NuFFooDS Spectrum April 2021

Website: www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
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4 EDITORIAL NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Food warriors descend

Dr Milind Kokje
Chief Editor

Imagine a soldier equipped with various tech gadgets, At the lab level, FSSAI has also created a web-based
but without weapons and helmets, descending upon system to create a network of food labs in the country.
a food business for inspection. Actually, there’s no Last year it also introduced 30 rapid food testing kits for
need to imagine, as very soon such 'food soldiers' will six food categories for more efficient testing of foods.
inspect the food business operators (FBOs). The Food FSSAI is taking various steps at different levels and in
Safety Officers (FSOs) will appear in a new ‘avatar’ different areas to improve its food testing system and
with smart jackets. The Food Safety and Standards surely has made a lot of headway in that direction. Still,
Authority of India (FSSAI) appears to have embarked a lot needs to be done on different fronts like having
upon more technology-driven food inspections. In more labs, more people, more equipment.
collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion
Technology (NIFT), it has designed the smart jacket. Two years back, a parliamentary committee, in its
Over 4000 such jackets will soon be distributed to report, had appointed out that there was a shortage of
FSOs in different states. laboratories, manpower and testing equipment. Though
there were 266 laboratories in the country, many lacked
The jackets are expected to serve a dual purpose. facilities to test essential parameters. Also, the number
Not only will it be a mark of professional identity for of cancelled registrations was less compared to the
FSOs, it will also help in tech-aided inspections. incidences of food adulteration. Only 13 of the 62 state
It will limit cross-contamination during sampling food labs had National Accreditation Board for Testing
and examination. The jacket will hold devices like and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation then.
smartphones, tablets etc. and will have provisions for The inadequacies in our food testing systems become
a pocket camera, RFID tag and QR code, which will apparent when the recent example of honey testing is
be helpful for tracking the visits of FSOs and other quoted. Honey produced under some prominent brand
items commonly carried by FSOs like gloves, sample names passed through the Indian labs. But a German lab
containers. It is expected to enhance efficiency, using more advanced methods of testing gave a report
professionalism and transparency and will free both that some of the samples passed in India consisted
hands of the FSOs. of sugar syrup. 'Why this could not be detected by the
tests conducted in India and why we don’t have such
The FSSAI seems to be moving towards advanced advanced tests', is a pivotal question.
tech-supported food testing. In November it shifted
its Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) In response, the FSSAI initiated some Rs 482
to a cloud-based server with upgraded software and crore scheme consisting of various components and
hardware and renamed it as Food Safety Compliance steps like improving the network of labs, enhancing
System (FoSCoS). It plans to enhance this system the technical capabilities of existing labs of the states,
further by incorporating modules for various activities increasing mobile labs and organising training sessions
like filing annual returns, hygiene rating and audits for capacity building of the staff. Technical upgradation
and advanced MIS. FoSCoS is also getting integrated and instruments like smart jackets, no doubt help a lot in
with PAN, Aadhar and CIN validation for confirmation effective functioning. But what ultimately gives accurate
of KYC of FBOs for granting registration. Registering results is well-trained manpower. Hence, along with
every FBO, including small and very small FBOs like a jackets and other gadgets, training and upgradation of
tea stall owner or a ‘chaat’ stall across the country is the manpower is the key for food safety.
a monumental task and is not yet completed despite
several deadlines. Considering the sheer high number,
this KYC system may come handy in registration of
small and very small FBOs.

Volume 8  |  Issue 8  |  April 2021
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

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6 INSIDE NNUUFFOFOOODDSSPSEPCETCRTURMUM | | MAarpcrhil 20210 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

21COVER STORY

ECO-FRIENDLY
PACKAGING IS
THE BUZZWORD

Over the years, we have developed a greater
need for food safety and secure food
packaging. Also, with strict
government regulations
across the globe and more
awareness towards
the environmental
hazards of plastics,
the world is moving
towards recyclable,
biodegradable options.
As we have now stepped into
2021, we are seeing that the
industry and academia
are gradually
building up an
appetite for
eco-friendly and
innovative products
that are projected to
boost the global demand for
sustainable packaging in the
coming years.

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

Product Claims Equipment

28 41

Clinical trials & FMCG Investment in infrastructure
products amid the pandemic key for food equipment sector

Poultry Raghav Gupta,

31 Director, Kanchan Metals,
New Delhi
Egg-citing trends in egg processing
Strategy Innovation

35 42

India’s bottled water sector Industry awaits
goes for a revamp to discover more
Q&A
Reshma Khan,
40
Application & Business Development Manager,
“There is an urgent and Mirtillo International, Mumbai
increasing need for special
analyses in the food & FSSAI Initiative
feed industry”
43
Prof. Thomas Noll,
RAFT kits revolutionizing
Chairman, Supervisory Board, food testing scenario
Xell AG, Germany
Arun Singhal,

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

REGULARS

Editorial 04

Video Snippets 08

Policy and Regulatory News 09

Finance News 11

Company News 12

Start-Up News 15

World News 18

Academic News 46

People News 47

Supplier News 49

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

Dr Ravishankar, Acknowledgements
Director, Central
Institute of Fisheries Thank you so much for the feature in the Women’s
Technology (CIFT), special edition.
Cochin highlights
the need to study - Anubha Jhawar, New Delhi
consumption pattern
of fish across the Thank you for the Women’s Special coverage on
country. Timios. Much appreciated.

Scan the QR Code » - Neethu Anand, Bengaluru

Dr Saiprasad Women Special edition of NuFFooDS Spectrum looks
Gandra, Principal lovely. Thank you.
Scientist, Corp R&D,
ITC, Bengaluru talks - Geetika Anand Gupta, Gurugram
about the various
gaps existing in the Fullife Healthcare appreciates the interview
food processing opportunity. Looking forward to more associations.
sector.
- Manvi Kapila, New Delhi
Scan the QR Code »
Thanks for your feedback. We have taken
Dr A K Srivastava, note of your suggestions and will surely try to
Member, Agriculture incorporate the content accordingly in coming
Scientist Recruitment issues. Please keep sending us your feedback
Board (ASRB), New and updating us on your views about the issue
Delhi mentions that and keep giving your opinions on the content.
communication to
consumers regarding – Editor
an innovative product Please send your feedback to
is essential. [email protected]

Scan the QR Code »

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

Snapdeal FSSAI mulls
printing content on
galvanizes front of packaged foods

forces As per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI),

with FSSAI excessive salt intake can result in high blood pressure and

Snapdeal has recently announced its hypertension, which is the primary cause of various lifestyle-
participation in the Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare’s ‘Eat Right India’ based diseases in the country. In an important move that is aimed
Movement being led by Food Safety
and Standards Authority of India at regulating 'high' usage of sugar, salt and fat in eatable items,
(FSSAI). Snapdeal orders that are daily
shipped will have prominently placed the FSSAI, which is in the process of issuing new labelling norms,
customised information stickers about
fortified products. The stickers will drive is mulling to print food
awareness about the +F mark that
identifies fortified foods and will educate contents information
consumers about the importance of
fortified foods in fighting malnutrition. (including the amount of
Snapdeal will also use its digital
channels to disseminate information sugar, salt and fat) at the
about the benefits of fortified foods
in daily diets and how consumers can front of the pack instead
identify such products with the +F
mark while buying online or offline. In of at the back. That way,
addition to this, the company will also
work closely with its sellers, delivery the consumers will know
partners and third-party workers to
deliver the message to a larger audience. what amount of salt and

other high fats they are

consuming. In this regard,

the proposal has been

subject to discussion by the

food regulator in order to bring down salt consumption up to the

permissible limit of 5g per day. The salt consumption limit in India

has come down to 7g per day from the earlier usage level of 10g

per day. Pertaining to the front of the package, FSSAI has proposed

colour coding to check whether the sugar, salt and saturated fat

content is beyond a certain threshold level in a product.

FSSAI allows coloured bottles for packaged water

The Food Safety and Standards 4 of the packaging regulations, Drinking Water (both Mineral and
Authority of India (FSSAI) has which states the specifications Packaged Water) shall be packed
proposed an amendment to for primary food packaging. in colourless, tamper-proof and
the Food Safety and Standards The amendment is proposed transparent bottles or containers;
(Packaging) Regulations to under the sub-regulation 4 Provided also that all colorants or
include the provisions of of regulation 4 regarding the pigments as specified in Indian
coloured bottles for packaged plastic materials intended to Standard IS: 9833 may be allowed
water. The new provision will come in contact with food in plastic containers of 5L and
permit food businesses to use products. Under clause A- Plastic above made of Polyethylene
coloured bottles for water materials used to manufacture Terephthalate (PET) and
packaging, but the packaging containers for storing or packing Polycarbonate used for packaging
material must adhere to the the food items shall comply with of mineral and packaged drinking
food-grade requirement under either of the Indian Standards water. The transparency of the
the FSS Act. This amendment specifications as specified in containers in light transmittance
pertains to regulation number Schedule – III- Provided that shall not be less than 85 per cent.

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

MoWCD asks States to identify severe acute malnutrition cases

Therapeutic food manufacturers have (CMAM) Association of India has
welcomed the move for identification
emphasised the need for making and management of SAM on priority in
view of the rise in the incidence of SAM
community-based programmes in the country in recent years. Along
with the initiatives proposed by the
an integral part of the protocol for government, CMAM Association has
asked for management of SAM cases,
managing Severe Acute Malnutrition which are without complications at
the community level itself precluding
(SAM) amongst children. In recent the need for admission in Nutrition
Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs), which
guidelines issued to the states/Union cannot take the load of all the SAM
cases in the country.
Territories, Ministry of Women & Child

Development (MoWCD) has asked

for identification of children suffering

from SAM and their referral to hospitals

as a key priority. In a communication

to the government, Community Based

Management of Acute Malnutrition

Govt signs LoE The National Medicinal
Plants Board identifies
with WHO for unique projects for
medicinal plants
traditional medicine
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of
The Ministry of AYUSH and the World Health AYUSH has initiated a special drive to identify the patentable
Organization South East Regional Office (WHO projects, which were/are sponsored under the ‘Research and
SEARO) have signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) Development Component’ of Central Sector Scheme (CSS) on
for the secondment/deputation of an AYUSH “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management
expert to WHO’s regional traditional medicine of Medicinal Plants”. NMPB generally sponsors various R&D
programme. The initiative has been taken to programmes under CSS to both governments as well as
support the WHO SEAR implementing the private organizations
regional traditional medicine action plan, with across the country.
particular emphasis on the safe and effective Under these sponsored/
use of traditional medicine service including financially supported
Ayurveda and other Indian traditional systems research projects, NMPB
of medicine and its appropriate integration so far identified three
into national health care systems. Efforts will unique projects, which
also be made to strengthen capacities of SEAR are novel in nature and
countries in the area of traditional medicine. patentable. They are: Bio-
This partnership will also be joint efforts production of secondary metabolites from Aegle marmelos,
of Ministry of AYUSH and WHO in helping which is commonly known as Bel; In vitro production of
countries in the South-East Asia Region to secondary metabolites from tree species of Dashmoola (10
develop policies and to implement action roots used in Ayurveda) through hairy root cultures; and
plans to strengthen the role of traditional Development of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents
medicine. from Dioscoria floribunda. While the first two projects belong
to the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB),
Coimbatore, the third project was carried out by Central
Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow.
The CIMAP filed patent - titled as “A synergistic polyherbal
formulation exhibiting potential cancer activity.”

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

Jubilant Foodworks
takes over Fides Food

Grupo Bimbo Jubilant FoodWorks (JF) which the investment obligation of its
operates Domino’s Pizza and wholly-owned subsidiary, has
acquires Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in entered into a purchase agreement
India is set to fully acquire the with Turkish Private Equity Fund II
bread brand Netherlands-based Fides Food L.P., which is the sole member of
Systems Coöperatief UA via its Fides.
Modern Foods wholly-owned subsidiary, Jubilant
Foodworks Netherlands B.V. for
Gurugram based bread brand approximately £24.80 million. The
Modern Foods has been acquired acquisition of Fides by Jubilant
by Mexico's largest food and Foodworks Netherlands B.V. will
bakery company Grupo Bimbo enable JFL to indirectly hold 32.81
from private equity fund per cent shares in DP Eurasia,
Everstone Capital. Everstone which is the exclusive master
had acquired the brand from franchisee of the Domino’s Pizza
Hindustan Unilever in 2016. brand in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan,
Everstone's bread and bakery and Georgia, JFL informed the
platform Everfoods Asia consists exchanges. To this end, Jubilant
of Modern Bread brand as well as Foodworks Netherlands B.V.
others like Cookie Man. Modern and JF, acting as a guarantor for
has a completely new portfolio
with superior products such as Inbrew Holdings buys
Milk Plus bread enriched with Molson Coors’ beer biz in India
calcium Hi-Fibre Brown bread
reinforced with premium wheat Singapore based Inbrew Holdings has acquired North American lager
fibre 100 per cent Whole-Wheat producer Molson Coors' Indian beer business for an undisclosed sum.
bread and new innovations such As part of the acquisition, Inbrew will acquire the popular beer brand
as Multigrain Superseed Bread, Thunderbolt and rights to various iconic brands such as Millers, Miller High
which not only has superseed Life, Miller Ace, Blue Moon, Carling and Cobra for the Indian market. Molson
sprinkles on top but even the
flour is made of seven grains and Coors is getting into a long-
contains Omega 3. Modern bread term brand agreement
is available nationally in close to with Inbrew for its global
100,000 stores and manufactured brands for the Indian
in 40 factories across India. Market. Inbrew Holdings,
owned by London based
non-resident Indian
businessman Ravi Deol
through a privately held
Ahead Global Holdings, will
also acquire manufacturing
facilities in India along
with the entire business
operations. Molson Coors
India’s manufacturing facilities have a combined capacity of over 600 kilo
hectolitre with scope for doubling the capacity. The company is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Coors Brewing USA and its flagship brand Thunderbolt
has a dominant share in the strong beer segment in North India.

12 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

India Gate BL Agro Limited opens
Basmati Rice first outlet in Delhi
makes new
additions Based in Bareilly, FMCG company country with over 50,000 retailers,
BL Agro Limited has launched its across 200 cities in 13 states of
India Gate Basmati Rice, India’s 12th Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) India - Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
first integrated rice brand with a Nourish. This is the company’s Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan,
comprehensive product chain as 12th EBO in India and 1st in Delhi. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh,
well as world’s largest rice miller The Nourish store will retail a wide Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar,
and basmati rice exporter, has range of 80+ products that the West Bengal, Jammu, and in
announced two new additions in company offers. The company Nepal. Brand Nourish came
the domestic market to its healthy is amongst the fastest growing into existence in the year 2018
foods branded portfolio namely, FMCG brands in the country and and comes with a promise for
“Wholesome Health Special Chia has been committed to providing nutrition. The brand offers an
Seeds” and “Active Heart Special quality food products over many entire range of food products
Roasted Flax Seeds”. Both the years. BL Agro boasts of one of typically used in an Indian kitchen
products are available in the market the largest distribution networks including Atta, Rice, Pulses, Ghee
across omni-channel and augment amongst all branded edible oil & Oils, Dry Fruits, Papad, Pickles,
India Gate’s branded portfolio of and food product players in the Murabba, Spices, and more.
healthy foods. The new ‘Health’
product offerings from the house of Kikkoman Corp enters
India Gate not only resonates brand’s Indian FMCG space
philosophy of ‘Ingraining a Healthy
Future’ but also helps strengthen Leading naturally brewed soy sector, starting with a range of
its diversified product portfolio sauce, Kikkoman Corporation Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy
and create sustainable business from Japan, has announced Sauce. This will be followed by
opportunities for the future. The the official launch of Kikkoman the launch of other soy sauce
various ‘Health’ product offerings India, a wholly-owned subsidiary related seasonings for both the
by the brand are strategically that will expand its operations food service and consumer retail
positioned to cater to different in India. With its official entry in markets. Representatives from
consumer segments at different India, Kikkoman aims to become Kikkoman India are meeting
geographical locations and across the market leader in the soy with industry executives across
different price points. The company’s sauce and Asian sauces category, India to inform and educate
portfolio also includes 14 brands in within the growing FMCG them about the benefits of using
rice and a variety of healthy food market in India, as it introduces Kikkoman’s naturally brewed soy
products like Quinoa, Chia Seeds, its renowned naturally brewed sauce. Kikkoman globally already
Flax Seeds, Brown Rice. The company Honjozo soy sauce to India. enjoys an undisputed reputation.
offers its rice under a varied range of The market entry strategy is to Kikkoman is very widely accepted
brands namely India Gate, Nur Jahan first reach consumers through by many chefs all around the
and many more. the hospitality and restaurant world.

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

HAP begins commercial Herbalife
production at new dairy plant Nutrition
launches first
Hatsun Agro Product (HAP) day (LLPD). The emphasis of the auto sales
has announced commercial design is on employee safety, centre
production at its newly set product hygiene and making
up modern greenfield dairy products of finest quality. Herbalife Nutrition has unveiled its
processing plant in Solapur, HAP will manufacture Milk, first auto sales centre in Bengaluru.
Maharashtra. The plant is the Curd, Butter Milk, Chaas, Lassi, The automated product vending
19th manufacturing location Yoghurt and Shrikhand at the kiosk will dispense Herbalife
for HAP that has a network new plant. The company will Nutrition’s science backed products
of plants in four states of market them under prestigious and aims to deliver a highly
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, household brand names – efficient customer experience with
Telangana and Karnataka. The ‘Arokya’ and ‘Hatsun’. The total minimal touch points to increase
fully automated dairy plant, one milk processing capacity of agility for the rapidly expanding
of the technologically superior HAP now stands at 52.50 LLPD nutrition business. The auto sales
plants in the country is set up across all its manufacturing centre is a strong testimony to the
in 72 acres land at a cost of locations in 5 states. HAP organisation’s global objective of
130 crore in Solapur district in intends to manufacture a Building it Better. The feature will
Maharashtra. The plant follows variety of products at this enable ease of access for its growing
latest design philosophy and Solapur facility and will provide Preferred Customer Segment,
has specialized imported over 3,000 direct and indirect which is one of the key strategic
equipment from Germany to employment opportunities in imperative of the company. The
process 6 lakh litres milk per the state. company plans to launch Auto Sales
Centres in cities across its network.
Karimnagar Dairy set to Herbalife Nutrition’s targeted
fortify milk with Vit A & D nutrition, weight-management,
energy and fitness, and personal
Karimnagar Dairy is set to fortify its milk with Vitamin A and D as per the care products are available
standards of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) exclusively to and through its
soon. Recently, the office of the commissioner of food safety, Telangana independent distributors in more
state organised a technical session in Karimnagar town in regard to FSSAI than 90 countries.
making milk fortification
mandatory. The session was
held in association with the
Global Alliance for Improved
Nutrition (GAIN) and the
Karnataka Health Promoters
Trust (KHPT), as well as quality
control officials of Karimnagar
Dairy. Karimnagar Dairy
stated that they were going in
for the milk fortification as per
the FSSAI guidelines in order
to protect the vital Vitamin
A and D in all forms of the
milk. As the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is spearheading
milk fortification across the country, Karimnagar Dairy would uphold its
sole motto of maintaining quality and purity and would soon have the
mandatory F plus (Fortified) logo with every new package.

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

Aurea Biolabs unveils Life Health Foods brings
dairy-free plant-based milk
first-of-its kind
Mumbai based Life Health Foods (LHF) India has launched its
nutraceuticals range new brand So Good protein+, dairy-free plant-based milk. The
new delicious So Good Protein+ Soy beverage delivers what
Aurea Biolabs, a leading manufacturer and the brand promises - a healthy and nutritious drink. With 25
exporter for nutraceuticals based in Cochin, per cent more protein than regular Soy Milk and toned dairy
has announced the launch of PureVeda, milk, So Good Protein+ is gluten and lactose-free, which is
the first-of-its-kind nutraceuticals range in helpful for people with lactose intolerance, or those wanting
India. Clinically proven to deliver unmatched to reduce their dairy consumption and great for gut health.
efficacy, the PureVeda range of nutraceuticals Not only it is fortified with essential vitamins but it does not
comprises of Super Turmeric (for Wellness have any cholesterol either. So Good Protein+ soy beverage
and Immunity), Tru Relief (for Pain range includes originally unsweetened, café latte, and deluxe
Management) and Activ Digest (for Digestive chocolate, which are available in both 1L and 200ml formats. In
Support). The PureVeda range of products addition to the new Protein+ Soy Beverage, the popular Almond
are potent capsules of health that are Fresh range of almond milk has been brought under the hero
crafted from 100 per cent pure and natural So Good brand. So Good Almond Beverage comes in 2 flavors
ingredients. PNS and Zeal are a one-of-its- of chocolate, vanilla and those wanting No Sugar Options can
kind, patent filed formulation technology choose from natural unsweetened and Almond Coconut.
that helps in deriving the maximum benefit
of a natural ingredient. PNS (Polar–Non-
polar sandwiching) is a process that makes
natural molecules highly absorbable in the
intestinal tract, consequently increasing its
bioavailability, while Zeal ensures maximum
efficacy, potency, and bioavailability with a
highly efficient, targeted delivery system.

Windlas Biotech, Mateon Therapeutics
develop lung therapy food supplement

Windlas Biotech, a pharmaceutical product, PulmoHeal is a broad- Artemisinin, has been known to
contract drug development and spectrum, lung therapy food exhibit multiple pharmacological
manufacturing organization based supplement that is supported by activities against inflammation,
in Gurugram, in partnership with a multi-centre rigorous clinical viral infections, and lung
Mateon Therapeutics, a US-based study and integrated with its repair. PulmoHeal can be taken
oncology company focusing on own Telemedicine AI-based periodically by those affected by a
TGF-β inhibitors as therapies platform to offer continuous 360 respiratory viral infection, asthma,
against cancers and infectious degree care for patients in India. hay fever, or smokers and even
diseases, recently launched a first- Developed from extract of the those living in smog-infested cities
of-its-kind integrated solution for indigenous plant Artemisia, the to improve their lung health and
respiratory wellness in India. The active component of PulmoHeal, breathing functions.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS NEWS 15

Fingerlix raises Clover invests
Rs 20 Cr in series C round $2M in new
solution for
Fingerlix, a ready-to-cook of products like batters, mixes, F&V supply
food brand based in Mumbai, curries, dals, parathas and ‘fully-
has raised around Rs 20 crore ready’ accompaniments. The Bengaluru based agri-tech company
as part of its Series C fund startup operates in Mumbai, Clover has recently launched its direct
raising round. Operated Pune, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, to consumer (D2C) brand Deep Rooted.
by Maverix Platforms, the Hyderabad and Chennai, and Co with a consumer app available as
startup has raised this capital it also provides customised Deep Rooted on the Andriod and iOS
from investors including dishes to its consumers. Last platform. Deep Rooted.Co is a demand-
Swiggy, Accel, Rhodium Trust, year, Fingerlix had picked two backed supply chain solution for fruits
Horizon Techno and Frigerio back to back rounds including and vegetables (F&V) focused on
Conserva Allana. Launched by Rs 4 crore from Singapore quality, consistency, traceability and a
Shripad Nadkarni, Shrikrishna based Horizon Techno PTE and high degree of predictability. Catering
Bharambe, Varun Khanna Rs 14 crore from Accel, Zephyr to a growing market opportunity,
and Abhijit Berde in 2016, PeaCock, Swiggy and RB estimated close to $100 billion in the
Fingerlix serves a wide range Investments. B2B and B2C segment for vegetables
and fruits, starting with Bengaluru and
OneLife Nutriscience Hyderabad, Clover will invest over $2
bags funding from Wipro million in creating farmer-facing input-
output technology, investing in supply
OneLife Nutriscience, a Mumbai based healthcare brand company that chain and cold storage capacities and
deals in nutraceutical products revolving around mental well-being, communication to grow the brand Deep
physical fitness and immunity, has raised an undisclosed amount of Rooted.Co. Deep Rooted.Co will focus
funding in round led by Wipro Consumer Care Ventures, which is the on catering to an urban city’s need for
venture capital arm of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting. OneLife fruits and vegetables via a consumer
is a brand founded with 20+ years of experience dealing with one demand-led cultivation process. Deep
of the most important issues of all times that centre around physical Rooted.Co will follow an omni-channel
fitness, mental health and immunity. The company was started with strategy to cater to existing consumer
an aim to provide everyone with the one life done right mentality. shopping preferences in the category
The brand ensures the best nutrition, beauty and wellness available and presence across modern and
for all. Stemming from Indian roots, OneLife products are researched general trade. Further, high-quality
and developed keeping in mind the Indian diet, environmental fruits and vegetables will be supplied
conditions, lifestyle and routine. The products are designed within primarily from its owned greenhouse
guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). and hydroponic farms and from a
network of over 100 small-medium scale
land hold farmers.

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

Healthy foods Nao Spirits introduces
startup Habbit Himalayan gin in Bengaluru
announces
consumer debut Hapusa, deemed to be the world’s this startup is always innovating
first Himalayan Dry Gin, is now with its products and activations
Health and nutrition startup Habbit, in Bengaluru. Launched in 2018, to help build a craft community
based in New Delhi, has announced Hapusa, a product of Nao Spirits and culture from scratch. In the
its consumer debut with a range of and Beverages, is distilled with coming 12 months the company
nutritious and tasty products that foraged Himalayan Juniper and hopes to further strengthen its
enable consumers to lead healthier locally sourced botanicals. It comes position as market leader in the
lives and prevent lifestyle diseases to the garden city after being craft gin segment. Nao Spirits
without making alterations to their successful in Goa and Maharashtra. aims to create craft spirits from
behaviour. The portfolio of products The premium gin has been a India for India, and the rest of
includes proteins, ice creams and great success globally, especially the world. It is the first Indian
a super shake for the entire family. in countries such as the UK, Company to be a part of the Gin
Habbit’s range of proteins includes Singapore, Norway, Italy, Germany, Guild - the official global body of
2 whey protein options - Apex Austria, Hungary among others. Gin makers.
and Active and a 100 per cent The untamed flavour and aroma of
plant-based protein, Habbit Green. the juniper triumphs in the gin and
The entire value chain is organic is further complemented by other
and absolutely free of chemicals. indigenous botanicals such as the
Habbit is making this category gondhoraj lime, fresh turmeric, raw
more accessible and enjoyable by mango, ginger, cardamom, almond
offering proteins in easy-to-use, and coriander seeds. Found near
single-serve sachets in 7 delicious the snow line in the Himalayas, the
flavours. Over the next few years, elusive Juniper Berries provide a
Habbit aims to have the world’s beautiful structure to the gin while
widest portfolio of products across the turmeric and the delectable
nutraceuticals, foods, beverages raw mango make Hapusa, a
and desserts. In the near term, it unique contemporary gin. With a
plans to launch a range of natural state-of-the-art distillery in Goa,
and healthy snacking options such
as nutrition bars, cookies and zero Country Kitchen
sugar carbonated beverages and launches e-vendor portal
dairy and meat alternatives planned
as disruptive future categories. Gurugram based startup Country Kitchen has launched its e-vendor portal
tailored specifically to suit the needs of consumers including healthy
superfood brands and online dietitian consultation. This initiative will
enable people to personalise wholesome superfoods made from 100
per cent natural ingredient for a holistic health approach. The portal has
collaborated with registered dietitians across the country, who can provide
food and nutrition information, and support people to improve their health.
Along with diet plan, Country Kitchen dietitian can also change diets to help
manage any medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, overweight
and obesity, cancer, food allergies, intolerance to name a few. In addition,
Country Kitchen now houses a wide range of superfood brands such as
Kivu, Mo’s bakery, Poshtickk, Conscious Food, Grainic, Plattered, Olixir, Max
Protein, Green Protein, India Hemp Organics along with in-house Country
Kitchen products. Consumers can now pick their favourite nutritious foods
recommended by the concerned dietitian for their new health journey.

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

VegEase initiates operations in Gurugram

VegEase, a fresh fruits and vegetables 10 sectors to begin with and keep The plan is to cover the whole of
(F&V) e-marketplace has announced adding 5 more sectors every week. NCR by June 2021 with Noida as the
its operations in Gurugram, post next city for growth. By the end of
its success in Delhi this year. The 2021, VegEase will cater to customers
company enables consumers to across all Tier 1 metro cities in
call for a fruits/ veggies cart at the country. The aim is to reach a
their convenience, handpicking revenue of Rs 40 million by March 21.
their purchase from the bouquet VegEase is part of EGreens, a people-
of choices available in the cart first retail company focused on using
that arrives at their door with no its innovative zeal to redefine the
minimum order, no fixed time slots grocery shopping experience and
and fair and uniform pricing. With let customers discover the delight
this launch, VegEase will cover the of buying farm-fresh fruits and
entire Gurugram region starting with vegetables.

Clean Label Project bestows Purecise brings
Oziva with purity award
water rejuvenator
Mumbai based startup OZiva create a more stringent and
has secured the award for standardized set of guidelines Alkaline Pure
ensuring top purity standards for the clean nutrition market
across its diverse array of in India. As the statutory non- Gurugram based startup Purecise, a 100
products. The company has profit body on establishing per cent natural, vegan brand has come
been recognised with the the highest ethical standards up with its natural Alkaline water stick
Purity Award and Pesticide of truth and transparency ‘Alkaline-Pure’. Alkaline-
Free certification by the US- in consumer products and Pure’s acid-fighting natural
based Clean Label Project services, CLP verified OZiva’s stones replenish all the
(CLP) for maintaining the relentless adherence to raising essential minerals to the
highest benchmarks in the bar of ‘Clean’ Nutrition in water and hydrate one's
product formulation, product India. By utilizing actual retail body faster and more
labeling, quality-control, sampling and testing, CLP thoroughly as compared to
and packaging. The brand established evidence-based plain water. According to the
has taken it upon itself to benchmarks and corroborated World Health Organisation;
minerals are absorbed 30 per
OZiva’s product excellence cent faster and easier from
by optimizing data and water than they are from
science as opposed to food. Since, the human body
marketing. comprises 70 per cent water;
consuming alkaline water
can be extremely beneficial
for the body. Numerous
studies have proven that
alkaline water is associated
with weight loss and
detoxification of the body because of its
improved pH balance. It plays a vital role
in preventing and reversing metabolic
disorders. Drinking alkaline water can also
help athletes perform and recover better
as it improves their hydration process.

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

Canada Nepal receives funds to
supports improve health and nutrition
school meal
programme The Government of Japan has 6 to 23 months and 49,700 pregnant
in Sri Lanka agreed to extend grant assistance and breastfeeding mothers through
of Japanese Yen 364 million to specialized nutritious food, while
The United Nations World the United Nations World Food 25,000 households will benefit from
Food Programme (WFP) Programme (UN WFP) Nepal for the establishment of Community
and the Government of implementing the Mother and Child Food Banks equipped with food
Sri Lanka have received a Health and Nutrition Programme in storage facilities. The Embassy of
funding of CAD 1 million five vulnerable districts of Provinces Japan and WFP Nepal expect to assist
from Global Affairs Canada 1 and 2. This partnership between in improving health and nutrition of
to help smallholder farmers the Japanese Government, the young mothers and children, while
cultivate nutritious crops for Government of Nepal, and WFP has also contributing to the friendship
the National School Meal the potential to improve the health that exists between the peoples of
Programme. Responding to and nutrition of 19,000 children aged Japan and Nepal.
the impacts of COVID-19,
the Home Grown School Pakistan distributes
Feeding project will provide customised food packs
nutritious and safe school
meals to vulnerable primary Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has launched a project under which
school children by linking customised food packs to thousands of school children are being provided
the National School Meal in several cities across in the country. The inaugural ceremony in this regard
Programme with local was held at Government Primary School Bhabra on Ferozepur Road, Lahore,
smallholder farmers. The
project will benefit an in which 130 food packs
estimated 1,700 female were distributed among the
farmers and 170,000 children schoolchildren. The Rs 14.3
in several districts across million project titled ‘Smiling
the Northern, Eastern and Children’ has been launched
North Central provinces. in collaboration with the
The Home Grown School China Foundation for Poverty
Feeding project is an Alleviation (CFPA) to help the
innovative approach and suffering segments of society
the first of its kind in Sri in the country in the backdrop
Lanka. It is designed to boost of the pandemic. As part of the
local economy and improve initiative, the PRCS will provide
the nutritional status of customised food packs to 5,269 primary schoolchildren in the age group of 5
communities in regions with to 8 years in Lahore, Quetta, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Each child will receive
poor nutrition standards a food pack containing wheat flour, ghee, rice, sugar and biscuits. Under the
and high levels of poverty. campaign, 2,200 food packs will be distributed in Lahore.
By purchasing produce
for the school meals from
local smallholder farmers
residing in the vicinity of the
schools, the project creates a
predictable outlet for farmers
and a stable income while
stimulating local production
of nutrient-dense crops.

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

PepsiCo unveils ETH Zurich, Nestlé
sparkling water plan new food
with kick of caffeine systems research
programme
PepsiCo has introduced the launch of bubly bounce, a
sparkling water with no calories, sweeteners, or artificial To support real-world solutions to these
flavors, and just a kick of caffeine. The introduction of bubly challenges, the World Food System Center
bounce, which is available in five refreshing combo flavors, at ETH Zurich and Nestlé join forces to
marks the brand's first caffeinated beverage and new line establish a new Agriculture and Food Systems
since its launch in 2018. bubly, one of the fastest-growing Research Programme. This programme aims
brands in the sparkling water category, now combines to improve the sustainability of agriculture
everything people already love about bubly, with 35 mg of and food systems, support human and
caffeine. bubly bounce provides hydration with a little caffeine, environmental health, and to create value for
the perfect refreshment to any time during any day of the all stakeholders of the food system. Research
week. New bubly bounce sparkling water is available in five focus areas include reduction of greenhouse
delicious combo flavors, including mango passion fruit, triple gases in dairy farming, agriculture production
berry, blood orange grapefruit, citrus cherry and blueberry for climate change mitigation, agronomy
pomegranate. bubly bounce can be purchased at all major for improved yield and nutrition, and food
retailers, and online, and comes in a variety of convenient innovation for plant-based meat, seafood
purchase options ranging from 16oz. single serve cans, to and dairy alternatives. To start this new
24-packs of 12oz. cans. A 12oz. can of bubly bounce contains programme, Nestlé has provided ETH Zurich
35 mg of caffeine, while a 16oz. single serve can contain 47 mg with 2.8 million Swiss francs of research
of caffeine. funding to support interdisciplinary projects
in the outlined focus areas of agriculture and
food systems. The programme is structured
around annual calls that will fund projects
of 2 to 4 years duration, with a maximum
budget of 400’000 Swiss Francs per project.
The funding is available to any member of the
World Food System Center.

Coca-Cola launches premium wellness flavoured waters

Coca-Cola has announced the launch of definition of health and wellness and an
smartwater+, a new lineup of infused expanded role of hydration in their lives.
hydration options featuring unique The smartwater team conducted research
ingredient pairings and real flavour to identify the most important wellness
extracts tailored for specific wellness routines in core consumers’ lives. From
occasions. Three smartwater+ variants there, nutrition scientists determined,
will deliver unique hydration experiences which ingredients and flavours paired best
with ginseng and green tea extracts, for with a particular wellness occasion while
those looking to moments of mental keeping the pure, crisp taste of smartwater
focus; with ashwagandha and tangerine intact. The brand tested different
extracts, for those looking to moments of combinations to bring the most premium
emotional calmness; and with dandelion and palatable pairings to market and,
and lemon extracts, for those looking to ultimately, pursued those that consumers
moments of revitalization Premium water loved. Each smartwater+ option contains
is a $2.3 billion category, with 100 per 10 calories and will be offered in a new
cent of its growth coming from enhanced 700-ml bottle with a translucent label and
waters as consumers embrace an evolving champagne-colored text and closure.

20 WORLD NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

FAO calls for inclusive global food system transformation

The 47th Session of the UN According to the Food and Agriculture More than 3 billion people have
Committee on World Food Security Organization of the United Nations no access to healthy diets. FAO has
(CFS) came with a call to step up joint (FAO) latest estimates, hunger is on noted that the COVID-19 pandemic
action towards a comprehensive the rise with nearly 690 million being may push some 100 million people
transformation of global agri- chronically undernourished and up into extreme poverty and many
food systems, in order to make to 130 million more being added more into chronic hunger and
them more inclusive, resilient and because of COVID-19. Two billion malnutrition. The organization has
sustainable, as well as to tap their people consume low-quality diets urged all partners to work together in
potential to contribute to the fight that cause micronutrient deficiencies harmony and solidarity to make agri-
against poverty, hunger, all forms and contribute to diet-related obesity food systems more inclusive, resilient
of malnutrition, and inequality. and non-communicable diseases. and sustainable.

USDA, FDA UK study reflects on
plant-based diet trends
refute COVID-19
Around one in five people (18 per cent) in the UK have eaten
transmission via food more vegetarian/vegan food since the start of the pandemic
last March, with a similar number saying that COVID-19 means
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), it's more likely they'll become fully vegetarian or vegan from
the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now on, according to a new study into the nation's attitude
and the US Centers for Disease Control and to food. For more than a quarter (28 per cent), the primary
Prevention continue to underscore that reason for the accelerated shift towards plant-based diets was
there is no credible evidence of food or food concerns over the hygiene standards of meat – which stumped
packaging associated with or as a likely source any of the 'traditional' arguments for vegetarianism. Some 26
of viral transmission of severe acute respiratory per cent said cited animal welfare concerns, 23 per cent noted
syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus causing health reasons and 22 per cent suggested the environmental
COVID-19. The confidence in the safety of the impact of meat products was the key influence. The survey of
US food supply remains steadfast. Consumers more than 1,000 UK adults was commissioned by Proagrica,
have been asked to be reassured that the a global provider of technology solutions for the agriculture
foods they eat and food packaging they touch and animal health industries. It also found that almost a
are highly unlikely to spread SARS-CoV-2. It's third of Brits (29 per cent) will consider reducing their meat
particularly important to note that COVID-19 is consumption or going vegetarian/vegan if the pandemic
a respiratory illness that is spread from person continues this year. In addition, more than a third (39 per cent)
to person, unlike foodborne or gastrointestinal say they'd be likely to try a plant-based alternative to meat at
viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A that a restaurant or fast-food outlet.
often make people ill through contaminated
food. While there are relatively few reports
of the virus being detected on food and
packaging, most studies focus primarily on
the detection of the virus's genetic fingerprint
rather than evidence of transmission of the
virus resulting in human infection.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 21

ECO-FRIENDLY
PACKAGING IS
THE BUZZWORD

Over the years, we have developed a greater need for food safety and secure food
packaging. Also, with strict government regulations across the globe and more
awareness towards the environmental hazards of plastics, the world is moving
towards recyclable, biodegradable options. As we have now stepped into 2021, we
are seeing that the industry and academia are gradually building up an appetite for
eco-friendly and innovative products that are projected to boost the global demand
for sustainable packaging in the coming years.

Over the years, we have developed a greater need
for food safety and secure food packaging.
As a result, packaging material
manufacturing companies are going the extra
mile to create innovative packaging
solutions to effectively match
the visual appeal criteria as well
as meet safety norms. Moreover,
with strict government regulations
across the globe and more awareness
towards the environmental hazards
of plastics, the world is moving towards
recyclable, biodegradable options in the form of
bagasse, bamboo, jute, recyclable plastic, glass,
paper, etc.

According to a study conducted
by UTS Institute for Sustainable
Futures in Australia in 2020,
the global recycled plastics
market is dominated by
two major plastic types i.e.
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and
high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In 2017,
PET comprised 55 per cent of the recyclable
plastics market and is typically used in beverage
bottles and takeaway food containers. On the

22 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

other hand, HDPE which comprises about 33 per cent of an eco-friendly choice as aluminum is an infinitely
the recyclable plastics market, is used to create pipes and recycled, permanent material, Ankur Chawla, Co-
packaging such as milk and shampoo bottles. founder, Responsible Whatr, New Delhi says, “The
recently launched canned water is sourced directly from
But there arises a more practical issue of how much the Himalayas and offers naturally balanced essential
of plastic waste can be recycled. Also, do we have minerals with a pH of ~7.4. When packaged in aluminium
enough solutions in hand to solve the global plastic cans, this pure water does not alter the freshness when
waste problem? exposed to light or heat. Whatr’s newest water brand in
cans is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging and
These questions take us back to October 2019 when contributes India’s aspiration toward a circular economy.”
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi had announced
an ultimate goal of scrapping plastic in India by 2022. Another sustainable solution has been recently
Although the plastic ban is directed towards a healthier brought into the market by New Delhi- based Filex
environment, businesses in the food, beverage retail and Systems through its Solo brand. The food wrapping
e-commerce industries started feeling the brunt of this paper developed by the company is made up of virgin
new development. food grade cellulose fibers ensuring top care by the food
delivery companies for 100 per cent healthy food. The
Now as we have stepped into 2021, we are seeing company has also developed paper packaging material
that the industry and academia are gradually building up for cooking and baking purposes as it helps retain more
an appetite for eco-friendly and innovative products that natural minerals and vitamins while preserving the
is projected to boost the global demand for sustainable aroma of food by stopping the moisture from escaping.
packaging in the coming years.
“The paper is oil and grease resistant, holding out
Riding high on sustainability oil & fat for long durations. It is easy to use as it does
New Delhi-based Responsible Whatr is currently riding not stick either to the utensil or the food. The product
high on sustainable packaging. The startup has launched has high wet strength because of its natural structure
spring water in aluminium beverage cans made by ensuring that the liquids including water do not pass
Ball Corporation, a US-based producer of aluminium for prolonged periods. It is microwave and oven safe,
packaging. biodegradable, compostable & recyclable”, says Ashutosh
Gupta, Director, Filex Systems, New Delhi.
Satisfied with the fact that aluminum beverage
cans supplied by Ball are a naturally sustainable and

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 23

Focusing fully on innovation, a team of researchers at “Our newest water brand
the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kharagpur has in aluminium cans is a
developed cellulose nanocrystals from cucumber peels sustainable alternative
with high cellulose content, compared to other peel to plastic packaging
wastes, to create food packaging materials. and contributes India’s
aspiration toward a circular
This non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible
product has no adverse effects on health and the economy.”
environment and could have a huge market potential
by rendering management of organic waste with high - Ankur Chawla,
cellulose content profitable.
Co-founder,
“Our study shows that cellulose nanocrystals derived
from cucumber peels possess modifiable properties due Responsible Whatr, New Delhi
to the presence of abundant hydroxyl groups, which
result in better biodegradability and biocompatibility. “Our food wrapping
These nanocellulose materials emerged as strong, paper has high wet
renewable and economic material of the near future, strength because of
due to unique properties like a high surface area to its natural structure
volume ratio, light in weight, and excellent mechanical ensuring that the
properties. Thereby, such nanocrystals, when reinforced liquids including water do not
as nano-fillers in bio-composites films, can produce pass for prolonged periods. It
effective food packaging materials with low oxygen is microwave and oven safe, biodegradable,
permeabilities”, explains Dr Jayeeta Mitra, Assistant compostable & recyclable.”
Professor, Dept. of Agricultural and Food Engineering, IIT
Kharagpur. - Ashutosh Gupta,
Director,
In fact, another team of scientists at IIT Kharagpur
has discovered that hot liquid gets contaminated Filex Systems, New Delhi
when served in paper cups due to the degradation of
microplastics and other hazardous components from the “Our range of
antimicrobial water
storage containers are
made from bisphenol
A (BPA)/ bisphenol S
(BPS)-free high quality food

grade polymers.”

- Dr Anasuya Roy,

Chief Executive Officer,

NanoSafe Solutions, New Delhi

“Due to the ongoing
pandemic, consumers
are in a lookout for
sanitized and germfree
products, and now
more-than-ever our team is
focusing on exploring new ways
to cater to the rising demand.”

- Rajesh Khosla,
President & Chief Executive Officer,

AGI Glaspac, Hyderabad

24 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Recent initiatives by
FSSAI for food packaging

 Oct 2020- Announced Amendment Bill 2020
in which standards will be set for food contact
material including the packaging.

 Dec 2020- Laid out new labelling and display
norms according to which packaged food
companies must mandatorily display expiry
date instead of best before date. The nutritional
information on the principal display panel must
be in bigger font sizes. This will take effect from
January 1, 2022.

 Jan 2021- Received an update from the
National Green Tribunal (NGT) to conclude draft
Packaging Regulations within 3 months.

 Feb 2021- Proposed an amendment into
the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging)
Regulations to include the provisions of
coloured bottles for packaged water. The new
provision will permit food businesses to use
coloured bottles for water packaging, but the
packaging material must adhere to the food-
grade requirement under the FSS Act.

 Feb 2021- Mulling to print food contents
information (including the amount of sugar, salt
and fat) at the front of the pack instead of at the
back. That way, the consumers will know what
amount of salt and other high fats they are
consuming.

lining material of the cup. trial in Hungary. The paper bottle project which is being
Elaborating on this finding, Dr Sudha Goel, Associate co-developed by Coca‑Cola’s R&D team in Brussels and
The Paper Bottle Company (Paboco), a Danish startup,
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kharagpur is moving into the consumer testing phase to measure
says, “Paper cups are usually lined by a thin layer of the package’s performance and shopper response to the
hydrophobic film which is made of mostly plastic such format.
as polyethylene and sometimes co-polymers to hold
the liquid in the paper cup. These microplastics can “The breakthrough technology is still in
act as carriers for contaminants like ions, toxic heavy development. We have been conducting extensive lab
metals such as Palladium, Chromium, and Cadmium, and testing to assess how the paper bottle performs, holds
organic compounds.” up and protects its contents. This is new technology, and
we are moving in uncharted territory. We have to invent
This study shows that careful consideration needs the technical solutions as we go along”, shares Stijn
to be done before the promotion of replacements for Franssen, R&D Packaging Innovation Manager, Coca‑Cola
bio-hazardous products and environmental pollutants. Europe, Belgium.
Although we have been quick to replace plastics cups
and glasses with disposable paper cups, the need to find On the same line, the British multinational beverage
eco-friendly products is of utmost necessity. alcohol company Diageo has created the world’s first
ever 100 per cent plastic-free paper-based spirits bottle,
Around the globe made entirely from sustainably sourced wood. The bottle
On the global front, the Coca-Cola Company’s first-ever will debut with Johnnie Walker, the renowned Scotch
paper bottle prototype is transitioning from the lab to Whisky, in 2021.
the marketplace this summer through a limited online
It has been created through a new partnership with

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 25

“Our study shows that
cellulose nanocrystals
derived from
cucumber peels
possess modifiable
properties due to the presence
of abundant hydroxyl groups,
which result in better biodegradability and
biocompatibility. Such nanocrystals, when
reinforced as nano-fillers in bio-composites
films, can produce effective food packaging
materials with low oxygen permeabilities.”

- Dr Jayeeta Mitra,
Assistant Professor,
Department of Agricultural and Food
Engineering, IIT Kharagpur

“Paper cups are usually
lined by a thin layer
of hydrophobic film,
which is made of
mostly plastic such as
polyethylene and sometimes

co-polymers to hold the liquid

in the paper cup. These microplastics can act as

carriers for contaminants like ions, toxic heavy

metals.”

- Dr Sudha Goel,

Associate Professor,

Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kharagpur

Pilot Lite, a venture management company in London, to “ We have developed
launch Pulpex, a new sustainable packaging technology an antimicrobial
company. To ensure that the technology can be used wrapping material
in every area of life, Pulpex has established a partner that is eco-friendly
consortium of world-leading FMCG companies in non- and can play a
competing categories including Unilever, and PepsiCo, major role in plastic waste
with further partners expected to be announced very
soon. reduction.”

“We are constantly striving to push the boundaries - Prof Mukesh Doble,
within sustainable packaging and this bottle has the
potential to be truly ground-breaking. It feels fitting that Department of Biotechnology,
we should launch it with Johnnie Walker, a brand that
has often led the way in innovation throughout its 200 IIT Madras
years existence”, says Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability
Officer, Diageo, UK. included on its labels to raise consumer awareness.
“We adapted our existing manufacturing lines to
Swiss multinational firm Nestle has also joined the
list by now using recyclable paper packaging for its allow for the careful handling that is required for paper,
confectionery products worldwide. The new paper while also ensuring recyclability across all new formats.
packaging is sourced sustainably and is made of a coated Developing safe and convenient paper-based solutions
paper, paper labels or carton board. Information about has required the pioneering of new materials and testing
how to properly dispose of the paper packaging is also

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

Some of the latest packaging technologies developed by organisations

Material/Technology Company/Institute
Virgin food grade cellulose fibers Filex Systems, New Delhi
Cellulose nanocrystals from cucumber peels Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
Plastic free paper based spirit bottle Diageo, UK
Recyclable paper Nestle, Switzerland
Germ guard technology AGI Glaspac, Hyderabad
Antimicrobial agents Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
Nano copper Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

by Nestlé packaging experts at our R&D Center for destroys the growth of deadly bacteria, fungus, and
confectionery in York, UK and the Swiss-based Institute moulds.
of Packaging Sciences”, says Louise Barrett, Head, Nestlé
Confectionery Product Technology Centre, UK. “Due to the ongoing pandemic, consumers are in
the lookout for sanitized and germfree products,
Driving contamination away and now more-than-ever our team is focusing on
The COVID-19 pandemic has filled many with a new exploring new ways to cater to the rising demand. Our
sense of appreciation for effective food packaging and germ guard technology is inorganic in nature, highly
its vital role in preserving the hygiene and safety of food safe, non-toxic and non-corrosive”, points out Rajesh
and beverage products. Thus, antimicrobial packaging Khosla, President & Chief Executive Officer, AGI Glaspac,
is becoming a promising technology to push the Hyderabad.
boundaries of food safety and preservation.
Focusing on the prevention of packaged food
For instance, Hyderabad based AGI glaspac has contamination by bacteria as well as reducing the plastic
developed an antibacterial range of food storage glass waste generated in the environment when disposing
jars and bottles, through its retail segment Greendrop of the wrappers, scientists at the Indian Institute of
Glassware. These are infused with a nanotechnology- Technology (IIT) in Madras have designed a sustainable
based anti-microbial composite which inhibits and antimicrobial wrapping material.

The antibacterial agent selected in the packaging

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

“Our paper bottle project is
new technology, and we
are moving in uncharted
territory. We have to
invent the technical
solutions as we go along.”

- Stijn Franssen,
R&D Packaging Innovation Manager,

Coca‑Cola Europe, Belgium

“We are constantly striving
to push the boundaries
within sustainable
packaging and our
new paper bottle
has the potential to be truly

ground-breaking.”

- Ewan Andrew,

Chief Sustainability Officer,

Diageo, UK

material is approved by the food authority for “Developing safe and
consumption and includes eugenol, chlorogenic acid, convenient paper-based
betanin, curcumin and gallic acid, among others. These solutions has required
compounds are used regularly in Indian food and are the pioneering of new
known to possess antibacterial, antioxidant and many materials and testing
other beneficial bioactivities. The compound is either by Nestlé packaging experts at
immobilised on the surface or coated or mixed with
polymer before preparation. our R&D Center for confectionery

“The wrapping material we have developed degrades in York, UK and the Swiss-based Institute of
at various environmental conditions with the rate of
degradation varying from 4 to 98 per cent in 21 days. The Packaging Sciences.”
wrapping material degraded rapidly in moist conditions
when compared to dry ones. Hence, our wrapper is - Louise Barrett,
eco-friendly and can play a major role in plastic waste
reduction”, says Prof. Mukesh Doble, Department of Head,
Biotechnology, IIT Madras.
Nestlé Confectionery
Another team of innovators, through their startup
NanoSafe Solutions incubated at the Indian Institute Product Technology Centre, UK
of Technology in Delhi, has developed a range of
antimicrobial water storage containers and launched it an essential micronutrient, needed for growth. These
as AqCure, which is based on the inherent antimicrobial containers are made from bisphenol A (BPA)/ bisphenol
properties of copper. AqCure is a patented technology S (BPS)-free high quality food grade polymers”, shares Dr
in which active nano-copper is released in a sustainable Anasuya Roy, Chief Executive Officer, NanoSafe Solutions,
manner from a polymer matrix. The released copper New Delhi.
makes the outer and inner surface of the container
antimicrobial, reducing transmission of microbes With so many innovative ideas entering the market,
upon direct contact, and making the stored water sustainable packaging has definitely become a high
microbiologically safe. agenda of many businesses. 2021 looks to be shaping
up to be the year when packaging transforms from
“The released copper in water is within permissible damaging our environment with excess waste to making
limits and thus fortifies stored water as copper is also it a more positive and tenable place.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

28 PRODUCT CLAIMS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Clinical trials & FMCG
products amid the pandemic

The recent honey adulteration row brought to the fore by the Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) has
stoked the citizens to look at FMCG products and their product claims even more critically. NuFFooDs
Spectrum spoke with industry experts to know the importance of clinical trials of the products before mass
distribution to avert any unforeseen consequences and ensuring food security.

In a recent episode, what has truly taken the masses in during these unprecedented times, Ashwin Bhadri,
India aback and set consumer belief upheaval is the CEO, Equinox Labs, Mumbai stated, “Anytime there
alleged honey adulteration from many leading FMCG is an increase in demand for certain goods, risk of
players, which was reportedly brought to the fore by compromise on quality also increases. People have been
the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). CSE had hoarding on essentials in this pandemic because of the
pointed out that Food Safety and Standards Authority enforced lockdown. In this process, more often than not,
of India (FSSAI) has issued instructions for checking they tend to overlook safety concerns associated with
adulteration of honey with golden syrup, invert sugar certain products. And companies have been capitalising
syrup, and rice syrup. on this a lot.”

Food regulator FSSAI also recently, in a press release, In order to cater to demand, keep up supply
conveyed that it has taken note of CSE’s investigation on and make maximum profit in the process, some
adulteration in honey and that the Authority appreciates manufacturers don't focus much on maintaining safety
the efforts of Civil Society Organisations like CSE to and quality standards with their products. Add to the
promote awareness among customers about food fact that the majority of the consumers just care about
safety and standards and will utilise the findings of stocking up and not assessing quality standards of the
this investigation to bring about any improvements in items they are buying. This can certainly pave the way
the food safety ecosystem about honey that are found for adulteration, highlights Bhadri as the reason for
necessary. adulteration on the rise amid the pandemic.

The news came in the wake of the COVID-19
pandemic outbreak, during which a lot of people
increasingly engaged in honey consumption as an
alternative given its natural sweetness compared to
sugar and also that some brands promoted their labels of
honey as immunity boosters by fortifying their branded
honey with essential micronutrients. The unearthing of
the adulteration news has stoked the masses to learn
more about the product claims made by the companies
before being made available on the shelves.

It has further pointed the suspicion needle at other
commodities like ghee, milk, flour, oils, etc., that are
subject to adulteration. Masking the changed taste
due to adulteration in the name of value-added micro-
nutrients, people are increasingly looking for studies that
these products must undergo to arrest false claims by
these companies.

Why the possible adulteration?
Opining that lack of efficient food laws and
uncoordinated execution of government initiatives is
one of the reasons for increasing adulteration especially

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PRODUCT CLAIMS 29

Agreeing to this Karan Daftary, Global Vice President, “Anytime there is an
SIRO Clinpharm, Mumbai said that the demand for increase in demand
‘immunity boosters’ labelled products sky-rocketed for certain goods, risk
as COVID-19 has disrupted the entire FMCG industry. of compromise on
There has been a significant rise in queries in the health quality also increases.
category, especially for immunity-enhancing products People have been hoarding
with searches going up by almost 500 per cent.
on essentials in this pandemic
Given the situation induced by the pandemic,
speaking about how the clinical trials of products saw because of the enforced lockdown. In this
disruption while the contagion spread was at its peak,
Daftary said that it is challenging to make a product process, more often than not, they tend to
claim by laboratory testing or controlled clinical
studies in the pandemic situation. Hence, alternative overlook safety concerns associated with certain
mechanisms and processes have emerged to bridge
the gap, which have risen due to non-participation products. And companies have been capitalising
of subjects in clinical trials from quarantines, site
closures, travel limitations, supply chain problems, on this a lot.”
etc., adding another angle for the batches of products
being susceptible to adulteration somewhere midway - Ashwin Bhadri,
by miscreants’ creators without the knowledge of the
brands. CEO, Equinox Labs, Mumbai

Falsely-marketed immunity-boosting products “Scrutinisation by
With the Coronavirus-19 causing fear and panic, our conscientious
WhatsApp group chats are filled with recipes for consumers will
homemade concoctions — kadhas, kashayams, what become a norm and
not — to ‘boost immunity’. Several companies have hence a logical and
capitalised on the situation and the supplements market thoughtful product claim must
has boomed. Vitamin C and D were wiped off shelves,
and advertisements for immunity boosters popped up be made, which can pass on
on every social media platform.
a clear message to the consumer that is not

misleading in nature.”

- Karan Daftary,

Global Vice President, SIRO Clinpharm, Mumbai

Fear of hospitals, along with the reluctance to make
appointments with doctors further kept people at home,
resorting to immunity-boosting ingredients they believed
were to be safe and keep their immunity in check.

However, as it is said, too much of something can
be poisonous, there have been instances of people
complaining of lost taste or indigestion due to excessive
consumption of the concoctions. This hints one to link
it to the packet of the ready-to-drink premixes and
whether or not they were adulterated in any way.

“When consumed as a part of our meals like turmeric
in dal, it's beneficial for us (also because the spice is used
in balance). But to consume cups of such concoctions
like tea and coffee in the morning and evening will do
more harm than good. Moreover, the government must
issue regulations on hoarding of immunity-boosting
ingredients and keep a check on consumers' buying
patterns,” Bhadri points out.

Ahead of the adulteration news coming out, Daftary
agreed that scrutinisation by conscientious consumers
will become a norm and hence a logical and thoughtful
product claim must be made, which can pass on a clear
message to the consumer that is not misleading in nature.

30 PRODUCT CLAIMS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

List of FDA approved Gazette notifications; to label a product as “Ayurvedic
health claims in foods formulation”, in which the formula of the product should
come from an Ayurvedic textbook. Ayurvedic companies
 21 CFR 101.72 Health claims: calcium and are testing the age-old Ayurvedic formulations and
osteoporosis creating novel modern Ayurvedic formulations and
labelling them as re-engineered and repurposed. A
 21 CFR 101.73 Health claims: dietary lipids and particular Ayurvedic formulation may contain multiple
cancer ingredients. The right composition of these ingredients
is the key to a successful formulation. Also, the efficacy
 21 CFR 101.75 Health claims: dietary saturated and safety profile for each of the ingredients should be
fat and cholesterol and risk of coronary heart established either through clinical study or through the
disease backing of Ayurvedic literature,” he notes.

 21 CFR 101.80 Health claims: dietary Explaining how has SIRO been at the forefront
noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners and ensuring clinical trials of the many immunity-boosting
dental caries FMCG products, Ayurvedic products and nutraceuticals,
Daftary shared, “SIRO has extensive experience in
 21 CFR 101.76 Health claims: fiber-containing conducting varied clinical trials in the nutraceuticals
grain products, fruits, and vegetables and products, herbal formulation, and the functional food
cancer space and they have successfully executed: Mulitple trials
on fruit and natural extracts (herbal formulations) for
 21 CFR 101.79 Health claims: Folate and neural improving pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions; A clinical
tube defects trial on Zn sulphate (Zinc is an important micronutrient for
a child’s overall health and development). The product was
 21 CFR 101.78 Health claims: fruits and ORS solution with Zn solution - a multimineral product
vegetables and cancer dispersible tablets in children aged between 3 and ≤18
months and >18 to 59 months; Clinical trial on herbal
 21 CFR 101.77 Health claims: fruits, vegetables, extract (ginger cinnamon extract- respiratory / immunity
and grain products that contain fiber, enhancer product) for pre-diabetes and respiratory
particularly soluble fiber, and risk of coronary condition; a proof of concept studies to showcase that the
heart disease product is effective and can provide proactive protection
from diabetes and respiratory conditions; Nutraceuticals
 21 CFR 101.74 Health claims: sodium and supplement enhancing immunity in picky eating children
hypertension and to assess the effect of a nutritional supplement on
episodes of illness in children.”
 21 CFR 101.81 Health claims: Soluble fiber from
certain foods and risk of coronary heart disease He concluded, SIRO has an extensive site database
(CHD) consisting of Ayurvedic physicians in addition to having
the technical know-how of executing these trials. SIRO
 21 CFR 101.82 Health claims: Soy protein and has expertise in writing protocols, designing studies,
risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) claim documents and preparation. Having a qualified
team with needful insights, experience and exhaustive
 21 CFR 101.83 Health claims: plant sterol/stanol knowledge of all categories of FMCG products dietary
esters and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) supplements, nutraceuticals, or cosmetics, SIRO,
of late, to enhance customer confidence, has tied
Source: USFDA up with Certified Nutritionist, Dermatologist, and
Gastroenterologist, etc.
Understanding the marketing claims one should
adhere to regulatory standards and the validation that Being cautious the key to wellbeing?
should be done through preclinical, clinical, literature While the tussle between brands and consumer-forward
search and efficacy studies, SIRO helps the FMCG client institutions remains ongoing, one needs to educate
to curate the marketing claims, which should resonate themselves to avert any mishap especially when it comes
with the intended consumer audience. to outside food consumption, irrespective of packaged
or freshly prepared.
While several companies have capitalised on the
back of the slew of Ayurvedic products, speaking Akshay Nayak
about the right composition of the immunity-boosting
ingredients to be scrutinized before making it mass-
available, Daftary noted, “India’s AYUSH ministry insists
that the Ayurvedic formulations, which are claimed by
the manufacturer as “immunity boosters” are mandated
to have undergone clinical research studies to prove the
safety and efficacy, before making it available for mass
consumption.”

“FSSAI and Ministry of AYUSH have come out with

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in POULTRY 31

Egg-citing trends
in egg processing

Globally, the consumption of eggs has become The Indian poultry market, consisting of broilers
an essential component of the human diet and eggs reached a value of Rs 1,988 billion in
and this has led to a surge in demand. In 2020, according to research by IMARC Group.
The Indian poultry market is set to grow at a CAGR
western countries, the consumption of eggs has of 15.2 per cent during 2021-2026. The market worth
always been on the higher side as compared is projected to reach Rs 4,340 billion by 2024. One of
to countries such as India. According to the the prominent producers of meat and eggs across the
world, India’s poultry industry has gone through a major
National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) transformation in terms of structure and operations in
India, despite being the third-largest producer of the last two decades. Eggs are wholesome, nutritious
food with high nutrient density due to the fact that
eggs, with daily production of around 22 crore proportionate to the calorie count, they provide 12 per
table eggs, India’s per capita consumption is 60 cent of the Daily Value for protein. They are also a good
eggs. This is a considerably low number when source of a wide variety of other nutrients like vitamins,
we put it against per capita consumption in the essential amino acids and minerals such as Vitamins
US and China, which is 290 and 300, respectively. A, B6, and B12, folate, iron, phosphorus, Selenium,
However, with effective promotional campaigns Choline and zinc etc. Dietary protein is one of the most
and spreading awareness via various traditional important health indices that affect children's growth
and development. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two
and social media in the country, this gap has newly-recognised nutrients that have put eggs in the
slowly started filling up. As the demand within ‘functional foods’ category.

the country is ramping up, it has become
very important for traders to adopt the latest
technology, new business trends, and innovative
techniques to maintain a healthy supply chain.

32 POULTRY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Switching fowls “From a farmer’s farmer point of view, if we compare
Since the country’s population is growing rapidly, regular egg farming to kadaknath’s egg farming, then
consumption of eggs in the country has also gone up kadaknath has the upper hand. Firstly, this breed doesn’t
drastically which means that the poultry farmers have require any special attention and can be raised in a
to work towards fulfilling this demand. This demand natural environment. Secondly, kadaknath eggs have a
uptick has left farmers with two options, either to ramp stronger shell as compared to boiler egg which not only
up production, which is already on the higher side, or provides extra protection but also increases the shelf
to provide supplement to the boiler eggs. On this front, life which is beneficial for both traders and customers”,
many farmers have shifted their core business from
boiler eggs to eggs from other birds such as Kadaknath,
country chicken (Natty Koli), quails, duck, etc.

Going by the recent trends, duck farming is one trade
that has caught the fancy of the Indian poultry farmers.
Currently, duck farming constitutes 10 per cent of the
total poultry farming in India and contributes about 7-8
per cent of the total egg produced in the country. There
are multiple reasons for this shift, for one ducks lay more
eggs in a year (about 300 each) as compared to hens.
Moreover, duck eggs are bigger than that of a chicken
which is also preferable parameter. Ducks are also more
profitable to rear as they begin laying eggs in about the
second year, bringing down the cost of production.

Similarly, Kadaknath, also known as Kali Masi, has also
been used as a lucrative alternative to chicken. Although
they are considered to be an exotic consumable product,
Kadaknath’s eggs are gaining popularity in India because
of their high nutrient value. As compared to regular
chickens, Kadaknath hens produce 120 to 130 eggs
in a year which is almost half of what boilers produce
annually. Despite this lower output, because of their
higher nutrient value, they are considered the best
supplement to the Indian egg market.

Source: DAHD

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in POULTRY 33

“Demand is the key
in any business if
you are dealing or
doing business with
corporate firms then
you know that you need to
keep churning your supply chain
as the orders keep coming through but the
cycle changes when you are trading directly
with customers. One needs to maintain a
technologically advanced cold storage facility
when he doing business on the B2C model.”

- Tarun Gupta,
Co-Founder, Henfruit, New Delhi

revealed Dr Chandan Kumar, Course Coordinator, Animal “Delivering fresh eggs is
Welfare Course, JNU, New Delhi. always a tough job owing
to the fragility of the
Modernisation of packaging product. Since we are
Eggs being a fragile product need extra care while directly connected to
handling and transporting them from one place to the poultry farmers, we have an
another. A rough figure suggests that around 20 to 25 edge in this game. But then also
per cent of eggs produced in the country are destroyed the entire cycle depends on the demand from the
in transit. It is mainly due to either poor packaging or consumers in case demand goes down we have
bad condition of roads. In order to reduce wastage, no other option than moving the product to our
many companies including startups have come up with cold storages. We maintain very strict temperature
multiple packaging solutions that provide extra cushion levels in our storages to keep the product fresh and
to the produce. imply modern packaging techniques to reduce
food wastage, especially in the case of eggs.”
Packaging, an innate segment of the polymers
and advanced materials industry, has been witnessing - Vivek Gupta,
significant evolution in the terms of manufacturing Co-Founder, Licious, Bangalore
technology, over the past few years. The manufacturing
technology across the packaging sector has massively “From a farmer’s farmer
improved to the point that the final products can boast point of view, if we
of a much smoother surface and more sophisticated compare regular egg
feel and look. In this regard, one of the packaging being farming to Kadaknath’s
abundantly used is pulp packaging. egg farming, then
Kadaknath has the upper
There two major stages of packaging eggs go through hand. Firstly, this breed doesn’t
before they ended up in the hands of customers. In the require any special attention and can be raised
first stage, when the egg is transported to the dealer, it in a natural environment. Secondly, Kadaknath
requires extra cushion because of its freshness so most of eggs have a stronger shell as compared to boiler
the farmers use walled basket packaging which is filled egg which not only provides extra protection but
with odourless rice husks, wheat chaff or chopped straw. also increases the shelf life which is beneficial for
Another form of the packaging used in this stage is called both traders and customers.”

- Dr Chandan Kumar,
Course Coordinator,
Animal Welfare Course, JNU, New Delhi

34 POULTRY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

DID YOU KNOW? AP leads in egg production

Andhra Pradesh As per Department of Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Andhra Pradesh has 25 per cent of Food
is the largest egg-producing Processing Units in India (6K+) and is the leader
state in India, producing in Poultry & Egg Production (3.8 crore eggs/day).
The state is number one with 19.1 per
3.8 CR cent contribution to egg production,
followed closely by Tamil Nau, with 18.2
eggs per day! per cent, while Telangana state
is third with 13.2 per cent.

filler tray packaging, filler trays are made of wood pulp Source: DAHD
moulded to accommodate the eggs. They are constructed
so that they can be stacked one on top of the other and Vivek Gupta, Co-Founder, Licious, Bangalore stated,
can also be placed in boxes ready for transport. Filler trays “Delivering fresh eggs is always a tough job owing to the
also offer a convenient method for counting the eggs in fragility of the product. Since we are directly connected
each box, without having to count every single egg. to the poultry farmers, we have an edge in this game.
But then also the entire cycle depends on the demand
In the second stage, when eggs reach dealers’ cold from the consumers in case demand goes down we
storage and needed to be transported to distributors, have no other option than moving the product to our
most of them are packed in hard moulded boxes in a cold storages. We maintain very strict temperature levels
combination with six and 36 eggs in a pack. in our storages to keep the product fresh and imply
modern packaging techniques to reduce food wastage,
Going the Egg’Stra mile especially in the case of eggs.”
From farm to fork is the concept that intrigue many
companies but to get it executed in the real time is a Echoing similar sentiments Tarun Gupta, Co-Founder,
tough nut to crack. Similarly, egg industry too working Henfruit, New Delhi, said, “Demand is the key in any
on this concept from decades but till now, has not been business if you are dealing or doing business with
able to chalk down a proper map to execute it. corporate firms then you know that you need to keep
churning your supply chain as the orders keep coming
through but the cycle changes when you are trading
directly with customers. One needs to maintain a
technologically advanced cold storage facility when he
doing business on the B2C model.”

India being of the top five egg-producing nations
in the world is poised for an optimistic growth in the
egg processing sector. Currently, states such as Andhra
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala and West
Bengal are the lead players of this trade but slowly other
states are catching up and this healthy competition
will expand the market to the next level. With startups
pumping in with their new and innovative ideas and
industry going for a total technological spin, India’s egg
processing sector can envisage a brighter and vibrant
road ahead. Though there are few hurdles such as the
execution of the farm-to-fork model, low domestic egg
consumption rate, etc., these can be resolved through
spreading awareness and educating people, especially
in rural areas where the percentage of malnourished
children and women is higher.

Nitin Konde

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STRATEGY 35

India’s bottled
water sector
goes for a revamp

Right to clean and potable drinking is recognised as a basic human right, yet difficult to deliver. Globally,
mankind is looking at the imminent scarcity of water with the resultant socio-economic catastrophes. While
we are not dealing with a future calamity for the moment, the COVID-19 aftermath had dealt a serious blow
to the bottled water sector. Still, the demand for clean drinking water undoubtedly continues to pick up, with
brands coming up with innovative and convincing ways to reboot the bottled water industry.

India’s bottled drinking water market was valued at $24
billion in 2019 as per the data released by the Trade
Promotion Council of India. Going by this trend, the
market was expected to reach the $60 billion by 2023,

which now appears to be an impossible task owing

to the pandemic. As the sector’s major consumers,

including offices, airlines, hotels, restaurants and caterers,

among others, have already been negatively impacted,

the repercussions are visible. As per market reports,

this segment could witness a de-growth of around 30

per cent due to COVID-19. To revive the business, many

companies have adopted

various business models to

According to a Dublin based research reach out to their customers

and survey firm Research and Markets such as selling directly to

the global packaged drinking water the customers, partnering

market is well poised to reach $267.7 with online apps, launching

billion by 2026 with a growing CAGR online business apps.

of 9.4 per cent from 2018-2026. As per the global

scenario, the bottled water

market is blooming due

to high degrees of awareness about the link between

consuming safe drinking water and good health. Major

players dominating the sector include Coca-Cola,

PepsiCo, Nestle, Hangzhou Wahaha Group Co. However,

in India, the bottled water is mostly consumed due to the

lack of availability of clean tap water, health awareness,

easy access to bottled water etc. Adding all these factors

with the country’s geographical size and ever growing

population, India has become a prominent market for

many international bottled water companies, which

36 STRATEGY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“We have been providing 20
litre jars to the customers
for many years but it
was mostly through
our dealers and retailers.
After the outbreak of pandemic,

we realised that company needs

to explore more new avenues to increase its

business. As you know necessity is the mother

of invention, so we decided to opt for directly

selling to the customer trade model through our

online portal and till now, it has worked quite

well for us.”

- Kartar Singh Bhadana,

Owner,

M K Peacock Mineral Water Pvt Ltd, Faridabad

“ The government of
India’s recent Jal Jeevan
Mission is a right
and commendable
step in that direction
that aims to provide safe and

adequate drinking water through

individual household tap connections by

2024.”

- Kamal Narayan Omer, have already entered this market and now planning to
sprawl their nexus by introducing attractive and alluring
CEO, marketing strategies.

Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) “Packaged and safe drinking water is a concept that
applies to cities only and more to people who are ready
Council, New Delhi to pay a premium for something that is a fundamental
requirement of a healthy life. Some in the urban areas
“Our Ayurveda Water range use so-called packaged drinking water that carries no
not only quenches the proof that they are safe for consumption. However,
thirst of the consumer since a large number of people in India live outside the
but it also boosts ambit and reach of piped and safe drinking water, India
his health. Owing to is aiming to increase that coverage to enable them to
the current situation when reduce their dependence on packaged drinking water.
The government of India’s recent Jal Jeevan Mission is a
everyone is thriving to increase right and commendable step in that direction that aims
to provide safe and adequate drinking water through
their immunity, this range could be seen as the individual household tap connections by 2024. Till that
time, we can say that apart from being a portable option
potential product to go for. We have infused for carrying drinking water, its packaged form will remain
an important source of supplying drinking water to
our VEEN’s natural spring water with Ayurvedic households as well,” stated Kamal Narayan Omer, CEO,
Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council, New
herbs, fruits and botanicals to produce these Delhi.

four variants that can fulfill the needs of the Initially bottled water was felt to be a rich people’s
choice but later, it started falling in the ambit of the
consumers that are constantly looking for

mineral-rich water.”

- Aman Gupta,

Chairman,

VEEN Waters Oy Ltd, Finland

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STRATEGY 37

layman as well due to increased awareness among a universal water supply in all 4,378 urban local bodies
people regarding water-bone diseases. Presently, bottled with 2.86 crore (28.6 million) household tap connections.
water is sold in India with quantities such as 200-250 It will be implemented over 5 years, with an outlay of Rs
ml in pouches, 500 ml, 1L, 2L in bottles, 20-50 litre in 2,87,000 crore.”
barrels and so on. Due to increase in demand of bottled
water, many state governments have also stepped in and Revamping trade strategies
installed public sector bottling plant in order to provide There are around 1400 units that are registered both
safe drinking water at affordable prices. with the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Food
Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Among
Government empowers Jal Jeevan Mission these, there are a handful of brands such as Bisleri,
In a bid to increase the network of piped drinking water, Kinley, Bailey, Aquafina etc. that have a major share in
Government of India allocated Rs 50,000 crore for the the market. The outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted
Jal Jeevan Mission in Union Budget 2021-22. ‘Har Ghar global trade cycle and forced major sectors to shut down
Nal Se Jal’ to provide a functional tap connection to all their operations. With major consumers such as the
households by 2024, is part of the Jal Jeevan Mission. tourism industry, offices, airlines, hotels, restaurants and
This ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ scheme is the new avatar of the caterers clamping down their operations, the bottled
National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), water sector took a massive hit. Now, since the market
which was launched in 2009. is resurrecting itself from the ashes of the business
meltdown, bottled water sector is also gearing up to
As per the official government data, more than revamp its business strategies.
3.77 crore households are provided with tap water
connections under Jal Jeevan Mission. Apart from The very idea of doing business online especially
that, Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) was also announced after the outbreak of pandemic has become a new
by Nirmala Sitharaman during the recently concluded normal now. Going by this trend, many brands such
budget session. In her budget speech, she stated, “The as Bisleri, Aquafina and Bailey have already rolled up
Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) will be launched. It aims at their sleeves by launching their own online platform. By

38 STRATEGY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Indian bottled water market to hit Rs 403.06 Bn by 2023

Increasing health concerns, and unavailability of by rise in the overall sales volume in India.
clean drinking water have led to the growth of the
bottled water market in India. The market is expected Drivers:
to reach Rs 403.06 billion by the end of 2023, from its India accounts for 18 per cent of the global
current value of Rs 160 billion in 2018, expanding at population. In addition, the per-capita income of
a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.75 per Indians witnessed a growth of 8.6 per cent in 2017.
cent from 2018. Based on volume, the market is likely Moreover, increased awareness among the growing
to reach 35.53 billion liters by 2023, expanding at a population about the importance of safe drinking
CAGR of 18.25 per cent from 2018 to 2023. The major water for maintaining good health, along with a
bottled water brands operating in India are Bislery, sharp rise in per capita income is eating a demand for
Kinley, and Aquafina. bottled water in India.
Tourists prefer bottled water to normal tap water.
Trends: The rate of foreign tourists in India is expected to
Flavoured bottled drinking water has become increase at a rate of 6.7 per cent during 2015-2025.
popular in India. Different kinds of flavoured water This, in turn, is anticipated to boost the sale of bottled
containing fruit essence and artificial sweeteners like water in India.
soda, cola, juice, and other sweetened beverages
often act as a substitute to plain bottled water. At Challenges:
times consumers prefer flavoured bottled water to In recent years, a number of companies selling
normal bottled water. This shift is developing an fake branded bottled water have cropped up in the
opportunity to expand the product line of bottled market. These players do not maintain quality and
water manufacturers in India. hygiene standards, which in turn leads to health issues
Apart from individual sales, market players in among consumers. As a result, consumers lose faith in
India have recently inclined towards institutional sales bottled water, thus affecting the overall sales.
through partnership with airlines, movie theatres, and Nearly 67 per cent of the population resides in
hotels. Such partnerships are eventually increasing rural areas. However, the rate of penetration of bottled
the penetration of the product in the market, followed water is significantly low in these regions. This, as a
result, hinders the growth of the market in India.

Source: Kenneth Research

adopting this model, companies are not only expanding consumers for Rs 13 as compared to the normally charged
their reach but also getting into the grooves of selling price Rs 20. The new plant is set up by the Kerala Irrigation
directly to the customers. Apart from that, companies Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIDC) and can
have also tied up with firms such as Zomato, Big Basket, produce approximately 2720 bottles of 20 liters per day.
Amazon etc. for extending their reach.
The state government is committed to provide
Kartar Singh Bhadana, Owner, M K Peacock Mineral drinking water at an affordable rate and that it would
Water Pvt Ltd, Faridabad said, “We have been providing increase the production and supply of quality bottled
20 litre jars to the customers for many years but it was water from the plant as demand increases. As per the
mostly through our dealers and retailers. After the information provided by the government, this bottled
outbreak of pandemic, we realised that company needs water will be manufactured by two units located at
to explore more new avenues to increase its business. Aruvikkara and Thodupuzha and will be marketed and
As you know necessity is the mother of invention, so distributed all across the state using designated teams.
we decided to opt for directly selling to the customer
trade model through our online portal and till now, it has Multiplying water ATMs
worked quite well for us.” Water ATM concept is not new to India. In fact, it dates
back to the mid 90s when a person could be seen with a
Kerala’s move to provide affordable bottled water water vending machine mounted on his bicycle roaming
In a move to provide healthy, hygienic and affordable around the city. But over the years, the concept has
bottled water, Kerala government has launched its second evolved and has become more tech- driven. With water
public sector bottled water plant unit at Aruvikkara ATMs gaining popularity day by day, more and more
on January 16, 2021. Under the name ‘Hilly Aqua’, this such installations are coming up across the country
government’s bottled water brand will be sold to the especially at railway stations.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STRATEGY 39

New ATMs are powered by solar energy and they Leading Bottled
provide clean drinking water 24 hours. All the units are Water Companies in India
equipped with reverse osmosis (RO) and ultra-filtration
units with reduced operational costs. However, these 1. Bislery International Pvt Ltd
vending machines provide the cheapest safe drinking 2. Coca-Cola India Pvt Ltd
water to the customers. As per the Indian Railway 3. Dhariwal Industries Pvt Ltd
Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), water ATMs 4. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
installed at all railway stations charge Rs 2 for 300ml, Rs 5
for 500ml, Rs 8 for 1 litre, Rs 12 for 2 litre, Rs 25 for 5 litre Corporation
bottle. 5. Narang Group
6. Nestle Group
Flavoured water for good health 7. Parle Agro Pvt Ltd
Plain water itself is considered as a healthy drink but 8. PepsiCo, Inc.
when it is infused with additional flavours and herbs the 9. Tata Global Beverages Ltd
health quotient gets enhanced. Companies have entered 10. United Breweries Ltd
the market with many options such as vitamin-enriched,
alkaline water, herbal water etc. to attract more customers. Source: Kenneth Research
Flavoured water promotes healthy lifestyle as flavours
entice people to consume more water, which leads to a Many companies, are constantly working on
healthy life style. In fact, even the dietitian’s recommends producing water, rich in herbs and has medicinal
people to drink minimum of 64 ounces of water a day, benefits. For this, producers are flipping the pages of
potentially depending more on rehydration needs. ancient Ayurveda to get the perfect combination of
ingredients to be added in their product. A Finnish
company called Veen has launched a range of
flavoured bottled water in India. With the brand name
‘Ayurveda Water’, it offers a range consisting of variants
such as Amla & Tulsi, Ginger and Honey, Saffron and
Blackcurrant, Apple and Mint.

Elaborating further on these variants, Aman Gupta,
Chairman, VEEN Waters Oy Ltd, Finland stated, “Our
Ayurveda Water range not only quenches the thirst of
our consumers but it also boosts their health. Owing
to the current situation when everyone is thriving to
increase their immunity, this range could be seen as the
potential product to go for. We have infused our VEEN’s
natural spring water with Ayurvedic herbs, fruits and
botanicals to produce these four variants that can fulfill
the needs of the consumers that are constantly looking
for mineral-rich water.”

Walking on similar lines, Bisleri has also joined hands
with a US firm Minerva Group with an aim to enter the
US market with differentiated flavoured water. Apart
from that, the company is also gearing up to launch
value-added flavoured water in India as well. Currently,
the product is in testing mode.

India’s bottled market sector is coming back on track
after going through a lull phase because of COVID-19
outbreak. By overhauling its trade concept, the sector
is shifting its business gears from orthodox to modern
trade model. With innovative ideas such as water ATMs,
online business operations, flavoured water to boost
health etc., this industry is well poised to cater to the
ever-increasing demand of its customers.

Nitin Konde

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

Prof. Thomas Noll, “There is an urgent and
increasing need for
Chairman, special analyses in the
Supervisory Board, food & feed industry”
Xell AG, Germany

Emerging from the Institute of Cell Culture Technology at our growth was mainly fuelled by cell culture and analytical
Bielefeld University, Germany, in 2009, Xell AG (formerly contract services, but growth has also been complemented
TeutoCell AG) has grown to become an independent and by proprietary cell culture media for an increasing range
privately financed biotech company dedicated to cutting-edge of cell lines. Sales from off-the-shelf products for CHO and
innovation and developing expertise. With more than 20 years HEK cell lines currently contribute more than 50 per cent
ofhands-onexperienceincellculturetechnology,Xellhasdrawn of annual sales. We have also seen a rapid increase in the
from its academic & technological knowledge to become a key annual IP license payments resulting from cell culture
partner in the design & distribution of cell culture solutions. The media developed for biopharma companies. Crucially,
company has built a compatible analytics platform for spent 2019 saw the development of our first in-house products,
media as well as for food and animal feed samples. Currently which successfully achieved market application for GMP
serving the Indian market through its partnership with Navi production of approved biopharmaceuticals. We anticipate
Mumbai based Rane Rao Reshamia Laboratories, the supplier several others used in late-stage clinical trials to follow
is aiming at providing future sustainable food alternatives or shortly. We expect 2021 to follow the excellent performance
additives in the coming years. NuFFooDS Spectrum interacted trend seen in previous years, and so we remain very
with Prof. Thomas Noll, Chairman, Supervisory Board, Xell AG, optimistic about the future
Germany to find out more about the company’s plans for 2021 .
and beyond. Edited excerpts;
What plans are in store for the F&B sector in 2021?
What are Xell AG’s major products and service offerings On a global scale, we are currently supporting various varied
for the food and beverage (F&B) industry? projects with our unmatched cell culture and analytical
Analytical experts at Xell have the ability to quantify all expertise – especially within the context of sustainable
the main ingredients of cell culture media (CCM) and food research, whether that be animal or insect cell-based.
fermentation media, such as sugars, (non-) proteogenic Our R&D team is also working internally on two exciting
amino and organic acids, polyamines, vitamins, ions and and forward-thinking government-funded projects. These
trace elements with a highly-intelligent methodology projects aim to provide future sustainable food alternatives
that can be perfectly adapted to the specific matrix. These or additives while taking crucial steps to reduce production
outstanding tools, combined with Xell’s expansive expertise footprint.The establishment of Xell’s own production facility,
on cell culture media design, make us a unique partner, not a completely new state-of-the-art site for the production
only for the biopharma industry, but for the food and feed of culture media in powder and liquid formulation – has
industry and beyond. With the food and feed industry in made our company even more capable of assisting clients
particular, we have recognized an urgent and increasing with projects from the early USP phase all the way through
need for special analyses that go further than the standard to commercial supply. We commenced production at the
tools available in 2020. beginning of 2020, and we are ramping it up continuously.
By the end of 2021, Xell’s manufacturing resources will
How was the FY20-21 for the company? What growth make it possible for us to produce our own formulations
does Xell expect to see in the new year? and custom formulations, with an annual capacity of about
Since its inception, Xell has consistently grown at an average 144,000 kg of powdered media and 220,000 L of liquid cell
CAGR above 30 per cent. In the first years of the business, culture media, all with highly-flexible packing solutions.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EQUIPMENT 41

Investment in
infrastructure key for
food equipment sector

Increasing consumption of processed and ready-to-eat food is Raghav Gupta,
expected to propel the market growth of the food processing
equipment industry over the next few years. Director, Kanchan Metals,
New Delhi

The Indian food processing equipment market is the farm gate, multi-modal logistics etc. Hence, equipment
growing at a steady rate. It is driven by the growing manufacturers specialising in machinery that support
need to fulfill the demand of its ever-increasing infrastructure creation across the value chain have an edge.
population and to achieve food safety. Additionally,
increasing awareness among people about health With the ever-evolving industry landscape, many food
consciousness; availability of processing equipment in processing companies are expanding their product line-up
different sizes, designs, configurations; evolving dietary or planning to do so in the coming years without making
habits; and increasing consumption of processed and significant changes to their production process. Thus,
ready-to-eat food is further expected to propel the market versatile equipment that can produce different product
growth over the next few years. types will be a preference. India’s vast agricultural resources
further create huge potential for investments in its food
According to Technova's quarterly update about the equipment industry. Major areas which have scope for value
performance of the food processing equipment industry, added processing are dairy, canning, packaging, frozen
the food processing industry is growing consistently and food, and thermo-processing industries. As the consumer is
is expected to grow further on account of the increasing shifting towards more value-added food categories such as
acceptance of processed food in the Indian market. cheese, yoghurt and processed meat, it is working in favour
Further, the gross value of plant and machinery deployed of the processing equipment market.
in the food processing sector is expected to reach $51.19
billion by 2024-25. In particular, the Indian snacks market Various government measures like food parks, 100 per
alone is expected to be worth more than Rs 1 billion by the cent Foreign Direct Investment under automatic route in
end of 2024, according to the Research and Markets report. food processing industries, government subsidies, modern
Well-established coffee chains, cafes, in-store bakeries, retail structure, tax breaks, public-private partnerships in
and quick-service restaurants are quickly leveraging the investment, and strengthening supply-chain infrastructure
opportunity associated with a snack and ready-to-eat food have thrust the industry's growth. However, irrespective
items – greater convenience, availability, and a wide range of the growing demand for processed food and constant
of variety in products. support from the Government of India for the growth
of the equipment manufacturing sector, there are some
Further, rising urbanisation, an ever-increasing number stumbling blocks in the industry. Few of these challenges
of working professionals, lifestyle changes, the growing include seasonal availability of certain crops which causes
popularity of convenience foods along with local availability production delays, resulting in low supply.
of snacks in small packages and increasing drive for greater
taste, hygiene and consistency are driving the market for Additionally, storage constraints, transportation issues,
processed Indian food or Indian snacks. Factors such as rising traditional production processes or lack of technological
population and increasing affect retail market dynamics equipment and a highly competitive industry are some of
significantly.There is a growing demand for processing basic the major challenges facing the industry. The industry is
food items such as grains, fruits and vegetables in addition also facing the challenge of automating ethnic Indian food
to shifting consumer behaviour towards more advanced items for a hygienic, consistent and high volume production
value-added food categories. These demands can only be without compromising the taste of the product. With the
fulfilled with technologically advanced equipment, thus, burgeoning young and urban population in India, demand
increasing the demand for advanced methods, technology, for processed food items is set to increase in the coming
and machinery. Further, there is a massive requirement for years. Therefore, the food equipment manufacturers
cold storage facilities across the value chain, pack houses at need to gear up to meet the demand by investing in the
necessary infrastructure.

42 INNOVATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Industry awaits
to discover more

Reshma Khan, As our global population is set to reach 10 billion people by 2050, we need
future-proofing from farm to fork to address this issue. Every manufacturer and
Application & Business innovator must take necessary measures to stop surplus waste and packaging.
Development Manager,
Mirtillo International, Mumbai

One has to agree that demand determines the priority naturally pasteurize food, eliminating the need for freezing,
of any commodity.While we were under the torment refrigeration, and artificial preservatives. This approach
of the pandemic, for some capitalists it was a golden extends the shelf-life of fresh-cut produce and reduces
opportunity to constantly map and evoke behavioural the energy used in processing and distribution by 70 per
changes among consumers to cater to them in novel ways. cent, which may have massive logistics and supply chain
Providing consumer hygienic, safe, convenience, processed implications, not to mention that it could lead to superior
food like biscuits, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals food products. Talking more of innovation, Lebanon-based
have shown transcending growth during this time. Which company Garlidoux has found a way to remove the infamous
eventually catalyse collaboration among industry and garlic taste or the flavour pain-point, by producing a natural
academia fostering product developers as well as young garlic paste that brings you the health benefits and great
upcoming innovators to opt related fields. We must get taste of garlic, without the nasty scent.
used to this new rife among millennials.
Need to push the process
Industrialists are in surge of commoditization of In order to push the process of innovation in India, we
cheaper production facilities, products and processes while need to focus on the basic issues. #Atmanirbhar has
institutions are more inclined towards technology which caused collateral damage to the growing educational
creates business. Young entrepreneurs are more focused and economic sector. We have the world’s second-largest
toward customer needs and are taking spurred attempts, graduate age group, which could potentially emerge as a
which are enticing, accessible and sustainable. Ushering the global supplier of skilled manpower. However, this year
rise in cell-based food and cell-based enabling technologies, Indian industry is not so convinced about the job-readiness
veganism, plant-based protein, zero waste, 3D printing, of the graduates. There is an alarming need that Indian
cleaner labels with less fat and no additives, active and Industries and Academia come together and address some
intelligent packaging, contactless F&B transaction, organic, of the underlying challenges.
animal-free food that eschew Industrial agricultural. To
truly make an impact on carbon emission, rescue from Deliberated exposure is a much-needed experience
insurmountable cost, regulatory challenges and cross the for the students. The successful model will ensure many
impossible long road to commercialisation we have lots benefits for everyone -the graduating students will find
of food scientists around who understand how to harness their transition into industry roles smoother; employers
tech alternatives. will be able to hire people who are skilled and job-ready
and academic institutes will take great pride in seeing their
Could these innovations work for you? students getting placed with good firms.
Innovations are happening all around us. A few brands are
already leading the way, such as Ootia, a Mumbai-based As our global population is set to reach 10 billion
startup that is focused on plant-based milk and its by- people by 2050, we need future-proofing from farm to
products, has been launching its new product reducing fork to address this issue. There must be collaborative
carbon footprint in the mainstream. On the global front, partnerships, funding, education and engagement which
RePizza, popular dining in China, combines leftover food seek to drive forward new ideas. Every manufacturer and
and uses over 200 flavours to make pizzas, called RePizza. innovator must take necessary measures to stop surplus
waste and packaging. Our aim is to provide transparency,
Then there is Farther Farms in the US that has created a traceability and transformation to empower a healthier and
new technology to leverage supercritical carbon dioxide to more sustainable future.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FSSAI INITIATIVE 43

RAFT kits
revolutionizing
food testing scenario

FSSAI has made a quick progress towards the use of advanced technologies for Arun Singhal,
food testing since 2019. These new food testing kits for detection of food-borne
pathogens and toxins ensure “faster, better, cheaper” testing of food. There is a Chief Executive Officer,
Food Safety and Standards
need to popularize these Rapid Tool kits to ensure they are widely used. Authority of India (FSSAI),

New Delhi

One of the most promising visions of our Prime Origin of Thought!
Minister, Narendra Modi is to support an In the past few years, the food processing industry
‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’. The Food Safety has witnessed an array of new or improved rapid kits/
and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is committed equipment/methods for the detection of foodborne
to support and promote this ambitious campaign and pathogens, toxins and other contaminants etc. As the
has introduced a policy for approval of indigenously use of the Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points
developed rapid food testing kits/equipment/methods. (HACCP) model and other food safety systems have
Such quick and easy-to-use testing kits have the become firmly entrenched in quality assurance/quality
potential to revolutionize the food testing landscape by control (QA/QC) programmes, the industry’s need for
increasing the outreach of testing at the ground-level “faster, better, cheaper” real-time test results, has also
and reducing time taken to test food items. increased multi-fold.

Many research and scientific institutions are actively Several recent rapid and automated kits/equipment/
engaged in development of rapid kits/equipment methods are commercially available to close the gap
across fields in different parts of the world. Very between rapid detection of foodborne contaminants
recently, Department of Science and Technology etc. and instantaneous, on-line monitoring to ensure the
(DST) has supported promotion and implementation safety of food products. Considering the above analytical
of various appropriate technologies (including rapid advancements and further to reduce the screening
ones) in India for addressing the issue of COVID-19. A
lot of aspiring minds have come forward to develop
simple testing kits and solutions for Corona Virus. DST
has played a key role in scouting for solutions that are
relevant to the country and can help in preparing for
exigencies arising out of COVID-19 pandemic. This
hasn’t only showcased the enormous talent of bright
minds in our country, but also given an impetus for
implementation of the mission ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat
Abhiyan’ and the Vocal for Local mission by promoting
innovation.

FSSAI has published a Regulation in the Gazette,
namely “Food Safety and Standards (Laboratory and
sample Analysis) First Amendment Regulations, 2020”.
This step will ensure that indigenously developed kits/
equipment for food testing are validated and approved
under the FSSAI regulations on a fast track basis.
Further, to facilitate ease of business in the food testing
ecosystem. The validation/ verification criteria for these
kits/ equipment is being developed by domain experts
in the field.

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

“Mostly, it has been
noticed that a lot of
weightage is given to
the health diagnostic
kits and equipment.
While it is important from

the perspective of curative

healthcare, more recently, it has been noticed

that a lot of food borne illnesses can be reduced

if some efforts can be made towards food

diagnostic kits and equipment (including rapid

ones). This will not only access the quality of

food in real-time but will also ensure preventive

healthcare”.

- Dr. Dinesh Kumar,

Member RAFT Committee and Assistant Director

(Tech), Quality Assurance, FSSAI, New Delhi

time of food products by Food Safety Officers (FSO) “ We have been
and surveillance activities in the States/UTs, FSSAI has conducting
decided to frame a policy for fast track approval of rapid validations of various
food testing kits/devices. The ultimate goal for these rapid kits and
rapid testing devices and equipment is to provide results screening kits under
within a few hours, if not in “real time.” RAFT approval process as

Execution of Thought! per National and International
FSSAI has constituted a committee for scrutinization of
Rapid Analytical Food Testing (RAFT) Kits/ Equipment/ guidelines for the projects recommended by
Methods for various applications received by FSSAI
under its RAFT Scheme. The RAFT Committee scrutinizes FSSAI. These validations and verifications are
the application in two stages: Final Approval and
Provisional Approval. very important for recommending a suitable

The Committee recommends those rapid kits/ product in India to safeguard the interests
equipment/methods for final approval, without any
verification from identified laboratories that meet of food business operators, consumers and
the requirements of the Food Safety and Standard
Regulations and are validated against International regulatory bodies. These rapid kits are the
Standards. Provisional approval is recommended
for those rapid kit/equipment/method, which need need of the hour to ensure quick and accurate
verification from identified laboratories. Any rapid kit/
equipment/method which does not meet any criteria screening of incoming raw material and
and does not have relevant documentation in place etc.
is rejected by the Committee. Conformance certificate f inished products at the manufacturer/ supply
with a validity of three years is issued to approved rapid
kits/ equipment/devices and provisional conformance chain level”.
certificate with a validity of one year is issued to
provisionally approved rapid kit/ equipment. - Dr Rajesh R Nair,

As on January 12, 2021, a total of 124 Applications Director, (CALF), National Dairy
have been scrutinized by the RAFT Committee. Out of
these, status of 109 applications was placed before the Development Board, Anand, Gujarat
Food Authority in its last meeting. Out of these 109
applications, 53 rapid food testing kits/equipment/ methods have been approved, 12 rapid food testing kits/
equipment/methods have been provisionally approved
and 44 rapid food testing kits/equipment/methods were
not approved.

The rapid food testing kits/equipment approved
by FSSAI are to be used for screening and surveillance
purposes only. For enforcement purpose, the method as
described in the FSSAI Manuals of Methods of Analysis
of Foods and/ or the method as described in tables of
Appendix B of Food Safety and Standards (Food Products

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

“Food safety is one of What companies are to say?
the major concern of a
country regardless of “ In today’s world, when advanced technology
its economic and social is at the tip of our fingers in all segments,
development. Food why not Food Safety? Rapid diagnosis of food
safety analysis is of paramount safety and a high level of standards is the
importance considering the need of the hour. FSSAI has identified this
deleterious effects of compromised food safety void and taken the initiative to approve the
and quality on human health. Conventional and rapid methods through RAFT scheme. FSSAI’s
sophisticated techniques traditionally utilized RAFT scheme for approval of indigenous
for the detection of food contaminants, are kits is truly a well-thought-out structural
relatively expensive, time-consuming and labor approach for adapting new technologies
intensive, impeding their use as point-of-care- in the food testing space. FSSAI has been
test. In addition, accessibility to such high-end evaluating each technology in great depth
analysis is limited in developing countries where with the help of their expert scientific panel
food-related illnesses are prevalent.” with profound knowledge in the subject.
Right from scrutinizing, by understanding the
- Dr Lalitha Ramakrishna Gowda, technology and accumulating adequate data
Chairman RAFT Committee and for supporting the use, suitability & preparing
Chief Scientist (Retd) - Central Food a process for easy adoption by all levels of
Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore. users, every point is considered in detail”.
- NEOGEN, USA

“ We are very proud of Food safety and healthy
nutrition drive initiative by FSSAI. It is an
excellent move towards creating awareness
among consumers and also channelizing the
industry towards one objective by introducing
the RAFT scheme. Our experience with the
RAFT scheme has been extremely wonderful
as the process was very clear and fast, making
it very friendly for the relevant stakeholders.
Apart from the process, what we see the
approach of ensuring compliance and due
diligence is well acknowledged. Fostering
such integrated approach is a stepping stone
towards building a Healthy Nation. We are
thankful to FSSAI for initiating the RAFT
scheme and supporting the industry”.
- Chr. Hansen, Denmark

Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 shall FSSAI has made a quick progress towards the use
be used. The RAFT kits are most advanced, easy to use, of advanced technologies for food testing since the
portable hand-held devices. They don't require any year 2019. These new food testing kits/equipment
sophisticated equipment and reagents to run the tests. for detection of food-borne pathogens and toxins
The tests can be performed anywhere by anyone without ensure “faster, better, cheaper” testing of food. There
any specific training requirements. The typical time is a need to popularize these Rapid Tool kits to ensure
period taken by the conventional methods to analyze they are widely used. More importantly, there is a need
samples for chemical parameters like antibiotics in milk is to promote our startups who are working in the area
about 2-3 days. With RAFT approved kits, the time can be of food testing so that our local innovations can be
considerably reduced to about 10-15 minutes. mainstreamed.

46 ACADEMIC NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

INFS unveils nutrition course for fitness professionals

Pune based Institute of Nutrition is to set the groundwork for
and Fitness Sciences (INFS) has beginners and familiarise them
released a free course called Basic with the science behind fitness
Nutrition and Fitness Course and health in a very simplified
to help people get started in way. Upon enrolling for this Basic
demystifying nutrition and fitness. Course at no cost, the students will
The course will introduce the not only learn the fundamentals
scholars to the basic terms and of nutrition, diet, and exercise but
concepts at a practical level at also design their own diet and
no charge. This initiative by INFS activity plans. INFS scholars will
is revolutionary for beginners have access to experienced faculty
considering taking charge of their members, whom they can reach
health by following scientific out to through the planned tutorial
principles. The objective of the sessions or through the Discussion
'Basic Nutrition and Fitness Course’ Forums on the INFS website.

WayCool Foods, IIFPT CMERI
focus on enhancing
shelf-life of perishables transfers water

Chennai based startup food wastage. The aim of purification
WayCool Foods has signed this association is to develop
a one-year Memorandum solutions that will retain technologies
of Understanding (MoU) the freshness of fruits and
with the Indian Institute of vegetables for a longer period, to 3 MSMEs
Food Processing Technology leading to a reduction in food
(IIFPT), Thanjavur to develop wastage across the supply chain Durgapur based Central Mechanical
sustainable and optimal at all levels. These solutions Engineering Research Institute (CMERI)
technology for enhancing are targeted at enhancing has transferred four indigenously
the shelf life of selected fruits the shelf life of fresh produce developed Water Purification
and vegetables. The MoU such as, tomato, potato, onion, Technologies to three prominent Micro,
was signed and exchanged carrot, pomegranate, and Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
between Karthik Jayaraman, apple. WayCool has invested engaged in the Water Purification
CEO, WayCool Foods and Dr more than Rs 3 million so far domain- Zenith Aquatech in Howrah,
C. Anandharamakrishnan, in such industry-academia Technochem in Barasat, and HES Water
Director, IIFPT. Earlier this year, sustainability initiatives Engineers in Nagpur. The already
WayCool joined hands with targeting reduction in food transferred CMERI Water Technologies
IIT-Hyderabad, reinforcing wastage through collaboration, are gaining tremendous Market
commitment to reducing technology, and innovation. Response. The indigenously developed
Water Purification Technologies are
much more effective and affordable
than imported technologies already
being used by the industry. These
technologies are reliable & authentic
owing to the technical assurance of
brand CMERI. The technologies are
playing a crucial role in promoting the
Jal Jeevan Mission of the Government
of India and can be one of the most
prominent factors in achieving water
sufficiency for the nation.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS 47

Dr Milind Kokje receives World Nutrition Journalism Award

Dr Milind Kokje, Chief Editor, Dr Milind Kokje has been leading veteran journalist of over 40 years'
NuFFooDS Spectrum has been the B2B integrated media platforms experience, he has always tried to
awarded the Innovation Leadership of the Media Division of MM Activ remain ahead of the pack in getting
in Nutrition Journalism Award by Sci Tech Communications group - involved in new media. Starting
Nutrify India. He has been editing BioSpectrum India, BioSpectrum his career in print journalism, he
NuFFooDS Spectrum, since its Asia, and AgroSpectrum. A then moved to launch and head
inception in 2013. Most of the an online media platform for the
top industry captains have been Times Group in the early years of
contributing for it and consider it as online journalism and then moved
a credible media platform. “Dr Kokje on to head a 24 hours news channel.
has been selected for shaping the Besides journalistic assignments
Indian nutrition and food industry he has been a visiting faculty at
through a dedicated stream and some of the best media academic
providing the small to mid-sized institutions and university. He has
companies the right exposure to been involved in media advocacy
expedite their commercialization in training for the NGO sector and has
India,” said Amit Shrivastava, chief been an active member of the Asia
catalyst of responsible nutrition Media Forum. He was also involved
business for Nutrify India the creator in several scholarly research studies
of Nutrify Today. Besides NuFFooDS, in the media sector.

Jubilant Foodworks Dabur India announces
ropes in Ashish
Goenka as CFO new Global CIO

The board of Jubilant FoodWorks has appointed Ashish FMCG firm Dabur India has appointed Narendra
Goenka as the chief financial officer (CFO) and key Agrawal as Global Chief information officer (CIO).
managerial personnel (KMP) of the company. Goenka Agarwal was Head of IT, Nutrition and Sales for
Hindustan Unilever (HUL). Agrawal has 13 years of
will lead Finance & experience in the technology
Accounts, Financial leadership and transformation
Planning & Analysis, industry and has worked with
Management companies such as Capgemini
Assurance, and Amdocs in the past. He
Secretarial & has led IT in multiple large
Legal functions of scale business transformation
Jubilant Foodworks. programmes including GSK
Goenka is a merger, Rewiring S&OP,
qualified Chartered Financial Performance
Accountant, Management, Employee
Company Secretary experience and Go-To-Market
and MBA. He deployment. His experience
has 18 years of lies in strategizing & rapidly
experience in executing right-fit technology
finance & strategy with FMCG & Telecom Industry. capabilities that helps build
Prakash Chandra Bisht was earlier serving as the CFO business models to get us closer to consumers &
of the Noida based company. He has moved within the drive competitive edge; thrive in stimulating talent
Jubilant Group as a Chief Financial Officer of another & high performing teams. He has obtained his MBA
group entity. from IIM Indore and his Bachelor of Engineering from
the University of Mumbai.

48 ACAPDEEOMPLICE NEWS NUNFUFFOFOODOSDSPSEPCETCRTURMUM | | MAarpcrhil 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Siegwerk India Tata Starbucks
appoints new CEO
CEO steps down
Siegwerk, one of the leading global suppliers of
printing inks for packaging applications and labels, has The Chief Executive Officer at Tata Starbucks, Navin
announced the appointment of Ramakrishna Karanth Gurnaney is stepping down and Sushant Dash
as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Siegwerk India. will be taking over as CEO from May 1, 2021. Dash
Karanth’s experience spans over 30 years, starting with will join Tata Starbucks as CEO Designate effective
a Short Service Commissioned tenure of 6 years with April 1, 2021. Under Gurnaney's leadership, the
company has experienced accelerated growth,
the Indian Air new city entries and store formats, numerous
Force in Surface contributions related to social impact initiatives,
to Air Missiles as well as innovative product offerings. Dash joins
division and a Tata Starbucks from Tata Consumer Products where
total industrial he has been serving as the President – Packaged
experience of Beverages Business, India, Bangladesh, and Middle
28 years. Apart East. Dash was on the core team that opened the
from handling first Tata Starbucks store in India and was directly
responsibilities responsible for the strategy and marketing of the
in Maintenance, Starbucks brand in the country.
Projects,
Operations,
and General
Management in
Huhtamaki PPL
over a tenure of
15 years, he has
headed P&L responsibility in Rotopack UAE and the
India Business Unit of Weener Plastics, Netherlands.
Ashish Pradhan had been previously serving as the
CEO of Siegwerk India, who has now taken over the
responsibility for South East Asia in addition to his
current responsibilities for India and Greater China.

Hershey elevates Herjit Bhalla to VP, India, APAC, EMEA

The Hershey Company, a leading product to the fast-growing
global snacking company and Indian chocolate market. Further
the largest producer of quality building Hershey’s strength
chocolates in North America, has in the chocolates space, the
announced the elevation of Herjit company rolled out the larger
Bhalla to Vice President (VP), Hershey’s chocolate portfolio
India and Asia Pacific, Europe, in 2020. Over the course of
Middle East and Africa (AEMEA) his tenure as MD for the India
effective January 2021. Bhalla business, Bhalla has successfully
has spearheaded the Indian led the company’s transformation
market as Managing Director agenda and developed a
(MD) for three years. Under strong, multi-category play with
Bhalla’s leadership, Hershey India leading share positions across
launched the iconic Hershey’s chocolate syrups, chocolate
Kisses in the country in 2018, spreads, milkshake, soya milk and
bringing the world-famous lollipops.

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

Kanchan Metals plans new manufacturing facility in NCR

In response to the increased double the revenues of machinery
demand for its equipment and manufacturing in years thereafter.
to expand its operations, New The project is presently in the
Delhi based Kanchan Metals has design and R&D stage. Kanchan
announced the expansion of its Metals is working on several
equipment manufacturing division. aspects to strengthen its business
The company plans to come up such as standardization of design
with a new manufacturing facility & build of top-selling products and
in NCR to provide additional R&D to develop key processing
capacity for its anticipated business equipment which has fewer or no
growth in the upcoming year. The alternatives in the local market.
proposed expansion is in terms of The company's focus is on niche
both the range of equipment and markets such as the processing of
scale of operations. The company snack food and ethnic Indian food
has planned Rs 15 crore outlay for in addition to bespoke conveying in
its upcoming project intending to the packaging section.

Merck expands Waters launches
benchtop ultrapure next gen liquid
water system portfolio chromatography
solution
Merck has expanded its benchtop ultrapure water system
portfolio, launching its new Milli-Q EQ 7000 Type 1 water Waters Corporation has recently introduced
purification system in India. The new Milli-Q EQ 7000 system the Waters Acquity Premier Solution, the
produces consistent ultrapure water quality that can be easily next generation in liquid chromatographs
customised to experimental requirements. The system is featuring Waters’ breakthrough MaxPeak
convenient and effortless to use, while providing confidence High Performance Surface (HPS)
that every dispense is of high quality. Specific features of Merck’s technology. The solution leverages HPS to
new Milli-Q EQ 7000 system include flexible set-up options such vastly improve analytical data quality and
as the touchscreen display and dispenser that may be installed eliminate the need for time-consuming
in a compact benchtop configuration or wall-mounted up to 3 and costly passivation. Acquity Premier
meters from system, saving valuable bench space. There are new is a universal liquid chromatograph (LC)
solution that combines the system with
‘Check & Dispense’ lights located on the Q-POD dispenser columns with MaxPeak HPS technology.
arm. The system check lights It is designed to alleviate the problem of
rapidly confirm that every analyte/metal surface interactions when
dispense is of high analyzing organic acids, organophosphates,
quality. This new system oligonucleotides, phosphopeptides,
strengthens Merck’s acidic glycans and phospholipids by
Milli-Q ultrapure water reversed-phase and hydrophilic interaction
offering that includes the chromatography. For these analyses, the
advanced Milli-Q IQ 7000 new Acquity Premier solution cuts the
ultrapure water system. time from sample to results, improves
This intelligent system analyte recovery and assay-to-assay
offers a full qualification reproducibility, to give separation scientists
programme, advanced greater assurance in the integrity of their
data traceability qualitative and quantitative analytical
and accurate TOC results.
monitoring.

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

Tetra Pak Grupo Arcor, Ingredion broaden
introduces F&B ingredient offerings
certified recycled
polymers Grupo Arcor, the leading food company of Argentina, and Ingredion
Incorporated, a leading global ingredient solutions provider to the
Tetra Pak has announced the food and beverage industry, have signed an agreement to create a
introduction of certified recycled joint venture (JV) that will leverage the two companies’ manufacturing
polymers, becoming the first expertise, complementary geographic footprints, and commercial
company in the food and capabilities to broaden food and beverage ingredient offerings to
beverage packaging industry to customers in Argentina,
be awarded the Roundtable on Chile and Uruguay. Arcor and
Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) Ingredion will hold a 51 per
Advanced Products certification. cent and 49 per cent stake,
Its carton packages integrating respectively. The joint venture
attributed recycled polymers will have a combined turnover
are now available for food and of more than $ 300 million.
beverage manufacturers. This Arcor will transfer its ingredient
move marks a key step in Tetra operations to the joint
Pak’s approach to circularity, which venture, which includes one
includes: minimising dependency manufacturing facility in Lules
on fossil-based resources; (province of Tucumán) and two manufacturing facilities in the Industrial
responsibly sourcing raw materials; Complex Arroyito (province of Córdoba). Ingredion will transfer its
designing packages for enhanced Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay operations to the joint venture, which
recycling and reduced litter; and includes two manufacturing facilities in the districts of Chacabuco
building partnerships to develop and Baradero (province of Buenos Aires). The manufacturing facilities
effective collection and recycling produce value-added ingredients, such as glucose syrups, maltose,
infrastructure worldwide. Using fructose, starch and maltodextrins that are essential to the food,
recycled material can contribute to beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
increased recycling rates and make
recycling more economically viable. Tate & Lyle opens new
But reliable sourcing and quality can digital Nutrition Centre
be a challenge, due to the limited
availability of food-grade recycled Tate & Lyle, a UK based provider increase awareness of evidence-
plastics in the market at present. of food and beverage ingredients based science for ingredients
With this in mind, Tetra Pak initiated and solutions, announces including low- and no- calorie
a close supplier collaboration to the launch of the Tate & Lyle sweeteners and dietary fibres,
explore utilising recycled polymers Nutrition Centre, a new digital and their role in a healthy,
in carton packages and identified hub providing easy access balanced diet. The hub houses
UK based INEOS to provide the to authoritative science on expert insights, research and
first batch of attributed recycled ingredients that can help address educational tools for food and
polyethylene (PE). public health challenges. The Tate beverage companies, scientists
& Lyle Nutrition Centre aims to and health professionals. The
Nutrition Centre was developed
by Tate & Lyle’s Global Nutrition
Team, which drives the
company’s science research
programme and supports food
and beverage companies from
its bases in the UK, US, Brazil and
Singapore.