in grant of
importers are advised to inform their clearing agents accordingly. Food licences and registrations
importers facing any problem or need any further clarification in this to certain food business
regard may be advised to contactFSSAI’s regional offices. FSSAI is keeping operators (FBOs) during
a close watch on the situation. It will continue to assist food importers as the ongoing COVID-19
well as ensure regular supervision and testing of food items and will take pandemic. This applies to
appropriate steps to ensure the safety of food products. licence and registrations
applications where
FSSAI emphasizes on licensing authorities need
counterfeit food products to conduct inspection of
food units before granting
permits. These FBOs are
being allowed to submit
photos/videos or do live-
streaming of their units or
premises to the licensing
authorities for the purpose
of e-inspection. FSSAI has,
from time to time, issued
directions emphasising
post-license inspection
instead of pre-licence/
registration inspection due
to limited manpower and
to avoid undue delay in
sanctioning licenses.

The Food Safety and Standards clandestinely imported without
Authority of India (FSSAI) has FSSAI approval. FSSAI has also
directed all state food safety asked the authorities to focus on
officers to conduct surveillance to developing local intelligence to
prevent sale of counterfeit food identify commodities, hotspots
products. It has also asked the and trends in counterfeit food
authorities to conduct regular products and coordinate with
surveys to identify foreign major brands to generate
food products that are being actionable information.

10 REGULATORY NEWS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

FSSAI to operationalise
amendments to licensing norms

MoFPI sets up The Food Safety & Standards the Food Business Operators
Authority of India (FBOs) shall follow these revised
task force to (FSSAI) has decided
to operationalise the regulations
tackle COVID-19 amendments to the while the
licensing regulations enforcement
outbreak under the FSS Act. Called, of these
Food Safety and Standards
Union Food Processing Industries (Licensing and Registration regulations
Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badalhas of Food shall
assured industry representatives Business) commence only
that a dedicated Task Force had been Amendment after the final
established to resolve all problems Regulations, regulations are
being faced by the food processing 2020, these notified in the
and ancillary industries during the regulations gazette of India.
current COVID-19 situation. The Task are related The notice says
Force includes all senior officials of largely with areas such as fee, that these draft
the food processing ministry and testing, inspection & audit, regulations were in process
members of Invest India. A Grievance food safety supervisor and of being notified and the
Cell is formed to resolve the micro scheme of facilitators. The final regulations are likely to
issues being faced by the industry, to country’s apex food regulator take some more time before
facilitate supply chain and logistics has issued a notice saying that being notified and enforced
management for availability of food these regulations are made but to ensure food safety and
and medicines. operational with immediate fair practice in food business
effect from March 27, 2020 and operations, it has been decided
to operationalise provisions of
these regulations.

MoFPI continues to engage to resolve the issues

“Ministry of Food Processing chain and logistics management for 348 queries received were resolved
Industries(MoFPI) will continue availability of food and medicines, while rest were in the pipeline.
to engage with concerned had resolved 50 per cent of about Industry members said that
departments to resolve issues raised things had started moving on the
by the industry,” said Harsimrat ground and immense support was
Kaur Badal, Union Minister of being provided by MoFPI. Union
Food Processing Industries. The Minister invited suggestions from
Minister held 2nd video conference industry leaders to ensure smooth
with major industry associations functioning of food processing
including FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, industry once the lockdown is lifted.
PHDCCI and others on April 4, The industry raised concerns such
2020 to discuss suggestions on as need for labourers to return; they
interventions required by the further suggested that special trains
government for development may be needed for that; industry
of Food Processing sector with further raised issue of immediate
renewed vigour post lockdown. liquidity crunch and that working
The ministry informed that capital was needed to procurement
Grievance Cell formed to resolve of agri-produce; there was concern
the micro issues being faced by regarding operations in the North
the industry, to facilitate supply East region.

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS 11

Diageo announces Rs 3 Cr insurance cover for bartenders

Alcohol maker Diageo who are selflessly
India has pledged extending their
support with a Rs 3 service to COVID-19
crore health insurance affected patients.
cover for bartenders The company is
associated with the also manufacturing
Diageo World Class hand sanitisers at its
programme in India. 15 units across the
Diageo India will country. The units are
also donate around being repurposed
150,000 masks to to produce around
five public health 300,000 litres of
departments across sanitiser to help
the country for health overcome the
care professionals shortage of the
and caregivers product across India.

Pernod Ricard Goel Group invests
India pledges
Rs 15 Cr support Rs 30 Cr in new plant

Alcoholic beverages maker Pernod Ricard India has Goel Group has announced its venture into the Indian
pledged Rs 15 crore support to boost healthcare frozen foods market. To kickstart their journey in this
facilities in the country to combat the coronavirus new category, the company has inaugurated a state-
pandemic. Pernod Ricard India Foundation is of-the-art manufacturing plant in Raipur, Chhattisgarh
extending support to state healthcare departments making it the first food processing plant in the state.
and public service and delivery professionals at The Goel Group has invested heavily in implementing
forefront of the fight against COVID-19 spread in the latest and best-in-class technologies at its facility to
India. Pernod Ricard India Foundation in a long- deliver superior products and set new benchmarks in the
standing partnership with The Akshaya Patra industry. With an initial capital investment of Rs30 crore,
Foundation is contributing 4000 meals a day, the plant will be utilizing the advanced innovative spiral
to Delhi Government’s drive to feed vulnerable freezer technology. It will not only create more than
migrants and daily wage workers. 300-500 employment opportunities in the initial year,
but also source about 60 to 70 per cent of raw materials
required for the project from the state itself.

12 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

ITC sets up COVID Dabur Group
contingency fund
pitches
ITC has geared its value-chain to sections of society who have been
lend support to the government harshly impacted by the pandemic Rs 21 Cr
in its efforts to fight theCOVID-19 and have faced significant
threat to the people of India.ITC is disruption in their livelihoods. In to tackle
setting up a contingency fund of Rs addition, the fund will collaborate
150 crore to address and manage with district authorities to provide COVID-19
the challenges arising out of this assistance to the district health and
adversity. This fund will be utilised rural healthcare eco-system that outbreak
primarily to provide relief to the reaches out to the weakest sections
vulnerable and the most needy of society. Dabur group has pledged
Rs 21 crore to support the
Nestlé India extends relief efforts and help the
commitment during crisis immediate needs of people
affected from the COVID-19
less privileged sections of society pandemic. The group will
through participation with leading also provide assistance
and credible NGOs engaged in this to people engaged in
along with distribution of essential frontline efforts to fight
groceries to the needy. Nestle is the virus and support to
also supporting out of the fund, members of vulnerable
purchase of medical equipment, sections of the society
personal protective equipment (PPE) and migrant workers, who
as needed, and has started with a are the hardest hit by this
contribution of Rs 1 crore to Narayana pandemic. It has earmarked
Hrudayalaya Foundation for purchase a fund of Rs 21 crore
of much needed ventilators for Delhi/ towards relief efforts. Out
NCR. Nestle has already started the of this pledged amount,
process of donating its brands to local a sum of Rs 11 crore is
governments to support the needy. being contributed to PM
CARES Fund by Dabur India
and other entities in the
Group. Dabur has rolled
out a special Insurance
scheme ‘Dabur Aashray’ for
over 600 individuals who
are currently not covered
under the Corporate and
State Insurance Scheme
to support them and take
care of their medical needs
in case of any emergency
arising out of COVID-19.

Extending its commitment to India’s
fight against COVID-19, Nestlé India
has committed a sum of Rs 15 crore
towards feeding programmes for

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 13

PepsiCo commits over 5M meals to India

PepsiCo India, distribution of cooked meals, and impacted by
along with its with Smile Foundation for providing the coronavirus
parent company’s dry food ration to support meals pandemic. This
philanthropic for over 8,000 vulnerable families initiative is part of
arm PepsiCo parent company
Foundation, will PepsiCo’s global
provide 25,000 programme called
COVID-19 testing ‘Give Meals, Give
kits and over 5 Hope’. Further,
million meals to PepsiCo India
support families has partnered
impacted by with non-profit
the coronavirus organisation
outbreak in India. The food and Foundation of Innovative New
beverages major has partnered Diagnostics (FIND) for providing
with Akshaya Patra Foundation for 25,000 COVID-19 testing kits.

Marico steps up to
fight COVID-19

FMCG firm Marico Ltd has announced an initial
grant of Rs 8 crore to support the government,
workers and medical fraternity in their fight
against COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership
with various government agencies, Marico is
providing meals and dry rations for migrant
labourers, the police force, and health-workers,
poor and elderly people during this time. It
is also working with Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers
of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) under the
guidance of Ministry of Consumer Affairs and
other government authorities for this initiative.

Heritage Foods donates

Rs 1 Cr to relief fund

Hyderabad headquartered each would be donated
Heritage Foods Limited to the Chief Minister’s
has decided to contribute Relief Fund of Andhra
Rs 1 crore to the nation Pradesh and Telangana
towards the fight against respectively. Similarly, Rs
COVID-19 pandemic 10 lakh each to the Chief
in its major operating Minister’s Relief Fund
areas across the country. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Of the total, Rs 30 lakh Maharashtra, and Delhi.

14 START-UP NEWS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Li’l Goodness unveils healthy innovations for kids

Bengaluru based startup the pain that millions of parents upon us early and most kids forced
Lil’Goodness, a kids food and globally do- in finding the right to stay indoors, LiL’ Goodness
nutrition tech enterprise that combination of convenience, products offer the most optimal
is revolutionizing the kids fresh nutrition and hygiene for their little balance of taste and nutrition for
and packaged foods industry has ones. With the vacation season the little ones.
now launched a range of tasty,
delectable and nutritious crackers,
yoghurts and porridge for kids.
These products have been made
with natural ingredients and come
without any preservatives. Lil’
Goodness is the mom’s nutrition
partner and the kid’s taste buddy.
Tasty and nutritious, Lil’Goodness
products have been created by
parents who have experienced

Zomato secures
$5 M from
Pacific Horizon

Gurugram-based food delivery unicorn Zomato
has raised $5 million from British investment
manager Baillie Gifford’s Pacific Horizon
Investment Trust. Alongside, Zomato has rolled
out its on-line grocery supply service, known
as Zomato Market, in India. The service from
the Indian restaurant aggregator will deal with
doorstep supply of groceries.

Swiggy raises $43 M to
expand new biz

Online food delivery Mirae Asset Capital
platform Swiggy has Markets participated in
raised an additional the latest funding round.
$43 million as part of its These funds will be used
ongoing Series I round to further expand its
to further develop new businesses and to
and expand its new invest in grocery delivery,
businesses. Ark Impact, concierge services, and
Korea Investment Partners, micro-delivery arm
Samsung Ventures and SuprDaily.

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in START-UP NEWS 15

Cloud kitchen startup Bigbasket
gathers $500K in seed round
acquires milk
New Delhi based cloud kitchen funding. The startup plans
startup Kitchens Centre, which to use the funding to drive delivery startup
claims to provide ready-to- aggressive expansion into
move-in, fully equipped, and new geographies to enable Bigbasket (bb), India’s online
compliant kitchens along with hyperlocal delivery. To help with supermarket, recently announced
the essential technology to operations, Kitchens Centre the 100 per cent business
delivery-only restaurants, has has also acquired Posify, a acquisition of online milk delivery
announced that it has raised technology-driven management app DailyNinja. The acquisition will
$500,000 in a seed round of solution for F&B brands. enable bigbasket to consolidate
its leadership position in the
WTC Chandigarh to subscription delivery space in
set up Food & AgriCoE Bengaluru. DailyNinja currently
caters to around 110k customers
World Trade Centre (WTC) Chandigarh is setting up a centre of transacting daily and will augment
excellence (CoE) for food and agriculture where all the stakeholders bbdaily’s reach. At present, bbdaily
i.e. government bodies, trade organizations, trade associations, makes about 160K deliveries per
day including a wide range of fresh
professionals, WTCs fruits and vegetables, bread, dairy
and even accelerators, & eggs and a vast array of daily
incubators, startups would essentials like breakfast cereals,
be major contributors. tender coconut, personal care and
The centre of excellence baby care products etc. bbdaily
is an initiative to boost will now have access to DailyNinja’s
the industry which network of 2000 milkman partners
would provide access spread across India. The merger with
for innovations and new bigbasket will be an opportunity for
technology. This would DailyNinja to grow its business to 2x
facilitate mentorship and within a month by leveraging bb’s
training programmes supply chain capabilities.
through industry-academia
engagement. In addition, CoE would be an impetus to food-tech
entrepreneurs and the major focus being technology exchange and best
practices between global markets and the Indian market.

16 COVER STORY NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

studies
underway
on dietary
supplements
to tackle

COVID-19

For a long time nutrition is intricately linked to immunity and to the risk and severity of
infections. Poorly nourished individuals are at a greater risk of various bacterial, viral, and
other infections. Conversely, chronic or severe infections lead to nutritional disorders or
worsen the nutritional status of affected people. Therefore, it is imperative to pay attention
to diet and nutritional status during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this direction,
many studies are being taken up across the globe to demonstrate the efficacy of using a
dietary supplement specifically to prevent or to treat COVID-19.

As on April 21, there are 10 clinical trials
underway in the world, as per clinicaltrials.gov,
using dietary supplementssuch as Vitamin C,
Vitamin D, oral nutrition supplement (ONS) enriched
in eicosapentaenoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and
antioxidants and isocaloric/isonutrigenous ONS, Natural
Honey, Corn starch, Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbic Acid,,
25-OH cholecalciferol, Ayurveda related to COVID 19.
These trials are going on in United Kingdom, Spain,
Saudi Arabia, Italy, Egypt, United States, China and Hong
Kong. Besides these trial studies there are other nine
totalling to 18 studies that are being taken up related to
dietary supplements along with drugs and combination
of drugs. In all 13,278 participants will be taking
part in these 18 studies. Off these 18 studies two are
completed, two are recruiting participants and two are
enrolling participants by invitation and in 11 studies the
recruitmentis yet to be started. And another one study is
active but recruiting has not taken place.

The two studies which are completed are

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 17

observational studies with few number of participants. Ventura, California (United States), Ayub Teaching
A study taken up by Aarogyam at Leicester in the United Institution, Abbottābād, K.p.k, (Pakistan), ProgenaBiome,
Kingdom has looked at Ayurveda for flu like illness Ventura, California (United States), Aalborg University
during Covid-19 outbreak with 32 participants for a Hospital - Aalborg, Aarhus University Hospital -
period between March 6 and April 12. The results of the Arhus, Bispebjerg Hospital- Copenhagen, Herlev-
study are awaited. Gentofte Hospital – Copenhagen, Hvidovre Hospital
- Copenhagen, Nordsjællands Hospital- Hillerød, Odense
In another study that got over was taken up at three Universitetshospital - Odense, Roskilde Sygehus-
hospitals in Hong Kong namely Pamela YoudeNethersole Roskilde and SlagelseSygehus –Slagelse (all in Denmark).
Eastern Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Princess Of these we will look at the studies which are focusing
Margaret Hospital, with just 8 participants. This 11days on dietary supplements only and not as interventions
study tried to understand the critically ill patients with with drugs and combination of drugs.
COVID-19 in Hong Kong: a multicentre observational
Cohort Study. The final outcome of the study too is still Vitamin D
awaited. In a study at Universidad de Granada, Spain, Principal
Investigator, Dr Manuel J Castillo, looked at vitamin D on
The two studies that started recruiting the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Vitamin D is a
participants are at A.R.N.A.S. Civico - Di Cristina - hormone precursor produced by our own body with the
Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy with 500 patients. The study help of sunlight which has an important role on adaptive
started enrolling participants from March 13, 2020 and immunity and cellular differentiation, maturation and
will be expected to be over by March 13, 2021. The study proliferation of several immune cells. Reduced levels of
at Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Trial Network, vitamin D in calves were positioned as the main cause
Denmark is recruiting 226 participants in nine hospitals of bovine coronavirus infection in the past. Therefore, it
and explores whether patients acutely hospitalized may seems plausible that the use of vitamin D as a nutritional
have shorter hospitalization and fewer admittances at ergogenic aid could be a potential intervention to
Intensive Care Units by treatment with azithromycin and fight against COVID-19 infected patients which remain
hydroxychloroquine. The study started from April 6, 2020 asymptomatic or which have non-severe and severe
and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2021. symptoms.

The 11 studies that have not yet started The investigator also pointed out that this study
recruitmentinclude – Universidad de Granada, Granada, aims to investigate whether the use of vitamin D
Andalucia (Spain), Medicine Faculty Granada (Spain), as an immune modulator agent induces significant
Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia (United States), Cairo improvements of health status and outcomes in non-
(Egypt), ConsorciSanitari del Maresme (Hospital de
Mataró), Mataró, Barcelona (Spain), ProgenaBiome,

18 COVER STORY NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

severe symptomatic patients infected with COVID-19 care recommendation, according to Dr Neha Sharma,
as well as preventing COVID-19 health deterioration. Principal Investigator of the study at Aarogyam UK.
“We hypothesize that vitamin D will significantly
improve hard endpoints related to COVID-19 deleterious Natural honey
consequences compared with a usual care control A study chaired by Dr Mahmoud Tantawy at Misr
group”, Dr Manuel J Castillo added. The study started on University for Science and Technology, Egypt pointed
April 10 with 200 patients participation is expected to be out that natural honey has been well known for its high
completed by June 30. health propertiesHoney has been previously considered
as an alternative for acyclovir in the treatment of herpes
Antioxidant Oral Nutrition Supplementation (ONS) simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and it also demonstrated for
In another study on Anti-inflammatory/Antioxidant its significant antiviral effect against varicella zoster
Oral Nutrition Supplementation (ONS) in COVID-19 virus (VZV).. The National Institute for Health and
(ONSCOVID19) will commence from May 1 and will be Care Excellence (NICE) and the Public Health England
completed by October 30, 2020. As per information (PHE) guidelines recommended honey as a first line of
provided by Dr Mahmoud M.A. Abulmeaty at King Saud treatment for acute cough caused by upper respiratory
University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a total of 30 participants tract infection which is currently a cornerstone symptom
will be enrolled in this double-blinded prospective, in COVID-19 infectious disease..
randomized controlled trial.
The study, started on March 25, is expected to enrol
Dr Abulmeaty noted that the associated cytokine 1000 participants before it is completed on May 10.It will
storm mainly affects the lungs; leading to acute lung be a randomized, multi center, double armed clinical trial,
injury with variable degrees. Modulation of cytokine and patients will be randomly assigned to two groups
production using Immunonutrition is a novel concept on 1:1 basis. Natural honey group will include patients
that has been applied to other diseases. Using specific receiving standard care and added intervention in the
nutrients such as n3- fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins form of natural honey in a dose of 1gm/kg/day (previously
in extraordinary doses modulate the host immune used safely in small studies) divided into 2 to 3 doses for
response and ameliorate the cytokine storm associated continuous 14 days. The other arm is the arm receiving the
with viral diseases such as COVID-19. standard care according to the center protocol.

“In this proposal, we will conduct a prospective “Our primary outcome is days for recovery using the
double-blinded controlled trial for 14 days on 30 SARS- parameters: turning from positive to negative swaps,
CoV-2 positive cases. The participant will be randomly days from fever to no fever and lung inflammation
assigned to two groups (n=15/each); intervention (IG) recovery in x ray or CT, our secondary outcome is the 30
and placebo (PG) groups. The IG group will be provided days mortality rate. Data will be collected and statistically
with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant oral nutrition managed using STATA blindly from who received the
supplement (ONS) on a daily basis, while the PG will be intervention”, Dr Mahmoud Tantawy added.
given an isocaloric placebo. Basal and weekly nutritional
screening, as well as recording of anthropometric, clinical Resistant potato starch
and biochemical parameters, will be done. It is expected A study undertaken by Dr Sherry Mansour of Yale
that the anti-inflammatory-antioxidant ONS might help University as Principal Investigator along with University
in the reduction of the COVID-19 severity with more of Michigan and University of Minnesota, USA will start
preservation of the nutritional status of infected cases, from May 1, and expected to be completed by May
“Dr Abulmeaty added. 1, 2021. This study is a multicenter randomized trial
to evaluate the efficacy of resistant potato starch in
Ayurveda herbal supplement reducing rates of hospitalization and improving time to
In one of the studies sponsored by Aarogyam at United clinical recovery in currently non-hospitalized COVID-19
Kingdom which is just completed on April 12 with 32 positive patients.
participants was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and
safety of Ayurveda in reducing symptoms of flu like Patients suffering from COVID-19 have been
illness during the COVID- 19 outbreak. The results are shown to have a significant inflammatory response
yet to be announced. The study started on March 6. resembling that of cytokine release syndrome, and it is
During the study individualised ayurveda treatment was this inflammatory phase that is thought to drive fatality.
given to participants based on individual constitution Interleukin 6IL-6 has been shown to be one of the most
and symptoms, ayurveda herbal supplement and commonly elevated inflammatory markers in COVID-19
self-managed practices were advised along with usual patients, and Tocilizumab, an IL-6 inhibitor, has been
used to ameliorate this exaggerated inflammatory

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 19

Clinical stuides taking place on COVID-19 with Dietary Supplement as interventions

Sr. Status Study Title Conditions Interventions Locations Estimated Actual Actual
No. Enrollment Study Study
Start Completion
Date   Date

1 Not yet Anti-inflammatory/ COVID-19 "Dietary 30 May 1, October 30,
recruiting Antioxidant Oral Nutrition Supplement: oral 2020 2020
Supplementation nutrition supplement
in COVID-19 (ONS) enriched in
eicosapentaenoic
acid, gamma-
linolenic acid and
antioxidants
Dietary Supplement:
isocaloric/
isonutrigenous ONS"

2 Not yet Vitamin D on Prevention Patients Infected Dietary Supplement: "Universidad 200 April June 30,
recruiting and Treatment of COVID-19 With COVID-19 Vitamin D de Granada, 10, 2020
Granada, 2020
Andalucia,
Spain
Medicine
Faculty
Granada,
Spain"

3 Not yet Efficacy of Natural Honey COVID-19 "Dietary Supplement: Mahmoud 1000 March May 10,
recruiting Treatment in Patients With Natural Honey Tantawy, 25, 2020
Novel Coronavirus Other: Standard Cairo, Egypt 2020
Care"

4 Not yet The Role of Resistant Potato COVID-19 "Dietary Supplement: 1300 May 1, May 1, 2021
recruiting Starch in COVID-19 Infection Bob's Red Mill 2020
Dietary Supplement:
Control - Corn
Starch"

5 Not yet Oropharyngeal Dysphagia "Oropharyngeal Diagnostic Test: Consorci 100 April, August,
recruiting in Patients With COVID-19 Dysphagia Swallowing Sanitari del 2020 2020
COVID-19 evaluation with Maresme
Sars-CoV2 the EAT-10 and the (Hospital
Nutrition" volume-viscosity de Mataró),
swallowing test Mataró,
(V-VST) Barcelona,
Spain

6 Enrolling by Coronavirus 2019 "COVID "Dietary Supplement: Cleveland 520 April 8, April 30,
invitation (COVID-19)- Using Corona Virus Ascorbic Acid Clinic, 2020 2021
Ascorbic Acid and Zinc Infection" Dietary Supplement: Cleveland,
Supplementation Zinc Gluconate Ohio, United
Dietary Supplement: States
Ascorbic Acid and
Zinc Gluconate
Other: Standard of
Care "

7 Recruiting Use of Ascorbic Acid in Hospitalized Dietary Supplement: A.R.N.A.S. 500 March March 13,
Patients With COVID 19 Patients With Vitamin C Civico - Di 13, 2021
Covid-19 Cristina - 2020
Pneumonia Benfratelli,
Palermo,
Italy

8 Completed Ayurveda for Flu Like Illness Flu Like Illness "Dietary Supplement: Aarogyam, 32 March April 12,
During Covid-19 Outbreak Ayurveda Leicester, 6, 2020
Other: Usual Care" United 2020
Kingdom

9 Active, not Identifying Critically-ill "Critically Ill Other: Nutrition Peking 117 Feb. July, 2020
recruiting Patients With COVID-19 Who Coronavirus support University 19,
Will Benefit Most From Infections" Third 2020
Nutrition Support Therapy: Hospital,
Validation of the NUTRIC Beijing,
Nutritional Risk Assessment China
Tool

10 Not yet Influence of Zinc SARS-CoV 2 "Dietary Supplement: 3140 April, July, 2020
recruiting and Vitamin D3 Zinc gluconate 2020
Supplementation on Dietary
Survival in Elderly Supplement: 25-OH
Institutionalized Individuals cholecalciferol"
With CoV-2 SARS Infection

Source: clinicaltrials.gov

20 COVER STORY NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

response in COVID-19 patients. However, this is used Ascorbic acid and Zinc gluconate
mainly in already hospitalized patients who show signs A team lead by Dr Milind Desai as Principal Investigator
of increased inflammation, and more research is needed at The Cleveland Clinic, Ohio in USA has taken up a study
on interventions that slow the onset of inflammation in which the team aims to see whether ascorbic acid
and decrease subsequent hospitalization of infected and zinc gluconate which has limited side effect profile
individuals. and is readily available over the counter can decrease
the duration of symptoms seen in patients with new
Resistant potato starch (RPS) has been shown to diagnosis of COVID-2019. A secondary purpose is to see
decrease IL-6 in humans, partly through its ability to whether Zinc and/or Ascorbic acid supplementation
increase butyrate levels. Butyrate not only reduces IL-6 can prevent progression of the severe manifestations
production and overall inflammation, but also has been of the disease including development of dyspnea and
shown to specifically decrease lung inflammation in acute respiratory distress syndrome which may require
animal models through cytokine suppression. Further, hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and or lead to
it may reduce angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) death.
receptor expression, which is the main entry mechanism
for COVID-19 into epithelial lung cells. “Our preliminary Started on April 8 this is a single-center, prospective,
data shows an increase in butyrate levels in participants’ randomized study which plans to enrol 520 patients
stool within one week of RPS therapy (20 grams twice with a principal diagnosis of COVID-19, managed in an
daily) with no noticeable side effect. To this end, we outpatient setting, who presented after being sent by
have designed a multicenter randomized clinical trial a healthcare provider to get tested and receive a PCR
to determine the efficacy of resistant potato starch in (Polymerase Chain Reaction) -assay based confirmed
reducing the need for hospitalization for COVID-19 diagnosis of the disease. The study is expected to be
positive patients. We will enrol 1300 non-hospitalized completed by April 30, 2021.
COVID-19 positive individuals who are being monitored
in the outpatient setting. Our primary outcome is the rate Recent studies have shown the efficacy of vitamin
of hospitalization for COVID-19 related complications. C and thiamine administration in patients hospitalized
Secondary outcomes will look at time to recovery and for sepsis in the setting of intensive wards in terms of
symptom severity scores”, pointed out Dr Sherry Mansour. mortality reduction. The use of intravenous vitamin
C arises from the experimental evidence of its anti-
EAT-10 inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Vitamin C
Hospital de Mataró in Spain under the guidance of Dr causes a greater proliferation of natural killers without
Pere Clavé, as Principal Investigator has taken up a study affecting their functionality.
from April 15, to understand Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
(OD) in patients with COVID-19. The investigator in For this reason, the use of vitamin C could be
the study description noted that OD is a common effective in terms of mortality and secondary outcomes
complication in/post ICU patients that have been with in the cohort of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
intubation/mechanical ventilation or with tracheotomies In view of the emergency of SARS-VOC-2 and the
or NG tubes, in patients with acute respiratory infection/ impossibility of carrying out a randomized controlled
pneumonia/respiratory insufficiency with a severe study, it is the intention of the investigators to conduct
disease needing high concentration of oxygen or non- an intervention protocol (administration of 10 grams
invasive mechanical ventilation and also in patients of vitamin C intravenously in addition to conventional
discharged from acute hospitals to rehabilitation centers, therapy) involving the cohort of hospitalized patients
nursing homes or other facilities. All these situations are with COVID-19 pneumonia.
common for COVID-19 patients.In this observational
study the investigators will use the volume-viscosity Vitamin C
swallowing test (V-VST) to assess the prevalence of OD Dr Salvatore Corrao, University of Palermo, Italy who
in admitted patients with confirmed COVID-19 at the provided the documents to the regulatory agency noted
ConsorciSanitaridelMaresme. They will also register that different studies showed that ascorbic acid (vitaminC)
results of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), nutritional positively affects the development and maturation
status (MNA-sf/MUST/NRS), the needs of compensatory of T-lymphocytes, in particular NK (natural killer) cells
treatments of these patients (fluid and nutritional involved in the immune response to viral agents. It also
adaptation and use of nutritional supplements) and contributes to the inhibition of ROS production and to
clinical complications during 6 months follow up. In this the remodulation of the cytokine network typical of
study 100 participants will be observed till August 2020. systemic inflammatory syndrome.. Given this background,
in the light of the current COVID-19 emergency, since the
investigators cannot carry out a randomized controlled

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 21

trial, it is their intention to conduct a study in the cohort nutritional intake. Yet limited data were in Chinese
of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, patients. The current outbreak of novel coronavirus,
administering 10 gm of vitamin C intravenously in named COVID-19, was first reported from Wuhan,
addition to conventional therapy. This study will be taken China on December 31, 2019. There are about 16 per
up for a period of 12 months from March 13, 2020 with cent patients need ICU admission. The objective of this
500 participants. study is to validation of the “NUTRIC” nutritional risk
assessment tool in Chinese ICU patients diagnosed as
“NUTRIC” nutritional risk assessment tool COVID-19.
In another study sponsored by Peking University Third
Hospital, China in collaborations with the School of Zinc and Vitamin D3
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, University Hospital, Lille, France has taken up a study
China and Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, the influence of Zinc and Vitamin D3 supplementation
Kingston, Ontario, Canada the objective is to validate the on survival in elderly institutionalized individuals with
“NUTRIC” nutritional risk assessment tool in Chinese ICU CoV-2 SARS infection (ZnD3-Cov-Vici). In this study
patients diagnosed with COVID-19. 3140 participants are provided with Zinc gluconate
capsule 15 mg x 2 per day during 2 months and 25-OH
As per information provided by Dr Qinggang GE, cholecalciferol drinkable solution 10 drops (2000 IU) per
Chief physician, Peking University Third Hospital, China day during two months till July 2020.
in this observational study 117 participants will be
provided with calories and proteins by using ways as Mortality from COVID-19 increases with age, reaching
parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition, oral nutrition 14.8 per cent from the age of 80. The severity of the
supplement during the study period from February 19, infection is linked to the acute respiratory distress
2020 to July 2020. syndrome (ARDS) which requires intensive care. ARDS is
the consequence of the reactional inflammatory storm
It may be noted that Heyland et al. previously that damages the lungs. Aged subjects are particularly
proposed a novel scoring tool, the Nutrition Risk in prone to zinc and vitamin D deficiency. These two
Critically ill (NUTRIC) score, which is the first nutritional micronutrients are able to modulate the immune
risk assessment tool developed and validated specifically response by reducing the inflammatory storm. The
for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Many other risk investigators of this study have proposed a hypothesis
scores and assessment tools exist to quantify nutrition that supplementation with zinc and vitamin D would
risk but none have been specifically designed for reduce the inflammatory reaction which worsens
ICU patients. However, the recognition that not all ARDS and leads to the death of subjects infected with
ICU patients will respond the same to nutritional Covid-19.
interventions was the critical concept behind the NUTRIC
score. There was an interaction between mortality, Many dietary supplements do help support a healthy
nutritional intake and NUTRIC score suggesting that immune function. But no supplement claim to diagnose,
those with higher NUTRIC scores benefited the most prevent, treat or cure COVID-19. However since the
from increasing nutritional intake. However, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Food and
inferences about the validity of the NUTRIC score are Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to
limited in Chinese patients because of no data. companies responding to claims that their products can
prevent, treat or cure COVID19. The agency has cited
This is a single-center, prospective cohort study of language on the companies’ websites and social media
ICU patients with COVID-19. Data for all variables of the channels as evidence of these deceptive claims.
NUTRIC score will be collected. These include age, Acute
Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation The four leading trade associations in the United
(APACHE II) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment States namely The American Herbal Products Association
(SOFA) score, number of co-morbidities, days from (AHPA), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association
hospital admission to ICU admission. A logistic model (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), and
including the NUTRIC score, the nutritional adequacy the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) representing
and their interaction will be estimated to assess if the dietary supplement industry supporting the FDA’s
the NUTRIC score modified the association between stand suggested for responsible sale and use of vitamins,
nutritional adequacy and 28-day mortality. minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements that
provide many positive benefits promoting better health
There was an interaction between mortality, and wellness.
nutritional intake and the Nutrition Risk in Critically
ill (NUTRIC) score suggesting that those with higher Narayan Kulkarni
NUTRIC scores benefited the most from increasing [email protected]

22 COVID-19 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Dr Dilip Ghosh, Nutraceuticals
providing evidence
Principal consultant, to counter COVID-19
Nutriconnect, Sydney, Australia

Health claims related to COVID-19 is going viral of botanicals, including green and black teas, cloves,
worldwide. Self-declared wellness experts, even mountain rose, Damask rose, Japanese honey locust,
traditional medicines authority around the world Tripterygium wilfordii, echinacea, ginseng and
claiming that eating black garlic, applying sesame chrysanthemum, elderberry extract, as well as red and
oil on the skin, consuming a high intake of vitamins, brown algae has been reported effective as anti-viral
Arsenicum album would prevent COVID- 19 infection. based on in-vitro studies.
However until the world discovered any real solution,
evidence-based traditional medicines/nutraceuticals Nutrients that may help the immune response
may possess some advantages in preventing or include micronutrients like zinc, selenium, iron,
treating the SARS-CoV-2 strain. and vitamins A, C, D, E, B-6, and folate. In the light
of recent COVID-19 prevention, there are few lead
Viral infections such as coronavirus (COVID-19), promising nutraceuticals have been publicised in the
coxsackievirus (CV), dengue virus (DENV), scientific and public media. Hare are few selected
enterovirus 71 (EV71), hepatitis B virus (HBV), natural nutraceutical ingredients/products which
hepatitis C virus (HCV), herpes simplex virus, human tested scientifically and proved future candidates as
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus, anti-viral agents.
measles virus (MV), and respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) play an important role in human disease Virgin Coconut Oil
spectrum, and recent pandemic of COVID-19 have Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University, The
highlighted again their prevention as a critical issue Philippines, have proposed the potential of coconut
in safeguarding public health. Despite the progress oil as a safe agent against a virus similar to COVID-19
made in immunization and drug development, many (although there have been no tests on COVID-19
viruses lack preventive vaccines and efficient antiviral itself ). In a paper published in January 2020, they
therapies. explained that coconut oil and its derivatives (lauric
acid and monolaurin) have been shown to be safe and
Nutraceuticals including Ayurvedic and traditional effective antiviral compounds in both humans and
Chinese medicines provide a rich resource for novel animals.
antiviral drug development. Identification of the
antiviral mechanisms from these natural agents has Fucoidan – bioactive seaweed compounds
shed light on where they interact with the viral life Extensive research has been undertaken on the
cycle, such as viral entry, replication, assembly, and immune-modulatory properties of fucoidan,
release, as well as on the targeting of virus–host including the reduction of allergic responses and the
specific interactions. Although not all products are activation of dendritic cells, natural killer cells and T
tested in a randomised blinded control trials, but their cells. It has also been shown that fucoidan has the
safety and mechanism of actions are well defined. potential to boost important anti-viral responses
on coronaviruses (not specifically on SARS-CoV-2)
Historically, botanicals have yielded highly and noted little activity in comparison to the extent
effective drugs (for example, Aspirin and Taxol) and observed with other viruses such as influenza, herpes,
are the foundation of traditional Chinese medicines human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial
and Ayurvedic medicines. In particular, a wide range virus.

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVID-19 23

Cinnamon: A unique herb Combination therapy for
to tackle most RNA viruses a truly integrated approach
The antiviral activity of cinnamon extract against Combination therapy of evidence-based traditional
several RNA viruses has well been documented medicines/nutraceuticals with pharmacological
through various published literatures. The intervention would be good strategy at this stage. To
standardized extract is derived from the bark of prevent viral attack, we must stop the viral life cycle,
Cinnamon zylanicum (IND02) containing type such as viral entry, replication, assembly, and release.
Aprocyanidin trimer and pentamer polyphenols. It These are mediated through many receptors and other
has been reported that SARS-CoV2 infects human binding mechanism; henceforth multi-component
respiratory epithelial cells through interaction approach would be ideal. Traditional medicines may
with the human ACE2 receptor. The spike protein possess some advantages in preventing or treating
(S-protein) contains two subunits, S1 and S2. S1 strains resistant to drugs against single viral target.
contains a receptor binding domain (RBD), which
is responsible for recognizing and binding with China’s General Office of the National Health and
the cell surface receptor. IND02 blocks HIV-1 Health Commission, announced a recommended
glycoprotein gp120 binding to host chemokine formula, “Qing FeiPai Du Tang”, containing 21 herbal
co-receptors and inhibits entry of both X4 and R5 ingredients for all provinces in the treatment of
tropic HIV-1. COVID-19 patients.

Research conducted by the Virology Department, The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has
National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan showed also suggested few Ayurvedic and homeopathic
strong antiviral action of IND02 against oseltamivir- formulation as preventive measure for the corona
resistant H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. Investigations virus infection (not claiming to be a treatment
carried out on IND02 by Strasbourg University, France advise).In few ongoing clinical trials (China &
demonstrated entry inhibition of Hepatitis C virus France), researchers found benefit in giving patients
(HCV) at the post binding step of viral entry. In silico chloroquine/ hydroxychloroquine (anti-malarial drug),
binding studies show that IND02 has high affinity and azithromycin, an antibiotic as combination in
to ACE2 receptor. IND02 would presumably inhibit COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 at the entry level through a blockade of
ACE2-Spike protein complex formation. Conclusion
Health claims related to COVID-19 is going viral
Researchers at the Department of Pulmonary worldwide. Self-declared wellness experts, even
Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, traditional medicines authority around the world
Shanghai are currently investigating the binding claiming that eating black garlic, applying sesame
kinetics and affinity of IND02 to the RBD of the oil on the skin, consuming a high intake of vitamins,
COVID-19 spike protein by the biolayer interferometry Arsenicum album would prevent COVID- 19 infection.
binding (BLI) assay and ELISA. Based on the many
mechanistic and pre-clinical studies, IND02 is Regulatory authorities from wide range of
expected to exert its action both on the viral entry as countries have stepped out to take against the
well as on the host immune modulation via reducing advertising of health supplements that claim to
the oxidative stress and injury to the respiratory prevent or treat the novel coronavirus. Based on
milieu in the infected patients. the current scientific output, I don’t support any
direct claims on a particular health supplement for
Turmeric-most researched natural anti- preventing or treating the novel coronavirus until
inflammatory proved under robust clinical framework.
Turmeric has been used for centuries as a household
remedy for cough, fever, jaundice, liver disorders, At least 12 potential COVID-19 treatments are
urinary diseases. In many cell-based studies curcumin being tested, including drugs already in use for HIV
demonstrated Inhibits RNA virus entry independent and malaria, experimental compounds that work
of the genotype and in primary human hepatocytes against an array of viruses in animal experiments, and
by affecting membrane fluidity, thereby impairing antibody-rich plasma from people who have recovered
virus binding and fusion. Viral transcription and from COVID-19. More than one strategy may prove its
replication were suppressed or inhibited via different worth, and effective treatments may work at different
molecular pathways such as PGC-1a and Akt-SREBP-1 stages of infection. Until the world discovered any
by curcumin. real solution, evidence-based traditional medicines/
nutraceuticals may possess some advantages in
preventing or treating the SARS-CoV-2 strain.

24 COVID-19 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

NUTRITIONAL
GUIDELINES FOR ADULTS
Proper nutrition and hydration are vital.
People who eat a well-balanced diet tend to corn oils) rather than saturated fats (e.g. found in
be healthier with stronger immune systems fatty meat, butter, palm and coconut oils, cream,
and lower risk of chronic illnesses and infectious cheese, ghee and lard). Choose white meat (e.g.
diseases. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the World poultry) and fish, which are generally low in fat,
Health Organisation (WHO) has released nutritional rather than red meat. Avoid processed meats
guidelines for adults, because people living with because they are high in fat and salt. Where possible,
chronic illnesses who have suspected or confirmed opt for low-fat or reduced-fat versions of milk and
COVID-19 may need support with their health and dairy products. Avoid industrially produced trans
diet. fats. These are often found in processed food, fast
food, snack food, fried food, frozen pizza, pies,
Eat fresh and unprocessed foods every day cookies, margarines and spreads.
Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes (e.g. lentils, beans),
nuts and whole grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, Eat less salt and sugar
millet, oats, wheat, brown rice or starchy tubers When cooking and preparing food, limit the amount
or roots such as potato, yam, taro or cassava), and of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce
foods from animal sources (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and and fish sauce). Limit your daily salt intake to less
milk). than 5 g (approximately 1 teaspoon), and use
iodized salt. Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high
Daily, eat: 2 cups of fruit (4 servings), 2.5 cups in salt and sugar. Limit your intake of soft drinks
of vegetables (5 servings), 180 g of grains, and 160 or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar
g of meat and beans (red meat can be eaten 1−2 (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups,
times per week, and poultry 2−3 times per week).For flavoured milks and yogurt drinks). Choose fresh
snacks, choose raw vegetables and fresh fruit rather fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes
than foods that are high in sugar, fat or salt. Do not and chocolate.
overcook vegetables and fruit as this can lead to the
loss of important vitamins. When using canned or Avoid eating out
dried vegetables and fruit, choose varieties without Eat at home to reduce your rate of contact with
added salt or sugar. other people and lower your chance of being
exposed to COVID-19. We recommend maintaining
Drink enough water every day a distance of at least 1 metre between yourself
Water is essential for life. It transports nutrients and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. That
and compounds in blood, regulates your body is not always possible in crowded social settings
temperature, gets rid of waste, and lubricates and like restaurants and cafes. Droplets from infected
cushions joints. Drink 8–10 cups of water every day. people may land on surfaces and people’s hands
Water is the best choice, but you can also consume (e.g. customers and staff ), and with lots of people
other drinks, fruits and vegetables that contain coming and going, you cannot tell if hands are being
water, for example lemon juice (diluted in water and washed regularly enough, and surfaces are being
unsweetened), tea and coffee. But be careful not to cleaned and disinfected fast enough.
consume too much caffeine, and avoid sweetened
fruit juices, syrups, fruit juice concentrates, fizzy and Counselling and psychosocial support
still drinks as they all contain sugar. While proper nutrition and hydration improve
health and immunity, they are not magic bullets.
Eat moderate amounts of fat and oil Seek counselling and psychosocial support from
Consume unsaturated fats (e.g. found in fish, appropriately trained health care professionals and
avocado, nuts, olive oil, soy, canola, sunflower and also community-based lay and peer counsellors.

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVID-19 25

Building immune Rajesh Sahetiya,
defense through
Director, Human Nutrition
right nutrition and Health (India/South Asia),

DSM India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai

Focusing on nutrient-rich foods and a well-balanced Nutrition gaps in the Indian context
diet is the best way to obtain desired nutrients. However, Urban India’s junk food habits are a significant contributor
this may not always be possible, especially for certain to hidden hunger and low micronutrient levels. There is
populations or groups of people. In these cases, sufficient data to show that a large number of Indians
nutritional supplements offer a reliable and safe option have a low intake of Vitamin than actually needed. Our
to complement the diet, fill any nutritional gaps, and help intake of zinc and vitamin C is also generally lower than
support the immune system. what is required to build and support optimal immune
function. Given that omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are
While the world continues to face seasonal found primarily in fish oil, a typical Indian diet may not
influenza, a new global public health concern has include it in adequate quantities. These nutritional gaps
emerged with the Coronavirus diseasepandemic. lowerimmunity making people vulnerable to all sorts of
Viral infections are present all over the world, and many infections, which is especially worrying during this very
countries implement drastic measures to slow down the challenging time.
spread. Supporting the immune system with adequate
nutrition is another important and a parallel way to help Recommendations to serve body’s immune defense
reduce the risk and impact of virus infections. Ensuring ● Daily vitaminC supplementation is recommended
adequate nutrition is an effective approach that can
support a healthy immune response. Indeed, optimizing at 200-500 mg for healthy individuals. Requirements can
nutrient intake as a regular dietary habit is one way to build change depending on health status whereas 1-2 g may
a more resilient immune system for a longer term. be helpful.

How nutrition supports a healthy immune system ● Daily vitamin D supplementation to 2,000 IU (50 µg)
Essential and key nutrients work in orchestration and is recommended.
synergy to support a healthy immune system. These
nutrients include vitamins A, B¬6, B12, C, D, E, and folate, ● Zinc supports the immune response. A daily supply
trace elements such as zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, in the range of 8-11 mg is recommended.
and copper, as well as the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and
DHA. Intake of these key nutrients in optimal amounts ● Daily omega-3s fatty acid supplementation of
is necessary to support the complex immune system. 250 mg EPA and DHA may support a healthy immune
Conversely, having low levels may decrease resistance response.
to infection. Focusing on nutrient-rich foods and a well-
balanced diet is the best way to obtain desired nutrients. Dietary routines to reduce the risk and severity of
However, this may not always be possible, especially for virus infections
certain populations or groups of people. In these cases,
nutritional supplements offer a reliable and safe option ● A daily multivitamin and trace element
to complement the diet, fill any nutritional gaps, and help supplementation is recommended to help meet the
support the immune system. optimal intake of the micronutrients listed above.

● For some micronutrients, such as vitamin C and
D, intake above the nutrient requirements may better
support optimal immune function.

● Nutritional supplements offer a safe option to
complement the diet and eliminate potential nutrient
shortfalls.

26 COVID-19 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Dr Muhammed Majeed, Nutraceuticals -
For overall
Founder and Chairman, well-being!
Sami-Sabinsa Group, Bengaluru

It is common knowledge that the best source of joint study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce
nutrition for the body comes from the traditional foods and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in association with
such as fruits and vegetables made at home with great its knowledge partner RNCOS, the Indian nutraceutical
care and love. But over the past few decades, changes market is poised to reach $8.5 billion by 2022. Functional
in the method of growing crops by using harmful food and beverages are expected to grow with a higher
chemicals and pesticides, artificial ripening of fruits growth rate due to the increasing visibility of such
and vegetables have depleted the nutritional values in products in modern retail formats and promotional
our regular foods. activities.

Our body needs the daily dose of nutrition In the past, urban India, or more precisely the
in the form of vitamins, minerals, proteins, metros, were the target markets for nutraceutical sales,
carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients for it but consumption patterns have witnessed a shift with
to sustain. While the result of a scarce supply of the a steady increase in demand from Tier II and Tier III
required daily dose of nutrients to the body may not be cities. This trend will only gather momentum especially
seen immediately, it ultimately will manifest itself in the because of the large-scale digitization happening in
form of various ailments in the long run. India.

Keeping in line with the adage “Prevention is better Growing concerns about nutrition and health thanks
than cure”, nutraceuticals play a prominent role in to digitization and social media has led consumers
preventive healthcare. Nutritional care which forms an to look for preventive healthcare measures. High
integral part of preventive healthcare is undergoing hospitalization costs and complex medical procedures
a transformation in India. The current generation is which can be avoided are driving consumers towards
looking for preventive healthcare measures rather than health supplements and nutraceuticals. Stress factors
remedial reactions. Due to higher disposable incomes due to a busy lifestyle which leads to changing dietary
and growing awareness about preventive healthcare, the patterns has led people to look for alternative food
Indian consumer is actively considering various options supplements to enhance their health.
to improve his / her health and lifestyle.
Looking and feeling good is another significant
Globally and in India the nutraceuticals segment has driver for the nutraceuticals space to witness a robust
undergone its fair share of churn. From a one-solution- growth. Body weight, hair growth and a glowing skin
fits-all scenario, the space has witnessed mushrooming are top priorities for today’s consumer. Remedial cost
of various products to address specific needs – bone far outstrips preventive measures and this is where
health, calcium supplements, weight management, nutraceuticals comes in.
proteins and immunity boosters according to age, to
name a few. However, lack of a clear regulatory frameworkhas
been a major challenge to the growth and wide spread
Nutraceuticals can be broadly divided into: Dietary acceptance of nutraceuticals as a segment in India.
supplements (including vitamins and minerals) and Counterfeit products which are unregistered and
Functional foods and beverages (such as energy and unapproved has led to scepticism and lack of trust
sports drinks, probiotics, products fortified with omega-3 from consumers as well as within the industry trade
fatty acids and herbal formulations). According to a community. But with new players entering the market
and rapid innovation happening within the industry,
things seem brighter at the other end.

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in IMPACT OF COVID-19 27

Challenges and Nishanth Chandran,
learnings for meat &
Founder and CEO,
seafood industry Tendercuts, Chennai

It was in the month of February; the first signs of trouble have shot up to Rs 200/kg in comparison to when it was
were there for the meat and seafood industry. A message Rs 80/kg in March as the industry stresses on unrestricted
on social media was widely circulated which spoke movement of vehicles transporting chicken and mutton
about how chicken was infected with Coronavirus. The across borders. The lack of poultry feed which the farmers
false rumour wreaked havoc and poultry sales declined haven’t able to procure for the poultry and livestock
by over fifty per cent within two weeks. The Indian meat presents a grim picture for the meat and seafood retail
and seafood exports experienced a pile-up of stocks as industry.
regions across the globe started experiencing the impact
of COVID-19. Meat and seafood industry have undergone a slew
of technological transformation where retailers have
The World Health Organization (WHO), Food focused on hygiene, quality and a pleasant buying
Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), experience for the customers. Technology has enabled
government and other local authorities released a services like time-sensitive deliveries in controlled
report in the month of March to dispel the rumours, but environments, click and collect, doorstep deliveries
the impact was felt by retailers, processing units, wet and have given customers the convenience of ordering,
markets far and wide, especially in our country. Farmers thereby driving average organized retail in the industry.
have faced unwarranted brunt of the misinformation Cold-chain technology, state-of-the-art automated
spread, nation-wide lockdown and food supply chain systems, farm-to-fork models, stringent practices of
disruption which has led to the sector witnessing a freefall procurement, processing, quality checks and packaging
in the last few months. have brought about the much-needed change in
perceptions about how meat and seafood are sold to the
The importance of meat and seafood industry to the customers. COVID-19 will further transform the way a
food supply chain has never been more apparent and customer buys their meat and seafood with services like
the vital role to keep it functioning has never been more contactless retail, contactless payment, and contactless
evident and called for. The industry has dealt with general delivery making their way in the industry and alter it for
disruption of demand resulting in ominous effects on the good for the near future.
supply chain of fresh seafood. Retailers can provide the
market at present but will face problems soon to rebuild The industry though remains largely unorganized with
their stocks if there are issues with logistics. Industry wet markets and neighbourhood butcher shops thriving,
bodies and individual businesses have come together to but COVID-19 serves as the right step in the direction of
respond to the pandemic, and a consistent approach to providing the necessary infrastructure, convenience for
tackle the challenges faced by the industry is the need of buyers, understanding changing customer needs, win the
the hour. trust and educate the customers at the same time.

The demand for seafood has gradually picked up The massive Indian meat industry is pegged at Rs
too but with the boats and fishermen stuck at harbours, 1,40,000 crore, growing at a CAGR of 20 per cent and an
creating a special window to meet the increasing demand organized retail structure can go a long way to build the
and address the disruption presents an opportunity for equities required with the customers. For retailers, there
the government and food authorities, to manage the is a huge opportunity to focus on the consistencies in the
impact in a more sustainable manner. Prices of chicken taste and quality of meat and seafood and for the country’s
economy it becomes one of the biggest contributors to
the food supply chain in the future.

28 IMPACT OF COVID-19 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Amrinder Singh, Disruption in supply
chain & labour force
Director, Bonn Group of hit FMCG industry
Industries, Ludhiana

The coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing 21-day would be a major challenge with demand unlikely to
lockdown have already had a big implication on global pick up immediately. Industry experts assume that
trade and commerce as countries have banned imports the non-essential food retailers are expected to report
and exports and even shut down production of non- 80-100 percent reduction in sales due to the lockdown.
essential commodities. India has already taken plenty Even retailers of essential items are facing losses as
of robust steps to ensure that coronavirus doesn’t they are not allowed to sell non-essential items, which
cripple its economy like it has done to some countries usually have higher margins.
across the world. The coronavirus lockdown has forced
FMCG companies to step out of their comfort zones, as Cash flow constrains: The Indian retail industry
manpower shortage and shutting down of stores has has more than 15 million retailers. Around 85 percent
brought the traditional distribution mechanism to a of the retail costs are fixed costs, which is putting
grinding halt. retailers under severe financial stress.The cash inflow
of the industry has come to a standstill, while the
People too have been fearful as the existing fixed operating costs remain intact.Seeing the present
uncertainty about the essentials has contributed scenario, it looks like the cash rotation would slow down
to a drop in levels in ‘stock-in-trade’ due to for all categories barring food and retail as these will be
potential supply chain disruptions. Some impact has less impacted. Government and banks must come up
already been felt with deliveries of specific products with some measures in order to help companies.
have been delayed. The coming two-to-three weeks
would be a testing ground on how supply chains Reduced labour force: With the fear of corona
are able to keep pace with the temporary rise in virus, migrant labour has moved back to their
consumption. According to KPMG’s latest report, the home town which has resulted in huge shortage of
market size of retail and consumer industry is $ 950 manpower even for essential goods manufacturers. This
billion (2018-2019) but with the coronavirus pandemic has not only impacted the production side but delivery
and the lockdown have brought economic activity to a of raw materials and finished products also suffered
standstill and could impact investment, consumption due to non-availability of truck drivers and delivery
and external trade – the three major contributors to person. Moreover, retail industry will be impacted due
GDP. The current and potential impact on the sector is to this pandemic, according to a survey conducted
following: by the Retailers Association of India (RAI), the retail
industry is staring at huge layoffs due to the corona
Price variation of key raw materials: Raw material virus-induced lockdown and smaller retailers are likely
supplies could be a challenge due to the disrupted to be affected the most.
supply chains. As the guidelines have not been
communicated to the local and state government Going forward, we could expect companies to
authorities, the logistics department of every company explore newer distribution channels focus on ‘direct
suffers. This results in the shortage of raw materials to consumer’ route. Further, the ability to predict
which may further leads to increase in the price. and manage demand will be a game changer. In this
environment, shoring up the customer relationship
Production shutdown: Production for certain while focussing on the bottom-line will be key. Both
category of goods including the non-essential ones FMCG and retail companies should reinvent their
existing supply chain and distribution models post the
lockdown.

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WORLD NUTRITION DAY 29

Overcoming COVID-19 impact
through digital marketing

As the social media wave and online awareness of consuming supplements is ever-growing, we see the sale
of immunity boosting supplements and other functional foods on the rising charts. It is becoming evidently
clear that a brand having a good online spread and presence is more likely to be profitable.

Vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, functional and herbal supplements through an online portal which
foods and nutraceuticals are becoming the talk also offers assistance on choice of supplements.
of the town as the importance of immunity and
preventive care and healthy lifestyle are felt now more The Gurugram based company raised a funding of
than ever. With the advent of a destructive pandemic, Rs 174 crore in 2019 for its expansion. “There is growing
this year World Nutrition Day, on May 28, is focused on need for preventive healthcare in India, but customers
the importance of providing your body with the right today do not have access to high-quality brands and
nourishment. As the social media wave and online personalised recommendations. With this new funding,
awareness of consuming supplements is ever-growing, we plan to expand physical stores, launch more private-
we see the sale of immunity boosting supplements and label supplement brands and set up an in-house R&D
other functional foods on the rising charts. It is becoming centre and manufacturing unit to fuel growth”, shares
evidently clear that a brand having a good online spread Sameer Maheshwari, CEO, HealthKart.
and presence is more likely to be profitable.
Any company’s online presence, their transparency
Increasing health concerns towards proper and social media pro-activeness is considered optimum
nutritional intake is encouraging more adoption of to attract maximum consumers. Today along with the
dietary supplements. There has also been increase in word of mouth publicity, online reviews and ratings
the number of gym goers which contributes to increase are considered seriously. Informative blogs about
the purchase of dietary supplements. A strong demand the supplement information, ingredients and health
for nutrition supplements is increasing especially in benefits also help create awareness and create unique
the cities due to awareness and higher expenditure selling strategies. There is a lot of dynamic change that
flexibility. Companies involved in manufacturing and we observe in today’s consumer, the final point of any
sale of dietary supplements have used the digital space supply chain which is in fact most important. Today’s
very positively. Nutritional supplements are available in a consumer has everything available at a distance of a
huge quantity with lot of options and brands competing fingertip because of their smart phones. So essentially,
when we open online platforms like Amazon or Flipkart. to increase the popularity of the products, the market
has to be brought to them. Today’s consumer also knows
“With internet penetration and rapid digitization,
awareness about the importance of nutrition in “Doctors are
disease prevention, lifestyle management, and appreciating the
nutritional deficiencies has been increasing. Doctors
too are appreciating the importance of nutraceuticals importance of
supplements for improving health conditions. This
increases the confidence among consumers translate nutraceuticals
into huge uptake for such products within the non-
communicable and chronic conditions category”, says supplements for
Sushil Khaitan, Director & CEO, Purenutrition.me.
improving health conditions.
There are many dedicated online platforms such as
HealthKart, Purenutrition.me, Nutrabay, Vitaminplanet. This increases the confidence
in, Neulife, HealthXp, Snapdeal, Flipkart, Amazon, etc.
which specially cater to health supplements shopping. among consumers translate
HealthKart is one of the leading players that offers a
range of nutrition supplements like proteins, vitamins, into huge uptake for such products within the

non-communicable and chronic conditions

category”.

- Sushil Khaitan,

Director & CEO, Purenutrition.me

30 WORLD NUTRITION DAY NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“In a sea of attention- craft marketing strategies that talk about results and
grabbing marketers, deliver unique experiences. Focus on the ‘whys’ of your
your supplement supplement. For example, if you’re selling a supplement
needs to stand out, designed to support healthy weight management
and for that, you need talk about its flavors and ingredients, how each of its
to do something extremely ingredients will assist in your buyer’s pre-workout and-
special!Also, strong messages post-workout regimes; your previous customers who
and visuals are well received by experienced its benefits. Talking about these aspects is
buyers”. much better than just claiming that your supplement
could help lose weight.”
- Andrew Goldman,
Vice President Marketing, Technological innovations and artificial intelligence
(AI) are being used now to make the online experience of
Nutra Science Lab, US buying even more enhanced and specific. AI assisted bots
and systems are now a regular to help a visitor reach to
how to make intelligent choices. They are more likely to his needs. Gurugram basedSupp Nutrition works on the
check out the official website of the concerned products, idea of making the consumer self-reliant and aware of the
read its label, compare and contrast the product with nutrition needs and offers pre-pack vitamin kits which can
the 10 other alternatives available before actually buying be used after answering a questionnaire prepared by the
anything online. experts. All the products are World Health Organisation-
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified and thus
Consumers also care about the whole online can be used by a broad spectrum of people.
experience and not just the product. So aspects like
mobile friendly versions of websites, easy to operate Bengaluru basedstartup, FindMyHealth uses
website function and quick customer attention ayurveda as their backbone for providing the consumers
are important. That being said, if all aspects of the with supplements. It uses AI driven selfie analysis and
experience are appealing to the consumer, he/she is questionnaire to understand the body metabolism of the
likely to stay loyal to the brand and recommend it to user and recommend a personalized blend of ayurvedic
many others which gives a large advantage. herbs. For the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the startup
is offering is an Ayurvedic Immunity Booster which can
Adding his perspective on how companies can be taken by individuals with low immunity score. The
strike a chord with their consumers digitally, Andrew booster is a combination of eleven specifically identified
Goldman, Vice President Marketing, Nutra Science Lab, herbs that regulate immunity, which is the primary
US says, “In a sea of attention-grabbing marketers, your defense against any bacteria or virus.
supplement needs to stand out, and for that, you need to
do something extremely special! Also, strong messages These unique strategies are allowing start-ups and
and visuals are well received by buyers. And, when these emerging online platforms to survive and flourish in the
messages are coupled with authentic experiences, your presence of big e-commerce giants. They have targeted
supplement marketing wins!Look for areas that will help the supplements markets and are using innovative
consumers distinguish your supplement brand from the strategies like social media campaigns, online blogs that
competition.” inform about the ingredients used in the supplements, and
online assistance that is required for buying supplements.
He further adds, “Compare the ‘whys’ of your products Digital marketing through social media is vital if a brand’s
with similar brands: Supplement brand owners should future prospects are to be considered. Offline publicity
and physical endorsements have limitations while digital
“There is growing influence can be increased irrespective of physical
need for preventive constraints which make them an essential tool now that
healthcare in India, the markets have many uncertainties. Post COVID-19, the
but customers world is going to be even more focused towards nutrition,
today do not have and nutraceuticals and functional foods are going to gain
access to high-quality more importance. In such circumstances, having a good
brands and personalised social media presence and unique strategies for digital
recommendations”. marketing are what will make companies cope up with the
COVID-19 impact.
- Sameer Maheshwari,
CEO, HealthKart Vallari Mathure
[email protected]

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVID-19 31

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM WEBINAR ON “NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION TO COMBAT COVID-19”

“India is rich in immunity
boosting food ingredients”

Good immunity is a very slow process and it is reflected by diet and one’s lifestyle choices. Revisiting our
traditional choices with a scientific eye can help us to see what we are doing is right and what needs to be
amended. Along with complete nutrition, supplements and wise diet choices now can save us from any future
biohazards like COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemics has brought everything in immunity boosting food ingredients which have
to a complete standstill. Researchers and brought us into spotlight in front of the globe.
scientists all over the globe are joining forces to
develop therapeutic solutions and vaccine for it. As Sharing his views on the importance of various
an integrated B2B media platform that is dedicated ingredients that can be used as preventive and
towards the nutrition, nutraceuticals and functional therapeutic tool to overcome the coronavirus, Dr
foods, NuFFooDS Spectrum conducted a webinar on Ghosh said that there is a need for multiple approach
how the food that we consume along with a little more and global cooperation to come up with solutions.
can become our medicine in these difficult times. The viral replication cycle should be studied to get
good leads for combating it. One of most common
The webinar titled on “Nutritional intervention to ingredients, cinnamon, a specialized cinnamon
combat COVID-19” was moderated by Dr. Prabodh developed by the Pune based company Indus Biotech
Halde – (Head, Regulatory Affairs, Marico India and (Ind02) is being studied extensively for its therapeutic
former President, Association of Food Scientists and effects. The COVID-19 virus attaches with the help
Technologies (India) [AFSTI] with Dr Dilip Ghosh of its spike proteins to our host cells with a receptor
(Director, Nutriconnect, Sydney; Director Trigonella called ACE2. Cinnamon has showed promising results
Labs Pvt Ltd; Advisor- Health Foods and Dietary in inhibiting the viral binding to our receptors thus
Supplements Association (HADSA), India) and Ruby helping in its prevention. One of other approaches
Sound (Founder, Eatwise Nutrition Clinic and Wellness that can be used is a combination therapy; all viruses
Centre and Secretary, Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), use multiple approaches when infecting any host
Mumbai chapter as panellists. cell. Hence a singular approach might not be able to

Opening the session, Dr Halde shared the common
concerns and issues being faced by the individuals
and industry to cope with the pandemic. The entire
world will definitely change once the infection is
controlled. We all have to rethink immunity which is
very slow process. We have to adapt to the situations
that are ahead of us. Fortunately, Indians have an
advantage when it comes to our eating habits. Indian
diet naturally contains many ingredients like the
garam masala for example which have combinations
of functional foods. Our ancestors have always known
the importance of those in the daily diets. Perhaps
that is why we have increased our immunity. Indian
traditional recipes have a scientific thought process
involved behind it right from the raw material, the
way of preparation and the occasion. Our traditional
thalis from different areas have been based on the idea
of a holistic nutrition in correct portion. India is rich

32 COVID-19 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

completely overcome it. A combination of a natural nutritional therapy for patients with COVID-19 are
ingredient along with a pharmaceutical drug will help different. Indian thali is one of the great examples of
reduce the drug resistance property of the virus. a wholesome nutrition. One of the most important
thingsto remember is to have adequate protein in
He also shared that the demand for immunity your diets even if there is minimum physical activity.
boosting supplements along with stress and anxiety This is important because protein essentially forms
medication is on the rise due to supply chain antibodies that build basis of our immune system. So
disruption. “We can see shortages of curcumin; it’s important to have proteins with all essential amino
passionflower extracts which are popularly taken for acids from plant or animal sources. Consumption
boosting immunity, stress and anxiety. Immunity of protein rich dairy products is also vital. Nuts and
boosting is one of the arms of the entire approach oilseeds are easily available and hence can also be
to combat COVID-19. We also have to stop the entry used as a cheap source of both fats and protein. We
and binding of the viral entity. We need a multiple also have to focus on micronutrients like vitamins
approach and hence a free flow of information is very and trace elements along with these. Resourcefulness
essential in these times and future pandemics”, he and adding nutritious ingredients to the meal can be
added. very useful in times where not everything is available
outside.
Emphasising on the importance of mindful eating
in these times Ruby said that immune-nutrition Responding to a question on safety of meat and
for common man, healthcare professionals and seafood and fermented products during Q&A session,
panellists made it clear that meat and seafood and
“Immunity boosting is fermented seafood products are completely safe
one of the arms of the to eat if they are properly sourced, hygienically
entire approach to cooked and consumed before the expiration date.
combat COVID-19”. Various functional ingredients like curcumin, ginger,
- Dr Dilip Ghosh garlic, black pepper, virgin coconut oil and more
Director, Nutriconnect, were brought up for their functional properties and
Sydney preventive actions. Although not clinically proven
these can definitely help one in boosting immunity. In
“India is rich in immunity reply to a question on whether to consume processed
boosting food foods during the lockdown period, panellists
ingredients which suggested to use fresh produce with all the nutrients
have brought us into to stay fit. As we are in a lockdown with minimal
spotlight in front of physical activity, high salt high sugar products are
the globe”. always harmful.

- Dr. Prabodh Halde Good immunity is a very slow process and it
Head, Regulatory Affairs, is reflected by diet and one’s lifestyle choices. Our
ancestors ensured the consumption of all the macro and
Marico India, Mumbai micro elements in our diets in form of various spices,
functional foods and more. It is probably due to that we
“We should have as population are now benefitting from it. As Dr Ghosh
adequate amount mentioned in a statistical data that only 11 percent
of protein even if of South Asian population is affected because of the
there is minimum virus. A holistic approach which includes good innate
physical activity. This immunity, inhibiting the virus and a therapeutic drug can
is important because protein help us come closer to a solution. Along with complete
essentially forms antibodies nutrition, supplements and wise diet choices now can
that build basis of our immune save us from any such future biohazards. Revisiting our
system”. traditional choices with a scientific eye can help us to
see what we are doing is right and what needs to be
- Ruby Sound amended. Global cooperation and collaborative efforts
Founder, Clinic and are going to help us in the long run.
Wellness Centre, Mumbai
Vallari Mathure
[email protected]

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in TRENDS 33

Adopting plant-
based lifestyle

Food manufacturers ranging from startups to leading companies are now innovating and coming out with
their own plant-based products. These innovative plant-based products are increasingly competitive with
animal product on the key drivers of consumer choice like taste, price and accessibility.

With rising global awareness among people Market Watch
against ecological and health side-effects
of heavy meat diets, interest in plant-based The overall market of plant-based products is growing
alternatives is also increasing. Currently, plant-based at a steady pace and the future is predicted to hold
food industry is niche but with rise in the number promise.
of people turning vegetarian its sustainability won’t
be an issue at all specially in India which comprises Market research report by Transparency says
of majority of non-vegetarians and selectively “Developed regions like North America and Europe are
vegetarians. expected to post the highest growth in the coming
years. The population shifting to vegan lifestyle is
Also, India’s rates of malnutrition are among highest expected to grow in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K.,
in the world and in order to address the same, plant- Germany, and France. The Asia Pacific region is predicted
based and clean meat presents an unprecedented to become one of the most promising areas for the
opportunity. global plant-based food market. The focus will remain on
developing nations like India and China.”
The food system in India is currently going through
various challenges of sustainability, malnutrition and According to the US market research firm Reports
food security. This is making various companies to enter and Data, the global plant-based meat market, which
plant-based food segment. was valued at $10.10 billion in 2018, is expected to reach
$30.92 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 14.8 per cent.
Emphasizing on the growing Indian population,Varun
Deshpande, Managing Director, Good Food Institute There is a major shift from natural to organic to now
India, Mumbai said, “Every month between 2020 and meatless food items indicating the rise in plant-based
2030, one million Indians will turn 18 years old. Our food market globally.
population is growing. Incomes are rising. And demand
for meat, eggs, and dairy is increasing—with dire Recent study by Good Food Institute India, a US-
implications for the climate and long-term food security. based nonprofit organisation that promotes plant-based
India can be a model for improving nutritional status in alternatives to animal products says that China and US
a massive population efficiently and humanely through comes after India in plant-based meat consumers. As per
plant-based and clean meat innovation.”
Indian companies working
Pravin Khandelwal, Director, Risers Accelerator, in Plant-based Food Sector
New Delhi said, “The rise in animal agriculture on an
industrial level has given birth to problems like water ● Vezlay Food -Plant-based meat using soyabean
shortages and greenhouse gas emissions. With the as alternative
environment stressed to the level that it currently
is, it would be catastrophic if we keep adding to the ● Goodmylk - Plant-based milk
problem. If we want to sustainably feed a billion-plus ● Good-Dot - Plant-based meat using soyabean as
Indians, it is imperative that we focus on innovative
solutions to these challenges like supporting and alternative
pushing plant-based products market/companies and ● The Happy Calf - Plant-based dairy alternatives
innovations in India.” ● Cowvathi - Plant-based dairy alternatives
● Wegan Foods - Plant-based cheese
● Ahimsa Food -Plant-based meat

34 TRENDS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“The market is growing day-by-day
and people are getting more aware
about the plant-based foods and its
advantages. Indian food is mostly
carbohydrates but with increase in health
consciousness among people, plant-based
food market is growing. There are various
global organisations that are now promoting
this sector. Government is also supporting.
The need of the hour is actively implementing
various strategies that these organisations and
Government are working on.”

- Amit Jain,
VezlayFodPvt Ltd, New Delhi

“Health, nutrition, fibre and lots of protein the study, 63 per cent of Indian consumers were ‘very or
are synonymous with plant-based extremely likely to purchase plant-based meat regularly,’
foods. Seeking inspiration from leading followed closely by Chinese consumers at 62 per cent
cricketers and famous personalities as while US lags behind at 33 per cent.
they turn vegan, India is seeing a growth
in awareness and prioritizing health and thus Talking about the growing plant-based market in
I hope to see a surge in the plant-based food India, SaloniKasliwal Jain, Founder, TreemiraclesHealth
market in near future. Protein deficiency Solutions, Jaipur said, “Health, nutrition, fibre and lots
affecting over 70% of the Indian population, of protein are synonymous with plant-based foods.
introduction of alternate, cheap and high Seeking inspiration from leading cricketers and famous
protein diet is extremely important. India being personalities as they turn vegan, India is seeing a growth
an agrarian economy that possesses a rich in awareness and prioritizing health and thus I hope
natural biodiversity, endorsing consumption to see a surge in the plant-based food market in near
of plant-based protein from plants like future. Protein deficiency affecting over 70 per cent of
millets, pulses, ragi etc. will not only serve as a the Indian population, introduction of alternate, cheap
lucrative business opportunity for farmers and and high protein diet is extremely important. India
entrepreneurs but also grow the value chain of being an agrarian economy that possesses a rich natural
agriculture and increase farm revenue.” biodiversity, endorsing consumption of plant-based
protein from plants like millets, pulses, ragi etc. will not
- Salonikasliwal Jain, only serve as a lucrative business opportunity for farmers
Founder, Treemiracles Health Solutions, Jaipur and entrepreneurs but also grow the value chain of
agriculture and increase farm revenue.”
“The rise in animal agriculture on an
industrial level has given birth to Plant-based Alternatives: Innovative Side
problems like water shortages and
greenhouse gas emissions. With the Globally, from milk and eggs to meat, fish and honey
environment stressed to the level that vegan alternatives are now available but in India milk
it currently is, it would be catastrophic if and meat are more on trending side.
we keep adding to the problem. If we want
to sustainably feed a billion-plus Indians, it Throwing some light on the same, SaloniKasliwal
is imperative that we focus on innovative said, “With majority of population constituting the low
solutions to these challenges like supporting disposable income group, In India, more importance
and pushing plant-based products market/ is given to quantitative aspect rather than qualitative/
companies and innovations in India.” nutritional value of food. Blinded by a traditional
approach and eating patterns of the past, Indians
- Pravin Khandelwal, indulge in a diary and meat rich diet for fulfilling their
Director, Risers Accelerator, New Delhi

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in TRENDS 35

“Every month between 2020 and 2030,
one million Indians will turn 18 years old.
Our population is growing. Incomes are
rising. And demand for meat, eggs, and
dairy is increasing—with dire implications
for the climate and long-term food security.
India can be a model for improving nutritional
status in a massive population efficiently and
humanely through plant-based and clean
meat innovation.”

- Varun Deshpande,
Managing Director,

Good Food Institute India, Mumbai

protein requirement.” plant-based start-ups, Pravin Khandelwal said, “Our
Talking about meat, Plant-based meat and cultured food system is currently grappling with monumental
challenges that require urgent intervention. India
meat are the two broad categories that exist. While ranked 102 out of 117 countries in terms of Global
plant-based meat extracts proteins from sources like Hunger Index. To find a solution to this issue, there is a
soybean or wheat, cultured meat is grown in labs pressing need for us to encourage and empower plant-
from the cells of a live animal. The latter is still not based food start-ups in the country, and there is an
commercially available in the market. overwhelming list of reasons to do that.”

Cultured or Lab-Grown Meat Way Forward

Lab-Grown Meat involves stem cells where rather than Talking about the way forward Amit Jain, Vezlay Food Pvt
slaughtering the animals, scientist use animal’s stem Ltd, New Delhi said, “The market is growing day-by-day
cells to create meat. Since stem cells are the building and people are getting more aware about the plant-
block of cells and tissue, the idea is to feed them amino based foods and its advantages. Indian food is mostly
acids and carbohydrates resulting in multiplication carbohydrates but with increase in health consciousness
of muscle cells. Once muscle fibres start growing, the among people, plant-based food market is growing.
result is an artificially created meat that resembles actual There are various global organisations that are now
meat in terms of appearance, texture and nutrition. promoting this sector. Government is also supporting.
Lab-grown “clean meat” may become available in India The need of the hour is actively implementing various
by 2025. Animal welfare organisation Humane Society strategies that these organisations and Government are
International (HSI) India and the Centre for Cellular and working on.”
Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad have joined
hands to develop lab-grown meat in India and are Emphasisng on the opportunities for Indian market,
working in this direction. Varun Deshpande said, “There is a clear opportunity for
Indian research institutes and biopharma companies to
Indian Companies Working enter the clean meat sector—particularly as part of the
in Plant-based Food Sector supply chain, optimizing critical technology elements: cell
lines, cell culture media, scaffolds, and bioreactors. For
It is a booming business. Food manufacturers ranging plant-based products, millets and other indigenous Indian
from startups to leading companies are now innovating crops provide an excellent opportunity to diversify the
and coming out with their own plant-based products. global inputs for plant-based meats, eggs, and dairy. Using
These innovative plant-based products are increasingly these crops would create lucrative markets for farmers
competitive with animal product on the key drivers and strengthen value chains into which the government is
of consumer choice like taste, price and accessibility. already pouring significant investment.”
Talking about the need of encouraging and empowering
No doubt the plant-based food market in India is
booming but more partnerships in this segment along
with scientific research needs huge attention.

Kalyani Sharma
[email protected]

36 NUTRITION NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

ACCESS TO NUTRITION SPOTLIGHT INDEX 2020

Address double burden
of malnutrition through
comprehensive strategies

In 2016, Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) published the first India Spotlight Index. The second iteration,
released in February 2020 extends the scope of the Index by including the 16 largest food and beverage
manufacturers in India – nine of which were previously assessed in 2016with the ultimate goal to drive the
private sector’s performance on healthy, affordable diets and address undernutrition, obesity, diet-related
diseases and double burden of malnutrition. 

India is facing multiple problem of hunger and assessed in 2016 – with the ultimate goal to drive the
malnutrition accompanied by the problem of obesity. private sector’s performance on healthy, affordable diets
While some part of the population does not have and address undernutrition, obesity and diet-related
enough to eat, other half is getting obese due to excess diseases. The first Index was published in 2016, a first-
intake of fats, sugar and carbohydrates in the diet. of-its kind independent national assessment to measure
the nutrition-related policies and practices of India’s 10
To address issues of all forms of malnutrition and largest food and beverage manufacturers.
in order to balance country’s nutrition transition,
the government has launched various initiatives like The latestreport noted that as compared to its
‘Eat Right India Movement’, ‘PoshanAbhiyan’, Food previous India Access to Nutrition Spotlight Index
Fortification and others. As a part of this effort, food and published in 2016, there has been some progress made
beverages companies in India are being encouraged among the nine previously assessed companies, with
and monitored towards producing healthier products average scores increasing from 3 out of 10 in 2016 to 4.2
as per the standards set by Food Safety and Standards out of 10 in 2020. Overall, the average Index score is 3.1,
Authority of India (FSSAI). which is similar to the 2016 iteration. Hindustan Unilever
and Nestlé India rank joint-first with scores of 6.9 out of
With an aim of driving the private sector’s 10. Britannia Industries has shown most progress. Their
performance on healthy, affordable diets and address overall score increased from 1.6 in 2016 to 4.9 now.
undernutrition, obesity and diet-related diseases which
is crucial to reach India’s National Nutrition Mission
and the goals of India’s Eat Right Movement, Access to
Nutrition Initiative (ATNI), an international not-for-profit
organization launched the second edition of the India
Access to Nutrition Spotlight Index in February 2020. To
reflect recent developments in India the methodology
has been adapted accordingly with input from Indian
experts and a wide variety of stakeholders.

The India Spotlight Index accessed companies on
seven categories: Governance, Products, Accessibility,
Marketing Lifestyle, Nutrition Labelling and Engagement.
This second 2020 iteration extends the scope of the
Index by including the 16 largest food and beverage
manufacturers in India – nine of which were previously

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUTRITION 37

Talking about the index, DrRajanSankar, Program “India is among the
Director- Nutrition, Tata Trusts and member of the ATNI top 10 consumers
Board, says “The India Spotlight Index 2020 shows that of fast food in
among the 16 largest food and beverage manufacturers, the world. This,
that cover nearly a third of the food and beverage coupled with
market, most take action to fortify products or commit to the fact that India is
reformulate products in line with government initiatives set to become the third
to address India’s nutrition challenges. Ten of the 13 largest consumer economy,
companies, for which staple food fortification is relevant, presents an enormous
voluntarily fortify some or all of their products according opportunity for food and beverage companies
to the standards set by FSSAI. This is a big improvement to make nutrition a core part of their business
since 2016 when ATNI found very few companies plans, and to adopt comprehensive, public and
producing some fortified foods. FSSAI has since effectively commercial strategies to address issues related
stepped up their guidance to industry on fortification.” to the double burden of malnutrition in India”.

Despite the progress ATNI stresses that current - Inge Kauer,
industry efforts are not sufficient to match the scale Executive Director,
of the nutrition challenge that India faces. Few Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI),
companies provide evidence of tackling undernutrition,
micro-nutrient deficiencies and overweight and the Netherlands
obesity challenges comprehensively in all relevant
business areas. Hence ATNI has come up with eight “The India Spotlight
recommendations. These recommendations include Index 2020 shows
that among the
1. Adopt clear and comprehensive commercial 16 largest food
strategies to address India’s malnutrition challenges, and beverage
which include targets for all Index topics/categories, manufacturers that cover
and which contribute to national initiatives, such as the nearly a third of the food
National Nutrition Strategy and POSHAN Abhiyaan, and and beverage market, most
the Sustainable Development Goals of India take action to fortify products
or commit to reformulate products in line
2. Focus their efforts on population groups that are with government initiatives to address India’s
malnourished or are at high risk of malnutrition, by nutrition challenges. Ten of the 13 companies,
defining objectives adapted to the diverse nutritional for which staple food fortification is relevant,
needs of the states in which the companies are active. voluntarily fortify some or all of their products
according to the standards set by FSSAI. This
3. Adopt and implement policies that are appropriate is a big improvement since 2016 when ATNI
and specific to India, and that align with various found very few companies producing some
regulatory and stakeholder initiatives to address fortified foods. FSSAI has since effectively
malnutrition in India. stepped up their guidance to industry on
fortification.”
4. Define nutrition criteria for their products, aligned
with an internationally recognized NPS, and increase - Dr Rajan Sankar,
investment in developing and selling products that meet Program Director- Nutrition,
Tata Trusts, India and member of the
ATNI Board, the Netherlands

38 NUTRITION NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Major Findings (6.4) & Britannia Industries and Mother Dairy sharing the
score of 6.2
CATEGORY A: GOVERNANCE
This category assesses the extent to which a CATEGORY C: ACCESSIBILITY
company’s corporate strategy includes a specific Producing healthier options is necessary but
commitment and focus on health and nutrition in insufficient on its own to improve consumers’ access
the Indian market. Moreover, it looks at whether the to nutritious foods and beverages, and to drive up
company makes a specific reference to population their consumption. Therefore, companies must offer
groups experiencing or athigh risk of malnutrition them at competitive prices and distribute them widely
due to a lack of access to a widevariety of healthy to reach all consumers in need especially those who
foods. Other key facets analyzed includewhether are vulnerable to malnutrition. This category assesses
the nutrition strategy is thoroughly embedded inits companies’ efforts to make their healthy products more
governance and management systems, as well as affordable and accessible to Indian consumers through
thequality of its reporting. their approaches to pricing and distribution.
HUL scored the highest score of 7.8 out 10 under HUL scored the highest scored of 6.4 followed by
this category followed by Nestle India (7.3), Coca- Nestle India (4.0)
Cola India (6.7), Britannia Industries (6.4) and Pepsico
India (6.2) CATEGORY D: MARKETING
This category captures the extent to which
CATEGORY B – PRODUCTS companies support all Indian consumers, including
Companies in India can help consumers children and teenagers, to make healthy choices by
in making healthier choices by improving the adopting responsible marketing practices and by
nutritional quality of foods made available to them. prioritizing the marketing of their healthier products.
In addition to analyzing the healthiness of the Nestle India scored highest with a score of 7.9 under
company’s product portfolio. This category addresses this category followed by HUL (7.6), Mondelez India and
companies’efforts to achieve this goal through Pepsico India sharing score of (7.0), Coca-Cola India (6.7)
research anddevelopment (R&D), new product and Britannia Industries (6.3).
formulation,reformulation of existing products, Commenting on India Access to Nutrition Spotlight
and tacklingundernutrition and micronutrient Index, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & Managing Director,
deficiencies bydeveloping fortified products or using Nestlé India said, “We are pleased with the results of the
fortified ingredients.It also assesses the quality of the ATNI, which recognises our sustained commitment to
nutrient profiling systemthat companies use (if any) nutrition, health and wellness. Driven by our Purpose of
to guide their product-formulation efforts. Enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier
Nestle India scored the highest score of 6.9 under
this category followed by HUL (6.4), Pepsico India

healthy nutrition criteria. as soon as possible, by working with other companies
5. Manufacture healthier products across all via industry associations, and in partnership with the
Government and other relevant stakeholders.
categories and disclose the percentage of products that
meet the company’s healthy standard. Companies included in the second India Spotlight
Index 2020:AMUL- Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing
6. Improve the affordability and physical accessibility Federation Ltd, Britannia Industries Limited, Coca-
of healthy products by defining in commercial strategies Cola India, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Mondelēz India
specific approaches and well-defined targets that relate Foods Private Limited, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable
to pricing and distribution, and that can be tracked. Private Limited, Nestlé India Limited, Parle Products
Private Limited, PepsiCo India, AAVIN-Tamil Nadu
7. Adopt comprehensive responsible marketing Cooperative Milk Producers Federation, Adani Wilmar,
policies, or strengthen existing ones, by explicitly EmamiAgrotech Ltd, Hatsun Agro Product Limited,
codifying general responsible marketing principles and ITC Limited, Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers
specific commitments regarding marketing to children Federation (Nandini), Marico Limited. All these
–including teenagers. This should involve application of companies were selected based on 2018 retail sales.
the WHO SEAR criteria and addressing marketing in and Together, they accounted for 31 per cent of India’s
near schools.

8. Implement an interpretive FOP labeling system

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUTRITION 39

future, we are constantly striving to increase the nutrient understandable information about the nutritional
profile of our products, innovate with new and nutritious composition and potential health benefits of what
offerings, and are a proud signatory of the Eat Right they eat. This can promote better nutrition by
Pledge and support India’s Eat Right Movement. This helping consumers choose appropriate products
recognition motivates us to do more and provide our to manage their weight and prevent or address
valued consumers with healthier products and ensure diet-related chronic disease, and to raise awareness
continued commitment to transparent and consumer of products that address micronutrient deficiencies.
friendly policies.” This category assesses companies’ approaches to
product labeling and use of health and nutrition
CATEGORY E: LIFESTYLE claims, across product portfolios and in accordance
Food and beverage manufacturers in India can with local and international standards (Codex
support company staff to eat healthy diets and pursue Alimentarius).
active lifestyles by providing employee health and
wellness programs. As also noted by FSSAI in its Orange HUL scored the highest score of 9.1 followed by
17 and Purple 18 guidance books, in addition to Nestle India (8.6), Mondelez India (8.6), Britannia
other benefits, these programs can help to facilitate a Industries (7.8), Pepsico India (6.4).
corporate culture that focuses on nutrition.
Supportive working practices and the provision of CATEGORY G: ENGAGEMENT
appropriate facilities can ensure that companies enable By responding to requests from policymakers
breastfeeding mothers to give their infants the healthiest andpolicymaking bodies, and supporting
start to life. Companies can also help consumers to government activitiesand positions on nutrition
adopt healthy diets and active lifestyles by supporting policies, companies can have animpact on
education programs, especially those that target Indian consumers’ access to nutrition. Inaddition,
groups suffering from various forms of malnutrition. constructive engagement by companies with
This category assesses the extent to which companies awide range of other stakeholders (including
support such efforts. internationalorganizations, civil society and
HUL scored the highest score of 8.4 followed by Nestle academics) can help tostrengthen their strategies
India (6.9), Pepsico India (6.2), Coca-Cola India (6.3). and policies and providevaluable feedback on their
relevance and effectiveness.This category focuses
CATEGORY F: LABELING on companies’ engagement withstakeholders on
One important means of promoting healthy nutrition-related issues.
diets and addressing malnutrition is to provide Nestle India scored the highest score of 6.8
consumers with accurate, comprehensive and readily followed by Marico (6.6), Pepsico India (6.6), Mother
Dairy (6.2) and Coca-Cola India (6.1).

packaged food and beverage market share with a engaging in a dialogue on how to support India’s Eat
combined total retail sale of just over Rs 1800 billion. Right Movement. Lifestyle changes in India have caused
a shift in consumer habits – from the consumption of
The initiative from ATNI, an international not-for- traditional food, to more urban food habits consisting
profit organization which publishes independent and of packaged and processed foods, high in sugar, fat
comprehensive analysis and commentary on food and and salt. In fact, India is among the top 10 consumers
beverage companies efforts to improve consumers’ of fast food in the world. This, coupled with the fact
access to nutritious foods and beverages, both globally that India is set to become the third largest consumer
and in spotlight countries and collaborates with economy, presents an enormous opportunity for food
all relevant stakeholders including the investment and beverage companies to make nutrition a core part of
community to ensure the Indexes are a useful tool as their business plans, and to adopt comprehensive, public
they engage with and invest in food and beverage and commercial strategies to address issues related to
companies, is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates the double burden of malnutrition in India”, says Inge
Foundation and the Governments of the United Kauer, executive director of ATNI.
Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Kalyani Sharma
“ATNI sees food and beverage companies in India [email protected]
showing their commitment to provide healthy food and

40 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Nitin Puri, “There is tremendous
opportunity in enhancing
Group President and warehousing and cold
Global Head - Food and Agri chain infrastructure”
Strategic Advisory and Research
(FASAR), YES BANK, New Delhi

YES BANK, an Indian private sector bank, founded services amongst others.
in 2004,has always been committed to the Fostering Start-Up ecosystem in F&A: As part
development of India’s Food and Agribusiness (F&A)
sector by providing comprehensive banking solutions of its commitment to support entrepreneurship, the
driven by strong domain knowledge expertise. Bank has been fostering, mentoring start-ups and
The Food and Agribusiness Strategic Advisory and supporting innovation & technology in the food &
Research (FASAR) group provides a unique synergy agri ecosystem. YES BANK launched the YES SCALE
between banking and domain knowledge expertise Agritech program which is an industry-government-
to position YES BANK as a preferred financial startup collaborative program to identify and
institution among all stakeholders in F&A value promote startups focused on developing innovative
chain. In the recent past FASAR Group has taken up technologies and solutions across farm tech, food
many initiatives to boost F&A sector. In this regard tech, supply chain tech & fin tech.
NuFFooDS Spectrum spoke to Nitin Puri, Group
President and Global Head - Food and Agri Strategic Building on the success of the YES SCALE
Advisory and Research (FASAR), YES BANK on the new program, the Bank has now launched ‘YES SCALE
initiatives and what more is in store in 2020? and Marketplace’, an online marketplace of innovative
many other issues. Edited excerpts; solutions, co-created with its APIs and startup
partners across sectors.The platform enables the
What are the recent activities taking place at startups to explore ‘live’ use-cases, register their
FASAR Group? solution and further assists them to completetheir
Some of the recent initiatives being undertaken by solutions with banking integrations (API Sandbox)
FASAR is encapsulated below: to jointly go-to-market with the Bank to 20,000+
Domain expertise and thought leadership: FASAR corporate and MSME clients.
has been working closely with key ministries like,
Ministries of Food Processing, Agriculture, Commerce YES BANK has also partnered multiple
and Industry; State Governments and Multilaterals government start up initiatives including Agri Udaan
on several policy initiatives and strategic advisory (Food & Agri accelerator of ICAR-NAARM & DST)
mandates. The group is also advising the industry, andFood Processing Start-Up Awards (in partnership
both global and domestic, on project advisory, with Ministry of Food Processing Industries at World
market entry, expansion,diversification & feasibility Food India 2017 among others.
studies; infrastructure, supply chain and logistics,
among others in food and agri domain. These Providing Innovation & Technology push to
activities cover cross thematic and cross sub sectoral the F&A sector: To deepen its engagement with the
areas including food processing, warehousing & cold food processing sector, YES BANK has partnered with
chain, agri exports, agri tech, dairy, meat and poultry, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) to
aqua, horticulture, retail, ecommerce, organic, food focus on commercializing innovative technologies
in key areas such as Nutrition, Products, Packaging,
Food Safety, Traceability, Logistics and Digital and
to bring in more synergy between the research
institutes and food industry. YES BANK has partnered
with NASSCOM to organize the #FutureAgriTech

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 41

Summit, where the forum deliberated primarily on our country’s diverse agro-climatic conditions, crop
theTransformational Role of Digital Technologies diversification can provide farmers a wider choice of
in Driving Agribusiness Growth. The idea is crops which can fetch a better price for the farmer.
to encourage scalable deployment of digital
technologies across agri value-chains. Farm level interventions such as adoption of
appropriate technology can greatly reduce yield gap
Sectoral Expertise: As part of supporting the at farm level for major crops like rice and wheat. The
entire food and agri value-chain, the Bank has led land released can be used for other high value crops
various sectoral knowledge initiatives in key global and non-farm activities.Development of improved
and domestic industry forums. varieties and high yielding seeds suitable for different
typographies can ensure food security for the nation.
What more is in store in 2020?
On the back of a liberal FDI policy and improved ease Structural issues such as inadequate market
of doing business, India’s food processing sector is linkages and infrastructure constraints have
consistently attracting investments across the entire historically resulted in lowincome for farmers.
F&A value chain. To address these inefficiencies, the government
launched the Electronic National Agriculture Market
Additionally, fiscal stimulus like attractive credit- (eNAM) to usher in much needed agriculture
linked capital subsidy in the form of grants-in-aid for marketing reforms. Integration of electronic
setting up of various food processing units under the negotiable warehousing receipts (e-NWR) with
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) will eNAM, as announced in the Budget FY21 will
provide renewed impetus to the sector, encourage empower farmers to procure best price for their
investments in strengthening ‘farm to fork’ linkages/ produce and also obtain finance against it.
backward linkages which is vital for boosting farm
incomes.YES BANKwill continue to support the The food processing sector plays a critical role
government’s policies for the development of the in improving value addition, reducing wastage,
food processing sectorthrough its valued strategic promoting crop diversification, employment
advisory services todomestic and international generation and export earnings. Given our low levels
players keen to invest in India’sbooming F&A sector. of food processing, there is tremendous opportunity
to move up the value chain leading to better price
As a technology-led bank, YES BANK is also realization for farmers.
working with several state governments to digitize
agriculture related schemes and make the sector In which sectors of the F&A space do you
more efficient. We will further deepen our digital foresee most potential in the coming years?
footprint through technology solutions such as There is tremendous opportunity in enhancing
hassle free digital collections, instant payments, warehousing and cold chain infrastructure
expense management etc. penetration across the fisheries value chain in India,
value addition in fruits and vegetables through
What are the major challenges facing the cluster based horticulture produce under the ‘One
F&A space in India? How can things be Product for One District Programme’.
improved?
Today, India is not only self-sufficient in production Dairy is another key sector where the government
of food but is also a net exporter of agri-products. As plans to double its milk processing capacity by 2025.
per the Economic Survey 2019-20, India occupied a The Government is also providing support to the
prominent position in the global trade of agricultural sector through capital grant and interest subvention
products registering Rs 2.7 lakh crore exports and under various schemes. The union cabinet has
imports at Rs1.37 lakh crorein 2018-19. also recently approved a scheme to promote the
dairy sector benefiting lakhs of farmers. Improving
This impressive agricultural growth and gains innovation and efficiency in dairy farming with
in production in the past several decades has participation of the industry, farmers and government
not translated into corresponding increase in in a PPP mode will be crucial to achieve this ambitious
farm income.Hence, doubling farmers’ income goal.To boost agri exports, India should focus on
andimprovement of India’s agrarian economy is a key volume drivers (rice, oilmeals), value drivers (F&V,
focus area for the government. meat, fisheries) and emerging categories (organic,
ethnic food and medicinal plants).
As per the Agriculture Census 2015-16, small and
marginal farmers holding less than 2 hectares of land Ankit Kankar
account for 86.08 per cent of total holdings.Given [email protected]

42 TRENDS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Sreemathy Gluten
Venkatraman, management for
celiac patients
Clinical dietitian/
Wellness Nutritionist, Over the years, there is an increasing demand for gluten free products,
asmany who suffer from gastro intestinal disorders such as gas and
BRAINS Hospital, bloating find immense relief when they avoid wheat in their diet. Many
Bengaluru claim that it has increased their energy levels and helps in weight loss.
Some autistic children also benefit from a gluten free diet.

From ‘digestive wellness’ to ‘no sugar’, from ‘buy local conditions. While prescribing gluten free food is easy,
eat global’ to ‘veganism’ – various health trends are the key to the success is the dietary counseling by a
in vogue. Though gluten free has taken a back seat dietician and maintenance of compliance by the patient.
to ‘keto’, it is still sought after by many including people Another challenge is that 8-15 per cent of patients
looking for weight loss and not only celiacs. with celiac disease have type I diabetes. Planning of a
dietary management for such patients is a challenge for
The autoimmune disorder celiac disease is one endocrinologists and dietitians.
of the emerging health issues. Also known as gluten
enteropathy, it is characterized by the sensitivity towards Also, contamination of food with gluten is another
gluten, a protein found in rye, wheat, and barley. concern. The contamination of food with gluten can
Approximately 6-8 millions of Indians are suffering from occur during milling if the same mill is used without
this disease and it is estimated that every 1 in 100 people proper cleaning for grinding gluten-containing and
suffers from celiac disease. gluten-free grains; at the grocery store, if the same
spatula is used to pick gluten containing and gluten
Recent studies have revealed that people with celiac free grains/flours; at factories producing commercial
disease have increased risk of dying prematurely, from food products if same production line and equipment
cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease. are used for both gluten-containing and gluten free
As a result, the demand and need for gluten free food food products; during preparation of commercial food
products has increased immensely. products where gluten is added as fillers, stabilizing
agents or processing aids such as thickener in soups,
India is the second fastest growing market for gluten canned vegetables and other processed foods; at home,
free foods and beverages in Asia-Pacific, following China. if the same utensils are used for storing, cooking and
Gluten free cookies, snacks, bakery products, such as handling (rolling pin, surface griddle, dusters and oil
bread, cakes etc. hold the highest share in the market. for frying) gluten-containing and gluten free cereal
The gluten free cookies and snacks were valued at $30 flours and products; and while eating out, if addition
million in 2019. Most of the cookies and snacks are of thickeners fillers/binders had been used which may
customised according to the Indian taste, by adding unintentionally contain gluten.
spices and herbs.
Adding on, due to the inadequate gluten labeling on
The leading companies producing gluten free food items, it is difficult for anyone to know if a particular
products in India are General Mills, Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz food product is gluten free or not. Recently, the Food
India, Genius Foods, and Pinnacle Foods. There are other Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
players in this market which include 24 Mantra, Whole introduced new labelling norms for gluten-free claims
Foods, Varyas, Savor life and Gullon. Many products are on products as well as addressing the issue of cross-
sold online and also through super and hypermarkets contamination of such products with gluten containing
throughout India. products during manufacturing, providing the much
required relief. A stringent approach towards this disease
But mere consumption of gluten free foods is not management is extremely critical.
enough to manage the risks associated with celiac
disease. The management of this disease is unique
and different from the treatment of other medical

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENT 43

Organic medication Dr Pratibha,
rising with moringa
Asst. Manager (Technical),
Sunpure Extracts, New Delhi

For centuries and in many cultures around the world, Union have developed a standard for regulating the
the medicinal usage of the herb moringa has been moringa products such as putting stringent paramaters
to treat asthma, blackheads, blood impurities, of heavy metals, pesticides and microbiology for the
bronchitis, catarrh, chest congestion, cholera and many approval of the moringa products.
other illnesses. Leaves, seeds and fruits of the moringa
herb are typically used in the form of powders, oils, Putting these barriers aside, moringa leavesis gaining
capsules, pills, soaps, and seeds, to name a few, in a high recognition as a superfood in India. Thus, food
wide range of industries such as food and beverages, manufacturers have been focusing on offering it in
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. various forms to make it easily consumable. Most of the
companies offer moringa in powdered form, which can
Out of these, themoringa leaves are rich in minerals be added to the food products, in order to enhance its
such as potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, nutritional value. Moringa leaves are also being typically
and iron; vitamins including folic acid, pyridoxine, and used in the form of capsules and tea.
nicotinic acid, vitamins C, D, and E; and phytochemicals
such as tannins, sterols, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Moringa tea is popular among the consumers as it
Moringa leaves also have a low-caloric value, which, in helps improve gastrointestinal health, regulate blood
turn, is leading to their use in the management of obesity. sugar levels, reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy
cardiovascular system.There has also been a significant rise
The global moringa products market size is estimated in the demand for moringa capsules, on the back of rising
to value over $2.5 billion in 2020. Asia-Pacific accounts awareness of the health supplements for the treatment of
for the largest share of themoringa products market hair and skin related problems, detoxification, and offset
with China, India, and Australia and New Zealand as key stabilize the insulin level in the body. As a result, easily
countries contributing to the market growth in the region. consumable capsules have become a concrete growth
Growing at a rate of 26-30 per cent annually, the export of driver for the moringa market.
moringa leaves is a big business in Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka and Odisha. The export of these leaves In addition to this, the rising importance of breakfast
was worth Rs 2.5 crore in January and February 2020. As a is expected to create a robust demand for moringa as
result, the leaf and leaf powder segment has been leading breakfast cereals, nutritional shakes, smoothies, soups,
the moringa products market. and snack bars. Studies have shown the potential use of
different parts of moringa in food applications such as in
The major countries which import moringa leaves making soups, herbal biscuits, bread, cake, yoghurt etc.
are the US, Germany, Canada, South Korea and European Moringacan also overcome iron deficiency and modulate
countries.But there are certain market entry barriers such the expression of iron-responsive genes better than
as technological requirements for drying moringa as well conventional iron supplements.It is also recognized as
as requirements for organic certification. Drying moringa one of the best products to treat malnutrition in children
leaves requires suitable drying equipment and logistical younger than 3 years.
arrangements. Moringa leaves need to be processed
directly after harvesting to prevent quality deterioration. Rising demand for natural products with no side
In most of the countries, organic certification for moringa effects on skin and body is driving the demand of moringa
is mandatory before using it for nutritional supplements. as people are shifting focus towards organic medication.
Moringa cannot be exported if the product is not However, with presence of limited companies in this
organically certified. Countries like the US and European space, it is anticipated to assert high competition among
major manufacturers in years to come.

44 TRENDS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Making India a
global fruit bowl

Pankaj Khandelwal, India’s diverse climate gives it the advantage to grow many fresh fruits and
vegetables all around the year. Currently, it ranks second highest in the
Chairman and Managing production of fruits and vegetables in the world, only after China.This vast
Director, InI Farms, Mumbai production base coupled with logistical advantages to Middle East and
South East Asia offers India tremendous opportunities for global export.

With the growing demand of worldwide key to round-the-year produce is to ensure
consumers for safe and healthy foods, distributed production and adequate storage and
increased urbanization of societies, the processing facilities, and maintaining extensive
growth in scale and influence of supermarkets, supply chain infrastructure to minimize wastage
and packaged foods, corporatization of farming, while adhering to global safety standards.
and adoption of sustainable farming practices,
there is a huge market potential for India to Technological and infrastructural needs
become the global hub for fruits. aside, the key step towards maximizing the
horticulture potential of our country is to
Despite the opportunities, India’s market empower the farmer. While technology can
share globallyaccounts for only around 1 per be implemented in farms, it is important to
cent. For instance, India is the largest producer of imbibe tech into the heart and soul of the
Bananain the world with over 25 per cent share traditional Indian farmer. This can be achieved
of the world produce. And yet, India does not by providing the technical support to the farmer
rank in the top 10 exporters of the fruit globally. by investing in training and development and
The key reasons why Indian fruits do not often educating them on the know-hows of utilizing
‘make the cut’ to exports markets is due to the these best practices to increase their farm-level
lack of standard quality and safety practices in productivity, creating value for each fruit, and
production and packaging. thereby maximizing their profits.

In order to capitalize on this market The most successful example of this approach
opportunity, India’s horticultural revolution has to has been the dramatic success of banana exports
be able to invest and implement in research and from India. Starting with nearly zero exports a
innovation to gain more efficient methods of crop decade ago, partnerships between private sector
production, refined post-harvest storage and players, government and farmers have created a
handling methods, efficient supply chain, and thriving export industry with over 100,000 tons
innovative methods of knowledge dissemination of Cavendish banana exported in 2019 growing
to cultivators and consumers alike. at nearly 100 per cent over previous year. Andhra
Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat have emerged
Fruit production faces a range of sustainability as large hubs with thousands of farmers trained
issues today, spanning across economic and and educated on export quality production. With
environmental dimensions. The sustainability in implementation of new farming practices and
horticultural produce relatesto both the use of technology usage, farmer profits have increased
natural resources, such as water and nutrients, by over 40 per cent; more than 5,000 direct
as well askeeping a check on use of compounds jobs created; world-class certified food safety
such as pesticides that donot compromise the standards implemented bringing in financial
quality of the environment or the safety of the inclusion as well as social upliftment.
produce.
At a time when India is fighting a deepening
One of the key challenges for perishable farmer crisis,a fractured farm economy, there is a
commodities such as fruitsin India is managing paradigm shift happening in Indian agriculture in
the scale. Factoring in all the variables such as the shape of a horticulture revolution.
unprecedented rains, droughts, diseases, the

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS 45

Haldiram Bhujiawala TCP appoints
owner passes away
Sunil D’Souza
Mahesh Agarwal, the owner of
HaldiramBhujiyawala (Pratik as MD& CEO
Food Products), passed away
in Singapore recently. He was Sunil Alaric D’Souza has assumed
undergoing treatment for the charge as the Managing Director
past 3 months. He was suffering (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
from a critical liver ailment. (CEO) of Tata Consumer Products
HaldiramBhujiawala is a front on April4, 2020. Tata Consumer
line FMCG company, nationally Products (TCP) was formed in
and globally, with its wide range February 2020 following the merger
of exclusive & delectable snack of Tata Global Beverages (TGBL) and
foods and sweets. Originating the consumer products business of
from Bikaner in the state of Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL). Sunil
Rajasthan, Haldiram’s has been D’Souza, an engineering graduate
based out of Kolkata since 1958. and an alumnus of Indian Institute
of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C)
brings in nearly three decades of
experience working with some of
the marquee brands in the country.
He takes office as Tata Consumer
Products pursues its plans to serve
the aspirations of consumers across
the country.

Dabur India appoints
Biplab Baksi as HR head

Dabur India has appointed Biplab Baksi as executive director-HR
who will be responsible for all HR functions across domestic and
international entities of the company. Baksi was earlier the HR head
at Nestle. At Dabur, he will report to its CEO Mohit Malhotra. Baksi
graduated in Electronics & Communications from IET, Lucknow in
1989 and has a Master’s degree in Business Administration- HR from
XLRI, Jamshedpur. At Nestle, Baksi spent over 20 years in various
corporate HR roles in India and in overseas locations including
Australia, South Africa and Switzerland.

46 ACADEMIC NEWS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

CMFRI NDRI conducts study
focuses on dairy production
on spices
and herbs A recent study by the National The state was placed second in
Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), veterinary infrastructure; seventh
Kochi based ICAR-Central Marine Karnal, on dairy production in dairy production and eighth in
Fisheries Research Institute systems in the country has value addition and marketing.
is working on organizing an given Kerala the top spot overall
international symposium on spices among 20 milk producing states.
as Flavours, Fragrances & Functional The study, ‘Development and
Foods. Spices and aromatic herbs testing of potential indicators for
have been used since antiquity as evaluation of dairy production
preservatives, colorants, and flavor systems’, ranked the States on
enhancers. Spices are key dietary the basis of six major indicators
ingredients used in cuisines across of dairy production. Kerala stood
the world. They have long been first in three categories- animal
the basis of traditional medicine breeding, resource availability
in many countries, have also been and policies and regulations.
the subject of study, particularly by
the chemical, pharmaceutical, and
food industries, because of their
potential use for improving health
and wellness. The symposium will
focus on the latest developments in
the field, either basic or applied, and
will be presented and discussed at
the symposium. The sessions being
planned are on global production
and trade scenario of spices,
chemistry and functional foods,
processing and value addition,
environment and food safety and
cutting edge technologies for yield
enhancement.

CFTRI provides PCR
equipment for COVID-19 testing

Mysuru-based CSIR-Central Food the District Administration for
Technological Research Institute coping with the large number
(CFTRI) has joined hands with of samples to be tested in the
the District Administration district. COVID-19 infection
in combating the spread of is being detected by a very
COVID-19 by making available sophisticated and precise
equipment needed for testing technique called Real Time
of samples. CSIR-CFTRI has Polymerase Chain Reaction
provided two Polymerase Chain (RT-PCR) method which requires
Reaction (PCR) machines and extraction of RNA of virus from
one RNA extraction unit along samples and amplification of the
with necessary chemicals to same using a PCR machine.

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS 47

Snowman Logistics partners with global e-commerce giant

Global e-commerce vegetables and fruits directly from shipped to the Snowman
giant has partnered with farmers. The farm produce is then Logistics sorting and
Snowman Logistics for grading centre located in
the delivery of FMCG Navi Mumbai, where the
perishables including farm produce is further
vegetables, fruits, eggs, sorted, graded and packed
frozen food and groceries. for home delivery purpose.
A pilot project in stealth This is then transported
mode was launched in to the six fulfilment hubs
Mumbai late last year with of the e-commerce player
Western Maharashtra as the located around Mumbai
focus. As part of the pilot, for onward delivery. After
Snowman Logistics set up Mumbai, the pilot will be
a collection centre in Manchar near replicated in Delhi and other cities
Pune to facilitate the collection of to follow soon.

Ingredion launches
clean label emulsifier

Novozymes improves The US based Ingredion has chickpea broth is a type of
launched a new clean label aquafaba, which is a thick
nutritional profile emulsifier called Evanesse liquid derived from soaking
CB6194. A vegan chickpea or cooking legumes for
of dairy products broth, Evanesse CB6194 an extended period of
is ideal for a number of time, providing unique
Denmark heaquarteredNovozymes is launching applications, including egg emulsification properties.
Saphera Fiber, a new lactase enzyme to increase replacement in low and Evanesse CB6194 clean
the content of fibers while also reducing high-fat vegan products label emulsifier enables
sugar in fermented and non-fermented dairy such as spreadable, manufacturers to deliver
products. At the same time, a recent study spoonable, and pourable clean label products with
testifies that 59 per cent of consumers are more dressing, mayonnaise, the in-demand claims
likely to buy dairy products with higher fiber and aioili, as well as white consumers want, without
content, and 38 per cent of them are willing to cooking sauces, and ready compromising the taste
pay more for a higher content of fiber in their meal applications. The and texture they expect.
dairy products. The new lactase enzyme works
by converting lactose contained in the milk into
GOS fibers (galactooligosaccharides). It does so
without reducing the natural sweetness of dairy
products.

48 SUPPLIER NEWS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

SweeGen accelerates Bartek invests
further in malic acid
global expansion food-grade market

Global food and beverage manufacturers In support of Canada based Bartek’s goal of continuing to
can now easily create and collaborate on invest ahead of growth in the malic and fumaric acid food-
exploring sugar reduction solutions with grade markets, Bartek has announced a 10,000 MT malic acid
SweeGen in its newly launched Food and capacity expansion, to be completed in Q1 2021. Established
Beverage Application Centers located in four in 1969, Bartek Ingredients Inc. is a leading producer of malic
global regions - North America, Europe, Asia- acid, fumaric acid, and maleic anhydride. This expansion
Pacific and Latin America. The centers will closely follows the previously announced 4,000 MT malic acid
create synergy and local interaction with new expansion completed in 2019, as well as the installation of a
and existing customers thereby accelerating new 22,500 MT maleic anhydride reactor, which will also be
new product development reflecting local operational by Q1 2021. With these expansions, Bartek will
consumer preferences in taste, flavors and have in excess of 30,000 MT of malic acid capacity, sufficient to
ingredients. The flagship California center supply the North American market and meet anticipated global
opened first this year. Mexico and Europe to growth. Bartek remains the largest global producer of food-
follow, and Asia-Pacific slated to open by the grade malic and fumaric acids and the only vertically integrated
end of 2020. North American producer.

Thermo Fisher develops new assays for detecting food pathogens

Thermo Fisher Scientific has for detecting Salmonella PCR Assay workflow includes
released five new Thermo Scientific enrichment media, ready-to-
SureTect PCR Assays and enhanced species, Listeria species, Listeria use PCR reagents and protocols,
software to test food and related and instrumentation for sample
samples for: Campylobacter jejuni, monocytogenes, Cronobacter preparation and PCR, as well as easy
C. coli and C. lari detection and to use software for instant result
identification; E. coli O157:H7 and species, Salmonella Typhimurium interpretation. PCR-positive results
Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia can be quickly and easily confirmed
coli (STEC) screening; STEC and Salmonella Enteritidis, give using a single Thermo Scientific
identification; Staphylococcus plate medium per target and simple
aureus detection; Vibrio cholerae, V. manufacturers access to a more immunological test. Negative and
parahaemolyticus and V.
vulnificus detection comprehensive range of tests for presumptive-positive results
and identification. are typically available in
The new SureTect every step of their fewer than 24-hours
PCR Assays, with some protocols
along with those analysis. The taking as little
already available at nine hours to
complete complete.

SureTect

NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in R&D NEWS 49

DST increases juice IHBT uses
capacity in grapes
natural
As the country prepares for the Vitislabrusca and Beauty
summer months, Pune based seedless variety of Vitisvinifera. ingredients
institute bringsnews of grapes ARI-516 grape variety has been
with increased juice production recently identified for release to develop
capacity. Scientists from Agharkar by the Varietal Identification
Research Institute (ARI), an Committee of Indian Council of sanitizer
autonomous institute of the Agricultural Research (ICAR)-All
Department of Science and India Co-Ordinated Research Demand for products such as
Technology (DST) from Pune, Project on Fruit, for cultivation in sanitizer is increasing amidst
have developed a hybrid variety Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana reports of preventive measures
of grapes which is resistant to and Tamil Nadu. against coronavirus and many
fungal diseases, high yielding counterfeit materials being sold in
and has excellent juice quality. the market. In view of this, a new
It is also suitable for preparation hand sanitizer has been developed
of juice, raisin, jam and red wine by the scientists of CSIR-Institute of
and farmers are enthusiastically Himalayan Bioresource Technology
adopting the variety. The (CSIR-IHBT) based in Palampur,
hybrid variety ARI-516 has been Himachal Pradesh. The natural
developed by interbreeding flavours, active tea constituents
of two species from the same and alcohol content in this hand
genus - Catawba variety of sanitizer have been used as per
the guidelines of the World Health
ARI develops biofortified, Organization (WHO). One of the
high protein wheat variety special things is that chemicals
like parabens, triclosan, synthetic
Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous fragrance and phthalates have
institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government not been used in this product. The
of India, have developed a biofortified durum wheat variety MACS 4028, technology has been transferred
which shows high protein content. The wheat variety developed by the to Palampur based company
ARI scientists group on wheat improvement, show high protein content of A.B. Scientific Solutions for the
about 14.7 per cent, better nutritional quality having zinc 40.3 ppm, and commercial production of this
iron content of 40.3ppm and 46.1ppm respectively, good milling quality newly developed hand sanitizer.
and overall acceptability. MACS 4028, the development of which was The company will be establishing
published in the Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, is a semi- a facility in Palampur for the
dwarf variety, which matures in 102 days and has shown the superior and commercial production of hand
stable yielding ability of 19.3 quintals per hectare. It is resistant to stem sanitizer.
rust, leaf rust, foliar aphids, root aphids, and brown wheat mite.

50 R&D NEWS NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | MAY 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

IIT Mandi finds way to add curcumin in drugs

Researchers from Indian the therapeutic benefits of both a low-molecular-weight
Institute of Technology curcumin as well as Indomethacin. compound present
(IIT) Mandi and Indian Turmeric has been used as a food in turmeric, has been
Association for the item in India for centuries, not reported to be the active
Cultivation of Science, merely as a condiment but also as medicinal principle
Kolkata, have developed a medicinal material. Curcumin, because of its antioxidant,
a new route by which anti-inflammatory,
curcumin, the medicinal antiproliferative (tending
chemical present to inhibit cell growth) and
in turmeric, can be antiangiogenic (refers to
incorporated into drug pertaining to a substance
nanoformulations. The that reduces the growth
researchers used Indomethacin, of new blood vessels needed by
a well-known nonsteroidal anti- tumors) properties. Thus, curcumin
inflammatory drug to precipitate is considered a potential drug for
along with curcumin in order to a variety of illnesses including
stabilize it in amorphous form. The cancer, cardiovascular problems and
combination is expected to have neurodegenerative disorders.

UPASI-TRF Collaborative study
on generating novel
explores black tea chickpea variety

as cure for COVID-19 There is a serious need to develop high yielding chickpea
varieties that can tolerate periodic water deficit conditions and
Researchers from Taiwan and China have possess higher seed mineral content for nutritional benefit.
reported that presence of Theaflavins, an Chickpea is a major source of protein in India. A group of
antioxidant polyphenol that helps boost the scientists from the Department of Biotechnology’s New Delhi
immune system, present in black tea could based National Institute of Plant Genome Research, University
be a potent compound for anti SARS-CoV-2 of Hyderabad
(COVID-19). As it requires further scientific and Indian
data or information including clinical trial data Institute of
etc., Coimbatore based UPASI-Tea Research Pulses Research
Foundation (TRF) is compiling all the available has raised a
data from various studies and literature on the genetically
subject. The Indian teas, particularly Assam modified
and the South Indian teas, have a very high chickpea
proportion of the Theaflavin compound and variety that
hence should ideally be more effective. shows high
drought
tolerance and
high iron and zinc content in seeds by reducing the level of
a plant growth substance called cytokinin in the root. The
scientists noted that the study has shown that enhancing the
root network by local manipulation of cytokinin level might
be an effective approach along with conventional breeding
to alleviate yield loss in chickpea and other indeterminate
legume crops during drought.