NuFFooDS Spectrum October 2020

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

Joint effort
to boost economy

Dr Milind Kokje
Chief Editor

Barring a few exceptions, the entire food The government can buy variety of agri products
chain – from raw to cooked & processed and on a much larger scale. Secondly, food processing
ingredients – comprises of agriculture and its industry can support the government efforts in a
allied products. Though this is a well-known fact, it similar way since the sector depends upon various
may assume more significance now in the context agri products.
of the current status of the Indian economy and its
scary forecast for the remaining months of the FY However, a major problem with the government
20-21. may be availability of funds as all the governments
are already facing tremendous financial pressure due
As all are aware by now the economic indicators to pandemic expenses and stoppage of economic
are sharply on the downward trends and expected activities leading to severe reduction in tax collection.
to be even worse, thanks to COVID-19 pandemic. But the government will have to find ways to raise
The grim picture of economy is represented by money to buy agri produces to lift that sector of
contraction of GDP by 23.9 per cent in the Q1 of the economy as it could boost the entire economy.
FY20-21. Though the agriculture sector’s growth rate Along with the finance, it will have to start preparing
is always less than the overall growth rate, this time now itself to have adequate storage capacity,
it is the opposite. It has grown 3.4 per cent in the transportation facilities etc. to meet the growing
same period when other sectors are declining. With purchases.
an above average rainfall, the situation is expected
to be even better in the next quarter. Agriculture On the other hand, the challenge for the food
is expected to come to the rescue of the falling processing industry is reduction in demand. Even if
economy to a certain extent. more is produced, who will buy it when the people
are facing financial problems? And when the
But it can happen only when the expected good demand is shrinking, why the industry will produce
crops will be able to generate money. There exactly more. Reduction in demand has also led to problem
is the hitch as the pandemic has led to reduction in of finances, putting restrictions on how much a
demand due to various reasons like people losing company can invest in buying raw materials and
employment, those in jobs facing severe salary cuts storage of raw materials too will be an issue. Another
and patrons staying away from restaurants due to issue is that all the processed products have expiry
the fear of COVID-19. In the current situation people dates, making storage for long periods impossible.
are buying only essential food items and avoiding
fancy and costly food products. This has started Still, those with deep pockets will have to
showing its impact. Demand for milk is reduced consider this option of buying raw material as that
with people buying less milk based products. After would help the agri sector, in return it is going to
many years sugar demand has gone down by 5 per improve the general economy as several experts
cent. With closure of restaurants and eateries, onion are expecting and ultimately that is going to benefit
consumption is reduced and same is the case with the food processing companies also when the
poultry products. economy will improve. May be the government can
consider offering some concessions to the sector.
Increasing the demand is the only option to The government with the support of food processing
overcome the challenge. Food is the only commodity, sector will have to take the lead to help the agri
which people cannot avoid buying totally. Hence, sector to boost overall economy.
food is one area, which has potential for the demand
to pick up once near normalcy returns. But it cannot
happen automatically and can be done by two ways.

Volume 8  |  Issue 2  |  October 2020
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

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

ENERGY 18

COVER STORY

DRINKSNEOEDRGANIC
BOOST

Over the past few years, the sales of
energy drinks in India have been driven
by the changing consumer lifestyle and
increasing demand for alcohol mixers.
Their association with high octane
sports and with eating out has further
boosted sales and increased consumer
awareness. However, the recent
pandemic has made people realise the

importance of strong immunity and
healthy diet. It is only a matter of
time when these energy drinks will
gradually be dominated by natural
and organic ingredients.

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

Innovation REGULARS

25 Editorial 04

New nutraceutical Video Snippets 08
products innovation
in the offing Policy and Regulatory News 09

29 Finance News 11

Innovation percolating Company News 12
into tea industry
Start-Up News 14
32
World News 16
The caffeine fix to
fuel fitness regimes People News 44

Alex Teo, Academic News 46

Director, Research Development and Scientific R&D News 47
Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Nutrition, Singapore
Supplier News 49
Q&A
Packaging
34
38
“Global GS1 standards strengthen
infrastructure to ensure food Making delicious difference to
safety and quality control” food by controlling humidity

S Swaminathan, Dinesh Gupta,

COO, GS1 India, Delhi Director, Bry-Air, Gurugram

36 39

“Research based Changing trends of
nutritional formulation food packaging inks
should get priority”
Ashish Pradhan,
Raktim Chattopadhyay,
President, India & Greater China, Siegwerk, New Delhi
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Esperer Onco Nutrition, Mumbai
Opportunities
Nutra Evolution
40
37
Encouraging transformation
Upcoming smart of poultry sector
nutrition era- Nutra 6.0
Vignesh Soundararajan,
Amit Srivastava,
Executive Director, Suguna Foods, Coimbatore
Chief Catalyst, Nutrify India, Hyderabad
FSSAI Initiative

41

Trans Fats –
A silent killer
wrapped under
tasty treats

8 VIDEO SNIPPETS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Aswani Chaitanya, Acknowledgements
CEO & Co-Founder, Thanks for the opportunity. The article on freeze
Timios, Bengaluru drying technology has come out well.
talks about the
upcoming market - Sreemathy Venkatraman, Bengaluru
trends of food
segment for kids. The team is happy with the interview feature on We R
Wellness.
Scan the QR Code »
- Rimita Bhattacharjee, Mumbai
Thomas Mielke,
Executive Director, The article by PureNutrition looks good. Thank you.
ISTA Mielke, Germany - Ishita Tripathi, Mumbai
shares his perspective
on the current Appreciate the coverage on Elixir Ingredients.
vegetable oil supply - Hrishikesh Shinde, Kolhapur
situation.

Scan the QR Code » Thanks for your feedback. We have taken note of
your suggestions and will surely try to incorporate
Dr Rajpal Singh, the content accordingly in coming issues. Please
Director, Cardiology, keep sending us your feedback and updating us on
Fortis Hospital, your views about the issue and keep giving your
Bengaluru throws opinions on the content.
light on the nutritional
recommendations for – Editor
a healthy heart.
Please send your feedback to
Scan the QR Code » [email protected]

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

FSSAI FSSAI re-emphasises on
announces trans-fat elimination by 2022
sponsorship
plan under ERC The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its second progress
report on Global Trans-Fats Elimination 2020. The report highlights
Aiming to strengthen food the progress of the world towards eliminating trans-fats from global
safety across the country, FSSAI food systems by 2023, recommends strategic priorities to this end
has announced the launch and discusses challenges and
of the annual nationwide Eat opportunities for future action.
Right Challenge (ERC). FSSAI, According to FSSAI, a number of
as an incentive for joining the steps have been taken including
challenge, will be providing a draft regulation limiting trans
the first 150 districts or cities fats to 2 per cent in edible
to register with a seed funding oils and fats and another one
up to Rs 5 lakh. It will also imposing similar limit in foods.
provide a separate fund for the India had made a commitment
implementation of participant- to reduce the amount of trans-
proposed innovative projects. fats in edible oils and fats to
The ERC is a part of the FSSAI’s 3 per cent by 2021 and to 2 per cent by 2022, a year before the WHO
large-scale initiative called Eat deadline. To this effect, a regulation limiting the amount of trans-fats
Right India under the aegis in foods in 2019 has been drafted. India is one of the 11 countries with
of the Ministry of Health that the highest trans-fat burden and should act immediately to adopt and
aims towards improving public implement best practice policies to protect its people from the health
health and combating negative harms of this toxic chemical.
nutritional trends in the country.
About 197 districts and cities FSSAI finalises healthy eating
have registered to participate in guidelines for school children
the challenge and FSSAI will be
supporting the first 150 states With the aim to ensure safe and all stakeholders before enforcing
and cities that have registered. wholesome food for school these regulations. Meanwhile
A seed funding of Rs 50 lakh will children, the Food Safety FSSAI would direct State Food
be used for this purpose while and Standards Authority of Authorities/ Department of
additional funding will support India (FSSAI) has finalized an School Education to frame safe
the implementation of innovative important regulation on Food and balanced diets for children
models. Safety and Standards (safe in school in accordance with
food and balanced diets for the general guidance given in
children in school) Regulations, these regulations. The 10-point
2020. At the heart of these charter of the regulation includes
regulations is a fundamental promoting consumption of a safe
idea to make it clear what is and balanced diet, prohibiting
healthy for children and what food products high in saturated
is not. These regulations, after fat or trans-fat or added sugar
consideration of stakeholder or sodium, conducting regular
comments and finalization, inspection, checking licenses,
are now notified. Sufficient and monitoring implementation
transition time will be given to of the regulations.

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

MoFPI opens food Govt launches range
of immunity boosters
processing unit in UP
The government has launched a range of immunity boosting
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister for products under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) recently Pariyojana (PMBJP) for sale through Janaushadhi Kendras
inaugurated an organic food processing unit at across country. Jan Aushadhi Poshan is a malt-based food
the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development fortified with vitamin A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, iron, calcium
Corporation area in Barabanki. The unit namely and folic acid, etc. to support immunity and growth. Jan
Organic India is likely to generate direct Aushadhi Protein Powder is a protein supplement fortified
employment of 100 and indirect employment with natural and nature identical flavours, whey protein, milk
of 250 persons. It is set up with total cost of solid, skimmed milk powder, soya protein isolate, peanut
Rs 55.13 crore. Grant in aid of Rs 4.80 crore protein hydrolysate, malt extract, sugar cocoa powder,
has been provided by the government. A docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamins and minerals etc. While
processing capacity of 3 MT per day has been Jan Aushadhi Janani is a protein rich supplement to fulfil
created and the unit will process agro produce requirement of extra nutrition in females during pregnancy,
worth Rs 350 crore. Products manufactured in Jan Aushadhi Protein Bar is a convenient source of nutrition,
this unit are tulsi green tea, sweet lemon green in today's busy & active lifestyle. In addition, Jan Aushadhi
tea, lemon ginger green tea, pomegranate Immunity Bar is an excellent way of fortifying essential
green tea, sweet rose, and tulsi masala. It is micronutrients to combat the influence of weekend immunity
spread over an area of 3.18 acres. in all, especially the kids.

POSHAN Abhiyaan focuses on children's nutritional challenges

Nutrition solutions based on mothers as well as children. This
traditional healthcare wisdom were time-tested knowledge of all
an integral part of the Poshan Maah traditional medicine systems such
celebrations during the month ayurveda, siddha and unani will be
of September 2020 with focus on scientifically adapted to add value
promoting village level activities the POSHAN Abhiyaan effectively.
by roping in relevant stake-holders. One important part of POSHAN
Launched in 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan is the early identification
Abhiyaan or National Nutrition of children suffering from severe
Mission is the Prime Minister’s acute malnutrition (SAM). This is
overarching scheme for holistic important for timely initiation of
nourishment. The programme aims treatment and minimizing the
to increase focus on reducing the risk of complications. Therefore,
level of stunting, wasting, under- during Rashtriya Poshan Maah this
nutrition and low birth weight in year, a drive for identification and
children, anaemia in adolescent treatment of children with SAM is
girls, pregnant women, lactating undertaken.

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

Orkla acquires majority stake in Eastern Condiments

Orkla has entered into an per cent ownership stake
after completion of the
agreement to acquire 67.8 per transactions. EC is currently
owned by the Meeran
cent of the shares in Eastern family (74 per cent) and
McCormick (26 per cent).
Condiments (EC), based in Following completion of
these transactions, a merger
Kochi. With this move, Orkla application will be filed with
the intention of merging
will double its sales in India. Eastern into Orkla’s wholly
owned subsidiary MTR. The
Norway headquartered merged company will be
jointly owned by Orkla and the two
Orkla already holds a strong brothers Firoz and Navas Meeran,
with an ownership stake of 90.01 per
position in the Indian cent and 9.99 per cent respectively.

branded food market with

the well-known MTR brand,

which has grown its sales

five-fold since it was acquired

by Orkla in 2007. Orkla, through its from members of the Meeran family
and to acquire the entire ownership
wholly owned subsidiary MTR, has stake held by McCormick Ingredients
SE Asia, which will give Orkla a 67.8
signed agreements to purchase a

41.8 per cent ownership stake in EC

Amul announces Nutrafy, Wolfson
Brands sign $5M deal
investment plans for wellness products

worth Rs 1500 Cr Wolfson Brands, global leaders in health and fitness
supplements, has invested an undisclosed amount in
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Gurugram based Nutrafy India to grow footprint in the
(GCMMF) plans to invest around Rs 1000 crore Indian subcontinent. This partnership will see Nutrafy
over the next two years to set up milk processing pave the way in India for Wolfson’s Globally acclaimed and
plants, and another Rs 500 crore on facilities for top selling health, sports nutrition and beauty brands.
new products like edible oil. GCMMF expects 12- The strategic deal between Wolfson Brands & Nutrafy is
15 per cent growth in revenue in the current fiscal estimated over $5 million.
year as compared to Rs 38,550 crore during the Wolfson Brands has been
last fiscal year despite COVID-19 pandemic, due working with a mission
to increased demand for branded food products. to introduce brands
The processing capacity would increase to 420 that inspire change
lakh litres per day from the current 380 lakh since 2005. The journey
litres per day. The cooperative has also begun has seen the company
manufacturing sweets as well as bakery items expand internationally
using dairy fats. The brand Amul has also forayed with offices in the UK,
into edible oil and potato processing segments as Germany and the US and
part of its objective to boost income of farmers a brand umbrella of over
from Gujarat and other states. The edible oils will 40 pioneering products.
be marketed under the new brand Janmay. Nutrafy will have the exclusive rights for the distribution and
e-commerce growth strategy, launch campaigns, affiliate
marketing and working with local agencies across social
and media campaigns in India. Over the coming months
Wolfson’s globally acclaimed brands including CrazyBulk,
Battle Ready Fuel and PhenQ are expected to announce
their launch in India.

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

Dr. Reddy’s steps BigMuscles unveils first
fruit flavoured protein
into hospital
Mumbai based nutritional supplement brand BigMuscles Nutrition
nutrition segment has recently launched a social media campaign #FitnessRefreshed. The
campaign revolves around the launch of their new product Frotein,
Hyderabad based Dr. Reddy’s fruit plus protein, which is India's first fruit flavoured protein available
Laboratories has announced the in 5 amazing flavours: mango, orange, guava, orange mango and
entry into the hospital nutrition pineapple. The product basically provides a revolutionary fruity twist to
segment with the launch of its those bored of having the same chocolate and vanilla flavoured protein.
nutrition drink, Celevida Maxx in Frotein whey protein not only helps fitness enthusiasts in building
India. It is a unique addition to physique but also acts as a delicious and healthy meal replacement
the Hyderabad based company’s for all. It can be consumed anytime; post-workout, between meals, as
nutrition portfolio and is designed a snack or as a treat. Frotein is sugar-free and formulated to be your
to help manage the nutritional any time of day whey protein powder. BigMuscles Nutrition started its
needs of cancer, critical care and journey twelve years ago, with the aim of taking fitness to the masses
chronic obstructive pulmonary and inspiring the youth of the country to be fit and strong. The brand
disease (COPD) patients in India. frequently lends its support to aspiring body building athletes from all
Celevida Maxx contains a unique over India and also associates with the major bodybuilding and fitness
triple action formula of high protein, events in an effort to keep the culture of fitness alive.
high omega 3 fatty acids to help
tackle the problem of inflammation
and astaxanthin, which is clinically
proven to support immunity. A
single serving of Celevida Maxx
has been designed keeping patient
compliance in mind. It offers high
protein in a single serve of 33 gms,
with medium chain triglycerides
(MCT) that get easily absorbed
in the body and readily provide
energy.

QNET India releases range of health supplements

QNET, headquartered in Hong Kong, contains an oriental mushroom, the circulatory system, and boosts
has introduced a significant range ganoderma lucidum, which is used blood platelet levels. Nutriplus
of four health supplements under for promoting health and longevity. GutHealth is a probiotic consisting
its Nutriplus brand – DailyHealth, Nutriplus ImmunHealth comprises of five unique strains of bacteria,
LivHealth, ImmunHealth, GutHealth of highly beneficial ingredients and namely Lactobacilus acidophilus,
in India. Nutriplus DailyHealth is a essential micronutrients - papaya Lactobacilus casei, Lactobacilus
health supplement that consists leaf extract, guduchi, aloe vera, bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum
of blue-green algae (wild AFA echinacea, L-amino acids, copper, and Streptococcus thermophiles
extract), also known as nature’s first zinc, magnesium that help fight that help in maintaining healthy gut
superfood, while Nutriplus LivHealth undesirable pathogens and stabilizes flora.

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

INI Farms introduces Maharishi
traceability program for fruits Ayurveda
launches
Mumbai based INI Farms has introduced origin traceability feature for all AyurDefence-AV
its fruits in the international and domestic market under the technology
program called FruitRoute. Every fruit under the brand Kimaye can now One of the pioneering science-
be traced back to its source by scanning the dynamic QR code on it. Each based ayurvedic company based
fruit will have a dynamic QR code sticker, which consumers can scan with in Noida, Maharishi Ayurveda has
their smartphones, recently announced the expansion
allowing them to track of its ayurvedic healthcare
the product from farm portfolio with the launch of its
to table. The feature 100 per cent ayurvedic product
provides farmer- AyurDefence-AV amidst the
level traceability to COVID-19 pandemic. This is a
the end-consumer, completely herbal product made
enabling them to up of the combination of 19 herbs,
know where and possessing functional attributes of
who has grown the turning out to be the armor against
fruit. The feature will viral infection & seasonal flu. It
provide footprint data has the property to enhance the
of the journey of each body’s innate intelligence, which
fruit from pre-harvest till market shelf. Due to COVID-19, there is huge works synergistically for more
awareness amongst the consumers regarding food safety and hygiene vitality, inner strength, stability and
but no way to know, which fruit is safe and which is not. Now, the balance to strengthen immunity.
consumers get 100 per cent assurance. The technology developed is very AyurDefence-AV is a combination
powerful and in future, customers will also be able to virtually interact of well-known, highly effective
with the farmer, opening up possibilities for a two-way communication. herbs like tulsi, black pepper,
ginger, long pepper, cumin, licorice,
Creamline Dairy renames bilva, giloy, sonth, pippali, mulethi
Jersey brand as Godrej Jersey and lahsun. These herbs have the
characteristics to strengthen the
Creamline Dairy Products brand Godrej, Jersey started body’s guard against any external
Limited (CDPL), a subsidiary of on the path of forging a new, health threats including bacterial
Mumbai based Godrej Agrovet, improved brand identity. The and viral infection. This product
has rebranded Jersey as Godrej new design language flows from also works as bronchodilator,
Jersey. Through the integration the strong legacy of the brand immuno-modulator, antimicrobial,
of the master brand Godrej, incorporating the promise of anti-allergic, antipyretic, analgesic,
the rebranding aims to further trust and quality personified for anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and
strengthen the trust equity, which over a century by Godrej. Jersey anti-tussive.
it has built over last 34 years. As is now Godrej Jersey. The popular
a brand, Jersey began its journey and much-loved cow pattern in
34 years ago with a focus to build packaging has been retained,
the milk business. Over the years, albeit modified to showcase the
Jersey has created an exciting products in a more contemporary
product portfolio and become a manner. It is also extended
household name and a preferred across the portfolio to maintain
dairy brand amongst millions of a consistent visual identity. The
homemakers in southern India. new design language is fresh and
Keeping in mind the evolution reflective of our rich legacy of the
and its association with iconic brand.

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

Habbit raises funds
from global investors

Delhi based startup Habbit 17 per cent CAGR. Rapidly rising Captain Fresh
Health and Nutrition has raised awareness about the importance
an undisclosed amount as a pre- of good nutrition is accelerating secures funding
seed investment from top global this trend in the top 10 per
investors. VC firm 3one4 Capital cent of the population, which worth $2.3M
and Utsav Somani of AngelList accounts for over 40 per cent of
India led the round. Singapore Indian consumption. Still, there Bengaluru based seafood supply
based RB Investments, early- has been little innovation in the chain startup Captain Fresh, has
stage investors Better Capital and consumption category, making raised $2.3 million in pre-Series
First Cheque, and multiple other it irrelevant for an increasingly A funding. Early-stage investor
well-known angel investors from health-aware audience. Habbit Ankur Capital led the round, while
around the world participated uses modern science and Incubate Fund India and some
via AngelList. With rising per technologies to disrupt these Silicon Valley-based angel investors
capita incomes, the preventive with healthier alternatives, also participated in the round.
healthcare market in India is without needing to change user Captain Fresh works with brands
expected to be over $100 billion in behavior and still maintaining across retail and trade channels
2022. The spending on nutrition, the same taste. The starup’s IP and claims to be serving more than
healthy foods, functional foods, and technology make us best 120 retail businesses. It is a B2B
and supplements is expected to suited to scale rapidly and capture marketplace leveraging technology
quadruple to over $ 50 billion a slice of this over $100 billion to deliver the fastest harvest-to-
in the next decade, growing at opportunities. retail in the industry. The startup
plans to invest in technologies
like computer vision, bots, and
data analytics to digitise and drive
efficiencies across the supply chain.
Captain Fresh will also use the
funding to expand to new cities
and hire people.

Zystus develops immunity boosting products

Hyderabad based healthcare immunity against COVID-19. Zys-Co- melt tablets (strips of 10). They are
startup Zystus Nutraceuticals has Vir and Zys-Co-Min will be available convenient and easy to take, do not
developed immunity boosters as oral sugar-free suspensions require water, are sugar-free and
called Zys-Co-Vir and Zys-Co-Min. (100ml and 200ml) and as mouth good to taste. Unlike other vitamin C
Zys-Co-Vir has been formulated
on a recommendation by the and multivitamin tablets, Zys-Co-
Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Min tablets have a combination
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha of vitamins, minerals, and herbs,
and Homoeopathy (AYUSH). containing vitamin C and D3,
It was initially developed as zinc, and ginger extract. The
Ayush Kwath as suggested by liquid formulation contains
the AYUSH Ministry to boost vitamin C, vitamin B, zinc, amla,
piperine, and curcumin.

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

Enlightlife launches plant based nutra product line

Enlightlife Science, a Bengaluru- and Pranayama, or breathing arabian dates jam, A2 gir cow
based startup, has announced exercises. The nutraceutical product ghee, tenderich, chia plant
the launch of its nutraceutical line offers a wide range of products omega 3, fiberich, halerich
product line with an aim to combat in innovative and delicious forms protein bar, varieties of honey
undernourishment, immunity to provide the required level of with ashwagandha and moringa,
deficiency and low metabolism nutrition and overall wellness. and refresh tea. Enlightlife has
issues that has managed to grapple The product range includes completed five years in the R&D
the busy Indians for decades aaProBean plant protein powder, and trial period and has engaged
now. Enlightlife, which has been turmerich, peanut butter, figs & with scientists, nutritionists, food
designed for the busy population, honey jam, figs & technologists and fitness experts
provides a holistic from renowned organizations. The
approach to wellness aaProBean plant protein product is
by being in sunlight tested in Central Food Technological
for 20 minutes
daily, consume 365 Research Institute (CFTRI) in
halerich 1 nutrition Mysuru. The clinical tests of the
along with exercise product are carried out by Amity
University, Noida.

OZiva introduces KBCols puts focus on
natural food colours
superfood
Chiratae Ventures, India’s yields and colour quality
plant protein leading Venture Capital through innovative ways. Other
fund, based in Delhi and investors that participated
Mumbai based startup OZiva has recently Bengaluru, has announced in the round include Axilor
launched superfood plant protein, a a seed investment in Pune Ventures & Derbi Foundation.
vegan clean protein blend of plant based KBCols Sciences via The funding will primarily be
protein, ayurvedic its Deeptech Innovators used for commercialization
herbs and Programme. KBCols got of their offering across food,
multivitamins for incorporated in 2018 and consumer goods among other
holistic health has been successfully able to verticals. As an innovative
and nutrition. extract multiple colours from technology driven life sciences
OZiva superfood renewable and sustainable startup, KBCols is deeply
plant protein resources with environment committed to reducing the load
packs 20g of friendly extraction processes. of carcinogenic and pollution
plant protein, The company is also actively causing chemical colours across
15 multivitamins engaged in increasing the the food industry.
and minerals
per serving. It
is a plant-based
complete protein
with all essential aminos combining pea
protein isolate, brown rice protein and
mung bean protein isolate. It is a blend
of ashwagandha, maca root, amla, tulsi,
etc. and is designed specially to enhance
immunity and energy. It is soy-free,
gluten-free, lactose-free and free of any
potential allergens to ensure many can
enjoy the benefits of the product.

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

Bangladesh receives
$202M from WB to
increase food security

The World Bank (WB) has work taking place in SDF grants over $8M
approved $202 million in Ashuganj, Madhupur and
additional financing for Mymensingh, the additional to improve nutrition
the Modern Food Storage financing will support the
Facilities Project to increase construction of rice silos in in Bhutan, Nepal, SL
the storage capacity of Dhaka, Narayanganj and
Bangladesh’s national Barishal, and wheat silos The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) has
strategic grain reserves by will be built in Chattogram approved a $8.58 million grant under its
535,500 tons for 4.5 million and Maheshwarpasha. The social window to improve nutrition in Bhutan,
households. The project additional financing will Nepal and Sri Lanka (SL) with the World Food
is helping Bangladesh increase the grain reserve Programme (WFP). The fund will provide a
address food insecurity in available to households to total of $2.25 million to Bhutan, while Nepal
challenging times, such as meet their post-disaster will and Sri Lanka will receive $2.75 million
frequent climate-induced needs and improve the and $3.58 million respectively. The project
disasters or crisis situations efficiency of grain storage titled 'Scaling up rice through social safety net
like the current COVID-19 management through programmes in Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka'
pandemic. It is supporting an online Food Stock and was submitted by the WFP as a regional project
the construction of eight Market Monitoring System for co-financing by SDF, and finalized during
public modern grain storage (FSMMS). The project the 33rd SDF Board Meeting held late July.
steel silo complexes for will also create new job Aiming to collaborate with the member states to
rice and wheat in eight opportunities, especially for address micronutrient deficiencies among the
different districts. On top women, in the operation population, the project will prioritize vulnerable
of current construction and management of silos. groups by scaling up the distribution of
fortified rice through national social safety net
programmes and school feeding programmes.

Pakistan launches Ehsaas Nashonuma Programme

Pakistan has launched a new at conception and finishing at age
programme that will tackle stunting two. The nutritional status of new-
and improve the nutrition of the borns and infants is directly linked
poorest children in the country, with the health and nutritional
with the aim that there is no place status of the mother before, during
for malnutrition in 21st century and after pregnancy. Forty per
Pakistan. Ehsaas Nashonuma will cent of children in Pakistan are
focus on improving nutrition and currently impacted by stunting due
health in the first 1000 days of life, to malnutrition, with significant
the most critical period in early consequences for their health and
childhood development, starting educational outcomes.

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

PepsiCo Beverages opens Unilever buys
new facility in the US
electrolyte
PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) has officially announced the grand
opening of a state-of-the-art, custom built sales and distribution center on the drink mix
Southeast side of Indianapolis, spanning 200,000 square feet across nearly 25
acres. The new facility will enhance PBNA's world-class service to customers brand
in the region and beyond, featuring new innovations in technology and
delivery systems that allow for new chilled, direct-to-store delivery. The new British multinational consumer
technology will help unlock 150 new routes for delivery, and greatly reduce goods company Unilever has
the overall carbon footprint of business operations in the market via mile signed an agreement to acquire
reduction. The $14.5 million investment by Scannell Properties, will be leased Liquid I.V., a US based health-
by P-America LLC, a subsidiary of PepsiCo Beverages North America, for a science nutrition and wellness
period of 10 years. The new facility project has created 30 new jobs and retains company. Based in California,
467 full time employees at PBNA facilities located in Indianapolis. In addition Liquid I.V. was founded in
to the new sales and distribution center, PepsiCo also announced a $30,000 2012 by entrepreneur Brandin
grant to the Gleaners Food Bank – Feeding America Programme in Indiana as Cohen. Liquid I.V.’s electrolyte
part of a continued effort to help combat the devastating effects of COVID-19. drink mixes utilise Cellular
Transport Technology (CTT),
Nestlé acquires Aimmune Therapeutics which enhances the rapid
absorption of water and
Swiss multinational firm Nestlé and Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc., a other key nutrients into the
biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing treatments bloodstream, helping people
for potentially life-threatening food allergies in the US, have entered into a feel better, faster. Based on the
definitive agreement pursuant to which Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) would World Health Organization’s
acquire Aimmune. Aimmune's Palforzia is the first and only FDA-approved guidelines for the clinically
treatment to help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reaction to proven Oral Rehydration
peanuts, including anaphylaxis, in children aged 4 through 17. The acquisition Solution (ORS), that prevents
is an extension of NHSc's food allergy portfolio, creating a broader spectrum and treats dehydration, one
of solutions for children living with food allergies. NHSc currently has a total serving of Liquid I.V. can
investment in Aimmune of $473 million, an approximate 25.6 per cent equity provide up to 2–3 times the
ownership stake. Around 19.6 per cent is voting common stock and the hydration of water alone. Liquid
balance non-voting preferred stock. NHSc made its initial investment of $145 I.V. provides a 360-degree
million in Aimmune in November 2016, followed by further investments of approach to wellness with a
$30 million in February 2018, $98 million in November 2018 and $200 million product range that includes
in January 2020. Hydration, Energy and Sleep.
Liquid I.V. is also non-GMO,
vegan, gluten free, soy free and
dairy free.

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

ENERGY
DRINKSNEOEDRGANIC

BOOST

Over the past few years, the sales of
energy drinks in India have been driven
by the changing consumer lifestyle and
increasing demand for alcohol mixers.
Their association with high octane
sports and with eating out has further
boosted sales and increased consumer
awareness. However, the recent
pandemic has made people realise the

importance of strong immunity and
healthy diet. It is only a matter of
time when these energy drinks will
gradually be dominated by natural
and organic ingredients.

Energy drinks have transitioned from being a niche
product to one of the fastest-growing products
in the drinks market across the globe. The major
consumers of these energy drinks are the millennial
population, between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
North America is the major market for energy
drinks, with Asia-Pacific catching up fast due to the
changing demographics and increasing disposable
income.

The popularity of energy drinks in India is not
merely due to its functional aspect as perceived in
other countries. Over the past few years, the sales

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

of energy drinks have been driven by the changing healthier options in the food and beverage segment
consumer lifestyle and increasing demand for alcohol in India.
mixers. Their association with high octane sports
and with eating out has further boosted sales and Hungarian brand Hell Energy drink is another
increased consumer awareness. newbie that is gaining popularity in metropolitan
cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. The
According to TechSci Research, the Indian energy company has appointed a distributor in India to make
drinks market was estimated at around $266.71 its brand Hell Energy available in tier I & II markets
million in 2019. It is projected to reach around initially, with expansion plans to other markets later.
$618.52 million by 2025, majorly driven by increasing
young adults and working population. Based on the Adding to the list, Japanese-American
consumer base, teenager segment is expected to international chain of convenience stores, 7-Eleven
lead the market and it will witness robust growth. It is is launching its energy drink brand Quake in India
mainly due to the growing influence from the western in 2021, that is combination of energy, sports and
culture among the youth along with rising need to performance into one brand drink line.
keep themselves updated with the latest market
trends. Another energy drink brand that has recently
stepped into India is by the Italian company Tonino
“Increasing young and working population and Lamborghini. The company has picked Heinrich as the
their busy lifestyle along with increasing awareness official distributor of the energy drink within India.
of health benefits associated with energy drinks are
increasing the demand for energy drinks in India. On Energy drinks are one of the most expensive
the other hand, consumption of energy beverages is beverages available in the market, and consumers
also becoming a status symbol mainly for the youth consider price as a key attribute for its purchase.
and teenage generations. Unlike earlier generations, Energy drinks, which are priced at Rs 75-85 are usually
they have a lot more work and thus, are preferring available at a much higher price of Rs 150-250 at a
energy drinks as a suitable medium for instant nightclub or a premium lounge. As consumers are
energy”, says Karan Chechi, Research Director, TechSci brand loyal, international players are able to maintain
Research, Noida. a stronghold in the market. Furthermore, increased

Although the Indian energy drinks market is Key ingredients of energy drinks
witnessing a fast growth leading to a fiery competition
with packaged juices, aerated beverages and ● Caffeine ● L-Carnitine
malted health drinks, the market is dominated by ● Taurine ● Antioxidants
international brands. Austrian company Red Bull ● Sugar ● L-Theanine
GmbH is the giant dominating this market and ● Guarana ● Artificial Sweeteners
continues its run as the leader. Adding to this list are ● B Vitamins ● Preservatives
US based Monster Beverage Corporation, French ● Ginseng ● Artificial colours
firm Danone, Austrian company Power Horse Energy
Drinks GmbH and UAE based Universal Group FZ LLC. Negative health effects of energy drinks
The other players that are ruling this space include
Coca-Cola India, PepsiCo India, Hector Beverages, ● Low academic achievement
Goldwin Healthcare, Dabur and Amway India. ● Increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure
● Increased heart rate
At present, the leading energy drinks brands in ● Overweight/obesity risk
India include Red Bull (Red Bull GmbH), Monster ● Risk of type 2 diabetes
(Coca-Cola), Mountain Dew (PepsiCo), Cloud 9 ● Dental decay
(Goldwin Healthcare), Café Cuba (Parle), Xtra Power ● Renal microvascular damage
Energy Drink (Universal Group), B’lue (Danone), Burn ● Accelerated progression of chronic kidney
(Coca-Cola), Tzinga (Hector Beverages), Amino Energy
(Optimum Nutrition), Sting (PepsiCo), Gatorade disease
(PepsiCo), Glucon D (Dabur), O’cean one8 Energy Drink ● Sleep dissatisfaction
(One8). ● Tiredness/fatigue
● Headaches
After Monster Energy drink that entered the Indian ● Stomachaches
market in 2018, Coca-Cola has launched another ● Irritation
brand in select markets in India, called Barbican. This
recent entrant is part of Coca-Cola's plan to introduce Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5583516/

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

urbanization and rising disposable incomes continues “Caffeine intake leads to increased energy
to fuel the demand for this category. utilization and thereby better performance. It has
also been found to enhance mood and alertness. In
Watch the ingredients addition, it has been found to decrease food intake.
But when taken in large amounts over an extended
The major ingredients present in the energy drinks period of time, it leads to caffeinism characterized by
are caffeine, guarana, sugar, taurine, ginseng, vitamin nervousness, increased risk of addiction, irritability,
B, vitamin C, L-carnitine, glucuronolactone, yohimbe, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching, insomnia,
carnitine, bitter orange, amino acids, minerals such as headache, respiratory alkalosis, and
potassium, sodium, magnesium. palpitations. Another demerit of caffeine
is its ability to foster dependence. Genetic
Sipping a beverage that offers quick energy may
appeal to people, who feel fatigued or who believe factors have also been found to play some
that caffeine can provide an edge when exercising role in caffeine intoxication, dependence,
or playing competitive sports. Ironically, statements and withdrawal”, explains Dr Piyush Gupta, Professor,
on the websites of energy drinks warn that these Department of Pediatrics, University College of
beverages may not be suitable for children, but youth Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, New
are among their largest consumers. Delhi.

“Although energy drinks can boost the focus Energy drinks also contain large amounts of high
and concentration, it is important to educate the fructose-corn syrup, sucrose, or artificial sweeteners.
youngsters that they should not consume more than The amount of sugar contained in one can (500 ml) is
1 can a day as excess of it is going to be hazardous typically about 54 grams. FSSAI is already in process of
for heath. The Food Safety and Standards Authority addressing this concern of high sugar consumption.
of India (FSSAI) states that energy drink is a beverage, As a result, the regulatory body has proposed to make
which is fortified with vitamins and there is no reason in mandatory for companies to declare the quantity
to encourage its consumption. The name energy of added sugar on their labels. Red-colour coding on
drink is a misnomer as it gives an impression that this the product labels if sugar content is beyond a certain
should be taken to get energy”, shares Dr Geetanjali threshold level and front-of-the pack labelling are
Bhide, Sports and Fitness Nutritionist, Mumbai. some of the key mandates in line for FSSAI.

While some studies support the temporary health On this note, Mathew Chacko, Managing Director,
benefits of energy drinks in improving mental and Athletebit Healthcare, Mysuru says, “As these drinks
physical stamina among both adults and adolescents, contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine, they will
there is a vast majority of evidence suggesting give you a short term burst of energy but will cause
negative health effects of both short and long term you to crash at some point during the day as they
consumption of energy drinks. Most literature propose cannot help you maintain the energy. Energy drinks
that these health disadvantages are attributable to contain more caffeine than a cup of coffee, sometimes
high levels of caffeine and sugar highlighting that as high as five times. Ingredients listed on the label
more research is needed on the effects of other of these drinks can include vitamin B, ginseng and
constituents of the energy drinks. taurine (an amino acid), so at first sight they can
appear a good option. However, there are only small
The caffeine content in energy drinks ranges amounts of these included and the excessive amounts
widely from 47 to 80 mg per 225 grams to as high as
207 mg per 60 grams and comes from a number of
ingredient sources. While moderate caffeine intake
(up to 400 mg/day) is generally considered safe and
even beneficial for health among adults, there has not
been extensive research conducted on children and
adolescents to determine if any tolerable level exists.

The FSSAI has set up the limit of caffeine content
for energy drinks under the standards for caffeinated
beverages. The food safety standards state that
the non-alcoholic beverages containing caffeine
above 145 mg per litre will be labelled as caffeinated
beverage. The maximum permissible level of caffeine
content in these beverages is 300 mg per litre
irrespective of the source.

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

of sugar and caffeine in the drinks cancel out any alcohol consumption, those who drink alcohol-mixed
benefits that would come from this.” energy drinks are more likely to experience severe
dehydration and alcohol poisoning.
Besides these concerns, the rising trend of mixing
energy drinks with alcohol presents a new challenge. “Policy action must be taken to mitigate the
This is problematic because individuals, who drink negative health effects and public health challenges
alcohol mixed energy drinks consume more alcohol associated with energy drinks, with clear labeling of
than if they were drinking alcohol alone. Researchers total caffeine and sugar content in reference to daily
attribute this to the fact that consumption of energy recommended amounts. Additional consideration
drinks masks the signs of alcohol inebriation, should be given to taxing the drinks and/or restricting
enabling an individual to believe they can still the sale to children and adolescents. Marketing
strategies should be also regulated to minimize the
safely consume more alcohol, leading to awake promotion of energy drinks among adolescent and
drunkenness. As a result of this increased young adults. Also, adolescents and their parents
should be educated on the adverse nutritional content
and subsequent health effects of the energy drinks
so that they can make informed decisions about

consumption”, points out Dr Josiemer Mattei,
Associate Professor of Nutrition, Department
of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of
Public Health, US.

The shift towards
natural ingredients
is indeed required for the
much needed transformation to
tone down the harmful impact of
these energy drinks that are ruling
the consumers’ minds today. Although the
Indian energy drinks market is witnessing
a fast growth leading to a fiery competition
with packaged juices, aerated beverages
and malted health drinks, the market is
dominated by international brands.

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

“Our Afresh energy “We have developed
drink contains two a natural energy
essential ingredients,
the exotic guarana drink, which has
plant, which is native
to the Amazon forests, and a lot of pulp and
orange pekoe. The presence
of guarana in the drink helps energy-building
sharpen mental alertness, reduces fatigue
and elevates energy levels. On the other hand, bacteria. The drink will be
orange pekoe acts as an active thermogenic
and antioxidant resulting in increased levels of officially launched in Mysuru,
calorie burning and fat oxidation, in addition to
lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.” Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad

- Ajay Khanna, very soon.”
Vice President and Country Head,
- Dr Harinder Singh Oberoi,
Herbalife Nutrition, Bengaluru
Head, Division of Post-Harvest Technology and
“The FSSAI states that
energy drink is a Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru
beverage, which is
fortified with vitamins Healthy alternatives
and there is no reason
to encourage its consumption. Presently, energy drinks are facing strong competition
The name energy drink is a from aerated beverages, malted health drinks,
misnomer as it gives an impression packaged and cold-pressed fruit juices. But if these
that this should be taken to get energy.” energy drinks can be made available with more
natural ingredients, they will soon become the most
- Dr Geetanjali Bhide, preferred choice of consumption, and also reduce the
Sports and Fitness Nutritionist, Mumbai health hazards associated with them.

“Caffeine intake leads “There should be more focus on introducing
to increased energy energy drinks that are sugar-free, zero-calorie,
utilization and thereby zero-carbs, limited caffeine content, etc. There is an
better performance. It anticipated trend for growth in this segment for those
has also been found to energy drinks, which have exciting new flavours and
enhance mood and alertness. specialty ingredients. Innovative solutions such as
In addition, it has been calorie-free drinks in combination with exciting new
found to decrease food intake. flavours or juice contents would provide a new edge
But when taken in large amounts over an to the general energy drinks”, adds Karan Chechi.
extended period of time, it leads to caffeinism
characterized by nervousness, increased risk Athletebit Healthcare, a startup incubated at
of addiction, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- Central
muscle twitching, insomnia, headache, Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI),
respiratory alkalosis, and palpitations.” Mysuru has launched a sports energy drink in 2019,
made up of all natural ingredients. “Our product
- Dr Piyush Gupta, SOAR, being marketed under the brand name
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Upperclimb, comprises of tender coconut water
University College of Medical Sciences and powder that provides the natural source of potassium,
Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, New Delhi sodium, magnesium electrolytes and carbohydrates.
Black Grape powder is a natural source for protein,

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

“Consumption of “Energy drinks contain
energy beverages is more caffeine than
a cup of coffee,
becoming a status sometimes as high as
five times. Ingredients
symbol mainly listed on the label of these
drinks can include vitamin B,
for the youth and ginseng and taurine (an amino
acid), so at first sight they can appear a good
teenage generations. Unlike option. However, there are only small amounts
of these included and the excessive amounts
earlier generations, they have of sugar and caffeine in the drinks cancel out
any benefits that would come from this.”
a lot more work and thus, are
- Mathew Chacko,
preferring energy drinks as a suitable medium Managing Director,
Athletebit Healthcare, Mysuru
for instant energy.”
“Policy action must be
- Karan Chechi, taken to mitigate
the negative health
Research Director, TechSci Research, Noida effects and public
health challenges
antioxidants, and carbohydrates. Glycine is an amino associated with energy
acid that promotes greater glucose uptake and drinks, with clear labeling of
increases creatine production in the body. Fructose total caffeine and sugar content
provides slow-releasing carbohydrates that provide a in reference to daily recommended amounts.
sustained energy release after the body has finished Additional consideration should be given to
utilizing the glucose. This helps in preventing sugar taxing the drinks and/or restricting the sale to
crashes. Stevia is a zero-calorie natural sweetener”, children and adolescents.”
says Mathew Chacko.
- Dr Josiemer Mattei,
Following similar footsteps, researchers at the Associate Professor of Nutrition,
Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Indian Department of Nutrition, Harvard
Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) have T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
developed a natural energy drink made up of
probiotic pomegranate and mango juices. “The right “For any energy drink
amount bacteria has been added to the pulp to ensure to be refreshing and
that they produce the right vitamins and proteins in energizing, there
the body. It is a natural energy drink, which has a lot should be innovation
of pulp and energy-building bacteria. The drink will on the ingredients
be officially launched in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Kochi base making it more
and Hyderabad very soon”, shares Dr Harinder Singh natural and less dependent
Oberoi, Head, Division of Post-Harvest Technology and on caffeine. Additionally, there
Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. should be innovation on the combinations of
fruit and herbal infusions and a decrease in
Herbalife Nutrition has also introduced a healthy added sugar content.”
alternative to the existing energy drinks, in the form
of Afresh Energy Drink Mix. It is an invigorating and - Dr Jagmeet Madan,
refreshing energy drink mix, which contains orange National President,
pekoe extract, green tea extract and natural caffeine
powder, which can be consumed hot or cold, any time Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), Mumbai

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

Leading energy drinks brands in India

Brand Company

Red Bull Red Bull GmbH, Austria

Monster, Burn Coca-Cola Company, US

Mountain Dew, PepsiCo, US
Sting, Gatorade

Cloud 9 Goldwin Healthcare,
Mumbai

Café Cuba Parle Agro, Mumbai

Xtra Power Universal Group, Mumbai
Energy Drink

B’lue Danone, France

Tzinga Hector Beverages,
Bengaluru

Amino Energy Optimum Nutrition, Noida

Glucon D Dabur, Ghaziabad

O’cean one8 One8, Mumbai

of the day. “The Afresh Energy Drink contains two industry leading to the development of immunity
essential ingredients, the exotic guarana plant which boosting energy drinks. For instance, Gurugram based
is native to the Amazon forests, and orange pekoe. The FieldFresh Foods has brought out Del Monte mixed
presence of guarana in the drink helps sharpen mental fruit juice fortified with vitamins A-C-E and rich in anti-
alertness, reduces fatigue and elevates energy levels. oxidants. While vitamin A enables normal functioning
On the other hand, orange pekoe acts as an active of the immune system, vitamin C boosts immunity
thermogenic and antioxidant resulting in increased and protects the body from infections and vitamin E
levels of calorie burning and fat oxidation, in addition helps white blood cells to function effectively.
to lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels”, says
Ajay Khanna, Vice President and Country Head, Likewise, the new B Natural + range juice is
Herbalife Nutrition, Bengaluru. another addition to this category developed by ITC
Foods. The product was recently launched by the
Overall, the sole purpose of energy drinks company in collaboration with Amway India. The juice
consumption is to improve energy, stamina, athletic comprises of a unique clinically proven ingredient,
performance, and concentration. But the growing which has been developed by ITC’s Life Sciences &
evidence base demonstrating associations between Technology Centre (LSTC).
energy drinks consumption and negative health
effects and public health challenges are pointing to Coimbatore based ABT Group has developed a
the need for close surveillance and assessment of this drink infused with 1,000 mg of vitamin C, and is called
issue by researchers and policy makers. Mirakle. The drink enhances the functioning of the
mitochondria by making vitamin C, lysine and proline
“For any energy drink to be refreshing and available in a proper ratio within a nanoparticle
energizing, there should be innovation on the wrapped with phospholipids.
ingredients base making it more natural and less
dependent on caffeine. Additionally, there should be The shift towards natural ingredients is indeed
innovation on the combinations of fruit and herbal required for the much needed transformation to tone
infusions and a decrease in added sugar content”, down the harmful impact of these energy drinks that
shares Dr Jagmeet Madan, National President, Indian are ruling the consumers’ minds today. The gradual
Dietetic Association (IDA), Mumbai. dominance of energy drinks with natural, organic
ingredients is simply a matter of time.
In addition, the ongoing pandemic has stirred
a wave of innovation within the food and beverage Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INNOVATION 25

New nutraceutical
products innovation
in the offing

India’s nutraceutical market is poised for growth in as a rise in the demand for fortified food owing to the
the near future. However, companies will need to increasing health consciousness amongst consumers.
advance their research efforts to gather scientific
evidence for their products and achieve genuine Back at home, the opportunities for the nutraceutical
breakthroughs. sector looks even more compelling. Global market
analysts are of the opinion that mature markets such as
Last year, while the world was battling various the US, Japan and Europe that account for more than 90
geopolitical trade wars, racism, economic and per cent of the total global market share have attained
religious conflicts, a virus crept in and completely maturity and have begun to plateau. The focus is now
changed our perspective towards life and what really shifting towards developing economies, especially those
matters. Indeed, an epiphany of how significant are the across the Asia-Pacific region, including India. Within
matters of health and that health is the only wealth we India, the top three states are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
have. Nadu and West Bengal.

With over 26 million people across the globe being Referring to rising demand for nutraceuticals in India
infected by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the need during the pandemic, Aarthi Janakiraman, Research
to fortify immunity has never been felt so vital before. Manager, TechVision, Frost & Sullivan, Chennai shares,
Experts reveal that there is a spike in the consumer “Consumers naturally gravitate towards OTC (over
interest towards health and wellness ever since the the counter) products that can help in boosting their
pandemic hit us. In the same light, the demand for immunity and nutraceuticals lead the way. Apart from
nutraceuticals across the globe has increased manifold. multi-vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal and
ayurveda-based ones have witnessed a spike in interest
A buoyant market and consumption. It can be said that COVID-19 has

According to a new report by rekindled the interest in traditional
Grand View Research Inc, medicines and supplements,
the global nutraceutical such as Ashwagandha, among
market size is projected to the Indian consumers apart
reach $722.49 billion by 2027, from green tea-based blends
expanding at a CAGR of 8.3 per
cent over the forecast period. and antioxidants. The key driver
for this trend is preventive care. F&B
Similarly, a MarketsandMarkets report companies and brands are leveraging the
estimates that the nutraceutical consumers' need for building immunity
ingredients market is valued at $162.1 and are launching new products in the
billion in 2020 and is projected to reach nutraceutical segment. Companies
$227.5 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of are also fortifying their products with
7.0 per cent from 2020 to 2025. The
growth of the market is supplements and antioxidants to
driven by factors such capitalise on the trend.”

Speaking of the market growth,
Dr Apurve Mehra, Founder,

Biogetica, Mumbai

26 INNOVATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Indian nutraceutical market trends informs, “During this pandemic, pharmaceutical revenues
are down by 40 per cent or so. However, nutraceutical
As per the National Investment Promotion and and ayurveda revenues are up by 200 per cent in 2020.
Facilitation Agency, the nutraceuticals market in Immunity and prevention have thwarted all other cure
India is expected to grow from $ 4 billion in 2017 and treatment needs.”
to $ 18 billion in 2025 in the backdrop of rising
demand for dietary supplements from upper All this and more indicates an upswing in India’s
and middle class. The agency’s report mentions nutraceutical segment. However, do all companies
that the nutraceuticals market in India can be comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and
further divided into functional food, beverages Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements, norms? And how much are they investing in clinical
which constitute over 65 per cent of the Indian validations and scientific research?
nutraceuticals market, include commodities
such as macronutrients, herbal and non-herbal The FSSAI has consolidated a collection of earlier
extracts. It is this segment that draws major laws relating to food and nutraceutical safety and
competition and is the home ground to firms standards. The latest order by the FSSAI has directed
like Amway, Himalaya, Dabur and Emami. This state commissioners, while granting new licences,
segment is growing at a rate of 17 per cent, and to ensure companies making nutraceuticals, health
hence, will drive the growth of the market. supplements and functional foods comply with the
notified Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) norms.
Propelling the demand for nutraceuticals in It has also asked them to review whether companies
India, among other factors, is the fact that 15 per with existing licences are adhering to these norms. The
cent of the population is undernourished in the order comes after the authority received complaints
country, and the government has taken several that certain products with nutrient quantities were
measures to reduce the same through various exceeding the RDA values and are freely sold in the
initiatives such as Integrated Child Development market. While most companies claim to follow the World
Services (ICDS), National Health Mission (NHM) Health Organisation (WHO) GMP and FSSAI norms,
and the mid-day meal scheme. The focus on there are serious concerns and lack of clarity on many
preventive care has also been accentuated due regulatory aspects. In addition, the authority has advised
to the increasing costs of healthcare: 62 per central and state licensing authorities to undertake a
cent of the healthcare costs incurred in India review of RDAs mentioned by companies in the existing
are out-of-pocket expenditures; 60 per cent of licences, issued by their office for health supplements,
medical prescriptions by doctors in India include nutraceuticals etc., and issue notices to such
supplements. manufacturers to direct them to undertake necessary
modifications in compliance with the FSSA Act, 2006.

Experts reveal that in India there is still a good
amount of confusion amongst consumers about
nutraceuticals because of misinformation and
inadequate education. These can be viewed as non-
specific biological therapies that promote general health,
control symptoms and prevent malignant processes.
Hence, the industry has a bigger responsibility to ensure
quality and safe products to consumers.

Kamal Narayan, CEO, Integrated Health and
Wellbeing (IHW) Council, states, “Nutraceuticals are
pharmaceutical alternatives, also known as ‘functional
foods’ that provide benefits beyond basic nutrition
that we get from the food we consume. Such products
may also play a role in reducing the risk of diseases and
other health conditions. With changing lifestyle and
related diseases, functional ingredients such as vitamins,
minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and probiotics, etc.,
have also become a part of this category. With the
increasing risk of diseases such as high blood pressure,
obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol, nutraceutical demand

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INNOVATION 27

“The growing “The composition of GUT
interest among Microbiome varies and
consumers depends on many
has resulted in factors such as lifestyle,
Indian companies eating habits, which is
establishing dedicated an important factor to consider
R&D centres and while developing food solutions.
programmes to study both quantitative We are generating useful insights and evidence
and qualitative effects of nutrients before that will provide formulators opportunities to
product development.” innovate truly safe and nutritious offerings.”

- Aarthi Janakiraman, - Rahul Gupta,
Research Manager, TechVision, Business Head, Nutritional Science, Tata

Frost & Sullivan, Chennai Chemicals, Mumbai

is expected to grow globally, as well as in India. Therefore Two-pronged approach (R&D and OTC)
checking them for safety and efficacy are as important as
they are for any other pharma product.” The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed nutraceutical
companies in India to introduce clinically validated
So will this trend open up a pandora's box or will it nutraceuticals OTC while simultaneously doing research
facilitate a new era of innovations in the nutraceutical and development.
domain? Let's find out...
“The growing interest among consumers has
Looking for clinically proven products resulted in Indian companies establishing dedicated
R&D centres and programmes to study both quantitative
On the global front, sustainability challenges and issues and qualitative effects of nutrients before product
in nutraceuticals have influenced the manufacturing development. One company that has taken this approach
sector to adopt proper clinical substantiation and invest is Tata Chemicals, through its Tata NQ that has ventured
in the quality of their clinical trials. There is immense in the nutraceutical space through its prebiotic offerings.
research happening using biotechnology to derive value. This has also resulted in other companies following the
Startups in the nutraceutical segment have been some bandwagon with R&D projects on various phytochemicals,
of the first movers in this direction. dietary fibres, proteins, etc. A popular R&D theme is
targeted towards studying the role of various nutrients
Pond Technologies — also referred to as Pond Tech towards the control of obesity and diabetes, given the
— a Canadian startup is attempting to derive value from increase in these lifestyle disorders, and also to combat
emissions. The company uses its scalable carbon capture malnutrition and deficiencies”, updates Aarthi.
and utilisation technology to turn industrial greenhouse
gas emissions into a range of algae products. Revealing more on this Rahul Gupta, Business Head,
Nutritional Science, Tata Chemicals, Mumbai, explains,
An American biotech startup ZBiotics claims “We have modelled a GUT environment in our lab to
to have produced the world’s first genetically understand the interlinkages of macro-nutrients, micro-
engineered probiotic to help cure hangovers. ZBiotics nutrients and phytonutrients. We are using scientific
used biotechnology to engineer an enzyme called techniques layered with advance computing capabilities
acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, replicating the natural in bioinformatics to understand the lever to positively
process of the human liver, but doing so in the gut — modulate the GUT microbiome. Many food formulators
where acetaldehyde often accumulates. have relied on the simple adaptations from the western
countries, which are largely based on convenience,
Likewise, US-based biotech, and nutraceutical without truly examining the long term effect on the
firm Integrated CBD, grows and supplies organically- health of individuals. Traditionally, the composition of
grown hemp and hemp-derived cannabidiol. Another, GUT microbiome varies and depends on many factors
US company Jaguar Health has a pipeline of novel, such as lifestyle, eating habits, which is an important
sustainably-derived gastrointestinal products for animals factor to consider while developing food solutions. We
and humans. In India, the focus on scientific endeavours are generating useful insights and evidence that will
is slowly picking up momentum. Manufacturers are provide formulators opportunities to innovate truly
reinventing their formulation processes to manufacture safe and nutritious offerings and would leverage the
and market evidence-based products. There is also a traditional knowledge with modern science.”
growing significance on research collaborations given
the current need of the market.

28 INNOVATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“Knowledge from “During this pandemic,
food chemistry, pharmaceutical
nutrition, and clinical revenues are down
studies provide by 40 per cent
more insight into or so. However,
our understanding nutraceutical and Ayurveda
of biological functions, revenues are up by 200 per
usage, and potential adverse effects of cent in 2020. Immunity and prevention have
nutraceuticals.” thwarted all other cure and treatment needs.”

- Abhishek Jain, - Dr Apurve Mehra,
CEO, Vantage by ACG Worldwide, Mumbai Founder, Biogetica, Mumbai

Likewise, Biogetica has partnered with Wockhardt companies with a superior product strategy, juggling
Foundation, to conduct multidisciplinary research ingredients, technology and labelling to optimise the
into remedies and strategies to effectively combat the product portfolio in each country”, the report appraises.
Novel Corona and has launched ‘Immunofree'. In this
partnership, numerous renown doctors and scientists Sharing more information on blockbuster products,
from across the globe have come together for the the report also highlighted that the potential market for
Design of Immunofree and these include Dr Vijay Kamat, nutraceuticals may be large, but a global blockbuster
medical director, Biogetica, Dr Madan Thangavelu from product will require top-class regulation compliance
Cambridge and Dr Vanita Sharma from Australia. with a patchwork of regulations in each country plus
tenacious marketing to navigate the vagaries of national
These collaborations indicate a two-pronged strategy tastes. Which again is a significant observation and
to introduce evidence-based OTC nutraceutical products quite pressing in the present situation where we see
in the market. a growing convergence between Pharma and food.
The report, prognosticating on the future alliances
Intertwining of nutraceuticals & superfoods and collaborations between pharmaceuticals and food
companies for an advantageous position speaks of the
Going forward, nutraceutical companies will need to rise of intelligent food or super foods that will be heavily
advance their research effort to gather more scientific backed by scientific research.
evidence and achieve genuine breakthroughs to tackle
a wide range of conditions. As experts point out that In India, we have already seen some collaborations
nutraceuticals are likely to benefit from the trend of happening in this space. The partnership between
personalised medicine, therefore using and creating Biogetica and Wockhardt Foundation is one such
technology, which aids this movement will be key. example. In future, there will be many mergers, many
Moreover, some experts speak of a convoluted affair divestments and a lot of incubation of future winners.
between nutraceuticals and superfoods in future. But the
challenge lies in incorporating nutraceuticals into foods But the key will certainly be safety and efficacy for
and ensuring that their bioavailability is covered. this pandemic has given birth to an aware consumer.
“Adherence to norms related to safety, nutrition, quality
A 2015, KPMG International report titled, ‘The Future assurance and labelling is key to ensuring safety and
of intelligent food’ explaining trends in the global security. Knowledge from food chemistry, nutrition,
nutraceutical market mentioned that technology and clinical studies provide more insight into our
was going to play a crucial role in the success of the understanding of biological functions, usage, and
nutraceutical sector. The report is extremely relevant potential adverse effects of nutraceuticals. This advanced
today as in the past. The report mentions that companies knowledge will help the industry to standardise
who would thrive would be those that place bold bets manufacturing processes and clinical practices and add
and wait patiently for results. “Product cycles are much more value to nutraceutical market – thus ensuring the
longer in nutraceuticals than in food, and this should sustainability of nutraceutical products in future!” sums
play to the strengths of pharma, which is accustomed up Abhishek Jain- CEO, Vantage by ACG Worldwide,
to long lead times. The potential gains, though, will Mumbai.
be considerable: Future ‘superfoods’ could tackle the
underlying causes of conditions such as diabetes, Finally, winners will be those players who can take
obesity and cardiovascular disease, by linking diet to a long view while deftly and decisively seize short-term
health. Competitive advantage will be gained by those opportunities as they arise.

Raelene Kambli

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INNOVATION 29

INNOVATION PERCOLATING

INTO TEA INDUSTRY

In a bid to find best possible ways to stop coronavirus from spreading or reducing its impact on humans,
scientific studies are being carried out highlighting the immunity boosting properties of tea. In addition, the
industry is brewing up ways to blend the tea leaves with immune boosting spices and further strengthen the
position of this beverage in the market.

Indian tea is among the finest in the world owing to Scientific perspective
strong geographical indications, heavy investment
in tea processing units, continuous innovation, Amidst the worldwide efforts for developing cost
augmented product mix and strategic market expansion. effective therapeutic options, which can curb the
While north India is the leading region accounting for severity of the viral disease in humans with minimal
over three-fourths of the industry, Assam is the major tea toxicity, a team of researchers at the Indian Institute
producing state in the country followed by West Bengal. of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) have shown that aqueous
extracts from tea plant have potential anti-viral activity.
Additionally, the growing popularity of cafes
or lounges all across the country primarily serving “Black, green, and white teas are all made from
variations of the beverage has recently been driving the leaves of the same plant Camellia sinensis. Our
the industry to a higher level. However, the perception experimental findings showed that aqueous extracts
of tea has altogether taken a new shape due to the from the tea plant have potential anti-viral activity via
ongoing pandemic. In a bid to find best possible ways to in-vitro inhibition of the proteolytic activity of the main
stop coronavirus from spreading or reducing its impact protease of the virus called 3-chymotrypsin-like protease
on humans, scientific studies are being carried out showing potential therapeutic candidates for the SARS-
highlighting the immunity boosting properties of tea. CoV-2 infection, which should be further validated in in-
vivo models. For understanding the detailed molecular
As a result, Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, level mechanism, we investigated various bioactive
Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has constituents of tea and have concluded that gallotannin
recommended few herbal formulations in the form of is majorly involved in inhibiting the viral protease”, shares
tea for enhancing one’s immunity at this critical time. Dr Ashok Kumar Patel, Assistant Professor, Kusuma
Although herbal tea is typically devoid of tea leaves, it School of Biological Sciences, IIT-D.
has surely increased the popularity of the beverage as a
whole. Likewise, scientists at the Institute of Himalayan
Bioresource Technology (IHBT), based in Palampur, have
“Green tea leaf is a phenomenal medicinal herb that investigated the anti-viral properties of a specific tea
has been cultivated in Asia for hundreds of centuries variety found in the Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.
and has been traditionally used as part of the traditional
Chinese medicine to prevent and treat various disease “The chemicals in Kangra tea could be effective
ailments. The unfermented leaves of the Camellia in boosting immunity as they can block coronavirus
sinensis shrub (green tea) are loaded with the highest activity better than anti-HIV drugs. Using computer-
concentration of polyphenols or antioxidants and based models, the scientists have screened 65 bioactive
other phytonutrients that contribute to the healthy chemicals or polyphenols that could bind to a specific
functioning of immune system and protect your body viral protein more efficiently than commercially
against disease. Active polyphenols in green tea leaf available anti-HIV drugs approved for treating
like catechins increase the number of regulatory T-cells COVID-19 patients. These chemicals might block the
that play a key role in immune function, while research activity of the viral protein that helps the virus to
suggests that strictinin prevents viral infections by thrive inside human cells”, points out Dr Sanjay Kumar,
interfering with the binding of the virus membrane Director, IHBT, Palampur.
and our body cell membrane”, says Vasavdatta Gandhi,
Director, Millennium Herbal Care, Mumbai. Besides carrying out the scientific studies, the
institute has developed herbal soap with tea extract and
natural saponins, devoid of sodium laureth sulphate and

30 INNOVATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“Active polyphenols in sodium dodecyl sulphate. This soap provides anti-fungal,
green tea leaf like anti-bacterial, cleansing and moisturizing benefits.
catechins increase In addition, IHBT has commercialized its tea vinegar
the number of technology to combine the beneficial properties of both
regulatory T-cells tea and vinegar.
that play a key role in
immune function, while Spicing it up
research suggests that strictinin prevents
viral infections by interfering with the binding While some scientists are exploring the anti-viral
of the virus membrane and our body cell properties of tea, others are brewing up ways to blend
membrane.” the tea leaves with immune boosting spices and further
strengthen the position of this beverage in market.
- Vasavdatta Gandhi,
Director, Millennium Herbal Care, Mumbai A group of researchers at the National Institute
of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER),
“For understanding the Mohali has prepared a herbal tea formula to be used as
detailed molecular a preventive remedy against COVID-19 viral infection.
level mechanism, This herbal tea is a combination of six locally available
we investigated herbs like aswagandha, giloe, mulethi, tulsi and green
various bioactive tea that are mixed in carefully selected proportion
constituents of tea and have keeping in mind their action as immunity enhancers,
concluded that gallotannin sensory appeal, ease of preparation and acceptable
is majorly involved in inhibiting the viral palatability.
protease.”
Along with the scientific community, the industry
- Dr Ashok Kumar Patel, has also stepped into this domain by offering innovative
Assistant Professor, Kusuma recipes of tea mixed with different spices during to tackle
School of Biological Sciences, IIT-Delhi the ongoing crisis. For instance, Manipur based herbal
company Kwaklei and Khonggunmelei Orchids has
“Traditional tea formulated an immune booster health drink in the form
companies have of ginger tea to build a defense system against COVID-19
already started to and also to provide relief to patients infected with the
launch tea blends virus. Joining the bandwagon is Korangini Tea in Assam
with herbs over the that has launched Immunitea consisting of a blend of
past few years but we see that black and green tea, turmeric, black pepper, tulsi and
increasing over the next few ginger.
years with fact based research and innovation.”
Bengaluru based startup Mallipatra Neutraceuticals
- Rajesh Adiga, has come up with another innovative recipe involving
Co-Founder, Hillgreen Natural, Bengaluru the presence of medicinal mushroom called cordyceps in
tea. The immunity boosting tea product comprises of an
“Though green tea is active anti-viral ingredient referred to as cordicepin.
beneficial to health,
companies should Another startup in Bengaluru that is currently
focus on how to selling a range of tea products with natural ingredients
avoid the tea bags, is Hillgreen Natural. Currently having 10 different tea
which have micro particles of products in its portfolio, the startup intends to add one
plastic and may be harmful to herb tea every month over the next two years.
the consumers.”
“As most of our products were launched over the last
- Sundeip Bhatia, two months, the eye was to cater to immune system.
Business Head- India, We have had great response to our ashwagandha tea,
Shilpa Medicare, Hyderabad tulsi tea, ginger tea and turmeric tea. Our first product
the chamomile tea has also grown at exponential phase.
Traditional tea companies have already started to launch
tea blends with herbs over the past few years but we see
that increasing over the next few years with fact based
research and innovation”, says Rajesh Adiga, Co-Founder,
Hillgreen Natural, Bengaluru.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INNOVATION 31

“The chemicals in “Looking at the need
Kangra tea could be for products that
effective in boosting deliver the right
immunity as they health benefits,
can block coronavirus we decided that
activity better than anti- Samaara Tea should be
HIV drugs. Using computer- fortified with natural, age
based models, the scientists have screened 65 old immunity boosting ingredients
bioactive chemicals or polyphenols that could like turmeric, cardamom and other
bind to a specific viral protein more efficiently herbs and spices. We have a few
than commercially available anti-HIV drugs products in the pipeline that will
approved for treating COVID-19 patients.” soon be launched for everybody to
consume.”
- Dr Sanjay Kumar,
Director, Institute of Himalayan - Dheer Shah,
Bioresource Technology, Palampur Chief Executive Officer, Samaara Tea, Surat

Innovative road ahead green tea, which is based on the company’s proprietary
extraction technology.
The consumption and exploration of tea as a beverage
has taken an entire new route due to this pandemic. A Further, Mumbai based startup OZiva has packed
therapeutic based tea blend with detailed research is green tea with a healthy blend of organic japanese
projected to have a good growth within the market in matcha, licorice, activated charcoal and ginger root for
the coming years. The industry has taken the hint well improving health and metabolism. The unique blended
and has already started working in this direction in an beverage is extremely rich in antioxidants that can
innovative way. neutralize free radicals or toxic compounds that form
either due to external factors such as long-term exposure
Hyderabad based Shilpa Medicare recently made its to sun and pollution or internal factors such as stress.
debut in the green tea segment by launching world’s first
ready to drink (RTD) green tea films. The film contains Amidst these innovative players, Surat based Jivraj
natural green tea extracts and boosts 50-60 per cent of Tea Company has entered the domestic market for the
epigallocatechin gallate, which contributes to higher first time after having exported its tea products to over
antioxidant, immunity booster, weight reduction and 25 countries for the past three decades.
anti-cancer properties etc. Another advantage of this
green tea is that the film gets dissolved in water in one “Samaara Tea has a global footprint and offers a variety
go without much involvement of multiple hands. of teas such as black tea, green tea, tea bags, etc. Looking
at the need for products that deliver the right health
“Due to increased awareness on health, people are benefits, we decided that Samaara Tea should be fortified
becoming more conscious about their food and lifestyle. with natural, age old immunity boosting ingredients like
Choosing a right tea is also very important to keep turmeric, cardamom and other herbs and spices. We have
themselves fit and healthy. Green tea is rich in essential a few products in the pipeline that will soon be launched
oils, antioxidants, polyphenols and caffeine, and offers for everybody to consume. Tea has a plethora of health
various health benefits, including weight management, benefits that the general population might be unaware
maintaining bone health, strengthening immunity and of. With the right research and innovative techniques,
reducing the risks of a heart attack. Though green tea is it can be explored that tea in itself has its own nutritive
beneficial to health, companies should focus on how to properties and that different variants have their own
avoid the tea bags, which have micro particles of plastic positive effects on health”, mentions Dheer Shah, Chief
and may be harmful to the consumers. Our green tea Executive Officer, Samaara Tea, Surat.
film was launched after doing a rigorous R&D of the
green tea market, which is expected to grow $3.5 billion The demand for tea is growing steadily with several
worldwide by the end of 2021”, says Sundeip Bhatia, homegrown and international brands introducing
Business Head- India, Shilpa Medicare, Hyderabad. varieties of tea blends with taste variations. The
increasing innovation in this space and the ongoing
In line with this thought, Ernakulam based pandemic are in turn providing a platform for the tea
Intergrow Foods and Beverages, a subsidiary of leading industry to grow further.
value added spices company Synthite, has rolled out
powdered green tea making it India’s first soluble Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

32 INNOVATION NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

The caffeine fix to
fuel fitness regimes

Alex Teo, Through all these years, caffeine - black medicine has surpassed many debates
and has been cleared of most of the speculations around developing cancer
Director, Research Development and cardiovascular diseases. Multiple researches conducted in this field now
and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, suggest that caffeine consumption does not increase the risk of cardiovascular
diseases and cancers. Caffeine will be a hot spot in beverage innovation as well
Herbalife Nutrition, Singapore as research in the coming years.

For those who want their daily jolt of energy, caffeine chewing gums, bars, gels, mouth rinses and aerosols
is the world’s most widely consumed central too and, in recent years, several studies have explored
nervous system stimulant, and commonly enjoyed the effects of alternate sources of caffeine on exercise
though coffee and tea. performance too.

In Asia Pacific, the caffeinated beverage market is Recent estimates in adults suggest that more than 85
expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3 per cent during 2019- per cent of adults in the US regularly consume caffeine,
2025, driven by rapid urbanization and an increase in the with an average daily intake of about 180 mg/day – that’s
consumer disposable incomes. The Asia-Pacific Ready to the amount of caffeine in up to two cups of coffee. While
Drink (RTD) Coffee Market is projected to grow at a CAGR the US stays the largest consumer of coffee (according
of 3.5 per cent during the forecast period (2020 - 2025). to a report “Global Coffee Market (2020 to 2024) -
Insights & Forecast with Potential Impact of COVID-19”
It is being assumed that the increase in the by ResearchAndMarkets), the global coffee market is
awareness of the health benefits of coffee, compared to anticipated to reach $134.25 billion in 2024, growing at
aerated and sweetened beverages has driven the Asia- a CAGR of 5.32 per cent for the period spanning 2020-
pacific ready to drink coffee market in recent years. While 2024. The same report also highlights that, Asia Pacific
the consumption of tea still dominates in this region, the is the fastest-growing regional market due to a rise
projections do indicate that caffeine, by way of its coffee in the demand for coffee by the working population,
beverages, has been making strong inroads. growing presence of a large number of coffee chains and
increasing e-commerce retail sector.
Stimulant and its ways

The scientific name of caffeine is 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine.
Apart from tea and coffee beans, it is obtained from
over 60 different types of plants worldwide. Caffeine is
usually ingested. Caffeine is soluble in water and lipids,
easily crosses the blood–brain barrier, and can be found
in all body fluids, including saliva and cerebrospinal
fluid. It acts by blocking the action of adenosine on its
receptors, reversibly and consequently, prevents the
onset of drowsiness induced by adenosine. Adenosine is
a molecule involved in numerous biochemical pathways,
mostly for energy transfer (in the form of adenosine
triphosphate, the basic fuel of cells) and signaling.

More prevalent than we know

As most of us know, caffeine is a common substance
in coffee, tea, chocolate drinks, energy drinks, dark
chocolate, and all baked goods that contain cocoa. It
is also found in many new products, including energy
drinks, sport gels, alcoholic beverages and diet aids.
Some of the alternate sources of caffeine include

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INNOVATION 33

Role in fitness regimes trend energizing beverage, with protein, as one way to
offer the best of both the worlds to fitness conscious and
A review including more than 300 primary studies sports individuals.
with more than 4,800 participants revealed that
improvements in sports performance following Coffee, as mentioned above, helps boost physical
caffeine intake can range from 2 to 16 per cent. This activity by accelerating metabolism, energizing, and
may not seem significant in the context of everyday alleviating muscle pain. Protein on the other hand, plays
life. But, particularly in competitive sports, relatively a key role in muscle repair and growth that’s integral
small improvements in performance can make a huge to maintaining a well-toned and strong athletic body
difference. The review found caffeine can enhance our geared up for endurance. Dietary protein for athletics
ability to run and cycle for longer periods, or to complete plays an integral part in growth and repairing of their
a given distance in a shorter time frame. damaged cells and tissues, synthesizing hormones
and enabling a variety of metabolic activities in their
Multiple resources and data have also attracted the body. Protein can also boost metabolism as protein
attention of researchers, given that they may provide has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates and
rapid absorption of caffeine in the body. For example, fats, which further escalates the metabolism rate in an
following the consumption of a caffeine-containing athletics body. Like carbs, protein consumption if time
gum, increase in caffeine levels in plasma are observed rightly can show desired results. The ingestion of protein
within 5 minutes! This rapid absorption may lead to a immediately after exercise and throughout a prolonged
faster ergogenic effect, which subsequently may be recovery period is essential to stimulate muscle protein
useful in sport and in exercise settings. According to a synthesis rates to facilitate re-modelling and repair.
study conducted in 2012, it was deduced that caffeine
can be a powerful ergogenic aid at levels that are “Black” medicine for overall good health
considerably lower than the acceptable limit and could
be beneficial in training and in competition. Caffeine Neither coffee nor tea was the first to bring caffeine into
is a common substance in the diets of not just athletes Europe. It was chocolate from South America, which
but doctors too. A very interesting study conducted on was carried across the Atlantic by the Spaniards. The
practicing physicians and surgeons by British Medical first European to mention coffee was Leonhart Rauwolff,
Journal revealed that these experts too rely on caffeine a German physician, who in 1582 on his return from
to match the demands of their stretched schedules, long Mesopotamia in search of herbal remedies.
hours and persistent focus.
In his book “Aigentliche Beschreibung der Raiß inn
Innovations die Morgenländer” he described “A very good drink that
is as black as ink and very good in illness, especially of
The global market is gearing up for innovation in this the stomach.
space. For example, products combining coffee, an on-
Through all these years, this black medicine has
surpassed many debates and has been cleared of most
of the speculations around developing cancer and
cardiovascular diseases. Multiple researches conducted
in this field now suggest that caffeine consumption
does not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and
cancers. In fact, consumption of 3 to 5 cups of coffee
daily has been consistently associated with a reduced
risk of several chronic diseases. However, a large body
of evidence suggests that some individuals may not
tolerate higher amounts of caffeine due to symptoms of
jitteriness, anxiety, and insomnia.

Caffeine will be a hot spot in beverage innovation
as well as research in the coming years. Its benefits in
asthma, liver fibrosis, erectile dysfunction, cataracts and
Alzheimer’s are being studied and, this wonder black
medicine seems to have far more benefits than we
already know of. In words of a passionate coffee drinker,
“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could
things be?” (Excerpts from City of Ashes by Cassandra
Clare)

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

S Swaminathan, “Global GS1 standards
strengthen infrastructure
COO, GS1 India, Delhi to ensure food safety
and quality control”

In June this year the global supply chain standard essentials for grocery delivery firm BigBasket. Marico
organisation GS1 India has appointed S Swaminathan joined hands with delivery apps Swiggy and Zomato
as its chief operating officer (COO). The appointment to enable consumers to use platforms of two food tech
coincided with the retirement of Ravi Mathur from his companies to access products under the FMCG player’s
role of the chief executive officer (CEO) after serving GS1 brand, Saffola and more. This was primarily to deal with
for 22 years. Swaminathan has been associated with GS1 supply chain disruptions, including delays in order
India for last 10 years and has been heading the business replenishments, caused due to full or partial lockdown in
development and industry engagement departments at the country. However, it is difficult to ascertain how long
GS1 India. Prior to joining GS1 India in 2010, he worked these partnerships will stay, when things will bounce
as the country manager (Japan & South East Asia) with back to normal.
Newgen Software Technologies Ltd and country manager
(South Asia) with PSC Inc., USA. He would now be leading This has re-emphasised the critical role that supply
GS1 India with his expertise and rich experience of 28 years chains play in keeping the business going. As a result,
across AIDC Industry, enterprise software products and organisations and government bodies are investing in
services in varied responsibilities. He has rich experience of their supply chains, results of which will be visible in
leading customer support, channel development, supply the times to come. The need of the hour is automation
chain management, sales and project management teams and digital transformation of supply chains to bring in
for domestic as well as international markets. NuFFooDS efficiency, reduce manual processes, enhance accuracy
Spectrum spoke with S Swaminathan, COO, GS1 India, Delhi of data capture, and ensure speed and visibility.
on many issues including the broad challenges in the Indian
food supply chain, and the impact of COVID-19 and aspects How adoption of global standards ensure food
of global food safety and quality standards, traceability and safety and quality?
implementation of GS1 standards in India. Keeping food safe is a complex process that starts on the
Edited excerpts; farm and ends with the consumer. Effective food safety
and quality control systems are key not only to safeguard
What are the challenges faced by current the health and well-being of people, but also to foster
food supply chain industry? And, what do you economic development and improve livelihoods by
recommend to make it more efficient post promoting access to domestic, regional and international
COVID-19? markets.
In current times, brand owners, retailers and wholesalers,
are more cautious and continuously monitoring Global GS1 standards strengthen the infrastructure
demands to make adjustments in their forecasting to ensure food safety and quality control at national,
models to factor in the changes in consumer demands in regional and international levels. This is done through
certain categories due to unprecedented times. Further, using FIFO (first-in, first-out) principles for expiry
the transparency and strong supplier relationships have management and hence ensuring reduced food wastage
become more important than ever. and freshness, detection infiltration (counterfeits) in the
supply chains, tracking storage and logistics conditions
We are also witnessing collaboration between of food in the supply chain to ensure quality, and
different businesses to tide over the supply chain effecting recalls. All these enhance food safety and gain
challenges. For example, Uber partnered to deliver consumers trust.

Additionally, adoption of global GS1 standards
facilitate sharing of accurate, complete and authentic

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

information on food items, including information on GS1 is dedicated to the development
product quality licenses, allergen, etc., which helps and implementation of global standards
consumers make informed purchase decisions. for efficient business communication
and to build smarter supply chains.
The GS1 Global Standards in fresh foods are used Today, the GS1 system of standards
globally by many organizations such as Pier, La Grande, is the global language of business to
a major player in the Italian retailing panorama; and identify, capture and share information
METRO GROUP, a leading global retailing company with about products moving efficiently and
over 2,200 outlets in 31 countries throughout Europe securely up and down the supply chains
and Asia. all over the world. The most widely used
identification key - the Global Trade
What are the benefits of traceability in the food Item Number (GTIN), is used to identify
supply chain? products. In India, over 95 per cent of
Traceability is the ability to access any or all information packaged food carry GTIN.
relating to food’s journey in the supply chain, by tracking
its entire life cycle, by means of recorded identifications. Have GS1 standards been implemented in the
It’s more than just good data; it is the ability to link data food sector yet?
with physical products, throughout the supply chain so GS1 is dedicated to the development and
that at any point information can be accessed in order to implementation of global standards for efficient
achieve greater supply chain visibility. business communication and to build smarter supply
chains. Today, the GS1 system of standards is the global
Some of the benefits of food traceability include language of business to identify, capture and share
efficient distribution, transport, and logistic processes/ information about products moving efficiently and
operational efficiencies. Faster reaction to incidents securely up and down the supply chains all over the
or crisis and more targeted recalls are possible. Fact- world. The most widely used identification key - the
based quality and risks management for procurement, Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), is used to identify
verifiable quality and safety claims can be attributed to products. In India, over 95 per cent of packaged food
traceability. carry GTIN.

Traceability lends credible insights into sustainability, Examples of implementation of GS1 standards in
ethical sourcing, and environmental impact questions, India include the use of GS1 serialised barcodes for
fewer counterfeit goods/easier detection of suspicious counterfeit detection by Delhi Excise, GS1 standards for
products. It helps in increase transparency between ensuring food quality by the Indian Army and utilization
business-to-business and business-to-consumer, of unique location numbers to trace exports back to farm
enabling trust. It could help lower cost to meet level by Spices Board.
regulatory requirements and expiry date and waste
management. Moreover, it helps in efficient Product Life Vallari Mathure
Cycle management.

Traceability can impact company-level efficiencies,
provide company-level competitive advantages, and
mitigate market and operational risks faced by the firm.

Why are the implementation of standards
crucial to ensure food quality?
With food production and supply chains becoming
increasingly global due to geographically dispersed
suppliers of ingredients, raw materials and
manufacturing facilities, there are growing concerns
about food quality and safety, including global
food recalls. Hence, it becomes critical for food
manufacturers and supply chain stakeholders –
distributors, warehouses, wholesalers and retailers, to
use interoperable standards that bring visibility in the
supply chain to ensure food safety by enabling multiple
stakeholders using multiple technologies, to capture
product/consignment information in a uniform manner.

36 Q&A NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Raktim Chattopadhyay, “Research based
nutritional formulation
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, should get priority”
Esperer Onco Nutrition, Mumbai

Mumbai based startup Esperer Onco Nutrition (EON) research initiative is categorised into four steps- first is
has announced an important initiative to unlock from ecological meta-analysis, which compares different
influence of nutrition on immunity. A team of populations, the effects of migration of populations,
scientists at EON has come up with an extensive research food availability during economic development, and
plan, which collectively gives convincing evidence of the differences in dietary and nutrient intakes. Second step
relationship between ‘Diet Infections Nutrition Immunity’ involves numerous epidemiological/pandemic studies
(DINI) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which the that have triggered the associations between diet and
startup has decided to persuade as the DINI AXIS concept to biological risk factors of NCDs. Third step is about the
execute its research work. NuFFooDS Spectrum reached out interventions with specific nutrients and foods in placebo-
to Raktim Chattopadhyay, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, controlled trials using both healthy and diseased subjects
Esperer Onco Nutrition, to gather more information on this confirming the relationships of drug-nutrient interactions
initiative. Edited excerpts; and its outcomes. And fourth is the molecular and genetic
intervention taken under research projects through
What is the rationale behind this research? which diet and nutrients affect genetic mutation and
It is now accepted that our nutritional status influences our expression, adding to our knowledge of how nutrition
health and risk of both infectious and non-communicable influences immunity and improve quality of life.
diseases (NCDs). Mankind has an inherent preference for
palatable, sugary, salty, fatty and refined foods. These How do you plan to implement this study?
foods are mostly energy-dense and low in micronutrients. We have plans to translate the research on this context to
Food production, processing, manufacturing, marketing nutritional formulation and conduct various clinical trials
and promotion have responded to this preference by to take it up to the masses. We intend to deliver the final
making high energy-dense foods available at increasingly product for both preventive and disease management
affordable prices. This has led to changes in food portfolios at an affordable cost so that most of the Indian
consumption patterns, which unfortunately coincided population can be benefited. Research based formulation
with more sedentary, less active lifestyles. The resultant should get priority after Prime Minister Modi’s articulation
over-nutrition of especially macronutrients is the major on self-reliant India, where Indian nutra companies have a
cause of obesity and also, together with obesity, a risk role to play in establishing responsible nutrition.
factor for many of the NCDs such as type 2 diabetes,
coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, dental Please share more details about the products.
disease, osteoporosis, and some forms of cancer. Thus, We are working on four products that we are planning
our scientists are working on the DINI AXIS concept to to launch by September 2020. Later, there are six more
give convincing evidence of the relationship between products to be launched by the end of this year. These
Diet Infections Nutrition Immunity and NCDs. products are unique and address areas such as post cancer
surgery formulation for fast wound healing, supplement
How is the study progressing? for bone marrow transplant patients, supplement for
This is an ongoing study that has both field and lab chronic kidney disease patients and for liver cancer and
versions. This is rather a hypothesis based on which liver disease etc.
multiple studies have been planned. The DINI AXIS
Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUTRA EVOLUTION 37

Upcoming smart Amit Srivastava,
nutrition era-
Nutra 6.0 Chief Catalyst, Nutrify India,
Hyderabad
The future of nutra is based on strong preventive healthcare riding on the
convergence of technologies to enable full compliance amongst consumers.
The beginning has been made and it is expected to take shape in this decade.

The evolution of nutrition has had interesting stories pouring in.
facets in every historic period. It all started Nutra 6.0 would be about outcome driven foods
with the discovery of personalized nutrition
in modern ayurveda that has been documented in and medical conditions. For instance, this would mean
the golden era of India, which was based on bodily , modified peptides in lab grown meats that are insulin
doshas or types (Vata-Pita-Kapha). Then came the sensitizers to wetware with graphene circuits loaded
Vitamania age of 1920’s followed by the emergence with AI pasted onto skin to measure the V-P-K signals
of the reductionist approach to nutraceuticals in lines (Vata-Pita-Kapha- body signals as defined in ayurveda)
with pharmaceuticals. Each of these phases represents and guide consumers on their choice of foods and
different spots in continuum, each marvelling and supplements to app controlled capsules for gut micro
priding off their respective times. Nonetheless, today biome mapping and targeted delivery of probiotic
we stare at juggernauts of lifestyle diseases, failing strains and all the way to smart coffee cups, which
immunity, and the loss of trust in nutraceuticals as a deliver ingredients to your beverage to tackle the need
serious preventive passage to good health and well- of body at that period of time.
being.
In the world of sports, LifeFuels in the US is
Let’s tag the nutra evolution periods to understand making waves on precision personalized nutrition.
where we are and where we will be progressing to. The It is customized using inputs from the app, which is
documentation of modern ayurveda can be taken as controlled by the user. Upping the game, US based
Nutra 1.0, the processed foods health claims of 1820’s as Mixfit works on the concept of nutrigenomics and AI
Nutra 2.0, the onset of Vitamania age of 1930’s as Nutra to deliver vitamins and minerals that your body needs
3.0, vitamin, mineral, dietary supplements (VMDS) and at that specific period of the day. That’s personalized
repurposed foods like keno diets in the 1990’s as Nutra nutrition on demand.
4.0, and the emergence of reductionist approach to
intelligent nutra like liposomal curcuminoids for cancer, India too is beginning to develop some disruptive
Bi-Polar Lipids, EPA for heart, etc. as Nutra 5.0. convergence technology products for nutra. Panacea
Nova under leadership of Dr Ravishankar Polisetty has
We are living in the era of Nutra 5.0 and are in the prototyped a micro device that fits into the finger and
early stage of a cusp in making to transition us into a reads V-P-K signals and accesses its platform to define
personalized precision nutrition. These will be using the combination of the food and nutrition needed by
high-tech delivery technologies triggering the onset of the patient/consumer. Initial clinical trials have shown
Nutra 6.0 The onset of Nutra 6.0 will be a full circle of success and this product could revolutionize how we
the nutra evolution that would leverage heavily on the consume food and nutrition in India.
principles of Nutra 1.0.
Another example is myAir in Israel. It’s designed to
Nutra 6.0 is will ride on the wave of biotechnology, address needs during the era of Nutra 5.0 Its an AI app
medical technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) that works on your psychology and defines your health
that will deliver personalized precision nutraceuticals status and recommends personalized nutrition. The
without intervening with consumer lifestyle; hence venture got funded and is already commercialized.
ensuring a 100 per cent compliance rate compared
to a 40 per cent compliance rate now. Nutra 6.0 is not Nutra 6.0 would be the most effective, intelligent
futuristic. The onset has begun with initial success (high bioavailability cellular targeting) and smart
(convergence of biotech, medtech and AI) nutritional
era.

38 PACKAGING NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Making delicious
difference to food by
controlling humidity

Dinesh Gupta, Understanding the need for the dehumidification solution and proper
implementation is saving F&B players across the globe a lot of money by
Director, Bry-Air, minimising the risk of the stock going bad even before it reaches the food table.
Gurugram

The Indian food and beverage (F&B) industry is or dimension of the film core interface, grainy and
worth over $400 billion and the sector has been irregular coating, increase in residual moisture content
identified as one of the key focus sectors under and improper adhesion i.e. degradation of coating
the Make in India initiative. It lays a lot of focus on the quality in the presence of moisture.
quality, processing, and packaging of the end product
and ensuring it meets the expectation standards of the Even snack foods like potato wafers, corn chips,
consumers. Majority of the industry players across the popcorn, noodles etc. absorb moisture from the
world are incorporating sophisticated technologies to surrounding air during processing and become soggy.
maintain the growth fuelled by the changing consumer Presence of moisture also results in sweating in the
tastes and lifestyle. cooling tunnel in the packaging equipment. To keep
snacks crisp and fresh, dehumidification is extremely
Now, given the diversity of ingredients used for important.
a certain food item, its processing and following the
packaging standards it is like a default process to During the processing of powder foods such as
ensure that there is no damage or harm to the food milk powders, spices, additives, whey powders, soup
item because of any external factors. However, there is concentrates, egg powder, coffee powder etc., the
one external factor that often plays the role of a party presence of moisture in the air can cause lumping
spoiler and can be a torture for any producer of food and and caking. This affects the free and easy movement
beverage items- the moisture in the air. of the food and beverage powders in the processing
machine and pneumatic conveyors. High humidity in
Moisture control is essential in every segment of the processing and packaging chambers can result into
the food industry in the spheres of storage, production, inconsistent product quality and production, longer
packing, or processing. For instance in areas near the drying time, rapid downtime and production loss.
sea belt, the humidity is higher and it is exasperating
when salt from the salt shaker refuses to flow. Now Obviously, when moisture can have such a profound
put the packaging and processing machinery in the effect on food and/or machinery, the solution lies
same situation, sticky powders can interfere with the in dehumidifying the air. Proper dehumidification
operation and obstruct the free and easy movement of ensures optimum humidity control as required by the
the food stuff. Something as simple as an instant juice process and are dependable, efficient and versatile.
powder or drink mix becomes a double problem. Not Dehumidification allows smooth powder flow even
only the powder mix lump refuses to flow smoothly in during periods of high humidity. Desiccant based
humid conditions, it also hinders the functioning of the dehumidifiers lower the moisture content of the
packaging equipment. surrounding air maintaining relative humidity as low as
1 per cent at a constant level regardless of the ambient
Sugary products such as chocolates, hard candies, conditions during the production, storage and packing
chewing gums, bubble gums, etc. are hygroscopic. When to help improve the quality and retain the freshness of
the humidity is high, these products regain moisture and the processed food longer.
become sticky and prone to mould formation. The other
major problem faced by the confectionery industry is Companies world over are deploying the innovative
of uneven coating. Uncontrolled humidity or moisture dehumidification technology that require minimal
during the manufacturing and coating process of manual intervention, are highly energy efficient, and are
confectionery is responsible for change in the structure extremely helpful in increasing throughput by reducing
cost and time.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PACKAGING 39

Changing trends of
food packaging inks

Packaging is essential to make products stand out on the shelf and from the Ashish Pradhan,
competition. Beyond the shelf appeal, packaging also provides protection to
the contents from physical, chemical and microbiological hazards. However, a President, India & Greater
lesser-known fact is that the same packaging material could also be a source of China, Siegwerk, New Delhi

chemical contaminants impacting food safety and food quality.

Among the different components of packaging structure and must build systematic processes to ensure
material, packaging inks play a critical role as delivery of consistent and safe products. If the packaging
they might hamper product and consumer safety. material needs to be exported, the legal requirements
Each packaging ink is a mixture of different chemicals of the importing country must also be given due
and some of these chemicals might be harmful with consideration.
the potential to migrate into foods upon contact. The
chemicals have a risk of being toxic, carcinogenic, Brand owners, with global footprint, sometimes have
mutagenic, repro-toxic and even endocrine disruptors. their own specific requirements for packaging safety
The chemical contaminants from the packaging inks beyond the legal requirements of the countries especially
can get transferred to the foodstuff by a process called developing countries like India. Each supply chain partner
migration. Over the last two decades, a number of must be aware of such requirements and upgrade their
scientific papers have been published, revealing the products to comply with such norms, in order to offer
migration potential of substances from the printed same level of consumer safety across all regions.
matter.
It is the responsibility of the brand owner to update
However, the first big scandal that brought the the entire supply chain on the brand owner and legal
subject alive was about the findings of isopropyl requirements. It is to be highlighted that packaging
thioxanthone (ITX, a low molecular photo initiator used supply chain partners do not come under the scope of
in UV inks) in baby milk and other liquid foods all over Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), and
Europe, resulting in a product recall in the year 2005. hence, food business operators (FBOs) have the onus to
The food scandal alerted the packaging chain about update the packaging supply chain on the same.
the linkage between packaging inks and food safety.
Consequently, the authorities issued strict regulations on Regulatory update
printing inks as well as general food control measures.
FSSAI has enforced Food safety and Standard
Food safety and migration (Packaging) regulations, 2018 from July 1, 2019. The
standard clearly indicates that a packaging material
Migration can be described as a transfer of chemical is considered food grade when the material is made
contaminants from the food packaging material of substances, which are safe and suitable for their
to the food, thereby making it unsafe. Migrants are intended use, and shall not endanger human health or
substances which, due to their chemical characteristics result in unacceptable change in the composition of the
and molecular size, move from a printed layer into the food or organoleptic characteristics.
packed food, either in the form of set-off migration,
diffusion migration or gas-phase migration. Compliance FSSAI also mandates the brand owners to use inks
in packaging safety needs to be based on legal for their packaging material, which are complying to
requirements, brand owner requirements and self- IS 15495. IS 15495 is a standard created by Bureau of
commitments. Indian Standards (BIS) and is currently under revision.
IS 15495 in its current form re-iterates the concept of
Each supply chain partner including the ink Food grade packaging materials. However, the BIS has
manufacturer, adhesive manufacturer and substrate realized that the IS 15495 standard has not been revised
manufacturer needs to be aware of the legal over a decade, and therefore, discussions are going on to
requirements for their component of the packaging upgrade the standard with new chemical contaminants
such as toluene.

40 OPPORTUNITIES NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Encouraging
transformation of
poultry sector

Vignesh Soundararajan, What is encouraging about India’s poultry sector, apart from the spectacular
growth, is that it has transformed from a supplementary backyard activity into
Executive Director, Suguna Foods, a highly-organised industrialised farming business.
Coimbatore

In India, over the past few years, poultry has become quality, which means it has enough of each of the nine
the chief source of protein for a major chunk of the essential amino acids that are the building blocks of
non-vegetarians among the Indian population. The protein needed in the normal human diet. You can
poultry sector is one of the fastest-growing segments only get the nine essential amino acids from the foods
of the agricultural sector in India today as chicken is you eat, and many plant-derived foods have a less
one of the cheapest sources of animal protein. While favourable amino acid profile, which means they can
the production of agricultural crops has been rising at be difficult to digest and not usable by the body.
a modest rate of 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent per annum,
the production of chicken has been rising much faster. A chicken ensures a healthy and balanced meal for
the average family without the need for a refrigerator
The demand for eggs and chicken have been rising to store the left-overs. One egg is almost a meal in itself.
much faster, firing up the price of eggs and broilers
at a rate of 8 per cent to 10 per cent per annum. This Fortifying foods
is despite India being the world's fifth-largest egg
producer and the eighteenth largest producer of Today, there are fortified foods, including eggs
broilers. with a higher proportion of Vitamin D. Rising incomes
that come with sustained economic growth would
Role of poultry in diet mean increased demand for animal-based protein.
Animal proteins, unlike plant proteins, are complete.
As affordability and purchasing power have been They contain a balanced combination of all the nine
rising over the years, poultry has come to play a major essential amino acids which the human body cannot
role in developing countries as a source of protein for synthesise and have to be supplied in one’s diet. Eggs
large sections of the population. It's proven to be a can supplement milk in providing a protein-rich and
relatively inexpensive and widely-available source of high nutrient, yet low-calorie count diet without
protein. undermining vegetarian commitment. There could be
no better word for this than eggetarian!
Consuming a high protein diet can help you lose
weight even as you remain strong as you burn more In recent times, the demand for processed meat
calories. Protein helps regulate a person's appetite products has increased in the country. This has led to
and cravings by enhancing the feeling of fullness for the increase in the poultry players adapting to this new
longer. technique of frozen or chilled food, making it available
for consumers at large. In the months to come, we will
Your protein needs are determined by the lean see more shifts in the consumer purchase pattern as
body mass, not calories. So as calories are reduced they would prefer packaged meat that has the benefit
during a weight loss plan, the protein intake should of proper, cleaned and cut portions with guaranteed
stay the same, or possibly even increased in order to safety measures and guidelines. With supermarkets
preserve the muscle mass. and online retail gaining prominence, there will be
adequate demand from consumers for processed and
Chicken meat and eggs have proven to be the best packaged meat.
source of good quality protein. Chicken has about
the same amount of protein as other commonly- With the right precautions and systems in place,
consumed animal-based proteins for a standard chicken can prove to be a huge blessing for the sellers
serving. However, compared to many plant-based and the consumers.
proteins, the protein from chicken is of a higher-

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

Trans Fats – A silent killer
wrapped under tasty treats

How often do you crave for lip-smacking pastries, good cholesterol (HDL-c) in our body. Trans fats have
cakes and desserts from your favourite bakeries? been linked to overweight/obesity, high blood pressure,
We all have one or two bakers that remain on diabetes, heart diseases and some types of cancers. They
top of our minds for any indulgence in such tasty treats. are present in large quantities in partially hydrogenated
Moreover, with the growing influence of international vegetable fats (Vanaspati, Margarine, bakery shortenings).
culture on our younger generation, most occasions In prepared foods, trans fats are found in:
in today's times, especially birthdays, weddings and
anniversaries, cannot be celebrated without ordering ● Bakery products: Biscuit, fan, rusk, cake etc.
big-sized cakes, pastries and other confectionery items. ● Fried foods: Bhatura, poori, pakora, bhujiya, fried
This is complemented with highly processed foods savoury mixtures (namkeens) etc.
such as crisps, pastries, biscuits, sweetened and fizzy ● Re-heated oils: Small amounts of trans fats are also
beverages, commercially fried foods and desserts that formed when the same cooking oil is used for repeated
we all enjoy. frying; not only at commercial outlets but even at
household levels.
But are these tasty treats full of sugar, spice and How can trans fats be eliminated from our diet? What
everything nice? Let us see. While we all love these can we do if the food available has so much trans fat
delicacies, we are unaware of the high amounts of fat present in it? Rest assured, the Food Safety and Standards
present in them, especially trans fats. Trans fats are Authority of India (FSSAI), the country’s apex food
used as ingredients in such foods. Trans fat content also regulatory body, has taken several steps in that direction.
increases in food if the same oil is used repeatedly for On the regulatory side:
frying. 1. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products
Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011
Trans fats are bad fats, which should not be prescribes that trans fats shall not be more than 5 per cent
consumed as a part of our diet. Why are trans-fats so for vanaspati, bakery shortenings, bakery and industrial
bad? They are the worst type of fats because they raise margarine and interesterified vegetable fats/oils.
the bad cholesterol (VLDL-c and LDL-c) and lower the

“Now you see there are three aspects to reducing trans fats consumption-
one is to provide information to the public unless they know what they
are consuming they can’t make any informed choices. The second is
the regulatory aspect and the third of course is to engage with all these
stakeholders and to ensure that trans fat free or low trans fat products
become available to people because unless they have the choices they can’t
really reduce their consumption of trans fats. So, as far as information is concerned
we already have rules in our country that every packet of food has to display the level of trans fats.
It is transparently displayed now-a-days but the regulation is the critical aspect before we make
progress. On the regulatory front, right now we have a stipulation that no oils will contain more
than 5 per cent trans fat that is the existing position. In addition to this, we have a trans fat free
logo, which is voluntarily given to products, which have very low trans fat. This is the regulatory
aspect, but regulations alone don’t really win the war. Ultimately we have to engage with all the
stakeholders. So, when we say information is mandatory and the regulation says that trans fat free
product or low trans fat products have to be made available, the question is, how do they actually
become available? There the crux of the matter lies, so in the next phase, as soon as we have this
regulation, we will go for very intense engagement with all these stakeholders.”

- Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI

42 FSSAI INITIATIVE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Tips for consumers to “The target set for
eliminate trans fats from the diet minimum to no
use of trans fats
For cooking trans fats free food by the Food &
● Avoid using "vanaspati" for any kind of Beverage industry
can only be met with the
cooking. cooperation and initiative
● When deep-frying the foods (poori/pakora of Food Business Operators. The reasons
for continued use of trans fats over the
etc.), do not heat the oil for a very long time healthier alternatives is largely due to the
before and during cooking. Prefer to not leave cost benefit - which can be eliminated if the
the food in the oil for a very long time. better fats are paid for by sharing the cost
● Do not reheat the oil or re-use the same oil between both producers and consumers,
for frying. The oil that has once been used as well as an enlightened and demanding
for frying can be used for the preparation of consumer increasingly facing the health
vegetables, curries, dals etc. and immunity challenges of the current
● Use a smaller vessel (kadhai, etc.) at home for world scenario."
deep-frying. This will allow you to do frying
using a lesser amount of oil/fat. - Chef Sudhir Sibal,
● Limit the consumption of baked/processed Editor, Cuisine Digest
foods like biscuit/fan, cake, chips, fried savoury magazine for Chefs, New Delhi
mixtures (namkeens, etc.).
To avoid trans fats foods when shopping “A comprehensive
● Check the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) on approach would
packaged food items for trans fats content and be to eat healthier
search for some healthier substitute. fats/ oils instead of
● Sometimes the NFP on the food product hydrogenated oils,
does not mention the word trans fatty acid/ promote the substitutes
trans fats, in such cases always check the of industrially produced
ingredient list on the packaged food for trans fats, prohibit the production/ supply of
the words like “margarine”, "shortening" or unhealthy ingredients/ processed food, create
"partially hydrogenated vegetable oil". These awareness among producers & suppliers on
terms are usually used for trans fats and such the negative implications of trans fats, educate
food products should be avoided or choose a the public to carefully read the nutritional facts
healthier alternative. and to cut down the fried food/ snack food
To avoid trans fats foods when eating outside intake.”
It might be easy to control what you eat when
at home, but when eating at a restaurant try - Nikhil Mittal,
controlling the trans fats intake by doing the Nik Bakers, Chandigarh
following:
● Ask the owner/server regarding the type of 2. The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging
fat/oil being used for preparing the food. and labelling) Regulations, 2011 require that “every
● Avoid foods that are prepared/ fried in package of edible oils, interesterified vegetable fat, both
vanaspati, shortening or margarine. hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, edible
● Avoid consuming fried foods like fried aloo fats, margarine and fat spreads (mixed fat spread and
chaat, french fries, samosa, bhatura etc. vegetable fat spread) and package of food in which fats,
prepared in vanaspati. They are also high in oils and fat emulsions are used as an ingredient, shall
fat. declare the quantity of trans fat content and saturated
● Reduce baked/processed foods like cookies, fat content on the label.” A health claim of ‘trans fat free’
chips, cakes, puffs and patties. may be made in cases where the trans fats is less than 0.2
Tips & Warnings: Small amounts of trans fats g per 100g or 100ml of food.
occur naturally in meat and dairy products,
so choose lean cuts of meat and low fat dairy On November 30, 2018, FSSAI launched a mass media
products.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FSSAI INITIATIVE 43

“Bakery products “Fats and oils play a
are often made major role in taste
from vegetable perception and are
shortening and important in food
margarine, which art, and scientific
were traditionally high in applications, such as food
trans fats. Though, a good safety, preservation, freshness
number bakers have already started reducing and presentation, etc. From a nutritional
the trans fat content in bakery products since point of view, dietary fats are indispensable
July 2018 after singing pledge for FREEDOM for our growth and development. While
FROM TRANS FAT-INDIA@75. I am sure that cooking, one should choose the right oil
bakers around the country should responsibly or cooking fat to make that big difference.
ensure that they bring down trans fat content Different fats and oils have their own
to 2 per cent by 2020 by reformulation smoking point. When heated beyond
existing products, new product developments the smoke point, they release harmful
and substitution with alternates fats. They free radicals. While cooking at medium
should proudly display TRANS FAT FREE Logo to medium-high temperatures, ghee or
in packaging and bakeries. Let’s consumer clarified butter obtained from churning curd
recognize and appreciate how responsible are is a great option! This divine ingredient finds
bakers in India". its roots in Indian cuisine. Let’s make the
right choice".
- Raj Kapoor,
Founder and Managing Director, Assocom - Chef Manjit Singh Gill,
Founder President, Indian Federation
Institute of Bakery
Technology & Management, Noida of Culinary Associations, Gurugram

campaign “Heart Attack Rewind”- a 30-second Public information about trans fat.
Service Announcement (PSA) with the aim to create Apart from this, on July 10, 2018, edible oil
public awareness about the harmful effects of trans fat
by, (a) reducing acceptability of industrially produced associations, bakery associations, individual bakeries
(IP) trans fat in foods, (b) building public support for and association of chefs had voluntarily committed to
government action to eliminate IP trans fat and (c) eliminate/reduce industrial trans fats from their products
leading consumers to the FSSAI website to seek more by signing pledges, as part of the ‘Eat Right India’
movement'. This included the edible oil industry (Indian
Vanaspati Producers’ Association, The Solvent Extractors’
Association of India, The Vanaspati Manufacturers’
Association of India), bakeries (Indian Bakers Federation,
Society of Indian Bakers, Assocom Institute of Bakery
Technology & Management, Wheat Products Promotion
Society and Federation of Biscuits Manufacturers of
India).

Further, in October, 2019, ten bakeries were
felicitated by Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of
Health and Family Welfare at the 8th International Chefs
Conference, organized by Indian Federation of Culinary
Associations (IFCA) in New Delhi for adopting methods/
techniques to gradually eliminate trans fats from their
food products or who commit to do so in near future.
FSSAI intends to completely eliminate industrially
produced trans fats from the food supply chain by 2022,
a year ahead of the global target by the World Health
Organization i.e. by 2023.

FSSAI team

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

T Krishnakumar Sanket Ray takes
charge of India, SW
steps up as Chairman Asia biz at Coca-Cola

of Coca-Cola India Sanket Ray, current chief operating officer for Mainland
China, will now be taking charge of the India and
T Krishnakumar (KK), current president of the India Southwest (SW) Asia business unit at Coca-Cola, effective
and Southwest Asia business unit, will be Chairman January 1, 2021. Ray was earlier serving as the Chief
of Coca-Cola India Inc., effective January 1, 2021. He Executive Officer (CEO) at Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam,
will be responsible for building and strengthening where he was responsible for transforming the company
critical local partnerships in India, supporting the owned bottling operations to world class operations in a
new operating unit leadership team. In his current path of accelerated growth and building a dream team.
He has also served as the Region Commercial South
role, KK has the responsibility Asia & Business Head for Nepal & Sri Lanka at Hindustan
for all company operations Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB). Before joining Coca-Cola,
in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, he was associated with companies such as Lafarge, Saint-
Maldives, Nepal and Sri Gobain, ACC and Bajaj Auto.
Lanka. Previously, KK was
the Chief Executive Officer
of Hindustan Coca-Cola
Beverages (HCCB), the
company-owned bottler in
India. He is also responsible
for The Coca-Cola Company's
Bottling Investment Group's
operations in Bangladesh. KK
joined the Coca-Cola system from Henkel India and
has 21 years of experience in the confectionery and
impulse food business, handling sales, marketing
and general functions. He also runs a non-profit
trust with his wife to promote rural empowerment
and finds it to be the best restorer of work-life
balance.

EON announces new appointments for onco nutrition

Dr Vivek Srivastav Dr Anubhab Mukherjee Dr Anubhab Mukherjee. Dr Srivastav will serve as the Vice-
President of the R&D and Operation while Dr Mukherjee
Mumbai based startup Esperer Onco Nutrition (EON) will be serving as the Principal Scientist of the R&D division.
recently announced the appointment of its two new Prior to joining EON, Dr Srivastav was the Director-
senior members for the research and development (R&D) Research & Development (Enteral Nutrition), North-
team. Joining the organization are Dr Vivek Srivastav and East South-East Asia (NESEA), Member of Leadership
Team at Fresenius Kabi India. With a strong research
experience, he carries an MD with PhD in phytonutrients
as education. On the other hand, Dr Mukherjee joins as a
Principal Scientist, R&D in EON and heads the Hyderabad
R&D center for the organization as well. He has a PhD from
the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT). He has
in-depth experience in cancer and nanomedicine space
and has been a part of two post-doctoral research in the
US. At EON, he plans to spearhead the quest for ultimate
nutritional care through different delivery mechanisms
for cancer patients.

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

Dr Raghavarao retires as CFTRI Director

Mysuru based Central Food of principles of chemical
Technological and Research engineering for process
Institute (CFTRI) Director and product development
Dr K.S.M.S. Raghavarao has in the area of food process
retired from service after engineering as well as food
attaining superannuation on and biotechnology. He took
August 31, 2020. Following his charge as the director in
retirement, the government October 2018. He has won
has appointed National many awards during his
Aeronautics Laboratory (NAL) research career, the latest
Director Dr Jitendra Jadhav, being the VASVIK Industrial
a senior scientist, as Acting Research Award in the area
Director of CFTRI. Dr Rao had of Biological Sciences and
been serving as the Chief Technology in 2015. He has
Scientist at the Department numerous publications to his
of Food Engineering in credit. His research work has
CFTRI. His research work yielded 24 Indian patents, 19
involves the application PCT patents and 6 US patents.

Amrit Thomas Bira 91 ropes in
Anil Arya as CFO
quits Diageo Europe
Bira 91, a craft beer brand manufactured by B9 Beverages in
Amrit Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) New Delhi, has announced the appointment of Anil Arya as
of Diageo Europe, has stepped down, ending the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President,
his 13-year-long stint with the company. Finance. With his career spanning over 20 years, Arya has
With three decades of industry experience, held multiple finance positions across consumer good
Thomas has served many leadership roles at companies like AB InBev India, SAB Miller, Procter & Gamble,
Pernod Ricard, and Coca-Cola, in the past. Prior to joining
MNCs in India Bira 91, Arya was Director Solutions for Global Solutions
and abroad. Centre and also as CFO for AB InBev India. He spent over
He started 15 years there and rose through the ranks in the finance
his career in department, working through Plant Finance, Sales Finance,
marketing FP&A and Controls. Prior to ABI, he has successfully held
from 1991. In multiple finance positions at Procter & Gamble, Moscow,
2002, he joined Coca Cola India and Pernod Ricard with a proven track record
Hindustan in growing businesses profitability and systems.
Unilever
Limited (HUL)
as Business
Head of
e-tailing
and left the
company in
2007 as Category Head, Beverages. He served
the global company for 16 years in India. From
2007 to 2018, he was the CMO at Diageo India.
An alumnus of Harvard Business School, Indian
Institute of Management- Bangalore and
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Thomas
is currently on a career break, rebooting life.

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

PAU CIFT conducts
training programme
commercializes for fisheries sciences

saag technology The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Cochin conducted
a one-month virtual in-plant training programme on processing and
The Punjab Agricultural University quality assurance in fisheries for the Bachelor of Fisheries Sciences (BFSc)
(PAU) in Ludhiana has inked a pact students of the College of Fisheries, Dholi, Bihar. The training programme
with homegrown company Tiwana had been formulated adding the major features of the fish processing,
Bee Farm for the commercialization quality assurance, fisheries technology, engineering and social sciences
of making and canning of Saag with the objective to impart the comprehensive knowledge related to
Technology. Dr NS Bains, Director the different aspects of the post-harvest technologies in fish and fishery
of Research, PAU, and S Jaswant products. In addition, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Singh, Proprietor, Tiwana Bee (RPCAU), Pusa lauded the CIFT’s accomplishments for its pioneering
Farm signed the Memorandum work in strengthening the fishery export of the country through its
of Agreement on behalf of their innovative harvest, post-harvest technologies and quality management
respective organizations. According techniques. The university has shown keen interest to ink a Memorandum
to the memorandum, PAU has of Understanding (MoU) with CIFT for collaborative research and capacity
offered non-exclusive rights for building programmes in fish processing.
making and packaging of Saag
Technology within India. The CFTRI inks MoU with
technology of canned curried saag IIT in Tirupati & Guwahati
includes thermal processing of the
product without addition of any The Indian Institute of Technology
chemical preservatives. It is a ready (IIT) in Tirupati and Central
to eat convenient food product, Food Technological Institute
which can be served after heating. (CFTRI), Mysuru have signed a
This product is shelf stable at room memorandum of understanding
temperature for more than one year (MoU) for scientific collaboration.
with its nutrients intact. Canning The MoU between the two
can be done in fresh crop season premier institutes allows for
and canned saag can be used in exchange of faculty and scientists,
the off-season. PAU recommended collaboration on research projects
varieties for canning of saag include and joint guidance of students.
Gobhi sarson, Chinese cabbage and The collaboration is focused
Raya RLM 619. on undertaking joint projects
in the advanced areas of food
processing. Food technology country is primarily agriculture
and precision agriculture are driven, very few premier institutes
thrust areas of CFTRI due to its focus on agriculture and food
national relevance. Though the technology. CFTRI has also
inked a deal with IIT Guwahati
towards forging a collaboration
in the areas of bioprocessing,
polymers, fermentation and bio-
engineering.

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

Study links excess white rice intake with new onset of T2D

Data from the the highest, followed by other
regions of the world, which
large multinational included South East Asia,
Middle East, South America,
Prospective, Urban Rural North America, Europe and
Africa and China. The solution
Epidemiological Study for this is to reduce the amount
of rice consumed or to change
(PURE study) published to healthier varieties of rice like
brown rice. Also, by including
online in the American legumes and pulses like Bengal
gram, green gram, black gram,
Journal Diabetes Care, rajma etc., the protein and
fiber content in the diet can
confirms an association be increased and the glycemic load
can be reduced. This would help in
between excess white making the diet healthier.

rice intake with incident

(new onset) type 2

diabetes (T2D). In the

overall cohort, higher

intake of white rice, (>

450 gms per day compared to <150 Ratio 1.20). However, the highest
risk was seen in South Asia, (Hazard
gms per day) was associated with an Ratio 1.65) where the rice intake was

increased risk of diabetes, (Hazards

ICRISAT develops new CIFT designs
refrigerated fish
pearl millet varieties vending kiosk

A team of researchers at compared to national With an aim to provide the connoisseurs of tasting
the International Crops check Giant Bajra, the fish products under the hygienic conditions at
Research Institute for have been released for their doorsteps, the scientists at Central Institute of
the Semi-Arid Tropics cultivation in five south Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Cochin have designed and
(ICRISAT) in Hyderabad India states. Farmers in developed energy efficient refrigerated fish vending
have worked on the states of Telangana, kiosk for selling fish in
the development of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, the village, urban and
promising multi-cut Kerala and Puducherry municipality areas. The
forage pearl millet can now cultivate these unit has been developed
varieties in association high-forage pearl millet using the food grade
with Prof. Jayashankar cultivars to ensure stainless steel (SS
Telangana State feed security of their 304) and transparent
Agricultural University livestock. These varieties toughened polycarbonate
(PJTSAU), Hyderabad. are also resistant to leaf sheets integrated with
This has resulted in the spot and blight diseases. a refrigeration unit of
release and notification capacity 300 W. The total
of two forage pearl cost of the kiosk is Rs
millet varieties – TSFB 60,000 including GST. The kiosk has the capacity of
15-4 and TSFB 15-8. being loaded with 100 kg fish, of which 20 kg under the
The two varieties can chilled storage and remaining in an insulated ice box.
be cultivated as rainfed The major components of the kiosk are well insulated
crops in the rainy season fish chilled storage-cum-display unit, hand-operated
and as irrigated dry descaling machine, fish dressing deck with wash basin
crops during summer. and provision for collection of solid and liquid waste.
Two pearl millet The transparent polycarbonate sheet provides the
varieties with 7 per cent consumers with a chance to see fish directly.
and 5.4 per cent higher
green forage yields as

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

IISR formulates ARI works on flavonoid
production to treat
golden milk TB & chikungunya

products Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, have come
up with the first synthetic route for producing flavonoids molecules
Researchers at the Indian Institute of related to the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and chikungunya.
Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, have Preliminary indications have been witnessed regarding probable
developed a novel spice mix formulation treatment response to COVID-19. Flavonoids are mostly present
using turmeric, ginger and cinnamon as in tomato, onion,
adjuvant in milk and milk products. The lettuce, grape, apple,
water soluble extracts of the constituent strawberry, peach, and
spices were used in a powder form to other vegetables. A
make two separate formulations for diet rich in flavonoids
the purpose - one as a ready to serve protects us from
sterilized flavored milk and the other one diseases related to
as an instant mix powder. The lab scale heart, liver, kidney,
technology developed at IISR was further brain, and other
fine-tuned by carrying out industrial infectious diseases.
trials at the processing plant of Malabar The team from
Regional Co-operative Milk Producers' ARI has developed
Union. (MRCMPU), Kozhikode, a Kerala the first total synthesis of flavonoids such as rugosaflavonoids,
Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation podocarflavone, and isoflavone. Rugosaflavonoid A is reported
(KCMMF) undertaking. The technology from a Chinese medicinal plant Rosa rugose while Podocarflavone
was transferred to the MILMA, a A is isolated from the plant Podocarpus macrophyllus. Flavonoids
registered trademark of the KCMMF. are normally isolated from plants. However, inconsistency in natural
products can occur in different seasons, places, and species. Along
with these hurdles, over-exploitation of medicinal plants puts
an extra burden on the environment. The chemical structure of
flavonoids is similar to the female hormone 17-beta-estradiol or
estrogen. Therefore, flavonoids can ease the lives of women, who
face problems in the premenopausal stage.

Cranberry intake could reduce H. pylori infections

A new clinical trial conducted by key PAC cranberry juice has the potential
scientistsattheDepartmentofCancer to be a natural, complementary
Epidemiology, Peking University management strategy for adults
Cancer Hospital and Institute in in this population infected with H.
Beijing, China, found consuming pylori. H. pylori bacterial infection
cranberry juice containing 44 mg is of worldwide concern due to its
of proanthocyanidins (PACs) per high global prevalence rate of over
240-mL serving twice daily for eight 80 per cent in some developing
weeks resulted in a 20 per cent countries and potential to cause
reduction in the H. pylori infection stomach ulcers, which when
rate in adult participants when untreated, increases the risk of
compared to those consuming developing stomach cancer. India
lower amounts of juice and a is the prototypical developing
placebo. These findings show that country as far as H. pylori infection
twice-daily consumption of 44 mg is concerned.

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

Kanchan Metals unveils range Symega Food
of food processing machines blends with Infor
to drive growth
Kanchan Metals, based in Kolkata, have recently launched a varied number
of snack machines with the aim of providing global technology with local In association with multi-national
support. The company has launched automatic bhujia/sev production line,
automatic moong dal processing line, mixture line, extruded snack frying software company Infor in the
line, sabudana frying line, corn cooking and steeping line, bucket elevator
system and many more. The automatic bhujia/sev production machine is US, Kerala based Symega Food
a fully automatic line for producing ethnic Indian wet dough-based snacks
from 500kg/hr onwards, whereas the automatic moong dal processing line Ingredients, has automated
would take 500kg/hr onwards up to 3000kg/hr. The mixture line machine
which is a fully automatic line for weighing and the blending of traditional business operations to promote
Indian snack mixtures can take 500kg/hr onwards. Owing to a strong R&D
team and close connection with leading snack producers in India Kanchan collaboration, enterprise-wide
Metals has been able to develop these machines with real-time end-user
feedback, which was crucial in design and execution. visibility, and scalability to

Eurofins receives accelerate innovation and growth.
recognition for
aflatoxin testing method With business operations spread

Eurofins Technologies (ERF), a supplier of test kits and systems for across multiple countries, Symega
laboratory analyses headquartered in Luxembourg, has recently
announced that its ELISA assay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) produces natural colours, flavours
for the detection of aflatoxin M1, I’screen AFLA M1 milk, has been granted
AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested Methods status for use with and savoury blends for diverse food
raw bovine whole milk, skim milk and powdered milk. The assay was
developed by Eurofins Tecna, a biotechnology company with 25 years’ and beverage segments such as
experience in mycotoxin screening in food and feedstuffs. Eurofins Tecna
is part of the Eurofins Technologies’ group of companies. Aflatoxins are bakery, dairy, confectionary, pharma
mycotoxins produced by different strains of Aspergillus, which grow on
agricultural commodities, with high moisture content, at relatively high and savoury. Symega’s business
temperatures. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a derivative of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)
that is present in the milk of animals that have been fed with AFB1- is committed to introducing new
contaminated feed.
taste formats, aromas and sensory

experiences with a specialized team

of food technologists, flavourists

and sensory experts that inspires

new culinary experiences across

the globe. With business success

depending on the innovation of

new ingredients and a faster go-to-

market, Symega has implemented

Infor PLM (Optiva) to significantly

reduce product development cycle

time, while ensuring regulatory

compliance standards are met. With

the help of the Infor solution, Symega

was able to unify dispersed data and

complex business processes across

multiple functional groups in the

organization.

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

Solo launches innovative food wrapping paper

New Delhi based stationery brands etc. Certified as per the American, food healthy. The thickness of the
Solo has launched TopCare, a European and Indian standards to cooking and baking paper ensures
product line dedicated to healthy come in contact with dry, moist that it is reusable, compostable
and sustainable food packaging & fatty foodstuff. TopCare Baking and recyclable. It can be used for
and cooking, starting with food and Cooking Paper is 100 per cent various forms of cooking including
wrapping as well as baking and steaming, grilling, frypan cooking
cooking paper. TopCare Food and oven cooking. It can be used
Wrapping Paper is made up of virgin as a non-stick coating for cooking
food grade cellulose fibers ensuring and reduces the need for adding
top care for the food delivering extra butter or oil while cooking or
100 per cent healthy food. It can grilling for better health. The paper
be used for endless food types that helps retain more natural minerals
are suitable for a variety of foods, and vitamins while preserving
right from paranthas, burgers, the aroma of food as it stops the
sandwiches, wraps, meat, poultry, moisture from escaping.

Thermo Fisher brings Vikas Multicorp
steps into food
chromatography system packaging segment

to simplify water analysis New Delhi based specialty chemicals firm Vikas Multicorp
has recently announced that it will enter the food
Small environmental and academic teaching protection segment with an investment of approximately
laboratories specializing in water analysis can benefit Rs 100 crore in two years. The company has acquired
from simpler setup and operation and improved trademarks of few food packaging brands namely
quality with a new, compact ion chromatography Homefoil and Chapati Wrap. With the acquisition of the
(IC) system that can bring an advanced level of brand portfolio, the company is initiating the process to
simplicity to anion and cation analyses of drinking identify and acquire an existing patent for manufacturing
water. The new Thermo Scientific Dionex Easion ion these items. The company is planning to foray in to
chromatography system is a user-friendly instrument, complete solutions for food protection and packaging at
designed to yield consistent results and excellent one stop shop. The company is further riding high on the
resolution to routine anion and cation analysis of growing disposable income, which is encouraging Indian
drinking water, while limiting operational costs. population to make regular use of hygienic and aesthetic
Offering preconfigured kits for analysis, a simple solutions, which were once considered expensive and
dilution of eluent and suppressant concentrates is reserved for special occasions, rising working population,
all that is required, making the set-up and operation focus on education are also resulting in increasing
of the system quick and straightforward. The Dionex requirements of packed home cooked food at workplace
Easion IC system is equipped to run out of the box, and personal hygiene products.
including columns, a suppressor and consumable
items required to perform IC separations. The
system's simple design requires no additional pumps
or equipment enabling users of all skill-levels the
ability to run routine IC methods.