NuFFooDS Spectrum November 2020

Website: www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Email: [email protected]



4 EDITORIAL NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Challenge of 99.9 per cent

Dr Milind Kokje
Chief Editor

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has issued draft goods with similar brand names) are produced and
guidelines about advertising of products. They distributed in reasonable quantities having regard to
are for prevention of misleading advertisements the scale of that ad.
and are the necessary due diligence for endorsement
of advertisements. A major problem is how to measure the nature
of comparison. If one food supplement claims that
Although the proposed guidelines are common it increases children’s height more than the other,
for advertisements of all types of products, their then, when and how exactly can it be said that it
sensitivity can be much more pertaining to the food substantiated its claim. Will picking up 50 children
industry products. This is because tall claims not each from two neighbouring buildings and comparing
only give false hopes of a healthy body or bright and their heights be enough? If not, then what should be
intelligent child, but can also majorly affect the health the sample size, and how wide should it be? Does it
of a human being. Hence, such guidelines need to be mean that stringent rules like those for clinical trials
very stringently enforced, in case of advertisements of will have to be framed and followed to make claims
food items. and to substantiate them?

One of the important suggested deviations in Who will examine that a product shown in a
the draft guidelines is that in the advertisements supposedly surrogate ad is actually being distributed
containing comparisons with other manufacturers, in reasonable quantity? What is a reasonable quantity
suppliers, producers or products taking the name of and who will decide that? Is there proper and adequate
the competitor is permitted in the interest of promoting machinery to keep examining continuously, the
competition. Of course, there are some conditions conditions mentioned in the guidelines? And if an
associated with it. For instance, the features of advertisement violates them, then what is the recourse
the product being advertised and the competitive and who has to take it – examining authorities or
product are specified clearly, subject matter of the consumers? There are several such questions on
comparison is not such as to confer an artificial or which clarity is needed.
unjustifiable advantage upon the advertiser and the
nature of comparison has to be factual, accurate and In general, the Indian mind is very creative in finding
substantiatable. ways to bypass guidelines. And when it concerns the
ad field, which is full of highly intelligent and creative
Although the government’s intention is good, there people, who are even cleverer in finding such ways,
is a risk that this may virtually lead to ad wars between the situation may become trickier. This will require a
brands and companies. It will confuse consumers very effective machinery to ensure that the ads remain
with bombardment of a lot of technical information within the words and the spirit of the guidelines to
from both the sides, leaving behind no easy way provide real protection to consumers. Otherwise ‘99.9
of verification. Monopoly is certainly not good, but per cent’ claims are being made on a large scale for
competition does not, necessarily, always enhances various products to escape the legal challenge, if any,
the quality. Television news in India is an example for of 100 per cent claim, which may be difficult to prove.
that. During Doordarshan’s monopoly days, people So, 99.9 per cent is the safest escape. How to make
used to feel that emergence of private news channels advertisements claim not 99.9, but 100 per cent or not
would change the scene. It certainly changed, but as to make such claims at all, will be a real challenge for
we see, from bad to worse. such guidelines.

The guidelines ban surrogate advertisements by
‘paying due attention’ to checking if the unrestricted
goods advertised in the ad (to promote restricted

Volume 8  |  Issue 3  |  November 2020
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Publisher & Managing Editor Production & Design ASIA
Ravindra Boratkar MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications
Anil Walunj TOP STORIES
Editorial
Chief Editor Cover Design Scan the Thai Union
Dr Milind Kokje Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. QR Code Group
[email protected] partners with
Business Corbion for
Advisor - Content Manager- Product & Strategic algae-based
Vijay Thombre Communications (Digital) ingredients
Ankit Kankar for feed.
Editor: Narayan Kulkarni [email protected]
[email protected]
CFO & Special Correspondent
Executive Editor: Dr Manbeena Chawla Manasee Kurlekar
[email protected]
Circulation, Subscription and
Content Team Media Enquiry:
Bengaluru & New Delhi: Asmita Thakar
Dr Manbeena Chawla [email protected]
Singapore: Hithaishi C. Bhaskar
Sudam Walekar
Social Media Editor: Ankit Kankar [email protected]
[email protected]

MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Fonterra
Australia
SOUTH REGION NEW DELHI International offices Scan the strengthens
Alok Srivastava Dr Manbeena Chawla QR Code cheese
National Business Head- Media Coordinator SINGAPORE business.
Ad Sales & Marketing 103-104, 1st Floor, Saradha Mani
“NITON”, Block B, Lower Ground Floor, Rohit House MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Japan launches
11/3, Palace Road, Bangalore 560001 3 Tolstoy Marg, #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North functional
Mobile: +91-9845128747 New Delhi - 110001 Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 foods with
Tel. +91-80-4113 1912/3 Mobile: +91-8861043732 Tel : +65 6336 9142 immune
[email protected] [email protected] Mobile: +6590681202 support
[email protected] functions.

MUMBAI PUNE USA Scan the
Ankit Kankar Ankit Kankar BioSpectrum Bureau QR Code
Manager-Prod. & Manager-Prod. & MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications
Strategic Commn. Digital Strategic Commn. Digital Mobile: +91-9579069369 Scan the Schaerer,
1st Floor, CIDCO Convention Center, Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod E-mail: [email protected] QR Code Jetinno
Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Farms, Baner Road, Pune- 411045 continue coffee
Maharashtra-400703. Mobile: +919579069369 EUROPE business
Mobile: +919579069369 [email protected] Mr. Stuart Smith expansion in
[email protected] 6 Cobden Court, Wimpole Close, Asia.
Bromley, Kent BR2 9JF
NAGPUR [email protected]
Manisha Boratkar [email protected]
402, Govind Apartments, Shankar Nagar Square, Nagpur - 440 010 Tel: +44 (0)20 8464 5577
Tel. +91-712-2555 249 Mob:07973 814753

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

6 INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

18

COVER STORY

TACKLE
MICRONUTRIENT
DEFICIENCIES

While malnutrition and under nutrition
are old problems in India, there has
neither been any data nor a specific
policy focus on deficiencies
of specific micronutrients
such as vitamin A, vitamin
B12, vitamin C, vitamin D,
iodine, zinc, folate and
iron. But the ongoing
pandemic has provided
the much needed push
to develop specific
solutions in this space.
The industry is now
aggressively rolling
out a number of novel
products fortified with
minerals and vitamins in
order to re-structure the
nutrition scenario in the
country.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE 7

Opinion REGULARS

25 Editorial 04

Applying science for Video Snippets 08
better nutritional reach
Policy and Regulatory News 09
Dr Govardhan Singh,
Finance News 11
Senior Food Scientist, Enlightlife, Bengaluru
Company News 12
Spices Trade
Start-Up News 14
26
World News 16
Immunity
boosters People News 44
spicing
up Academic News 46
exports
R&D News 47
Vegan Market
Supplier News 49
30
Webinar
Veganism
gaining 36
popularity
'Food Safety Standards'
33
“Infested food
Investors keeping an leads to nearly
eye on green companies 200 kinds of
diseases”
Siddharth Kothari,
FSSAI Initiative
Chief Investment Strategist,
Om Kothari Group, New Delhi 40

Q&A Is your child’s
school an
34 Eat Right
School?
“Create a Department
of Nutraceuticals under Food Hygiene
the Ministry of Pharma”
42
Sanjaya Mariwala,
Devising hygiene policies for
Executive Chairman and Managing Director, food manufacturing plants
OmniActive Health Technologies, Mumbai
Raghav Gupta,

Director, Kanchan Metals, New Delhi

Packaging

43

Need deeper penetration
for food packaging

Amrinder Singh,

Director, Bonn Group of Industries, Ludhiana

8 VIDEO SNIPPETS “Global GS1 standards

strengthen infrastructure to
NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.inensure food safety and
quality control”
- S Swaminathan, COO,

GS1 India, Delhi - 34

New nutraceutical products
innovation in the offing – 25

Innovation percolating into
tea industry- 29

Dr Gurpreet Sandhu, Acknowledgements
President, Council for The edition on energy drinks has come out well.
Healthcare & Pharma,
New Delhi talks about - Geetanjali Bhide, Mumbai
ways to tackle the
malnutrition burden Thanks for transforming the core thought of Esperer
in India. Nutrition into understandable articulation in the
October edition. NuFFooDS Spectrum has done
Scan the QR Code » justice to this noble initiative of our company.

Dr Soumitra Das, - Raktim Chattopadhyay, Mumbai
Director, South Asia -
Zinc Nutrient Initiative, The coverage on FSSAI looks great. Thank you so much
International Zinc - Ruchika Sharma, New Delhi
Association, New
Delhi shares his views Appreciate the efforts by NuFFooDS Spectrum for
on the growing zinc highlighting the innovations by the tea industry.
deficiency in India.
- Rajesh Adiga, Bengaluru
Scan the QR Code »
NuFFooDS Spectrum is the only magazine I found
Dr Pooja Thacker, devoted to the nutrition/ nutraceuticals sector. The
Chief Dietician, Bhatia topics that the magazine covers and consistency
Hospital, Mumbai in publishing are remarkable. However I wish to
provides few easy tips see information about the Top 10 companies in this
on improving one’s sector, which has an impact on the stock market.
blood sugar levels.
- Bijender Gaur, New Delhi

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

– Editor

Please send your feedback to
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 9

FSSAI checks FSSAI focuses on fortification
of edible oil, wheat
adulteration
The Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC) under the
in khoya Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) in association
with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) are
The Food Safety and Standards focusing on fortifying edible oil with vitamin A and D. India has
Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently a very high burden of malnutrition, including micronutrient
received references from various deficiencies. A huge population in our country suffer from
sweet manufacturers requesting to deficiency of vitamin A and D. Lack of these vitamins in
check adulteration of khoya and use our body can have adverse impact on morbidity, mortality,
only adulteration free khoya and productivity and economic growth. FSSAI is considering to
other similar products like paneer, make it mandatory to fortify edible oil with vitamin A and D,
milk chap etc. for sale. The issue has so that people of India can enjoy better immunity with good
been taken up by the Commissioner health. At present, 69 per cent or 7.94 MMT/annum edible oil of
of Food Safety (CoFS), Delhi and is packaged edible oil sold across pan India is fortified. FFRC will
decided to place the Food Safety also provide the necessary technical support required to enable
on Wheels (FSW) in the prominent fortification of edible oil at the industry level. GAIN along with
Khoya mandis of Delhi. Furthermore, FFRC have been working together with oil industry to build
the FSW will apply similar exercise their capacities for producing quality assured edible oil fortified
on a fortnightly or monthly basis in with vitamin A and D. Around the same time, FSSAI is also
a random manner in all prominent exploring the challenges as well as opportunities associated
khoya mandis of states on the basis of with fortification of wheat and build a road map for promoting
specific intelligence input, especially fortification to curb malnutrition in the country.
in view of the ensuing festive season.

FSSAI bans blending of mustard oil

The Food Safety and Standards of edible oil, both for the branded
Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken and unbranded oil samples. The
a step towards ensuring purity companies were allowed to mix
of the mustard oil by prohibiting 20 per cent other edible oil in
the blending of other edible oils mustard oil. However, after the
with mustard oil. The regulator has new regulation came into force
decided to intensify crackdown from October 1, companies are
on the sale of adulterated edible allowed to produce only pure
oil with a pan-India surveillance mustard oil.

10 REGULATORY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

NDDB inks MoU with Mega Food Park
Ladakh to boost dairying
opens in Kerala
With a view to promote dairying their dairy animal holding status.
and rural livelihoods in the Union NDDB officials would train the A mega food park in Palakkad
Territory (UT) of Ladakh, the nominated coordinators in the district of Kerala was virtually
National Dairy Development Leh and Kargil districts. These inaugurated on October 1, 2020
Board (NDDB) in Anand and coordinators in turn will identify by Narendra Singh Tomar, Union
UT Administration of Ladakh village investigators to be involved Minister for Food Processing
have signed a Memorandum in survey, monitoring & supervision Industries, Agriculture and Farmers
of Understanding (MoU) for of fieldwork. After completion Welfare, Rural Development
conducting a benchmark survey in of the field work over next two and Panchayati Raj, and Pinarayi
the newly formed UT. NDDB’s dairy months, NDDB will prepare a Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.
potential survey will help prepare roadmap for dairy development This project will give impetus
a road map to boost dairying in in the UT region taking into to the development of the food
the UT and will help in enhancing consideration crucial aspects like processing sector, which is the
income of the rural population in climatic conditions, suitability 20th food park of the country and
the mountainous border areas. of breeds, animal health, feed & Kerala’s first. The KINFRA Mega
NDDB proposes to enumerate fodder availability, impediments Food Park has been set up in 79.42
all the households present in the in logistics and supply chain, acres of land at a project cost of Rs
identified villages irrespective of marketing arrangements etc. 102.13 crore. The facilities created
by the implementing agency at
MoHUA takes street central processing centre (CPC)
food vendors online of this Mega Food Park include
multi-product cold storage-
As a part of Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNibhar Nidhi (PM 5000MT, drywarehouse-12000 MT,
SVANidhi) Scheme, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has pack house- 10MT/Hr, ripening
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiggy, the chambers- 120MT, condiment
processing with mechanical drying
leading food ordering and delivery platform facility-15MT/day, food testing
in India, to onboard street food vendors on laboratory besides state-of-art
its ecommerce platform, giving them online enabling infrastructure. The Park
access to thousands of consumers and help has a common administrative
these vendors grow their businesses. The building for office and other
MoU was exchanged by Joint Secretary Sanjay uses by the entrepreneurs and
Kumar and Chief Financial Officer, Swiggy 4 primary processing centres
Rahul Bothra. To begin with, MoHUA and (PPCs) at Ernakulam (Mazhavanur),
Swiggy will run a pilot programme by on- Thrissur (Koratty), Malappuram
boarding 250 vendors across five cities namely Ahmadabad, Chennai, (Kakkanchery) and Wayanad
Delhi, Indore, and Varanasi. The street vendors will be helped with PAN (Kalpetta) districts with Pack house
and FSSAI registration, training on technology or partner app usage, facilities for primary processing
menu digitization and pricing, hygiene and packaging best practices. and storage near the farms in the
catchment area to benefit farmers.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS 11

ITC announces ADB inks $15M deal
with Suguna to sustain
expansion plans poultry industry

for dairy biz in East The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an
agreement for $15 million of debt financing through the
Kolkata headquartered multinational subscription of nonconvertible debentures for Suguna
conglomerate ITC is focusing on expanding Foods, in equivalent Indian rupees, to help sustain
its range and footprints for pouch milk and poultry farming operations, as well as rural livelihoods
other fresh dairy products in the eastern region and food security in India during the pandemic. The
in the next few years. ITC will focus on going agreement was signed by Deputy Director General at
deeper into Bihar and Bengal. The company has ADB's Private Sector Operations Department Christopher
announced the launch of a premium variant of Thieme and Suguna
pouch milk under the Select variant, which will Foods Managing
offer consumers a daily quality assurance report Director G.B.
through a report card for milk. Consumers can Sundararajan. Poultry
enter their batch number on Aashirvaad Svasti's livestock is central
website to receive the report card. The Aashirvaad to India’s food value
Svasti Select milk has been made available in chain as an affordable
Kolkata. According to the company, ITC enjoys source of animal
an 8-10 per cent market share in the fresh milk protein that can
category while in the value-added categories address malnutrition.
market share is expected to be higher. ADB’s timely financing
will help Suguna
sustain production to preserve the incomes of farmers
and feed suppliers, and ensure continued supplies of
poultry. The agreement represents the beginning of a
long-term relationship between ADB and Suguna. ADB’s
assistance comprises 2-year amortizing senior secured
nonconvertible debentures, in three tranches. It is
consistent with the government’s efforts to strengthen
the agriculture sector and improve farmers’ incomes by
filling in gaps in agricultural supply chains. It also aligns
with the national action plan for egg and poultry.

PepsiCo to increase investment in Uttar Pradesh plant

PepsiCo plans to increase its additionally proposed to set up a
investment at the new greenfield greenfield manufacturing facility
snacks manufacturing plant in in Assam. As the festive season
Uttar Pradesh (UP). The company begins, the company expects an
has decided to invest Rs 814 crore enhanced demand from categories
in the manufacturing unit, creating like snacks, juices and other
more jobs and enhancing the local carbonated beverages. PepsiCo has
sourcing ecosystem. The company also introduced 1.25-litre PET pack
is planning to double its business in its beverage portfolio at a very
from snacks business in India and affordable price of Rs 50 targeting
also increasing the capacity of the in-home consumption and
existing food plants in West Bengal introduced various combo packs in
and Maharashtra. PepsiCo has food portfolio.

12 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Heritage launches immunity boosting milk variants

Heritage Foods has recently ideal choice for immunity booster. gives relief from throat pain. Tulsi
launched ginger, tulsi and turmeric Besides, ginger is proven to be good milk has got tulsi extract, sweet
variants of milk, which is the in improving body metabolism, basil seeds and mint extract. All
order of the day. The Hydrabad which makes body healthy and herbs in the milk make the product
based company's immunity milk warm ginger milk has a strong a good immunity shield. Tulsi
variants are believed to attract effect against throat infection and is good for immunity boosting
the likes of progressive and especially during seasonal
discerning consumers, who
are concern about their health changes. While turmeric has got
and are seeking immunity good antimicrobial property
boosting options that ensure against wide spectrum of diseases
wholesome health for causing bacteria and viruses, has
themselves and their family. emerged as superfoods across
The milk has 90 days of shelf the world. Heritage Foods has also
life. Ginger milk is good for launched Heritage TUCH app in
thermoregulatory, thrombotic, Hyderabad, where consumers can
and respiratory functions of order all milk and milk products
the body, which makes it an online at their convenience of
staying at home.

Vestige aims Abbott introduces
to replace
junk-food breaks world's first glucose

New Delhi based Vestige has recently launched a healthy biosensor for athletes
snacking option for its distributors with a new addition
to its ever-expanding world-class health and wellness Abbott has introduced the world's first glucose
products. Consumer consumption and interest is going sport biosensor, Libre Sense Glucose Sport
through an upsurge in this category, especially after the Biosensor, which is designed for athletes
pandemic. Vestige has launched Enerva energy snack to continuously measure glucose to better
bar, which aims to replace the junk-food breaks during understand the correlation between their
online meetings, trainings, studies and post-exercise with glucose levels and their athletic
a healthy snacking option to munch upon. The pandemic performance. The
has forced a shift towards a healthier lifestyle whereby Libre Sense biosensor
people are far more conscious about their diet and fitness is based on Abbott's
regimen. The snack bar is made of healthy and nutritious world-leading FreeStyle
ingredients like almonds, soybean, whey protein, honey, Libre continuous
raisins, milk, dark chocolate and peanuts that help to glucose monitoring
provide instant energy without compromising on taste. technology, which was
It is the perfect snack, full of nutrients. The bar, with a originally developed
rich chocolate flavour, is ideal for satisfying the between- for people living with
meals hunger pangs and energise the body and mind. diabetes. Based on that technology, this is the first
personal-use product that allows for use beyond
diabetes. Proper nutrition at the right intervals
allows athletes to maintain a stable glucose level
during endurance activities, which is important
for managing overall energy and avoiding muscle
fatigue. A recent study showed that an athlete,
who understands the effects of their nutritional
intake will have a better chance at improving their
performance during exercise.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 13

HUL's Boost expands footprint in India

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Stemming from the success of
has announced the expansion the nourishing beverage in the
of Boost, one of India's leading south over decades, the market
nourishing beverage in chocolate expansion reaffirms and further
flavour, into the western, northern supports the brand's purpose
and eastern regions of the of unleashing the winner in kids
country. An iconic brand, Boost is across India. The brand narrative,
widely enjoyed by kids given its 'Play A Bigger Game', which goes
great taste of chocolate, benefit beyond the motivation to tackle
of 3X stamina and energy, by the everyday challenges and aims
virtue of a formulation consisting to enable kids to take on the
of 17 essential nutrients, and bigger and tougher opponents
legacy of association with leading in the real world, will drive the
Indian sports personalities. geographic growth story.

Marico unveils Cipla Health
reinstates importance
first range of of immunity boosting

ayurvedic products Maxirich, the flagship multivitamin brand of Mumbai
based Cipla Health has introduced Tulsi Drops, a natural
Mumbai based Marico has strengthened its immunity booster that effectively supports respiratory
position in the healthy foods and immunity- and digestive health, gives relief from cough and cold
boosting segment, with the launch of the Saffola and helps in stress management. Maxirich Tulsi Drops has
ImmuniVeda range. The new range consists of been specially curated with
Saffola kadha mix and Saffola golden turmeric remedial ingredients
milk mix, both made with the goodness of best known to fight
traditional recipes along with added ingredients pathogens and
that make the immunity boosting range even that one could be
more beneficial. Recognising the need for susceptible to. It
superior quality immunity boosting products includes 95 per cent
due to the ongoing pandemic, Marico has concentration of five
forayed into the ayurvedic segment under varieties of tulsi all of
Saffola, a brand synonymous with healthy living which have medicinal
having a wide portfolio of edible oils, oats, properties fostering
honey and the Saffola Fittify Gourmet range. complete well-being.
This is one of the several new launches in the Tulsi is a powerful
pipeline for the company in the coming months antioxidant with
in either existing or new categories. anti-viral and anti-
microbial properties
useful in the
treatment of cold, cough,
sore throat, heart diseases, eye diseases, mouth infections,
and stomach ailments. The flagship product in the range,
which is Maxirich daily multivitamin supplements include
more than 13 essential vitamins and minerals in a softgel
capsule, which helps fulfil the body’s nutrient requirement,
in the event there is a shortfall.

14 START-UP NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

BIV, Ashika Group announce accelerator for smart protein

The fledgling alternative protein based, fermentation-derived, and use, water use, and climate change
ecosystem in India is gaining cultivated meat, seafood, egg, and challenges, and without the risk of
traction, with a new focused dairy foods, upgraded versions of pandemics and zoonotic disease.
investment fund from US based Big their animal-derived counterparts, The two firms have begun raising
Idea Ventures (BIV), Kolkata based but with a tiny fraction of the land the $25 million fund for India,
financial services firm Ashika Group, and expect to begin accepting
and supported by the Good Food applications for the Mumbai based
Institute India (GFI India) in Mumbai. accelerator in 2021. They will provide
The India Alternative Protein Fund entrepreneurs with funding, critical
will launch and run an accelerator handholding and mentorship, and
in 2021, and will also support access to an Indian and international
promising companies with further network of corporate partners,
investments for growth in the restaurateurs, retailers, and other
Indian and international markets. investors. GFI India will continue to
These companies will focus on provide support in the form of expert
bringing to market innovative plant- advisory and network building.

Esperer launches Nutrify India partners
with NRDC to
nutrition development commercialise innovation

centre in Hyderabad Mumbai based Nutrify India has announced its
partnership with National Research Development
Esperer Onco Nutrition, a Mumbai based startup, Corporation (NRDC). The partnership has been
has set up Esperer Nutrition Development Centre created with an aim to promote, develop, nurture and
(EsNDC) in Hyderabad. At the new EsNDC, Esperer commercialize innovative, reliable and competitive
will monitor cancer patients to recognise nutritional technologies from R&D institutes through value addition.
changes to help develop new nutrition products NRDC was established in 1953 by the government
design and delivery systems for expanding Esperer’s with the primary objective to promote, develop and
current and future product ranges. EsNDC will commercialise technologies from
observe development and progression of products various national R&D institutions
in a methodical fashion in tandem with co- and universities and is presently
dependent partnerships and associations keeping working under the administrative
the foundational goals of the new centre. The control of the Department of
facility in Hyderabad will house a variety of cohesive Scientific & Industrial Research,
capabilities including investigative workrooms and Ministry of Science
product improvement sub-centres with a devoted & Technology.
laboratory for analysing sensory components, The association
packing and taste. The diagnostic lab will be armed between the
with equipment for a comprehensive gamut of two has already
dietary examination starting from micronutrient to resulted in one
microbiological analysis and testing. big success story
of Esperer Onco Nutrition, Mumbai based startup, and
now there are nutra startups in India, who will be jointly
screened by Nutrify India and NRDC to support them
till commercialization. Nutrify India will continue hand
holding till larger market access in India and abroad.
As per this agreement, Nutrify India will have an office
representation in NRDC headquarters too.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in START-UP NEWS 15

Lil'Goodness unveils India’s Timios brings new
first prebiotic chocolate
variants of children’s
Lil'Goodness’, a Bengaluru based children's’ food and nutrition
startup, launches India’s first prebiotic chocolate. These first of finger food
its kind chocolates have prebiotic fibres, which activate healthy
bacteria in the gut and improves the absorption of essential Timios, a Bengaluru based packaged healthy
vitamins and minerals, therefore promoting better immunity snack brand for children has launched new
and good health. The brand aims to empower millennial parents variants of children’s finger food Melts.
by adding good for health ingredients like prebiotics into the To cater to the increasing demand for
ultimate fuss-free food for children, chocolates. Lil’Goodness Melts, Timios has introduced new flavours
seeks to revolutionize eating habits among children through a like banana, strawberry and blueberry.
comprehensive ecosystem of fresh and packaged meal options In addition to this, the startup has also
integrated with technology to create awareness about healthy introduced a value pack that comprises
eating. This prebiotic chocolate, developed in India, contains existing flavours of apple & cinnamon, carrot
natural prebiotic fibers, which stimulate healthy gut bacteria & cumin and the newly introduced flavours.
and therefore improves gut health. The chocolates contain 10 Melts is puffed finger food for babies, nine
per cent less sugar than regular milk chocolates and three times months and above. The product is made
more fiber than regular milk-chocolates. These chocolates will with natural ingredients and whole grains.
be the first of its kind in India and perhaps amongst the only It is completely non-fried, easy to chew and
two globally. safe for babies. Packed with age appropriate
nutrition that fulfils the nutritional needs,
Melts makes a perfect in-between meal
snack. With convenient packaging, it's an
easy to carry on the go snack. While a lot of
R&D has gone into the making of Melts, it
has also been strategically designed to make
it easy for a baby to pick and eat to help with
gross motor skills along with play and learn.
Melts are mildly seasoned with spices that
help in developing acquired taste.

mCaffeine raises Rs 42 Cr in series B funding

In a development highlighting when it received $2 million
its exemplary growth, Mumbai in a Series A round of funding
based Pep Technologies, which from a group of investors led by
owns mCaffeine, India’s first RPSG Ventures. mCaffeine was
caffeine infused skin and hair founded by Vikas Lachhwani
care brand has raised Rs 42 and Tarun Sharma in October
crore in a Series B funding of 2016 after nine months of
round from a consortium of extensive research.The research
investors led by Amicus Capital yielded that caffeine is basically
along with RPSG Ventures and a superfood - it is a rich source
its existing investors, Telama of antioxidants and has several
Investments. This is the third benefits for skin and hair. The
round of funding raised by startup plans to penetrate the
the company so far. A majority market aggressively by giving
of the investment has come more emphasis to a customer-
from Amicus Capital and RPSG driven approach especially for
Ventures. The company last the young millennials of India
raised funds in June 2019, with premium offerings.

16 WORLD NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Firmenich, Novozymes World Food
Programme wins
launch natural sugar Nobel Peace Prize 2020

reduction solution The need for international solidarity and multilateral
cooperation is more conspicuous than ever. The Norwegian
Geneva based Firmenich and Danish biological Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize
solution leader Novozymes have announced for 2020 to the World Food Programme (WFP) for its efforts
the launch of their new, jointly developed to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions
natural sugar reduction solution TasteGEM for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving
SWL with Saphera lactase. This cutting-edge force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of
technology brings unprecedented natural taste war and conflict. The World Food Programme is the world’s
largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger and
performance, enabling promoting food security. In 2019, the WFP provided assistance
up to 50 per cent to close to 100 million people in 88 countries, who are victims
sugar reduction in of acute food insecurity and hunger. With this year’s award, the
yogurt and other dairy Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to turn the eyes of the
products without the world towards the millions of people, who suffer from or face
use of sweeteners. The the threat of hunger. The WFP plays a key role in multilateral
solution is exclusively cooperation on making food security an instrument of peace,
available from and has made a strong contribution towards mobilising UN
Firmenich in all major Member States to combat the use of hunger as a weapon of
markets worldwide. A war and conflict.
synergy is achieved when Firmenich's market-
leading sugar reduction solution TasteGEM is
combined with cutting edge lactase solution
Saphera. The patent-pending technology
unlocks the naturally occurring sweetness of
milk and bridges the sensorial gaps that arise
when added sugar is removed. TasteGEM SWL
with Saphera lactase delivers a superior tasting
product and enhanced eating experience with
authentic sweetness and increased creaminess
and the added benefit of lower lactose levels.

Nestlé opens R&D accelerator to drive dairy innovation

Nestlé has inaugurated a new R&D and development center for for Nestlé’s dairy and infant
accelerator to drive innovation and dairy products and plant-based nutrition businesses before they are
speed-to-market of sustainable dairy alternatives. The R&D centre introduced to consumers around the
dairy products, as well as plant- develops new product concepts world.The accelerator in Konolfingen
based dairy alternatives. Located at features a fully equipped test
Nestlé's R&D center in Konolfingen, kitchen, as well as a co-working
Switzerland, the R&D accelerator office space. Internal, external and
provides a world-class platform for mixed teams will leverage Nestlé's
startups, students and scientists to capabilities to bring novel ideas
leverage Nestlé's unique dairy and from concept to test shop in only
plant protein expertise to quickly six months. They will have access to
bring products from ideation to Nestlé expertise and key equipment
commercialization. Nestlé R&D such as small to medium scale
Konolfingen is an integral part of production equipment to facilitate
the Swiss innovation ecosystem. It the rapid upscaling of products for
is the company's largest research a test launch in a retail environment.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WORLD NEWS 17

Bangladesh grows
new variety of mango

The Regional Horticulture Nutrition Improvement plan, Unilever brings
Centre in Gopalganj, which aims to make fruits
Bangladesh has successfully available all year round so healthy drinks
grown a new variety of mango, that the nutritional demands
called the Mehedi Mango-2. of the population are met. to Sri Lanka
This new variety has been Each of the new mangoes is
grown after the Ministry of estimated to weigh 500 grams. Unilever Sri Lanka has announced
Agriculture adopted the Year- The mango is fibreless and the its entry in to the health
Round Fruit Production for flesh is red and yellow when foods drinks market with the
ripe. This unique variety will inclusion of two iconic brands,
give mangoes twice a year. Horlicks and Viva into its food
The government is trying to and refreshments portfolio.
increase mango production This announcement forms a
in various districts, including part of the successful regional
Gopalganj, by producing merger between Hindustan
saplings of various fruits, Unilever Limited (HUL) and
including mangoes, at the GlaxoSmithKline Consumer
horticulture centre. A very large Healthcare Limited (GSKCH).
segment of the population of With this, Unilever Sri Lanka takes
the district will be able to meet over ownership for marketing
their nutritional demands from and distributing Horlicks and
fruits in the coming days. Viva in Sri Lanka. The inclusion of
Horlicks and Viva into its portfolio
Pakistan focuses on is in line with the company's
severe acute malnutrition commitment to provide
healthy and nutritious food
Together, the government of Pakistan and the United States, through the and refreshments to Sri Lanka,
United States Agency for International Development (USAID), are delivering as more and more consumers
340 metric tonnes of vitamin and mineral-enriched food for Pakistani connect with the global
children, who are suffering from severe megatrend of wellbeing and
acute malnutrition. According to nourishment. Multiple essential
the National Nutrition Survey jointly nutritional properties consisting
published by the government of Pakistan micro and macro nutrients enrich
and the United Nations Children’s Fund Horlicks, while B vitamins and iron
(UNICEF) in 2018, more than 40 per cent nutrients are entrenched in Viva.
of Pakistani children under the age of Owing to these properties, the
five suffer long-term health problems company recognises the salience
because of severe malnutrition. Most of driving consumer accessibility
of these malnourished children live in and affordability of these brands,
Pakistan’s rural areas. This collaboration to remain committed to its
also helps support Pakistan’s national core purpose of nurturing a
nutrition policy framework and nutritionally rich society.
increases the capacity of the health
system and civil society to ensure treatment of more than 24,500 children
suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The fortified food project is being
implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the government of Pakistan’s
nutrition and health departments and civil society organizations.

18 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

TACKLE
MICRONUTRIENT
DEFICIENCIES

While malnutrition and under nutrition to improve nutrition and health status of the population,
are old problems in India, there has a large portion of the population is still affected by
neither been any data nor a specific micronutrient deficiency. And the ongoing pandemic
policy focus on deficiencies of specific has just added to the woes.
micronutrients such as vitamin A,
vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, According to the Comprehensive National
iodine, zinc, folate and iron. But the Nutrition Survey conducted by the government
ongoing pandemic has provided the in 2019, zinc deficiency was found among 19
much needed push to develop specific per cent of pre-school children and 32 per
solutions in this space. The industry is cent of adolescents while the prevalence
now aggressively rolling out a number of deficiencies of vitamin B12, vitamin A
of novel products fortified with minerals and vitamin D hover between 14 and
and vitamins in order to re-structure the 31 per cent for pre-school children to
nutrition scenario in the country. adolescents.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed failings As per the dietary intake report
within the food and health systems of India and released by the Hyderabad based
has added an urgency to the need to advance the National Institute of Nutrition in
nutrition agenda. Moreover, disruptions to food systems 2020, the estimated average
due to COVID-19 are expected to negatively affect access requirement (EAR) of vitamin
to fresh and perishable foods due to farmers’ inability C, A and vitamin D is 65 mg,
to produce or distribute, resulting in less diversity of 0.9 mg and 400 IU per day
nutrient-rich foods on the market. The population would respectively. The report also
rely on non-perishable, shelf-stable foods, which are a highlights the importance
poor source of micronutrients. of iron uptake in women
in comparison to men. The
While malnutrition and under nutrition are old recommended EAR for
problems in India, there has neither been any data iron in men is 11 mg while
nor a specific policy focus on deficiencies of specific in women, it can go up to
micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, 32 mg during pregnancy.
vitamin D, iodine, zinc, folate and iron. Although several Due importance of vitamin
programmes have been launched over the years in India C in a meal to improve iron
absorption among Indians on a
vegetarian diet is also taken into
consideration while making the
recommendations.

“Micronutrients though required
in small amounts, are essential for
proper growth and development of the
human body. Micronutrient deficiencies

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 19

also referred to as hidden hunger affects the health, some instances in addition to diet”, shares Dr Marquess
learning ability as well as productivity owing to high Raj, Regional Technical Chief, Apollo Diagnostics,
rates of illness and disability contributing to vicious Chennai.
cycle of malnutrition, underdevelopment and poverty.
It is estimated that around two billion people in the Food fortification
world are deficient in one or more micronutrients.
Micronutrient deficiencies such as iodine, iron and At present, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of
vitamin A deficiency not only affect the health but are India (FSSAI) is addressing this concern by promoting
also projected to cost around 0.8-2.5 per cent of the food fortification through various means but the real
gross domestic product (GDP). In India, around 0.5 question is whether India can rely on to counter the
per cent of total deaths in 2016 were contributed by problem of micronutrient deficiencies. As a recent
nutritional deficiencies”, says Dr G S Toteja, Additional development, FSSAI has announced plans of coming up
Director General, Head of Nutrition Division, Indian with regulations whereby cereals, bakery products, buns,
Council of Medical Research, New Delhi. breads, biscuits, pasta, noodles, etc. can be fortified.

Nutritional anaemia can be caused due to “FSSAI is considering to make it mandatory to fortify
deficiencies of micronutrients such as iron, folic acid edible oil with vitamin A and D, so that people of India
can enjoy better immunity with good health. We are
and vitamin B12, with iron deficiency being the most also working towards fortifying rice, milk and ghee.
common cause of anaemia. With respect to vitamin But in comparison to wheat fortification, the process
B12 deficiency, studies have indicated it to be as of rice fortification is an expensive one. So, it might
high as 70-100 per cent. This may be because take some time. To facilitate the industry, the Food
about 30 per cent of the Indian population Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC) within FSSAI will
is vegetarian. Also, very few studies have provide the necessary technical support required to
been carried out to assess vitamin C enable fortification of these food items at the industry
deficiency with plasma vitamin C as an level. This will ensure that people belonging to different
indicator. socioeconomic strata will have easy access to fortified
“The human body requires food across the country”, points out Arun Singhal, Chief
certain mineral nutrients in Executive Officer, FSSAI, New Delhi.
small quantities for normal
function. Minerals such as In addition, India’s Poshan Abhiyan programme
zinc, iodine, selenium, has committed to reduce stunting by two per cent,
copper etc. are required in underweight children by two per cent, anaemia by
small amounts for normal three per cent and low birth weight by two per cent
metabolism. Deficiency per annum in a bid to reduce this burden. Overall, India
of micronutrients many plans to reduce iron deficiency or anaemia levels to one-
cause diseases with third of what was recorded in the fourth National Family
a range of severity. Health Survey by 2022. Similarly, under the Sustainable
Symptoms may extend Development Goals (SDGs), India needs to reduce the
from mild weakness to prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age by
itching, diarrhoea or 50 per cent by 2030.
even infertility in some
instances. Deficiency of On the other hand, the ongoing pandemic has
micronutrients may require provided the much needed push to develop specific
investigations such as solutions in this space. Since the daily micronutrient
lab tests for confirmation. intake is necessary to support the immune function,
With the availability of which is required to fight COVID-19, the government has
technological advances in lab recently launched nutraceutical products fortified with
medicine, numerous reliable minerals and vitamins.
and accurate techniques are
available to aid an early diagnosis “The government is now providing many
of micronutrient deficiency but a nutraceuticals like protein supplements, malt-based
balanced diet is necessary for providing nutrition drinks, immunity boosters etc. for improving
all the micronutrients the body requires. overall health and nutritional condition of people. These
Dietary supplements may be required in products are comparable in quality and are cheaper
by over 26 per cent than the market price. These are
fortified with vitamin A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, iron,
calcium and folic acid, etc. Through the massive network

20 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“We are offering four
varieties of value-
added specialty eggs,
each fortified with
specific vitamins, and
nutrients to help maintain a
balanced diet & healthy lifestyle
for people of all age groups & health conditions.”

- Vignesh Soundararajan,
Executive Director, Suguna Foods, Coimbatore

“Oral supplements that of Janaushadhi Kendras, these immunity boosting
are ingested via the products will reach a large population promoting good
mouth should pass health”, mentions D V Sadananda Gowda, Minister of
through the liver Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, New Delhi.
to be metabolized
and to be absorbed into the Likewise, the industry is aggressively rolling out a
bloodstream. But the oral number of novel products enriched with minerals and
bioavailability is often limited.” vitamins in order to re-structure the nutrition scenario in
the country.
- N V V Kiran Vuppala,
Co-founder, Cerelia Nutritech, New Delhi Novel immune boosters

“CFTRI has come out with Geared towards ensuring the availability of essential
a snack that provides micronutrients in the diet, Faridabad based Jiva
good micronutrients. Ayurveda has launched nutritious Jiva A2 ghee, which
We have used is a source of healthy amino acids, vitamins such as
spirulina as well as the B2, B12, B6, C, E and K. It also possesses omega-3 and
tasty nourishing groundnuts omega-6 fatty-acids. A similar attempt has been made
to prepare chikki that is rich in by New Delhi based nutritional supplement brand Gaia
micronutrients such as vitamin A, beta carotene in the form of A2 cow ghee packed with vitamin A and
and easily digestible algal proteins.” essential fatty acids.

- Dr KSMS Raghavarao, Coimbatore headquartered poultry conglomerate,
former Director, CFTRI, Mysuru Suguna Foods has ramped up the production of vitamin
D enriched eggs, the first of its kind in the country, as
“We have demonstrated part of its commitment to support the public health
transdermal folate response due the current pandemic and protect their
loaded nutricosmetic well-being.
as an effective folic
acid fortification “These super-specialty eggs provide 82 per cent of
strategy. From the the daily value of vitamin D in a single egg, which is a
application viewpoint, the critical component in the current health crisis due to
dual technology of nutrient delivery-cum- COVID-19. In addition, we are offering four varieties of
beautification is also feasible in terms of its value-added specialty eggs, each fortified with specific
affordability and can be expanded for other vitamins, and nutrients to help maintain a balanced
nutrient delivery for wider applicability.”

- Dr Mudra Kapoor,
Research Consultant, Mumbai

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 21

diet and healthy lifestyle for people of all age groups “Now, more than ever,
and health conditions”, says Vignesh Soundararajan, people must take
Executive Director, Suguna Foods, Coimbatore. more care of their
health and strengthen
Hyderabad based Inner Being Wellness has recently their immune system.
partnered with Harvest Plus in the US, for developing Irrespective of whether they
iron-enriched cookies especially targeting women and have any underlying medical
children in India. The company is also ramping up its conditions, immunity boosting supplements
millet-based ready-to-eat products as millets are seen provide important nutrients that may be
as rich sources of protein, high dietary fibre, vitamins, missing in a person’s diet.”
minerals, antioxidants and micronutrients.
- Dr Amar Venkatarangan,
Setting another example is Aquaseal Technologies in Chief Executive Officer,
Mysuru, which has collaborated with the Central Food
Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) for developing Zystus Nutraceuticals, Hyderabad
spirulina groundnut chikki rich in micronutrients.
“The two most important
“CFTRI has come out with a snack that provides good micronutrients
micronutrients. We have used spirulina as well as the for immunity are
tasty nourishing groundnuts to prepare chikki that is vitamins C and D
rich in micronutrients such as vitamin A, beta carotene and the third is zinc.
and easily digestible algal proteins. Spirulina is a nutrient Vitamin D regulates the
dense food and seaweed based nutritional supplement immune related genes while
known for its minerals like calcium, magnesium, vitamin C forms reactive oxygen species or
selenium and also has antioxidant properties. CFTRI oxygen radicals that help fight pathogens. Zinc
has also developed mango bar rich with carbohydrates, is an important mineral for cell function such as
carotene, vitamin C and zinc to improve the immunity”, the division and growth of cells.”
shares Dr KSMS Raghavarao, former Director, CFTRI,
Mysuru. - Vishwa Savla,
Chief Executive Officer,
Agartala based Bamboo and Cane Development Aarti Life Science, Mumbai
Institute has developed cookies made from bamboo
shoots, a sought-after delicacy across Northeast India
that are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. In order
to promote these cookies as a healthy snacking option,

22 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“It is estimated that the institute is training local bakeries for developing the
around two billion product further.
people in the world
are deficient in one or In the beverage sector, Coca-Cola India has
more micronutrients. introduced two new products delivering some of the
Micronutrient deficiencies daily essential nutrition requirements. While Minute
such as iodine, iron and vitamin Maid Vita Punch is developed to provide 100 per cent
A deficiency not only affect the health but are of ones’ daily requirement of vitamin C to support
also projected to cost around 0.8-2.5 per cent immunity, the Minute Maid Nutriforce blends the great
of the gross domestic product (GDP). In India, taste of Kashmiri apple juice with iron, zinc and other
around 0.5 per cent of total deaths in 2016 were essential vitamins.
contributed by nutritional deficiencies.”
Moving on, although milk is an excellent source of
- Dr G S Toteja, many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12,
Additional Director General, calcium, riboflavin and phosphorus, many companies
have launched new variants of milk enriched with
Head of Nutrition Division, turmeric, ginger, tulsi etc. to make it a wholesome
Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi meal. While ginger contains iron, potassium, vitamin
C, B3, B6, magnesium, zinc in trace amounts, turmeric
“With the availability contains more than 300 naturally occurring components
of technological including beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, flavonoids,
advances in lab fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc and other nutrients.
medicine, numerous
reliable and accurate One recent example is that of Hyderabad based
techniques are available Heritage Foods that has launched ginger, tulsi and
to aid an early diagnosis of turmeric variants of milk. Mother Dairy, Amul, Nandini,
micronutrient deficiency but a balanced diet is Milma are some of the other players that have
necessary for providing all the micronutrients introduced micronutrient enriched variants of milk in the
the body requires. Dietary supplements may be market recently.
required in some instances in addition to diet.”
Topping it up with supplements
- Dr Marquess Raj,
Regional Technical Chief, Though dietary supplements cannot replace complete
Apollo Diagnostics, Chennai meals, these are essential for nurturing the body
specially to ensure total micronutrient intake. One
“The government is such recent example is by Mumbai based Aarti Life
now providing many Science that has recently launched an orange flavoured
nutraceuticals like chewable tablet form under the brand name Yetocee
protein supplements, and Yetocee D3. The supplement has been introduced
malt-based nutrition to strengthen one's immunity by regulating the levels of
drinks, immunity boosters three key nutrients, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and zinc.
etc. for improving overall
health and nutritional condition of people. “The two most important micronutrients for
These products are comparable in quality immunity are vitamins C and D and the third is zinc.
and are cheaper by over 26 per cent than the Vitamin D regulates the immune related genes while
market price. These are fortified with vitamin vitamin C forms reactive oxygen species or oxygen
A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, iron, calcium and folic radicals that help fight pathogens. Zinc is an important
acid, etc.” mineral for cell function such as the division and
growth of cells. It helps in the production of white
- D V Sadananda Gowda, blood cells that are essential to fight infection. It also
Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, helps reduce inflammation, which is the cause of some
of the most severe symptoms of COVID-19. Yetocee
Government of India, New Delhi contains 500 mg of vitamin C and 5 mg of zinc, while
the all new Yetocee D3 contains the additional benefits
of 400 IU of vitamin D3. The price of each tablet is Rs
6”, says Vishwa Savla, Chief Executive Officer, Aarti Life
Science, Mumbai.

Lincoln Pharmaceuticals in Ahmedabad and

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 23

Micronutrient enriched products launched in 2020

Company/ Institute/ Brand Products Micronutrients
Amul, Anand Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron Potassium,
Turmeric Milk, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins C, B3, B6
Ginger Milk, Tulsi Milk Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron Potassium,
Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin C
Mother Dairy, Noida Turmeric Milk Vitamins A, C, E
Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron Potassium,
Field Fresh Foods, Gurugram Del Monte ACE Juice Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin C
Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron Potassium,
Nandini, Bengaluru Turmeric Milk Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins C, B3, B6
Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron Potassium,
Milma, Thiruvananthapuram Turmeric Milk, Ginger Milk Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins C, B3, B6
Vitamins B2, B12, B6, C, E and K
Heritage Foods, Hyderabad Turmeric Milk, Vitamin A
Ginger Milk, Tulsi Milk Vitamin D
Calcium, Magnesium,
Jiva Ayurveda, Faridabad A2 Ghee Selenium, Vitamins A, C

Gaia, New Delhi A2 Ghee Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc

Suguna Foods, Coimbatore Fortified Eggs Vitamins C, D, Zinc
Vitamin C, Zinc
Central Food Technological Spirulina Groundnut Vitamin C, Zinc
Research Institute, Mysuru Chikki, Mango Bar Vitamins C, D, Zinc, Iron, Potassium
Vitamin C
Coca Cola India, Gurugram Minute Maid Nutriforce, Vitamin C
Minute Maid Vita Punch Copper, Zinc, Magnesium

Aarti Life Science, Mumbai Yetocee Tablets Vitamins A, B6, E

Lincoln Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad Supplement Tablets Vitamins A, D, E, C, B1,
B2, B6, B9, B12, Iron, Calcium
Indoco Remedies, Mumbai Supplement Tablets

Zystus Nutraceuticals, Hyderabad Supplement Tablets

Dhathri Ayurveda, Kochi Chyavanprasham

Phalada Organic, Bengaluru Amla and Triphala Powder

QNET India, Bengaluru Nutriplus ImmunHealth

Bamboo and Cane Bamboo Shoots Cookies
Development Institute, Agartala

Jan Aushadhi Malt Based Food Supplements

Mumbai based Indoco Remedies are also addressing “ FSSAI is considering to
the micronutrient deficiency concern by launching make it mandatory
supplement tablets rich in vitamin C and zinc. to fortify edible oil
with vitamin A and
In addition, Hyderabad based Zystus Nutraceuticals D, so that people
has developed supplements tablets enriched with of India can enjoy better
vitamins, minerals and herbs, containing vitamin C immunity with good health.
and D3, zinc, and ginger extract. “Now, more than We are also working towards fortifying rice,
ever, people must take more care of their health and milk and ghee. But in comparison to wheat
strengthen their immune system. Irrespective of whether fortification, the process of rice fortification
they have any underlying medical conditions, immunity is an expensive one. So, it might take some
boosting supplements provide important nutrients time.”
that may be missing in a person’s diet”, mentions Dr
Amar Venkatarangan, Chief Executive Officer, Zystus - Arun Singhal,
Nutraceuticals, Hyderabad. Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, New Delhi

Further Kochi based Dhathri Ayurveda has

24 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Estimated average requirement (EAR) of health awareness. Differences in food preferences
of micronutrients per day and interactions, low stability of folic acid on storage
at room temperature, extensive liver metabolism, and
Micronutrients EAR (mg/day) pregnancy-induced vomiting are some of the common
11-15 (M) factors often limiting oral fortification.
Iron 16-32 (W)
11-14 (M) Cerelia Nutritech, a startup based at the Indian
Zinc 12 (W) Institute of Technology, New Delhi (IIT-D) is currently
0.095 (M) addressing some of these challenges by developing
Iodine 0.18 (W) a transdermal platform technology that can open the
800 possibility of delivering multiple nutrients systemically
Calcium 350 through skin in the form of a lotion or cream and can be
Magnesium 1.6 scaled for affordable community fortification.
Vitamin B1 2.3
Vitamin B2 16-18 “Oral supplements that are ingested via the mouth
Vitamin B3 1.9-2.1 should pass through the liver to be metabolized
Vitamin B6 0.22 (M) and to be absorbed into the bloodstream. But the
0.3- 0.5 (W) oral bioavailability is often limited because of either
Vitamin B9 0.02 restricted liberation from supplements and foods;
65-75 extensive metabolism or chemical transformation during
Vitamin B12 0.4 (M) passage through the gastrointestinal tract; low solubility
Vitamin C 0.4-0.7 (W) in intestinal fluids; low permeation through the intestinal
400 IU cell monolayer; or efflux from epithelium cells”, points
Vitamin A out N V V Kiran Vuppala, Co-founder, Cerelia Nutritech,
New Delhi.
Vitamin D
A research group at the Indian Institute of
M- Men, W- Women Source: National Institute of Nutrition Technology in Bombay (IIT-B) is also following a similar
approach for transdermal systemic folate delivery using
recently announced its foray into the health and fluidising liposomes stabilised within 3D matrix of
wellness segment with a first-of-its kind vitamin C rich naturally occurring cosmetic bases.
Chyavanaprasham, fortified with 53.5 per cent real amla.
Banking on the fact that amla is one of the richest source “In the IIT-B study, we have demonstrated
of vitamin C and iron, Bengaluru based Phalada Organic transdermal folate loaded nutricosmetic as an effective
has developed two new superfoods in the form of amla folic acid fortification strategy. From the application
and triphala powder. viewpoint, the dual technology of nutrient delivery-cum-
beautification is also feasible in terms of its affordability
Joining the bandwagon of nutritional supplements and can be expanded for other nutrient delivery for
is the Indian arm of Hong Kong based QNet, which wider applicability. The technology has been expanded
has launched a health supplement product Nutriplus to treat iron and folic acid dependent anaemia in women
ImmunHealth comprising of highly beneficial and children. We conducted clinical trials with 444
ingredients and essential micronutrients such as papaya infants for micronutrient loaded liposomes in massage
leaf extract, guduchi, aloe vera, echinacea, L-amino acids, oil for 11 months everyday use from one month infant
copper, zinc and magnesium. to one year. The micronutrients included vitamins C,
D, folic acid, iron, and the data has proved product
Innovative alternatives safety for infant usage”, says Dr Mudra Kapoor, Research
Consultant, Mumbai.
Despite the growing availability of micronutrient
enriched supplements and fortified food items, the With tremendous initiatives being taken by the
problem of hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiency government and industry, the micronutrient status of the
is still lingering. One of the major challenges lies in the population is expected to improve in the coming years.
fact that rural or uneducated masses are often hesitant Moreover, collaborative macro-efforts by the public
to take oral medication for nutritional deficiency due to and private sectors in developing new products and
their cultural and socioeconomic differences and lack promoting innovative technologies can hit the right note
in addressing this major health problem of micronutrient
deficiencies in our country.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in OPINION 25

Applying science for
better nutritional reach

Nutrition is one of the key determinants of one’s health. A balanced nutrition Dr Govardhan Singh,
with all the nutrients is essential for every citizen; healthy nation is a wealthy
nation. India being such a populated country, fighting malnutrition is no less Senior Food Scientist,
Enlightlife, Bengaluru
than a herculean task with economic inequality being a major cause.

Lack of proper nutrition in both quality and the most wholesome foods in the world by providing
quantity has led to the existence of malnutrition a well-balanced nutrition. For example the use of
among different classes of people in India, with millets like sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet
women and children being more affected. Both provides much better nutrition than the polished rice.
malnutrition and under nutrition problem needs to
be addressed holistically. There is a lot of change in Food processing and preservation is also an
dietary lifestyles of the people in past few decades, important aspect of food science where the food
especially the urban population. products are transformed into more edible form. But
again some processed foods have their disadvantage
Living a fast paced busy urban life, people are by the lack of nutrients, which are lost during
least concerned about their nutrition until they processing. For example, white rice, which is eaten
develop some health disorders. Hence it is the need in many parts of India contains mainly starch and
of the hour to address the importance of better lacks other nutrients. Hence eating unprocessed
nutrition for one’s health. People must be educated or minimally processed foods in some cases has to
about the good eating habits. be encouraged to avail all the nutrients’ benefits.
Fortification of foods with essential nutrients
Application of food science could be an important increases the nutritional content of these foods and
tool in bringing out a better nutritional reach among hence helps better nutrition.
the people. Food science deals with understanding
the basic science of a food material and then Food safety and security is yet another area to
applying this scientific knowledge in improving make sure that the foods are manufactured and
the foods for the consumer to gain better nutrition. stored safely by following better scientific practices.
Various aspects of food science could be utilized for Otherwise it will pose a health risk from foodborne
bringing down the current malnutrition problem in illnesses, which at times may lead to serious health
India. consequences. Risks associated with improper
storage of food include pathogenic microbes, toxins,
 Improvement of the scope of food science and allergens, health affecting additives and some
nutrition by government will help in this matter. chemicals used in agriculture.

 Creating awareness in the public about the Also it must be made sure that sufficient food
importance of nutrition through various nutritional is available to all people without any shortage.
programmes. Especially the undernourished group of people like
pregnant women, infants, preschool and school
 Also encouraging the research in the field going kids must be provided with supplemented
of food science for studying the nutrients, their foods to meet their nutritional requirements.
bioavailability and effects, and develop low cost Anaemia issue in women is of great concern, which
nutritional food products. needs to be addressed by developing better food
products to alleviate the condition.
 Traditional food in India had always boasted
of well-balanced nutrition, which people have been Recent advances in food science research has
ignoring over the years. This is one area where led to the development of many food supplements,
awareness needs to be created among the masses. which could meet the nutritional requirements of the
The variety of Indian foods made traditionally using people.
different ingredients like whole grains, vegetables,
pulses and other spices makes Indian food one of

26 SPICES TRADE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Immunity boosters
spicing up exports

The current pandemic in India affected international spice trade dynamics with India completely closing
its borders and making it impossible to export any product. But this decline could not last for a long period.
Also, buying did not slow down for spices like turmeric, ginger and garlic that are in strong demand due to
its immunity boosting qualities right now.

India being the largest producer, consumer and exporter turmeric, ginger and garlic that are in strong demand due
of spices in the world accounts for half of the global to its immunity boosting qualities right now. According to
trading in this sector. The Indian spice export basket industry sources, the demand for turmeric and ginger for
consists of around 50 spices in whole form and more than food supplements have increased by 300 per cent.
80 products in value added form. But the recent outbreak
due to COVID-19 has affected the growth of the market “Spread of COVID-19 across the globe has affected
and people’s behaviour in many ways. the global supply chain and brought the economies in a
recessionary condition. India’s foreign trade during 2019-
Spices are widely used in the industries such as 20 has also registered a negative growth mainly due to
indigenous alternative medicine, pharmaceuticals, the slowdown of the export during the end of March
cosmetics, natural colour and resin. Any disruptions 2020. However, despite the COVID pandemic, spices
in global and domestic supply chain is expected have export from India has continued its upward trend during
adverse impacts on the production and supply of vital 2019-20 and has crossed the $3 billion mark for the first
industries and workers involved in production and time in the history of spices export. The estimated export
processing of spices. during 2019-20 has been 11,83,000 tonnes valued $3
billion against 11,00,250 tonnes valued at $2.8 billion
The current pandemic in India affected international during the last financial year. The spices export during
spice trade dynamics with India completely closing its 2019-20 attained an all-time record in terms of both
borders and making it impossible to export any product. volume and value”, says D Sathiyan, Secretary, Spices
The same thing happened in Vietnam. China, a major Board of India, New Delhi.
buyer of Indian spices, also experienced a sharp decline
in demand due to the coronavirus outbreak. Export trend moves up

This situation caused the prices of several spices to According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce
drop. For example, within a week of the lockdown, the of India (ASSOCHAM), spices exports from India went
price of Indian cardamom dropped by 50 per cent, and up by 23 per cent to $359 million in June 2020 from
the price of Vietnamese pepper decreased by about 10
per cent. Importers started thinking that there may be India is the world's largest producer,
some panic in buying and that the prices will increase consumer and exporter of spices; the
when the markets open again. country produces about 75 of the 109
varieties listed by the International
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade Organization for Standardization (ISO)
and Development, India’s exports fell the most in April and accounts for half of the global
only behind a 61 per cent dip in overseas shipments by trading in spices. Spices export value
South Africa. But this decline could not last for a long stood at $ 3.65 billion in FY20, witnessing
period in India, as the fear of scarcity all across Europe a growth of 10 per cent year-on-year.
increased the demand of shelf stable food including
spices. This included mixed spices, sweet spices, such as
cinnamon, allspice, ginger and nutmeg.

Also, buying did not slow down for spices like

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPICES TRADE 27

$292 million in the same month last started
year, contrary to a decline of 12.41 exporting
per cent in the country's overall dry
merchandise export basket during this chillies to
period. Bangladesh
through
“Pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, a special
coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, parcel
nutmeg, spice oils and oleoresins, and mint train for
products are the major spices shipped abroad. the first
Indian spices reach almost to the entire world while time. “The
the main importers include the US, UK, Germany, farmers and
France, Italy, Canada, Australia, UAE, Iran, Singapore, merchants in
China and Bangladesh, among others. The demand for and around
spices of which India is among the main producers is Guntur area
increasing as more and more people rush to strengthen have been
immunity. Thanks to the efforts of the Ayush Ministry transporting dry
and traditional knowledge about spices being a strong chillies by road to Bangladesh
immunity builder, an increasing number of Indians in small quantities and that
are taking to higher consumption of spices. The rising was costing around Rs 7000 per
exports trend does show how the world is benefiting tonne. During the lockdown period,
from these items”, points out Deepak Sood, Secretary they could not move this essential commodity by road.
General, ASSOCHAM, Bengaluru. To mitigate this problem and to facilitate the rail users to
move their quantities in each trip, Special Parcel Express
Andhra Pradesh is the largest spice producing state to Bangladesh has been started”, says Piyush Goyal,
in India, followed by Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce and
Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Industry, Government of India, New Delhi.
Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In particular,
Andhra Pradesh covers 57.8 per cent of the chili The high demand of chillies is also associated with
cultivation in India, trailed by Karnataka (12.40 per its nutritious properties. Due to their high content of
cent), Orissa (4.82 per cent), West Bengal (4.80 per cent), vitamins, specifically vitamins A and C, chilli peppers
Maharashtra (3.55 per cent), Gujarat (3.53 per cent) and have long been valued as a powerful immunity booster.
Tamil Nadu (3.22 per cent). “Studies say that green chilly can speed up metabolism
as much as 50 per cent for up to three hours after
Chilies were the most exported spice from India in eating. Capsaicin, which is present in green chillies,
fiscal year 2020, with an estimated volume of over 484 has antioxidant and anti-ageing properties that help
thousand metric tonnes. Cumin followed, while turmeric maintain skin's health and glow. Loaded with vitamin C,
ranked third. With Chinese market remaining closed regular intake of green chillies prevents frequent cold
amidst COVID-19 outbreak, India still accounts for 60 and sinusitis. It is best to have green chillies raw as it
per cent of chilli production globally. Exports from Asia’s loses some of its potency when cooked. But it is better
biggest chilli market in Guntur has touched Rs 2,700 to have them cooked than not eating them at all,” says
crore so far this year. Pooja Makhija, Consulting Nutritionist, Mumbai.

As reported by the authorities of Mirchi Market Yard,
the arrival of red chillies in the yard are increasing day-
by-day. Teja, Cijent and Suvarna Badiga varieties are
selling at Rs 11000 to Rs 13500 per quintal, depending
on the pungent taste of the variety. According to Chillies
Exporters Association, the traders are exporting red chillies
through HuangPu, QingDao, Chong Qing ports, which
were far away from Wuhan. These ports are nearer to
Shanghai, Hong Kong and other areas, hence there have
been no restriction on export from India. The domestic and
export demand for the Teja variety of red chilli has pushed
up the price at Khammam Agriculture Market, housing
Telangana's second largest chilli market yard.

In a significant development, Indian Railways have

28 SPICES TRADE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“ Despite the COVID-19 “Thanks to the efforts
pandemic, spices of the Ayush Ministry
export from India and traditional
has continued knowledge about
its upward trend spices being a
during 2019-20 and has strong immunity builder, an
crossed the $3 billion mark increasing number of Indians
for the first time in the history of spices are taking to higher consumption of spices.
export.” The rising exports trend does show how the
world is benefiting from these items.”
- D Sathiyan, Secretary,
Spices Board of India, New Delhi - Deepak Sood,
Secretary General, ASSOCHAM, Bengaluru

“The farmers and With Indians gulping down immunity boosters to
merchants in and fight COVID-19, prices of turmeric have also seen an
around Guntur increase lately. In fact, exporters have reported that
area have been overseas purchases have been increasing for Indian
transporting turmeric since April in retail chains in the UK, Germany
dry chillies by road to and Holland. In particular, demand for Nizamabad
Bangladesh in small quantities turmeric is increasing and it is directly benefitting
and that was costing around Rs 7000 per turmeric farmers of Nizamabad. With support from
tonne. To facilitate the rail users to move their Spices Board, turmeric is being directly transported to
quantities in each trip, Special Parcel Express Bangladesh via special trains.
to Bangladesh has been started.”
“We have recorded the highest volume of export of
- Piyush Goyal, turmeric to Bangladesh this year, from the Khammam
Minister of Railways and district in Telangana”, shares Amit Agrawal, CEO and co-
Minister of Commerce and Industry, founder, AgriBazaar, Mumbai.
Government of India, New Delhi
Besides chilli and turmeric, export trends of ginger
“Despite delays in Kochi are also picking up fast. For instance, 142 metric tonnes
and Chennai ports, of fresh ginger have been exported from Tripura to
we have managed to Bangladesh lately. The increasing demand for ginger
produce with skeletal to help boost immunity of the body reveals the direct
staff and export impact of COVID-19 on the current export trends of
oleoresin products to the US ginger market.
as well as to Europe.”
On the other hand, rising demand of ready to
- Viju Jacob, eat products across the world has also helped spice
Managing Director, Synthite Industries, Cochin oleoresin industry survive the COVID-19 outbreak.
Indian spice oleoresins, widely used for natural colors
“We have recorded the and flavors in the food products, currently dominate the
highest volume of world market with over Rs 2,000 crore export.
export of turmeric to
Bangladesh this year, “Our oleoresin products are used in noodles, pasta
from the Khammam and other food products which people confined to homes
district in Telangana.” consume. Despite delays in Kochi and Chennai ports, we
have managed to produce with skeletal staff and export
- Amit Agrawal, the product to the US as well as to Europe”, mentions Viju
CEO and co-founder, AgriBazaar, Mumbai Jacob, Managing Director, Synthite Industries, Cochin.

Recently the Spices Board has taken initiatives
that has helped in resolving issues in export of small
cardamom to Saudi Arabia. With over 50 tonnes getting
exported in less than a month and more orders in the
pipeline, exports of small cardamom to Saudi Arabia, on
resumption, has shown much promise.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPICES TRADE 29

“Gujarat produces a “ Loaded with vitamin
lot of spices. With C, regular intake
the new organic of green chillies
spices seed parks, prevents frequent
we are looking into cold and sinusitis.
cryogenic processing of It is best to have green
spices. Spices should not chillies raw as it loses some
lose the flavour. Through cryo processing, of its potency when cooked. But it is better
the flavour will stay till it reaches the last to have them cooked than not eating them
customers.” at all.”

- G R Chintala, - Pooja Makhija,
Chairman, NABARD, Mumbai Consulting Nutritionist, Mumbai

Facts about spices export to its medicinal and nutritious properties owing to the
current pandemic, their demand is surely to increase
● In FY20, spices worth $ 3.65 billion were both in the domestic and international market. However,
exported. a subsequent push is required to develop this sector
further in terms of effective marketing, supply chains
● During FY19, a total of 1.10 million tonnes of and harvesting.
spices and spice products valued $ 2.80 billion
was exported from the country as against 1.02 Observing the current upward trends of spices
million tonnes valued $ 2.78 billion in FY18, export, the government has recently announced the
registering an increase of 7 per cent in volume. development of two organic spices seed parks in Gujarat.
The two parks will open in Banaskantha and Patan
● Top 10 importers of Indian spices in FY19 were districts for the promotion of organic seed value chain
US, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, of fennel and cumin, supported by the National Bank for
Thailand, UK, UAE, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

● During FY19, top 10 exported spices and “Gujarat produces a lot of spices. With these new parks,
spice products in terms of value were chilli, we are looking into cryogenic processing of spices. Spices
mint products, spice oils & oleoresins, cumin, should not lose the flavour. Through cryo processing, the
turmeric, pepper, curry powder/paste, flavour will stay till it reaches the last customers”, shares G
cardamom seeds, other spices like Tamarind, R Chintala, Chairman, National Bank for Agriculture and
Asafoetida, and Cassia, and Garlic. Rural Development (NABARD), Mumbai.

● During FY19, India’s chilli export stood at Switching to an organic mode will indeed provide a
468,500 tonnes, cumin export at 180,300 significant boost to the spices sector in India in the coming
tonnes, turmeric export at 133,600 tonnes and years opening more opportunities for the farmers.
cardamom large export at 860 tonnes.
Pooja Yadav
● In FY20 (till December 2019), ginger export [email protected]
showed the highest growth of 47 per cent with
19,410 tonnes, followed by cardamom with 31
per cent at 1,060 tonnes and cumin with 14 per
cent at 7,350 tonnes.

Source: IBEF

A surge in export along with resumption of
cardamom e-auction since May 2020 has facilitated
better price realization by the cardamom growers. The
rising trend in exports reflected in the auction prices
went up by Rs 600, touching an average of Rs 1615 per
kg. Around 100 tonnes of cardamom valued at Rs 25
crore have been shipped since May to Saudi, the largest
consumer of Indian cardamom.

With spices getting more recognition mainly due

30 VEGAN MARKET NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Veganism gaining popularity

Though India has the potential of becoming the vegan capital of the world, all it needs is proper awareness
among the people coupled with equivalent pricing of substitutes. NuFFooDS Spectrum analysis current
market demand and trends envisage the future of vegan food market in India.

Veganism has taken a world by a storm in quit meat all together.
recent years and most of the people across the Envisaging the future of the vegan market in India,
planet are opting for vegan diet. Now this new
transformation has created a great opportunity for Food Kinjal Darukhanawala, Founder, Wegan Foods, Mumbai
Business Operators (FBOs), food companies and traders says, “There is certainly change in eating habit of
to plan their stint into the plant based food market. people across the globe especially after the pandemic’s
Many giants in food chains such as Dominos, Cornetto, outbreak. They are very much concerned about what
McDonalds, Ben & Jerry’s amongst others, are coming up they are consuming and what effect it is going to have
with plant-based alternatives. on their immune system. In India, now people are
opting for vegan diet, which there is whole lot of new
Even Forbes has listed down reasons to turn opportunities to explore from.”
one’s business to vegan and the number of eminent
personalities investing in vegan businesses has been From classic dairy to plant based milk
increasing rapidly, Leonardo Dicaprio, Bill Gates, Mike
Tyson, Tommy Chiabra, Virat kohli, Aamir Khan, Kangana Majority of Indian population thrive on milk for their
Ranaut to name a few. complete nutrition. Milk is considered to be a vital
source of calcium and protein. Being a world’s largest
Talking about India, it is one of those destinations milk producer, India in 2019 produced 187 million metric
across the globe that offers huge variety of veg options tonnes of milk up from the previous year's 176.3 million
to the food lovers. Being well known for its vegetarian metric tonnes. The milk production in the country had an
and flexitarian attitude towards diet, country is well
poised to become a hub for vegan food market.

From being an alien concept to something one
would associate with animal-rights activists, to a
common alternate lifestyle, veganism has come a long
way! The concept of having plant-based food is getting
popular across the length and breadth of this planet.
Especially in India where most of the people preferred
vegetarian diet over non-veg in their daily meals.

As per the report of Grand View Research, India
and the US based market research and consulting
company, the global vegan food market size was valued
at $12.69 billion in 2018 and is projected to expand
at a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6 per
cent from 2019 to 2025. Increasing awareness about
the benefits of following vegan diet is the key factor
responsible for the growth of this market. North America,
Europe, and Asia Pacific, in particular, have a large
percentage of vegan population.

Sticking to the vegan diet will not only improve the
health parameters of the humans but will drastically
reduce the unnecessary slaughtering of livestock.
Researchers of Oxford University have underlined this
statement and touted that going vegan will not only
save millions of lives (both animals and humans), more
than few billion dollars will be saved on healthcare if we

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in VEGAN MARKET 31

increase of 6.5 per cent over the previous year. “ There is certainly
But as they say there are two sides of a coin, though change in eating

consumption of milk is considered a healthy habit habit of people
worldwide but it has a negative side as well. Since
the demand of milk in India is growing multiple folds, across the globe
many people associated with milk trade start adopting
unlawful practices such as adulteration, synthetic milk especially after the
etc. Moreover, a study by the University of Oxford this
year found that greenhouse gas emissions from cow’s pandemic’s outbreak. They
milk were almost three times higher than from plant-
based alternatives — giving many a reason to consider are very much concerned
making the switch to vegan alternatives.
about what they are consuming and what
Eliminating the negatives that come with animal-
based milk, plant-based milks are derived from cereals, effect it is going to have on their immune
nuts, legumes and other plants. These alternative
milk varieties are receiving increasing attention from system. In India, now people are opting for
health-conscious consumers, who are looking for a
more natural, healthy, humane and yet nutritionally rich vegan diet, which there is whole lot of new
lifestyle. With growing consumer awareness, increasing
market share, and continuous innovation, plant based opportunities to explore from.”
milks are poised to create major storm in dairy sector.
- Kinjal Darukhanawala,
Talking about the switch from dairy to plant based
milk, Sheena Jain, Co-founder, SAIN, New Delhi says, Founder, Wegan Foods, Mumbai
“In Indian kitchen, it is very difficult to replace all dairy
products with plants based alternatives because our changing with people getting more aware of the
palate has developed more falvour for dairy products benefits of plant based products.”
than any other substitute. But now, the model is
“Moreover, there is almost zero adulteration in plant
based milk making it more healthy and hygienic for
human consumption. Walking on this line, we conceived
the idea of providing almond milk to the people, which
will enhance their body mechanism and will make their
immune system stronger than ever,” she added. Sain is a
Delhi-based vegan startup offers dairy-free almond milk
in various flavours – cardamom, cacao, vanilla, and many
others at price ranging between Rs 145 and Rs 160 per
bottle.

Similarly, there are other substitutes for milk such as
soya milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk etc., which
are floating in the market. These products are not only
providing high quality nutrients but also act as a best
substitute for lactose intolerant people.

Replacing meat

Usually, there is devised concept that if any person wants
his daily diet to be rich in proteins and carbs then he
should add meat in his platter. However, this might strike
a right chord for meat lovers but factually, it is not true,
person can fulfill his protein quotient by sticking to plant
based diet. Swapping meat for plants reduces saturated
fat, and increases the fiber and vitamin content of dishes.

Studies show that this leads to reduced risks for
diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Also, plants require
fewer environmental resources like water and space,
which can offset climate change. Finally, vegetarian
proteins are food sources that animal lovers can feel
good about eating.

Explaining further on the subject, Abhishek Sinha,
Co-founder and CEO, GoodDot Enterprises, Udaipur,
Rajasthan, says, “It has been almost seven years since
we are serving our customers plant based food and till
now, we have received a vibrant response from all of our

32 VEGAN MARKET NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“Apart from awareness, “In Indian kitchen, it is
there was one card very difficult to replace
that played a vital all dairy products
role for us in gaining with plants based
momentum and alternatives because
that is vegetarian values are our palate has developed
imbibed so hard in Indians more falvour for dairy products
that they will easily accept anything that than any other substitute. But now, the model
replaces meat.” is changing with people getting more aware of
the benefits of plant based products.”
- Abhishek Sinha,
Co-founder and CEO, - Sheena Jain,
GoodDot Enterprises, Udaipur, Rajasthan Co-founder, SAIN, New Delhi

clients. In fact, it is very interesting to note that many of Expensive drive to take
our customers have removed real meat from their platter
after they started consuming plant based meat.” Taking to veganism might give one some health benefits
but as the saying goes “All benefits come with a price
Elaborating about the journey of his company, he tag”. Replacing meat, dairy products and other items
further adds, “Initially when we started our business, containing animal stock in it might seems to be an
there was lack of awareness among the people so we achievable task but to retain it for the longer time is a
really scratched hard in spreading awareness about tough nut to crack.
benefits of our products. Apart from awareness, there
was one card that played a vital role for us in gaining In India, products such as milk, paneer (cottage
momentum and that is vegetarian values are imbibed so cheese), yogurt etc. are easily available in all parts of
hard in Indians that they will easily accept anything that India and to replace them with plant based products is
replaces meat.” not an easy task. Firstly, all these plant based products
are not easily available and secondly, there are very
Last year, several organizations including the Good expensive as compared to the original product.
Food Institute, carried out a large-scale survey and
determined that India ranked highest, even above China, The major portion of India’s population comes from
in terms of the consumer acceptance of plant-based a middle class family and these families run on a very
products. tight budget so switching to a diet, which requires some
extra spending will not attract them at all. For instance,
1 litre of buffalo milk usually cost around Rs 60/ litre
and if it is to be replaced by soy milk then the customer
needs to spend almost a double amount making it a very
unfavourable deal. Same goes to the bi-products of milk
such as cheese, butter, yogurt paneer etc.

Though India has the potential of becoming
the vegan capital of the world, all it needs is proper
awareness among the people coupled with equivalent
pricing of substitutes. India being a nation, which offers
maximum varieties of veg cuisines is placed very well to
undergo such transformation. In this way, the country
will not only make its denizens healthier but it will also
be able to reduce greenhouse gas emission percentage.

According to the findings of Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, the livestock sector
contributes to 18 per cent of total greenhouse gas
emissions. The only aspect that the country needs to
focus on is to reduce price difference between dairy
products and plant based products and if it manages to
flatten that curve than the country is poised to achieve
its set goal.

Nitin Konde

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in VEGAN MARKET 33

Investors keeping an eye
on green companies

Owing to the venture capital and the spirit of entrepreneurship in India, a large Siddharth Kothari,
number of food startups have propped up. A great number of these are in the
plant based and vegan space. This is not a coincidence as even globally vegan Chief Investment Strategist,
food startups are taking center stage. Om Kothari Group, New Delhi

After COVID-19 has shaken the world, the veg counter parts not only in taste but price too. This
importance of health and strong immunity has will only be possible beyond a certain size that will take
been highlighted more than ever before. The some time. If they don’t achieve economies of scale, they
health benefits of a plant-based diet versus meat and risk remaining a small niche catering to just a privileged
dairy are more apparent to consumers now. India is a veg sector.
friendly country. This coupled with the fact that three out
of four Indians are lactose intolerant in India make it ripe Changing mindset
of veganism to spread.
Large funding by the meat and dairy lobby towards
Given the value migration towards healthier eating adverts try to enforce the protein myth on consumers.
and living, investors are keeping their eyes and ears However recent actions show a shift of mindset even
open for green companies. Money is chasing startups from these lobbies, as they seem to have joined the
that can demonstrate an ability to produce and market vegan parade instead of fighting it, by marketing meat
animal-free nutrition. For instance, the meteoric rise of and dairy alternatives themselves.
the oat milk giant Oatly is inspiring a new breed of dairy
alternative startups in India. Founders and investors have Another challenge facing the vegan movement
seen how Oatly has gone from being a humble Denmark in India is people’s mindset. Dairy milk has been seen
based startup to a global unicorn. It is a matter of time as medicine for decades and ghee is used practically
till some Indian startups follow suite with major success wherever possible. This is however an older generation
in the fast-growing plant and nut milk sector. mindset and looks to be fading away with the upcoming
generation. India is the youngest country in the world
As more and more plant-based companies get with almost half its population under the age of thirty.
funded, and consumer demand turns up the volume With rising incomes and more education, the new India
on veganism, the vegan market is set to explode with is moving towards veganism as they wake up to animal
growth in India. In terms of number of startups and agriculture’s adverse impact on our health, the animals,
funding, the diary vegan alternatives sector is poised for and the environment.
maximum growth. Even well funded dairy startups like
Epigamia are now launching vegan yogurts in response In addition, many nutritionists in India are catalysts
to the changing consumer preference. Large FMCG for the vegan movement. They back their views with
giants like Nestle are increasingly introducing new vegan substantial evidence like 'The China Study', which shows
products like dark chocolate to their product range. This a clear link between adverse human health and animal
response from both startups and large companies is products like meat, eggs and dairy. As more credible
testament to how the previously dairy obsessed India is
changing. nutritionists spread the word, venture
capitalist’s fund plant based startups,
It has been tough and tasty, affordable products
for vegan goods continue to flood the market, India
to be priced as will leap towards veganism.
competitively yet. And as we're currently seeing in
If vegan goods are to grow the western world, it is win for
sustainably then they will all three dimensions - our health,
need to match non- the environment and animal
welfare.

34 Q&A NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Sanjaya Mariwala, “Create a Department
of Nutraceuticals under
Executive Chairman and Managing the Ministry of Pharma”
Director, OmniActive Health
Technologies, Mumbai

Parliament on September 20 passed two Agriculture the international markets. This Bill will add fillip to
Reform Bills aimed at transforming agriculture in increasing cultivated crops and protect endangered
the country and raising farmers’ incomes. These forest crops with curated and farmed crops needing
path-breaking legislations will transform agriculture rehabilitation. The Bill will facilitate farmers playing
sector and set farmers free from clutches of middlemen to their competencies and the industry should
and help them overcome other obstacles. NuFFooDS collaborate with them; thereby bringing the benefits
Spectrum spoke to Sanjaya Mariwala, Executive of R&D and bringing improvements systematically to
Chairman and Managing Director, OmniActive Health the farm sector.
Technologies, Mumbai on how these Bills have any
impact on the nutraceutical and nutrition product Will this offer a larger export basket to the
segment and other issues related to the sector. agricultural sector?
Edited excerpts; India’s farm exports even during the pandemic saw
a significant growth of 23 per cent (March-June
The government has introduced the quarter) and this was primarily because of the focus
Agriculture Reform Bill 2020, how will this on healthcare food products. There is a huge demand
Bill impact farmers/ FPOs in India? Do you for nutrient-based health food. India is one of the
think that the Bill will have any impact on the largest agricultural economies in the world and the
nutraceutical and nutrition product segment? nascent, underdeveloped Food and Grocery market of
In the current Bill, there are many positives that will India is the 6th largest globally. Nature-based science
benefit both farmers as well as industry players. This is deep-rooted in India and there is a huge export
will firmly establish the Farmer Producer Organization potential yet to be tapped. Despite 23 per cent growth
(FPOs) model, in turn bringing more farmers together in exports, the overall contribution continues to
and making the sector more organised. Focused remain minuscule, at just about one per cent of Gross
on empowerment and better trade opportunities Domestic Product (GDP). If farmers are getting better
for the farmers, technology will play a great deal returns, they will be incentivised to produce more.
in this success. Digital platforms will facilitate and Direct tie-ups with industry players will play a big role
provide info to the farmers which in turn will facilitate in export contribution as there will be better control
them to explore market opportunities beyond their over the quality and quantity of the produce. This will
peripheries. also add to the acceptability of the products in the
international market.
As far as the nutraceutical industry is concerned,
gains are plenty. It offers many opportunities for the But, let me caution here - this will be practically
farmers/ FPOs to collaborate for contract farming. For possible only when the regulations are revisited
the industry players, directly tying up with farmers will and simplified. It is not always about subsidies; it is
not only assure the quality of the products but will more about eliminating double taxation, providing
also incentivise farmers to scale up in size and return infrastructure by encouraging efficiency, deploying the
both. It will also enable complete traceability of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, streamlining
product, which again is very critical and will further the HSN/ HS (Harmonised Commodity Description and
pave the way to penetrate and deepen our share in Coding System), simplifying regulations, and in turn
making Indian products price competitive.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Q&A 35

Is there a convergence of the food and What are the major factors that play a key role
nutraceutical industry? If yes, please explain in the growth of the food processing sector?
in detail on the opportunities, regulator Indian food processing sector serves as a vital link
scenario and way forward? between the agriculture and industrial segments of
The way I look at nutrition is nothing but an the economy. This strong linkage between the nation’s
amalgamation of clean food, natural medicines, core and the nation’s front is one of India’s key areas of
and advanced technology. So, there is this natural focus to drive economic growth.
convergence.
The preferences of consumers have shifted from
Lately, preventive healthcare has gained long- mere availability to the quality and customisation of
overdue attention. There is a huge demand for nutra the product. Further, today’s consumers are ready to
products and the industry is poised to see double-digit pay the price, and hence it is an incentive for industry
growth for several years now. Multilevel opportunities players to scale up, invest in processes, quality
are available in the nutraceutical space today. Whether standards, and hygiene factors and I feel this is a great
we talk about organic growth encouraging research positive.
a more product development; boost to the related
industries e.g. farming of natural products used as A prominent shift from external food to home-
raw materials, e-commerce specific to nutraceuticals, cooking limiting the consumption of indulgent foods
technology across the value chain; or diverse is also observed during the pandemic. It has created
opportunities for young entrepreneurs and in turn both - market entry opportunities for enhanced/
Venture Capitalists and Private Equity firms; there are novel products and a boost to already existing
tremendous growth opportunities the sector offers. product categories aimed towards improving general
wellness and boosting immunity. This is also an
For any sector to grow to its full potential, opportunity for a segment like ours – nutraceuticals,
regulatory support plays a very critical role. The as the consumption of dietary supplements, foods,
nutraceutical industry in its nascent stage presents and beverages rich in vitamins and naturally boosting
umpteen opportunities for India, be it about immunity products have increased significantly. All
developing domestic markets for making ‘Atmanirbhar these have contributed to the growth of Micro, Small &
Bharat’ or promoting exports for prominently Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well. The focus on this
positioning India on the global map. It is pertinent sector has increased with ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in
that the Government of India undertakes concrete India’ drives. If MSMEs and small units are incentivised,
steps to develop this space. Positioning the industry we are ultimately building a strong supply chain,
as mainstream from merely an alternative, creating a which is very critical for the whole sector to grow and
dedicated desk for nutraceuticals either at the Ministry meet the demand. It is time to look at industry end-to-
of Commerce and at FSSAI or creating a Department end, strengthen the whole value chain, and create a
of Nutraceuticals under the Ministry of Pharma, for cohesive ecosystem.
promoting and streamlining the industry, exports,
encouraging the PPP model to augment research Raelene Kambli
and innovation, revisiting the laws and policies that
are indirectly penalising the industry e.g. the Bio-
diversity Act; these are some of the immediate steps
the regulators should take along with creating policies
around product standardisation and minimising
product adulteration.

The country must leverage its ayurvedic wisdom,
pharmaceuticals knowledge and favourable
agriculture base to stay ahead in product innovation.
Industry players should work on a joint agenda,
develop a code of conduct and a roadmap of where
to compete, and how to make Indian origin products
as the preferred products globally, develop a model
of integrated supply chain capability; from farms to
formulations and distribution. All these will strengthen
India’s position globally, encourage exports, and more
entrepreneurs will be willing to invest in this space.

36 WEBINAR NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

'Food Safety Standards'

“Infested food leads to
nearly 200 kinds of diseases”

Food is the starting point of our energy, health and wellbeing. However we take it for granted that it is
safe. But we are living in a complex and interconnected world. Food chains are growing longer, studied
and it's becoming that much more important in keeping us safe. The way the food is produced, handled
and consumed affects the safety of our food. Food safety is everyone's business as more consumers are
concerned about it.

Access to safe and nutritious food is an essential not rigid and prescribed by the authority. There are 19
requirement for maintaining overall health and regulations, which are very important and must be read
wellbeing. Accordingly, everyone including by everyone interested or working in the food business.
the food business, entire supply chain, distributors, The latest regulation pertains to children, which revolves
and retailers must ensure the safety of the product to around the kind of food sold within the educational
reduce the risk of consumer exposure to contaminated institutions and by small outlets and shops around five
and unsafe food. Such crucial points were discussed kilometres of school premises. This is required to manage
in a recent webinar, 'Food Safety Standards', organized the safety of the students.
by Agrovision Foundation and AgroSpectrum, a sister
publication of NuFFooDS Spectrum on October 5, 2020. Moreover, authorities have meetings in Delhi, once in
three months where scientific updates and changes are
Tackling pesticides issue discussed. Here it is mandatory for all members to attend it.

Dr C D Mayee, Chairman, Advisory Council, Agrovision Dr Methekar further said, "Food safety officers are
Foundation, Nagpur, said that it took five years to the backbone of the initiative. Samples are periodically
formulate the regulations of Food Safety and Standards inspected and the appropriate feedback is then given
Authority of India (FSSAI). Now without this it is not to the food outlet". There are two portals for FSSAI.
possible to register any chemical in the country. "At the Everybody falling under the purview of the FSSAI has to
same time, we have a lot of problems with regard to
pesticides and countries are becoming very strict with
the Maximum Residue Level (MRL). Hence, it’s imperative
that we look at how we can deal with the MRL problem
because it's becoming rigid over the years", he added.

Dr Mayee declared without mincing words, "MRL
shouldn’t be used as a weapon against political
differences between countries where importing nations
reject our exports citing frivolous reasons. Leaders must
talk to the government and policy makers on how we
can solve this issue amicably".

FSSAI plays a vital role

Dr K U Methekar, Deputy Director, FSSAI, Western Region,
Mumbai said that the Act was promulgated in 2006 and
it took nearly five years to get implemented and it was
enforced on August 5, 2011.

The idea is to have the set of standards, be it both
horizontal and vertical. These standards are scientific and

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WEBINAR 37

register online. We also control import of food into India. “We have a lot of
Custom officers are empowered to do the needful in problems with
other places. Licenses have to be given at a short period regard to pesticides
of time. and countries are
becoming very
"FSSAI offers numerous certificate training strict with the Maximum
programmes. Food Safety Training & Certification Residue Level (MRL). Hence,
(FoSTaC) is our specialised training for food safety it’s imperative that we look at how we can deal
officers. FSSAI recommends that all licensed food with the MRL problem because it's becoming
businesses must have at least one trained and certified rigid over the years"
Food Safety Supervisor under FoSTaC for every 25 food
handlers in each premise. You can arrange the training - Dr C D Mayee,
according to your convenience", Dr Methekar added. Chairman, Advisory Council,
Agrovision Foundation, Nagpur
He further said that International Training Center
for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition (ITC-FSAN) has “Right across the supply
completed one year. The facility has been set up by chain ITC ensures
the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in that transportation
partnership with the Export Inspection Council under of edible products
the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India and the are undertaken
Global Food Safety Partnership under the World Bank. in clean and sanitized
trucks and that there are no
“Eat right book has been published by FSSAI. It covers extraneous chemicals stored in the vicinity of
topics on how to take precautions during the pandemic. the consignments".
Smart consumers are all about busting various myths
around food like plastic rice, plastic vegetables etc. - Amit Singh,
Consumers, who have confusion about these topics can Head, Raw Materials, Warehousing and
look it up on our website. FSSAI is expected to ensure
availability of safe and wholesome food for the people Logistics, ITC Ltd, Bengaluru
in India. Therefore, FSSAI has embarked on a large-scale
effort to transform the country. Initiative to improve students in well maintained and hygienic campuses. It
public health and combat negative nutritional trends,” he is imperative for both food operators and consumers to
added have this wonderful knowledge on its website - fssai.gov.
in”, he concluded.
“The FSSAI certifies institutions, which provide
wholesome, nutritious and hygienic food to their Packaging, labelling equally important

Ajith Maitre, Assistant Commissioner, Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Mumbai, described, at length, the
regulation for packaging and labelling.

He said, "The regulatory body is constantly
monitoring food operators and trying to solve the issue
of packaging materials in food items. The issue mainly
pertains to how safe are the packaging materials used
and whether that itself will contribute to contamination
or act as a poor safeguard".

He described the three categories under FSSAI,
namely, the Central License, State License and the
Registration of food operators. Businesses having
turnover of more than Rs 20 crore will fall under the
purview of central authorities. The food businesses
with annual turnover from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore
will fall under the state licenses authorities. Third party
registering authorities, for example, petty food owners,

38 WEBINAR NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“Many people are not will fall under the registering categories.
aware under what The FDA, Maharashtra, issues the licenses to food
circumstances our
packing materials are operators under certain conditions, which shall be
being manufactured, complied at all times and if not done, the license
distributed and stored. of the food business operator will be suspended or
Packaging material like pizza cancelled after giving improvement notice in writing.
boxes, sweet boxes, etc. need to be monitored On serious conditions there is penalty or breach of rules
too and ensured that they are sanitised. We and regulation. Three categories of samples, such as
should encourage manufacturers to use the ‘Substandard’, ‘Misbranded’ and ‘Unsafe’ Food will result
latest products and technology", in prosecution in the court.

- Chandrakant Salunkhe, Positive lessons from the pandemic
President, Founder SME Chamber of India,
Chandrakant Salunkhe, President, Founder SME
PIAI, Mumbai Chamber of India, Packaging Industry Association of
India (PIAI), Mumbai, said that the pandemic has taught
“The training provided us about what to eat, how to eat and most importantly,
by FSATO can be how to eat safely, healthily and sustainably. Describing
imparted to anyone incidents of food safety violations, he said, "We still hear
from the common of cases where people change labels of expired products
person, who eats and resell them, used oil being resold. Such practices
in the street to the street must be stopped immediately and focus should be given
vendors selling food. Big to people’s health".
organizations usually do numerous training
programmes on safety hygiene and quality "We have to encourage and support the
control. So, the focus should be more on the packaging industry. Many people are not aware under
unorganized sector, which is a large segment". what circumstances our packing material is being
manufactured, distributed and stored. Packaging
- Mahesh Prajapati, material like pizza boxes, sweet boxes, etc. need to be
Head of Training, Food Safety Awareness & monitored too and ensured that they are sanitased.
Training Organization, FSATO, Ahmedabad We should encourage manufacturers to use the latest
products and technology", added Salunkhe.
“FSSAI offers numerous
certificate training He felt that packaging, labelling and all related areas
programmes. Food should also be bought under the radar of FDA and FSSAI.
Safety Training & Moreover, food vendors must be educated on how
Certification (FoSTaC) to extend shelf life of products by using appropriate
is our specialised training packaging.
for food safety officers. FSSAI
recommends that all licensed food businesses MRLs: Unwelcome obstacle
must have at least one trained and certified
Food Safety Supervisor under FoSTaC for Vinod Kaul, Executive Director, All India Rice Exporters
every 25 food handlers in each premise". Association (AIREA), New Delhi, said, "The export
parameter ensures that we send quality rice to other
- Dr K U Methekar, countries. Here we have a mandate to counsel, guide
Deputy Director, FSSAI, and inform the members about sanitary, regulatory and
Western Region, Mumbai other requirements in the importing countries".

"Currently there are issues of food safety because
any food, which is infested with bacteria, virus or toxins
etc. lead to nearly 200 kinds of diseases resulting in
deaths and damage to the economy resulting in losses
amounting to billions of dollars. Therefore food safety is
most important today", he added.

Kaul said “Although AIREA is not a commercial
organization, still it is keeping its members informed
of what are the current regulations in India and about
compliance parameters. FSSAI has set up various MRLs

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WEBINAR 39

“The regulatory body is “Currently there are
constantly monitoring issues of food safety
food operators and because any food,
trying to solve the which is infested
issue of packaging with bacteria, virus or
materials in food items. toxins etc. lead to nearly 200
The issue mainly pertains to kinds of diseases resulting in
how safe are the packaging materials used deaths and damage to the economy resulting
and whether that itself will contribute to in losses amounting to billions of dollars.
contamination or act as a poor safeguard". Therefore food safety is most important today".

- Ajith Maitre, - Vinod Kaul,
Assistant Commissioner, Food and Drug Executive Director, All India Rice Exporters

Administration, Mumbai Association (AIREA), New Delhi

for various substances. Many other countries are now storage of milk, meat and other highly perishable items.
replicating the stringent MRLs followed by the European Special level caters to milk, meat, and storage aspects.
Union (EU).”
Prajapati further said, "The latest guideline to be
Describing the ground realities, Kaul added, "When imparted by FSSAI is that every single food safety
we follow such stringent norms, there are compliance supervisor has to handle 25 vendors as down liners
costs to the exporters. We have been holding training to whom he has to train and monitor. This is a very
programmes with farmers on use of pesticides. We take much appreciated move and it is introducing food
the assistance of Indian Agricultural Research Institute safety culture. It’s imperative that we make everyone
(IARI) and scientists from agriculture universities to get responsible for food safety. Currently, adulteration is
the latest update". the biggest problem followed by radioactivity in areas,
which can contaminate food, which is very dangerous if
"We also have a Basmati Rice Foundation located it gets passed on to food".
in Meerut, which supports us. We try to generate
awareness not only amongst the farmers, who are in the Successful implementation of protocols
first stage and where all kinds of infestations start but
we also get into the end product. So our role is to guide Amit Singh, Head, Raw Materials, Warehousing and
the exporters on the latest requirements of any new Logistics, ITC Ltd, Bengaluru, elucidated the protocols
and emerging developments that take place around the followed by ITC and how that has helped maintain food
world", he concluded. safety parameters to the utmost level possible, building
further confidence in ITC products and brand image.
Training the unorganized sector
He revealed, "Right across the supply chain ITC
Mahesh Prajapati, Head of Training, Food Safety ensures that transportation of edible products are
Awareness & Training Organization (FSATO), Ahmedabad, undertaken in clean and sanitized trucks and that there
explained the role of his organization, a training wing are no extraneous chemicals stored in the vicinity of the
approved by the FSSAI. consignments. Another key element was that storage
locations are not near any hazardous industrial plants.
He said, "The training provided by FSATO can be The latest aspect of ‘radioactive’ influence on foods has
imparted to anyone from the common person, who been also added to the list of safe food monitoring".
eats in the street to the street vendors selling food. Big
organizations usually do numerous training programmes Looking ahead
on safety hygiene and quality control. So, the focus
should be more on the unorganized sector, which is a In his closing remarks, Dr Mayee recommended that
large segment". many relevant training aspects of food safety need to
be included in the syllabus of Agriculture Universities
He added that his team has conducted 1200 training so that students passing out of these institutions will be
courses across the length and breadth of India with well versed with not just the prevalent food safety issues,
excellent response and feedback from the participants. but also the current regulations of FSSAI governing
them.
There are three kinds of training courses, the first
basic course, which is of four hours duration. The second Nitesh Pillai
is the advanced training for managers and the third is [email protected]
the special level, which gives training on handling and

40 FSSAI INITIATIVE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Is your child’s school
an Eat Right School?

As parents, most of us are worried about our children’s health and future. Ultimately, they are the ones who
will create the future of our country and the planet. So how do we make sure that our children eat right?

Poor eating habits impact not only the physical, completion of the same, any student/teacher/parent can
but also the mental and cognitive development of be certified as a Health & Wellness Coordinator for their
children and hence their learning outcomes. Unsafe schools.
and unhealthy food can lower their immunity and their
health later in life. Schools are well poised to promote Healthy eating practices are encouraged like adding
lifelong healthy habits, as students spend an average fruits, healthy local and seasonal snacks (makhana, nuts,
of 6-8 hours every day in schools and are strongly puffed rice, millets etc.) and healthy beverages (water,
influenced by peers and teachers. coconut water, lassi, nimbu paani etc.) and green leafy
vegetables in tiffin.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI) has put together the ‘Eat Right School’ A school that fulfills the given set of criteria as
programme under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and defined in the matrix will be recognised for its efforts
Family Welfare to create a safe, healthy and sustainable through the Eat Right School certification by FSSAI.
food environment for school children through an
interactive learning model. This programme is aligned Several resources have been created to support
with the School Health Programme under Ayushman schools to carry out this programme.
Bharat- a healthcare programme by the Government of
India- and has several interesting features. (I) The Yellow Books I & II: These resource books are
developed specifically for school children from grades
The Eat Right School Matrix has been conceptualized 1-8 with age appropriate and scientifically credible
by FSSAI as a monitoring and evaluation tool to assist content on healthy habits. These are available in 11
in creating a safe and wholesome environment from languages (English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi,
childhood. This matrix is an amalgamation of the pre- Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali & Assamese
requisites and desirables that each and every school on www.fssai.gov.in/eatrightschool. The English
must incorporate in their management and teaching
practices. The matrix has three sections, which judge
performance of the school based on (A) Curricular
& Co-Curricular Inclusion, (B) Alignment with WASH
Programme/ Swachh Vidalaya Scheme, (C) School Health
Programme and Nutrition Programmes.

There are scores attached to each section on the
matrix and based on these scores, the schools are then
awarded with a certificate and recognition as an Eat
Right School. As of date more than 35,000 schools have
been registered on the Eat Right School Portal (https://
fssai.gov.in/eatrightschool/) and the aim is to convert
them into Eat Right Schools.

Health and Wellness Teams, certified by FSSAI,
have been created in schools to drive the programme.
Students, teachers as well as parents can be a part of this
‘Sehat Team’ and engage children in various co-curricular
activities about safe food, healthy and balanced
diet. FSSAI has created a training module and upon

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FSSAI INITIATIVE 41

“The key objective of the Eat Right School programme is to create an
enabling environment in schools so that children can have access to
safe and healthy food. The Food Authority has recently finalized Food
Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children)
Regulations, 2019 that will ensure nourishing and wholesome food to
the school children by not allowing any food item that is high in fat, salt and
sugar, to be sold and advertised within school premises as well as in an area
within 50 meters radius of the school gates. Each school will have a certified Health and Wellness
Coordinator and will be supervised regularly by the State/ Municipal Authorities.”

- Arun Singhal, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, New Delhi

version is also available on DIKSHA - National Teacher’s eatrightschool. For example, children can put glitter on
Platform, created by the Ministry of Human Resource their hand and touch various surfaces to see the spread
Development (MHRD) for teachers across India. of germs. These activities may be a part of teaching the
concepts of food safety, hygiene and nutrition.
(II) Training Manual: A teacher training manual has
also been developed to give an in-depth understanding (IV) Lesson Plan Booklet for class 3-10 – provide
of the concepts on food safety and nutrition. This detailed information to teachers on how to teach
content can be integrated into the curriculum used students in a fun way to conduct different tests to check
for Teacher Training programmes. Using the content, food adulteration.
a network of Master Trainers has been created to
disseminate training programmes across India. This (V) Eat Right School Portal: A user friendly and
manual comprising of 7 modules has been designed comprehensive online portal has been created for
to provide guidelines to trainers, who have undergone school registration, creation and certification of Health &
formal training/degree in Home Science, Food Science, Wellness teams, and access to many activities under the
Food Technology and Nutrition. The basic objective of Eat Right School programme.
this manual is to revise the core concepts and principles
underlying nutrition, hygiene, and food safety. The Engaging children
trainer in turn will teach students the significance of safe
wholesome food and its relation to health in their day to Going beyond the curricular scope, schools are
day life by inculcating the principles underlying health, encouraged to conduct interactive activities and games
hygiene and nutrition. It is proposing a 360 degree created and available in The Yellow Books and The
approach to food safety and healthy nutrition to prevent Activity Book to learn and build right eating habits.
food borne infections and diseases and for complete One such large-scale activity is the Eat Right Creativity
nutrition for citizen everywhere at all time in India. Challenge.

(III) Activity Book: A fun-filled activity book has The Eat Right Creativity Challenge was
been designed to teach and reinforce the message conceptualised by FSSAI as a part of Mahatma Gandhi’s
of safe and nutritious food. Along with these, many 150th birth anniversary celebrations to inculcate healthy
activities are hosted on the website www.fssai.gov.in/ eating habits by unleashing the creativity of students.
The challenge included a poster-making competition,
wall-art and other creative showcases for students across
India on themes of eating safe, eating healthy and eating
sustainably.

The creativity challenge has been widely
appreciated and welcomed by most schools and over
75100 students participated through 3621 schools
in Phase 1 making it a huge success. The second
phase of this challenge will take place from October
16 to December 16, 2020. The Challenge, this year
will comprise of various competitions in two broad
categories, namely- Eat Right Poster Competition and
Eat Right Photography Competition and the theme
of the competition is ‘Eat Safe, Eat Healthy’ and ‘Food
Safety during COVID 19’.

FSSAI team

42 FOOD HYGIENE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Devising hygiene
policies for food
manufacturing plants

Raghav Gupta, Amidst the backdrop of COVID-19 and due to a greater sensitivity to issues of
food allergies, food manufacturers and processors need to be even more mindful
Director, Kanchan Metals, and meet the highest standards of food safety and hygiene in their facilities.
New Delhi

The current global pandemic has necessitated Microbiological control in the environment at the plant
observance of health and safety protocols in almost can be made possible through separation of employees
every industry. After hospitals, it is now the food working in the raw and cooked areas. This is ensured by
and beverage manufacturing that is most susceptible to separating the entrance to the plant for employees as well
being infected in huge numbers if the safety guidelines as isolating lunchrooms, restrooms and locker.
aren’t followed religiously. This industry is the most critical
area for maintaining hygiene. It is essential to know the Equipment hygiene
potential contamination sources, different zones within
food manufacturing plants, the installation and the Maintaining good hygiene practices and following
environment in which they operate. sanitation guidelines is easily possible with state-of-the-
art cleaning technology. Fully comprehensive industrial
Good hygiene policies and practices for the personnel hygiene solutions are the perfect answer to all production
deployed at the food plants serve as the foundation areas exposed to the risk of contamination. The hygiene
for successful food safety and quality assurance in food equipment comprising hygiene systems and stations
manufacturing facilities. Plant personnel are important maintain a clean and sterile work environment fulfilling
reservoirs and vectors of micro-organisms, foreign sanitary needs at every stage of the production process.
materials and chemical residues. They can, thus, be a source These also guarantee optimal personnel hygiene at the
of contamination of products at the food facility. food plants. Touch-free smart handwashing unit controls
the washing and soaping time by adjusting the dispensing
No manufacturer or processor can cut corners volume of water and soap to meet World Health
when it comes to keeping the food processing and Organisation safety guidelines.
manufacturing equipment clean. Whether building a new
food manufacturing plant, expanding, upgrading or simply Designs on Food Safety
maintaining a plant, a sound sanitary design of the plant
and equipment is an effective food safety strategy that a Measures such as cross-functional training of the workforce
company can have in place. Incorporating sanitary design in sanitary facility and equipment design improves and
can help prevent the development of microbiological enhances the evaluation of the existing equipment and
niches, facilitate cleaning, increase product shelf life and plant structure. It also facilitates improvements and
enhance product safety by reducing chances of a potential expansion. Training courses or available literature can help
foodborne illness. accomplish this.

Facility site Just like materials used for the construction of the plant
shell, materials for the inside of the plant also varies in
It is important that a food facility be located close to durability and cost. Multiple things need to be considered
resources such as labour, raw materials, transportation, such as the product and associated risk, dry or wet cleaning,
fuel and cleaning services. Areas that are prone to and harshness of the process like extreme temperatures.
contamination due to landfills, refineries or chemical plants
should be strictly avoided. For new and modified facilities Materials for floors, walls and ceilings can be cleaned
both, the grounds must be inspected and maintained to more conveniently, are non-porous and resistant to process
minimize the possibility of contamination. The grounds will conditions and chemicals.
be graded and marked for drainage so that no flooding or
water clogging occurs. Employing the right equipment helps keep the food
plant hygienic and also makes the process of sanitizing a
lot easier, especially important for product protection.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PACKAGING 43

Need deeper
penetration for
food packaging

Since people are still observing social distancing measures, therefore most of Amrinder Singh,
the edible items are purchased online not only in metro cities but also in small
Director, Bonn Group
cities. This will further see a rise in packaging sector. of Industries, Ludhiana

The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent unlock development of anti-counterfeit solution in packaging.
phases have seen a major shift in the buying patterns Another trend, which is expected is development of
from consumers. There has been seen a major rise e-packaging, in which minimum manhandling is involved
in the demand of packaged food products like biscuits, and product reaches the customer with minimum touch.
breads, cakes and other snacking options as mostly
consumers are working from home and these kinds of food Eco-friendly flexible packaging
items are meeting all their demands. Even the definition of
essential food items has changed within couple of months In the immediate future, packaging technology will be so
from basic food to snacking and munching items. flexible that people will buy packed rice and wheat, which
will be much healthier, compared to lose ones. Today with
As many restaurants are closed and people are barrier nano-coating technology in flexible packaging, the
still skeptical about ordering food from outside, these thickness has significantly reduced, resulting in far lesser
packaged food items have come as a rescue for preparing amount of plastics used.
many dishes at home and sometimes improvising them
too. Overall, the average purchase value per customer has Not only that the flexible packaging is an advantage
gone up in this quarter after facing a dud in the first two for easy e-commerce as products have become lighter,
quarters. thereby cutting down the freight bills. Companies have
been moving from rigid packaging such as containers,
Why packaged food is best? duplex cartons or bottles to eco-friendly flexible packaging.
Loose-selling products such as salt, atta, sugar or other
In India, majority of people still prefer unpacked food major staples are being moved to flexible packaging. In
but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed this developed markets in US and Europe, there is nothing,
preference and slowly and steadily we have seen a shift which is being sold loose. So, there is a need of deeper
towards packaged food in tier 3 cities too. The packaged penetration of packaging and higher adoption of packed
food reaches the consumer in protected packs and with products in our country.
minimum handling. Packaged food also offers ease of
identification, and reduces the risk of adulteration and Moreover, it has been seen that flexible packaging
wastage due to spillage. Even packaged foods meet all could be easily recycled. Technologies are enabling the
the food standards and are fortified. The future may also monolayer and multilayer plastics such as a combination
see a surge in development of antimicrobial packaging for of polyester, metallised layers, polyethylene and
processed foods. Since social distancing will be new social polypropylene to get recycled. The government is also
norm, in near future people may avoid crowded places coming up with favourable policies to promote recyclability
like restaurants and cafeterias and will prefer take away and sustainability. The process of framing policies on bio-
or packed food leading to an increase in packaging for degradable plastics is ongoing.
cooked food.
There is an active public campaign in India towards
Rise of e-packaging sustainability. Industry is investing in recycling
technologies for ensuring sustainability. Post recycling, the
Since people are still observing social distancing measures, multi-layer plastics could be used to make roads, crates,
therefore most of the edible items are purchased online dividers, furniture etc. For instance, Noida based Montage
not only in metro cities but also in small cities. This will has developed bio-degradable packaging, which if littered
further see a rise in packaging sector and will also boost and comes in contact with soil, attracts more bacteria and
converts the pack into a biomass.

44 PEOPLE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Palash Aggrawal joins LT Diageo India
Foods as Group Head HR
names Pradeep
Gurugram based LT Foods has announced the appointment
of Palash Aggrawal as Group Head- Human Resource (HR). Jain as CFO
Aggrawal is an industry veteran with three decades of HR
leadership experience across diverse industry segments. In his Diageo India, incorporated in India as United
previous roles, Aggrawal was instrumental in designing and Spirits, has announced key management
implementing strategic people management initiatives across changes with Pradeep Jain, Vice President,
Commercial Finance elevated to Chief
various sectors. He also Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 1,
brings in a strong blend 2020. Sanjeev Churiwala, who was serving
of domain knowledge as Executive Director and Chief Financial
and hands on experience Officer, Diageo India and Chairman, Royal
in business HR, change Challengers Sports, has taken up the
management, culture position of Finance Director APAC and will be
building, leadership based in Singapore. Jain joined Diageo India
development, employee in April 2017 and has nearly three decades
engagement and talent of experience in leadership positions across
management. Prior reputed organizations. Prior to joining
to joining LT Foods, Diageo India, Jain was
Aggrawal was heading the CFO for Pidilite
the HR function at Grupo Industries. He has
Bimbo (India) where spent 20 years at
he was responsible for PepsiCo, working
integration of Grupo extensively in
Bimbo’s culture with the acquired Indian organization and the areas of
implemented global people policies and practices like talent financial planning
management, organisation structure and defining grades and and analysis,
levels, compensation and benefit policies etc. He has worked commercial and
with companies like Ester Industries Ltd., NEC India, R-Systems supply finance
amongst others. operations.

Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan passes away

Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister the seventh Lok Sabha in 1980 and
for Consumer Affairs, Food and eighth Lok Sabha in 1984. He was
Public Distribution passed away re-elected to ninth Lok Sabha in
on October 8, 2020. Paswan was 1989 and was appointed as Union
elected to 16th Lok Sabha in 2014 Minister for Labour and Welfare.
and served as Minister of Consumer In 1996, he became Minister for
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Railways and continued to hold the
In 2019, Paswan was elected to post till 1998. Thereafter, he served
Rajya Sabha and continued to serve as Minister for Communications
in the same position. Paswan was from October 1999 to September,
elected to Bihar State Legislative 2001 when he was made Minister of
assembly in 1969 as a member of Coal and Mines, the portfolio he held
Samyukta Socialist Party. Thereafter, till April 2002. After 2004 Lok Sabha
he was elected as a member of elections, Paswan joined the United
the sixth Lok Sabha from Hajipur Progressive Alliance Government
constituency in 1977 by a record and was made Minister of Chemicals
margin. Paswan was re-elected to and Fertilizers and Minister of Steel.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS 45

James Joseph wins National
Startup Award 2020

In order to appreciate based in Kochi received an Harsimrat Kaur
entrepreneurs and innovation award in the food category.
in the country, the government The startup is an initiative to Badal resigns from
organised its first national create an organized market for
startups awards where a Indian jackfruits, 80 per cent of Union Cabinet
number of startups from 12 which is reported to be wasted
different sectors received every year. Joseph has over 20 Harsimrat Kaur Badal has resigned
the national award from years of manufacturing, sales from the Ministry of Food Processing
commerce minister Piyush and marketing experience Industries, soon after the two bills aimed
Goyal. James Joseph, founder in India, North America, and at transforming agriculture in the country
of the startup Jackfruit 365 Europe with globally reputed and raising farmers’ income were passed
organizations like Microsoft, by Lok Sabha on September 17, 2020.
3M and Ford. In his last role According to her twitter account, Badal
as the Director, Executive has resigned in protest against anti-
Engagement at Microsoft farmer ordinances and legislation. The
India, he was responsible for Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce
strengthening Microsoft’s (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020
relationship with the senior seeks to provide for the creation of an
executives of top 200 ecosystem where the farmers and traders
enterprises in India. Prior to enjoy the freedom of choice relating to
this role, he was responsible sale and purchase of farmers' produce,
for the manufacturing industry while the Farmers (Empowerment and
marketing for Microsoft UK. Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance
and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to
HCCB makes Neeraj provide for a national framework on
Garg new chief farming agreements that protects and
empowers farmers to engage with agri-
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has named Neeraj Garg, business firms, processors, wholesalers,
currently president of the global beverage maker’s West Africa exporters or large retailers for farm
business, as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Garg was named services and sale of future farming
to the West Africa role in March 2019. He previously served as produce. Further, as advised by the Prime
general manager, New Growth Portfolio, for the Minister, the President has directed that
Turkey, Caucasus and Central Asia business Narendra Singh Tomar, Cabinet Minister,
unit, based in Istanbul. He was responsible be assigned the charge of the Ministry of
for leading and maximizing the profitable Food Processing Industries, in addition to
development of new-growth platforms and his existing portfolios.
future-ready capabilities. Garg
joined Coca-Cola in India in
1994 and went on to hold a
variety of leadership roles
both with the company and
its Bottling Investments
Group (BIG). Prior to
joining Coca-Cola, Garg
worked with Procter &
Gamble India for six
years in several roles.

46 ACADEMIC NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Tocklai Tea Research IIFPT
Institute sets up new lab
announces
The Tocklai Tea Research Institute, based in Jorhat, Assam has received Rs 3.39
crore from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) to upgrade the technology

analytical facilities at the institute for setting transfer to
up a food testing laboratory. This is intended
to be the first laboratory of its kind in Assam, industry
which will cater to the long-standing need
for quality assurance in a wide range of food The Indian Institute
items. The new upgraded lab at Tocklai will of Food Processing
have provision to test besides tea, other agri- Technology (IIFPT) in
horticultural products like cereals, pulses, Thanjavur has transferred
spices, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables as some of its technologies
well as drinking water for the benefit of to the industry for
the consumers as well as producers of the commercial benefit.
region. The parameters to be tested are basic Technological know-
food values, as per product label, residues how on integrated
and contaminants as per the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India onion processing unit,
requirements and Indian Standards. Thus consumers would be assured genuine puffing machine for rice
and safe food and producers, value for products. and millets, moringa
leaves separator, mobile
IIT-D wins BIG grant for processing unit and
safe water storage container solar hybrid dryer have
been transferred to
A team of students at the Indian AqCure polymer masterbatch or two companies, VD
Institute of Technology, Delhi polymers compounded with active Engineers in Chennai
(IIT-D) has developed a range nano-copper granules based on and Envirotec Engineers
of antimicrobial i.e. antiviral, different carrier polymers are also (India) in Hyderabad. The
antibacterial and antifungal water available, which can be used in companies have been
storage containers and launched polymer molding and extrusion awarded formal license for
it as AqCure, which is based on the operations to make the final products the purpose. Since there
inherent antimicrobial properties antimicrobial. The concept has won is a huge demand for
of copper. AqCure is a patented the Biotechnology Ignition Grant technologies developed
technology in which active nano- (BIG), sponsored by the Department by IIPFT, the government
copper is released in a sustainable of Biotechnology (DBT). is promoting micro food
manner from a polymer matrix. entrepreneurs across the
The released copper makes the country. The industry-
outer and inner surface of the academia partnership
container antimicrobial, reducing will cater to the needs
transmission of microbes upon of the food industry
direct contact, and making the by promoting viable
stored water microbiologically safe. technologies for their
AqCure water storage containers are sustainability.
available in different size variants
from 700 ml office bottles to 1-liter
refrigerator bottles to be used
at homes to 10-20-liter bubble
tops and cans used for storage
and distribution of potable water.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in R&D NEWS 47

Osmania University CMFRI earns
devises disease control
strategies for rice patent for anti-

A team of researchers at the Centre for Plant Molecular diabetic nutraceutical
Biology (CPMB), Osmania University, Hyderabad is working
to identify and develop few molecules, which are derived A patent has been granted to Kochi based
from either the Xoo bacterium or from the infected rice Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
cell walls. The team is developing new disease control (CMFRI) for an invention entitled- A process
strategies, which they can use as vaccines that activate the to prepare anti-diabetic concentrates from
rice immune system and provide resistance to rice plants seaweeds and a product thereof
from subsequent infections by pathogens. Xanthomonas (Patent Number 346531) for the
oryzaepv. oryzae, or commonly known as Xoo infection, term of 20 years. Cadalmin ADe
cause huge yield losses to rice cultivation throughout the is an anti-diabetic nutraceutical,
world. Treatment of rice with cellulase, a cell wall degrading which is effective to combat
enzyme secreted by Xoo induces rice immune responses type-2 diabetes. It contains
and protects rice from subsequent infections by Xoo. The 100 per cent natural marine
team carried out biochemical and functional studies on bioactive ingredients extracted
plant cell wall degrading enzymes secreted by Xoo, which from selected seaweeds.
has provided key insights into the mechanisms by which the The bioactive ingredients in
Xoo pathogen interacts with rice plant and cause disease. Cadalmin ADe competitively
inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-
IV and tyrosine phosphatase
1B. The active ingredients
of the product decreases
production of various
mediators responsible for inducing
type-2 diabetes, and interfere with the
release of simple sugars from the gut, which
reduces postprandial hyperglycemia thereby
hindering the occurrence of type-2 diabetes.
The technology has been transferred to Pioneer
Pharmaceuticals in Kochi for commercial
production and marketing.

IIT-D studies growth processes of spring wheat

Scientists from the Indian Institute The scientists found that elevated Mt (15 per cent) over 1980 levels. In
of Technology in Delhi (IIT-D) carbon dioxide levels in the contrast, rising temperatures have
in collaboration with scientists atmosphere, irrigation, and reduced production by 13 Mt (18
from the University of Illinois nitrogen fertilizers have increased per cent). These effects vary across
and the Indian Agricultural wheat production by 22 Mt (30 per the country, thereby affecting
Research Institute, New Delhi, cent), 8.47 Mt (12 per cent), 10.63 production at regional scales.
have developed a new model to The IIT-D team plans to use this
study the growth processes of model to study such competing
spring wheat, a staple food for effects of different climate factors
millions in India and the world. on production of crops in India as
They used this model to study well as evaluate the effectiveness
how environmental factors and of different crop management
land management practices have practices to mitigate the negative
affected spring wheat production effects of climate change on food
in India over the last four decades. security.

48 R&D NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

IPFT makes PAU develops beetroot
disinfectant powder as natural colorant
for vegetables
and fruits The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has developed
beetroot powder as a natural colorant. According to the researchers,
Gurugram based Institute the usage of beetroot powder in cakes, cookies, breads and doughnuts
of Pesticide Formulation results in significant improvement in nutritional parameters like protein,
Technology (IPFT), under the fibre, phenols, flavonoids and betalains, thus, subsequently increasing the
Department of Chemicals & antioxidant potential of these products. The research team has entered into
Petrochemicals, Ministry of an agreement with Dhwani’s Vegan Valley in Ludhiana,
Chemicals & Fertilizers has for commercialization of this technology. The betalain
developed a disinfectant spray content in developed functional foods was found to
to remove pesticide residues be 601 mg/100 g in cake, 242 mg/100 g in cookies, 258
leftover on the surface mg/100 g in bread and 287 mg/100 g in doughnuts,
of fruits and vegetables. whereas, per cent increase of 120, 106, 30 and 23
Sometimes non-judicious uses per cent was observed in antioxidant activity of
of pesticides contaminate products supplemented with beetroot powder when
raw vegetables and fruits compared to control samples. This technology has
as pesticide residues persist been developed jointly by Dr Navjot Kaur, Assistant
on their surface and can Professor, Food and Nutrition and Dr Kiran Grover,
cause health risk upon Senior Extension Specialist, in collaboration with Dr Poonam A Sachdev,
consumption. To make fruits Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, PAU.
and vegetables 100 per cent
safe for human consumption, IIT-M designs sustainable
IPFT has developed a water- anti-bacterial food wrapper
based formulation. The
decontamination procedure A team of scientists at the Indian uniform thickness and good clarity.
using the formulation is Institute of Technology, Madras The polymers used are approved
simple; vegetables or fruits (IIT-M) has developed a sustainable by the United States Food and
are soaked in the diluted antimicrobial wrapping material Drug Administration (FDA). The
solution of this formulation that can tackle two major antibacterial agent selected is also
for 15-20 minutes thereafter problems - prevent packaged food approved by the food authority for
rinsed with fresh water. IPFT contamination by bacteria as well as consumption and includes eugenol,
has been working towards the reduce the plastic waste generated chlorogenic acid, betanin, curcumin
development of safer, efficient in the environment when disposing and gallic acid, among others. These
and environment-friendly the wrappers. This biodegradable compounds are used regularly in
pesticide formulations. food wrapper has an in-built anti- Indian food and are known to possess
bacterial compound and is safe for antibacterial, antioxidant and many
consumption. The IIT-M team was other beneficial bioactivities.
recently awarded the Gandhian
Young Technological Innovation
(GYTI) Appreciation 2020 for their
project. The researchers have also
filed for an Indian patent. The films
developed by the team were made
with polymeric blends containing
starch, polyvinyl alcohol, cyclic beta
glycans (CBG). The composition was
optimised to achieve the best film
with a smooth texture, flexibility,

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS 49

PerkinElmer launches ELISA assay for food testing

PerkinElmer has launched the Solus immune systems. The PerkinElmer specificity and convenience,
Listeria monocytogenes ELISA Solus L. mono assay detects these especially for geographic regions
Assay. This new offering will help harmful bacteria with accuracy, whose regulations require separate
high throughput food processors reporting for L. mono. The new Solus
and contract labs focus on L. mono L. mono assay, joins PerkinElmer’s
testing for food and environmental foodborne pathogen portfolio
surface samples. Though Listeria including the wider spectrum
makes fewer people sick than other Solus One Listeria assay, Solus One
foodborne pathogens, the presence Salmonella, and Solus E. coli O157
of the bacteria is more pervasive ELISA. These innovations are part of
and Listeriosis carries a 20-30 per the company’s broader food safety
cent mortality rate if contracted and quality solutions for grain, dairy,
by pregnant women, those over meats, produce, edible oils, seafood,
65, or people with compromised and cannabis.

Akay develops Sami-Sabinsa makes
spiceuticals to hair serum formulation
alleviate menopausal with natural ingredients
discomforts
Bengaluru based Sami-Sabinsa has recently reported a clinical
Fenugreek used as a spice throughout the study on its patented hair serum formulation that was found to
world to enhance the unique flavour qualities significantly improve hair fall and thinning. The study, an open-
of foods, has received great attention as label clinical trial, evaluated the efficacy and safety of Sami-
a medicinal herb with many interesting Sabinsa’s hair serum in healthy adult male and female subjects.
health beneficial effects to human beings, The serum, a multi-patented composition of amla extract,
especially under conditions related to freeze-dried coconut water (cococin), and the micronutrient
hormonal balance. Recent studies have selenium (PeptiSeLect) along with sandalwood and peanut
explored the beneficial effects of a novel and shell extract, was evaluated in 42 subjects for a period of
patented composition of fenugreek extract 90 days. Apart from self and dermatological assessment,
(FenuSMART) developed by Cochin based TrichoScan, an instrument and software-based tool, was
Akay-Spiceuticals, in menopausal discomforts used to quantitatively assess the hair growth. A noticeable
at a relatively low dosage. As per the research, improvement was observed in hair growth rate and hair
the supplementation at 250mg twice a day density, while hair fall and thinning were significantly reduced
of FenuSMART for six weeks significantly at the end of 90 days. With continuous application of the test
improved the vasomotor symptoms and product, a 57 per cent reduction in breakage of hair and 81 per
depression with a healthy hormonal balance cent reduction in hair fall were observed by the dermatologist,
without any adverse effects or affecting the while the TrichoScan analysis revealed significant improvement
clinical safety parameters in perimenopausal in hair density and growth.
women at the investigational dosage.
Another study has also shown the efficacy
of FenuSMART in alleviating the problems
related to post menopause with an overall all
modulation of the hormonal concentrations
towards a balance. The study was funded
by Akay Natural Ingredients as a part of the
research programme for the development
of Spiceuticals, the nutraceutical ingredients
from spices.

50 SUPPLIER NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | November 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Siegwerk develops deinking
technology for PET bottles

Siegwerk has developed a Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Neogen
proprietary washable ink technology the national trade association of the
that enables deinking of UV/LED- US plastics recycling industry, that introduces
printed PET shrink sleeves allowing meets its guidelines for the quality
for a recycling of the sleeve along improvement of recycled PET bottles. improved test
with PET bottles. The technology Siegwerk’s primer technology works
has been accredited as the first with SICURA UV/LED flexo ink series for gluten
UV/LED solution of its kind by the and offers good block resistance, as
well as grease, oil, and heat resistance. Neogen Corporation has
It enables recycling of PET sleeves launched an improved
along with the PET bottles without test that rapidly detects
the need of separating bottles and gluten in food products,
sleeves before. The sleeved bottles raw ingredients, and
are grinded resulting in a mixture environmental samples.
of PET bottle material and printed Neogen's new Reveal 3-D
PET shrink sleeve material, which for Gluten screens samples
is washed in a hot caustic (alkali) at 5 parts per million (ppm)
washing step. Here, the primer gluten in just 5 minutes.
dissolves, the ink washes off and The new test streamlines
leaves the clear substrate but does the testing procedure,
not contaminate the wash water nor simplifying the experience for
the PET film meeting requirements of the user. In addition, Reveal
APR testing protocol. 3-D for Gluten now offers
the capability of extracting
Tetra Pak receives certification and testing food product
for tubular heat exchangers and ingredient samples, in
addition to environmental
The Tetra Pak Tubular Heat Exchanger equipment has become the first tubular samples and clean-in-place
heat exchanger to receive the European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (CIP) rinses. Reveal 3-D for
(EHEDG) certification meeting the leading food safety standards in Europe, in Gluten offers the option of a
accordance with new standards. Tubular specialized buffer that can be
Heat Exchangers are used for the heating used to extract and test food
and cooling of liquid food, so they are safe samples directly, while not
for consumption. The Heat Exchanger is the sacrificing the time to result,
most critical component in a processing and maximizing efficiency
line as it is the hottest part during heat for users of the test. This test
treatment and where fouling is most likely maintains a three-line test
to occur. Therefore, innovation advances format, including an overload
in hygienic engineering and design are detection system designed to
key to consistently meet increasing food ensure highly positive samples
safety demands. Tubular Heat Exchangers are accurately reported.
are used to process liquid dairy products, beverages, and infant formula as well
as many other food applications. The frame, tubes and other component parts
of the heat exchanger are specifically assembled to allow for easy dismantling
and rebuilding. This makes it possible to customise the heat exchanger for
different recipes, capacities, and to run different products. More than 27,000
Tetra Pak heat exchangers are installed around the world.