FFOODSSpectrum October 2022

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4 EDITORIAL NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Exiting Regulatory
Quagmire

Dr Milind Kokje under the Act. Hence the AGMARK certification is kept
in abeyance. But it is surprising that it took so much
Chief Editor time and representations from the stakeholders for
the regulators to know that DMI does not do foreign
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of country/overseas certification.
India (FSSAI) has taken two important decisions
regarding imports of certain food items. One can judge the impact of the FSSAI’s advisory
In one case it has raised the bar of certification by knowing that we import over half of our edible oil
requirements while lowered it in the other. requirement. That accounts for 130 lakh tonnes of oil
at the cost of over Rs 75,000 crore. Naturally, edible
From November 1, 2022 it will be mandatory for oil importers will be relieved of this advisory. But the
foods such as pork, fish, milk and their products to organisation of edible oil traders has expressed concern
be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a over the decision. Its criticism is that the decision is
competent authority of the country from where the taken in the interest of only a few importers but risky
product is being exported to India. for common consumers on the issue of food safety. All
India Oil Traders’ Confederation (AIOTC) has pointed out
The FSSAI, in its order, has additionally attached that the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) provides
an annexure showing the formats of certificates to be for AGMARK certification requirements for selling the oil
issued by competent authorities in case of each type of and wants larger consultation on the issue.
products. In addition, the imported food item requiring
microbial parameter testing will be sampled and sealed The AITOC’s concern for consumers’ safety is, no
by an authorised officer or its representative. Moreover, doubt, important and well understood. But, there is
labs have been directed to accept these samples only in one crucial issue that needs to be discussed in this
aseptic conditions. The FSSAI has clarified that only two context and that is the duplication of work, that needs
parts of a food sample are required to be drawn as per to be avoided. From that perspective, the FSSAI’s new
regulation. This is being done to retain the character of advisory is a welcome move.
the food while sampling.
nuFFooDS Spectrum has always taken the stand that
The FSSAI has issued an advisory, keeping in redundancy should be removed. A few months back
abeyance till further orders, the requirement of the FSSAI had directed state food safety authorities
AGMARK certification for imported foods, particularly to check if bottled water companies have Bureau of
blended edible vegetable oils (BEVO). With this move in Indian Standards (BIS) certification. Even back then also,
2022, the FSSAI has reversed its own decision of 2020. nuFFooDS Spectrum had, through this column, voiced
It had asked food safety authorities in states, in 2020, the opinion that it was high time that the government
to initiate action against the food business operators removed this redundancy.
(FBOs) which were selling BEVO without AGMARK
certification. When a body like the FSSAI, set up with a prime
directive to ensure food safety has matured as an
The reason cited by FSSAI for the reversal of organisation, such redundancies of dual authorities –
its 2020 advisory is that various stakeholders were registration with one, certification by other – should be
seeking clarification about the AGMARK certification removed. It should be given full authority to be the sole
requirements via representations. The FSSAI took up organisation that establishes and evaluates standards
the matter with the Directorate of Marketing and for all types of foods.
Inspections (DMI), based on the representations.

According to FSSAI’s food regulatory portal AGMARK
is a certification mark for agricultural produce, assuring
that they conform to a grade standard notified by DMI
under Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act,
1937. But in this case, the DMI clarified that it does not
carry out the foreign country/overseas certification

Volume 10  |  Issue 2  |  October 2022 www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Publisher & Managing Editor Social Media Communications: Poonam Bhosale TOP STORIES
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Production & Design Scan the New Zealand
Editorial MEDIA VISION, Pune QR Code pushes
Chief Editor development
Dr Milind Kokje Cover Design of dairy
[email protected] Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. alternatives
from
Advisor - Content Business microalgae
Vijay Thombre CFO & Special Correspondent
Editor: Narayan Kulkarni Manasee Kurlekar
[email protected] [email protected]
Executive Editor: Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected] Dy. General Manager
Assistant Editor - Digital Intell & Growth
Nitesh Pillai, [email protected] Ankit Kankar
Assistant Editor ( Digital) - [email protected]
Sanjiv Das, [email protected]
Content Team Operations and HR
Singapore: Hithaishi C. Bhaskar Asmita Thakar
[email protected] [email protected]

Circulation, Subscription and Media Enquiry: Digital business
Sudam Walekar studio for food
[email protected] innovation
launches in
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6 INSIDE INSIDE NNUUFFFFOOOODDSSSPECTRUM | OMctaorbcehr22002202 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

19COVER STORY

What's
Feeding
Eating
Disorder
Epidemic?

Although there has been a constant surge in the rate of eating disorders (EDs) across India, there is surprisingly
very little scholarly literature available about it, within the country, as the area remains significantly under-
researched and poorly reported. The small amount of existing data, recorded mostly by psychiatrists, is further
impaired by two factors: it is neither based on substantial nationwide surveys on the issue, nor does it involve
a credible official body for data-gathering. Moreover, the differences between cultures and psychology in
Eastern and Western countries, further exaggerates the variations in diagnosing and managing ED, making the
issue more complex. Let's explore the reach and impact of this disorder and how it's being addressed.

22

Policy Interventions, Challenges
and Way Forward to Fight ED

Dr Jagmeet Madan, Nutrition Expert,

Professor, Principal, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey
College of Home Science, SNDTWU; National
President, Indian Dietetic Association

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE 7

World Dairy Summit 2022 Speaking with

24 33

International Dairy Federation “Key stakeholders remain
World Dairy Summit 2022 unaware or partially aware
of the need for FoPL
India will vaccinate 100% regulation in India”
of the animals against
FMD and Brucellosis by George Cheriyan, Director, CUTS International
2025: Modi
& member of the Central Advisory Committee, Food
Plant-based Yogurt Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

27 36

An Alternative Dairy “We expect plant-based
Perspective of India products to gain more traction
in Asia in the coming years”
Yashvanthraa Mohanraj,
Ong Bee Chip, Managing Director, OTS Holdings
Founder & CEO, Progo Foods
Synthetic Biology
Amod Ashok Salgaonkar,
38
Co-founder & COO, A2S2 Enterprises
Synthetic Biology : Changing
Blockchain the Way You Grow and Eat
Your Food!
30
Suraj Nair, Lead (TechSprouts), Ankur Capital
Can blockchain unblock food
ingredients supply chain? Book Review

43

Fenugreek- Traditional
and Modern Medicinal
Uses

REGULARS

Editorial 04 World News 17
People News 45
Video Snippets 08 Ingredients News 47
R&D News 48
Regulatory News 09 Supplier News 49
Let’s Talk Food 50
Finance News 11

Start-Up News 13

Company News 15

8 VIDEO SNIPPETS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Jasmine Bharucha, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Founder and
Chief Executive Congratulations nuFFooDS Spectrum on your
Officer, Katharos corporate anniversary! And may you continue the
Foods shares her journey of success with pride! Thank you so much
thoughts on the for featuring Sami-Sabinsa Group in your anniversary
evolution of vegan edition. The edition has covered diverse topics and
market in India was very much enlightening.

Scan the QR Code » - K. Harish Kumar, Bengaluru

Dr R M Joshi, The Sustainability issue of nuFFooDS Spectrum in
Director, Indian September has come out well covering various facets
Institute of of the industry.
Plantation
Management, Dr Satyanarayana Kandukuri, Hyderabad
reflects upon the
opportunities & Thank you so much nuFFooDS Spectrum for featuring
challenges in store the interview with Watergen. It looks great.
for the Indian dairy
sector Chaitanya Jaipuria, New Delhi

Scan the QR Code » CUTS International appreciates your continuous
support and encouragement. Thank you so much for
Dr Pooja Kohli, the feature in your September edition.
Vice President,
HempStreet talks George Cheriyan, Jaipur
about leveraging
the availability of Thanks a lot for the feature on ITC Foods. Looks
natural ingredients good.
for combating
hypertension Dr Bhavna Sharma, Bengaluru

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

– Editor

Please send your feedback to
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 9

APEDA creates strategy to meet Goyal opens Public
$23.56B export target Systems Lab at IIT
Delhi to ramp up
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority PDS efficiency

(APEDA), an export promotion body for agricultural products of the India’s Union Minister for Commerce
& Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food
Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has made an outreach strategy for the & Public Distribution and Textile
Piyush Goyal recently inaugurated
promotion of agro exports, to accomplish the export target of $23.56 the Public Systems Lab (PSL) at
the Indian Institute of Technology
billion for the financial year 2022-23. Nearly 300 events will be organised (IIT) Delhi. The minister said that
the public food procurement and
under the plan in the current year for boosting exports. As per the distribution are crucial programmes
in which this innovation can
proposed outreach strategy, it is planned to establish a strong and regular contribute immensely. “PSL is a
perfect example of innovation
connection with exporters, farmers, agripreneurs, food processors, that will contribute towards the
development of the nation and
logistics providers, foreign exchange management companies, etc., with rid the country of corruption
by bringing in efficiency in the
the help of different mainstream publications and electronic channels Public Distribution System (PDS),”
he said. IIT Delhi and the World
as well as prominent social media platforms by highlighting a list of Food Programme have worked
together towards setting up the
potential products that have abundant export potential. A list of potential PSL. Goyal said, the research work
being done through this lab will
markets will also be displayed at various social media platforms. Besides, showcase to the world India’s use
of technology and innovation for
country-wise and product-wise specific requirements of India’s export making the public delivery system
more efficient and effective. The lab
potential products would be highlighted especially at the APEDA portal will use knowledge of Operations
Research, AI, Data Science etc. to
for exporters. As India has a good potential for export of Geographical solve critical problems that are vital
for improving the lives of crores of
Indication (GI) tagged products for people. It will work in the fields of
food, health, transportation & good
their therapeutic and health values, governance. The current focus is
optimising food supply chains and
orientation programmes public transport.

have been planned to create

awareness among stakeholders

for GI products in the North

Eastern Region (NER).

Centre tells edible oil co’s to correct labels:
Mention volume & weight not temp

The Indian government has told and the companies have been told
edible oil manufacturers/ packers/ to pack the commodity without
importers to declare the net quantity mentioning the temperature and to
in terms of weight and volume on ensure that the quantity mentioned
their labels, instead of temperature on the package in terms of volume
at the time of packaging. They and mass is correct. Some industries
have also been advised by the are proactively mentioning
department of Consumer Affairs temperature while declaring the
to correct their labelling by net quantity in volume and a few
January 15, 2023. In a statement, manufacturers were also depicting
the Consumer Affairs Ministry temperatures as high as 60 degrees
said that the edible oil's weight is Celsius, it said, whereas edible
different at different temperatures oil should ideally be packed at
30 degrees Celsius. It is further
explained by giving an example of
how the weight of soyabean edible
oil may be different at various
temperatures while keeping the
volume 1 litre: Its weight is 919.1
gram at 21 degree C and 892.6 gram
at 60 degree C.

10 REGCUOLMATPOARNYYNNEEWWSS NUNFUFFOFOODOSDSPSEPCETCRTURMUM | |OcAtopbreilr22002212 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Cabinet decides Manipur’s pineapples get
to restrict export in-store export promotion
of wheat flour show in Dubai

The Cabinet Committee on In a move towards harnessing the export potential of naturally grown,
Economic Affairs, chaired by the organic certified fresh pineapples of the North-Eastern Region (NER), the
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi Indian government, through Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export
has approved the proposal for Development Authority (APEDA) organised an in-store export promotion
amendment of a policy that programme in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
will allow the government to (UAE) for pineapples from Manipur. The
restrict exports of wheat flour ‘in-store promotion show’ of the organic
from India. This will ensure a curb certified fibre rich Kwe variety of pineapples
on rising prices of wheat flour from Manipur, was organised at the Lulu
domestically and ensure food hyper market, Dubai’s largest supermarket,
security of the most vulnerable in association with the Manipur Organic
sections of Indian society. Russia Mission Agency (MOMA) of Government
& Ukraine are the major exporters of Manipur. MOMA has supported the
of wheat accounting for around sourcing of the Kwe variety of pineapples
1/4th of the global wheat trade. directly from the farmers of Manipur. The
The conflict between them led to Manipur pineapple, is a fibre-rich sweetener from the NER. The showcased
disruptions in the global wheat pineapples are procured from Thayong Organic Producer Company Ltd in
supply chain, increasing demand Imphal East district, Manipur. With a production of 134.82 metric tonne (MT)
for Indian wheat. As a result, the in 2020-21, Manipur ranks sixth in pineapple production having a share of
price of wheat in the domestic 7.46 per cent in total production in India. The top ten importing countries
market showed an increase. In of Indian pineapples are UAE, Nepal, Qatar, Maldives, USA, Bhutan, Belgium,
order to ensure food security for Iran, Bahrain and Oman. A quantity of 7665.42 MT of pineapples valued at
1.4 billion Indians, the decision $4.45 million was exported in the year 2021-22.
was taken to ban private wheat
exports in May 2022, keeping NDDB to manage Ladakh Milk
a window open for overseas Federation for five years
shipments only on the specific
request of a foreign government The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has signed a tripartite MoU
to “meet their food-security with the Union Territory of Ladakh and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development
needs”. However, the ban on Council (LAHDC) under which it will manage the entire operations of the
export of Indian wheat increased Ladakh Milk Federation for a period of five years and implement a structured
the demand for wheat flour in
foreign markets. The export of dairy development programme in the
wheat flour from India registered region. NDDB would ensure that the
a growth of 200 per cent during operations of the Federation and the
April-July 2022, compared to the constituent units are professionally
corresponding period in 2021. managed with emphasis on providing
fair and transparent operations to
the dairy farmers. The Indian Dairy
Machinery Company Ltd. (IDMC),
the wholly owned subsidiary of
NDDB has already completed the
refurbishment and upgradation of the
milk processing plant in Leh which will be soon operationalised. This MoU
will encourage entrepreneurs to set up dairy farms leading to development
of the dairy sector in the region, which will also provide an avenue for
employment for the rural youth and more milk production.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS 11

Bigspoon to spread cloud B2B food
kitchens with Rs 100 Cr funding processing
startup Suite42
Bigspoon, an Ahmedabad-based spanning various cuisines and menu raises Rs 34 Cr
cloud kitchen company, has raised options. Creedcap Asia advised in seed round
Rs 100 crore in a funding round from Bigspoon on the funding round.
Indian Angel Network (IAN), along Bigspoon, the largest cloud kitchen Suite42, a Bengaluru-based
with NB Ventures, Go-Ventures, Lets business in the Tier-2 market, and the B2B food processing platform,
Venture, Grip Invest, Anicut Capital, only Indian F&B firm with a celebrity has raised Rs 34 crore in seed
and joined by celebrity investor Mouni brand, serves more than 150,000 funding. The round was co-led
Roy, who would also be associated in diners monthly. With the launch and by Omnivore and Orios Venture
brand incubation and endorsements. expansion plans for the upcoming Partners, with participation
The round was led at IAN by Sanjiv quarter, this number is anticipated to from Titan Capital, All In Capital,
Bajaj. The company intends to utilise quadruple. By the end of this fiscal Pointone Capital, and prominent
the funds to expand to more than 250 year, the firm plans to introduce two angel investors including Sujeet
kitchens in 75 cities across the country, new brands and at least 150 new Kumar (Udaan). Suite42 plans to
add brands in top categories, hire kitchens. Cloud kitchens prepare food use the seed funding for talent
for significant leadership positions, for delivery and don’t have a dine-in acquisition, developing the
invest in technology for clients, and facility or walk-in customers. ‘Suite42 Standard’ in the food
backward integration for effective processing ecosystem, launching
production and supply chain. With raw material financing, and
80 kitchens spread throughout piloting exports. The company
16 states and 35+ cities, Bigspoon provides contract manufacturing
caters to 150,000+ diners every solutions for food processing,
month. It houses 9 brands, including serving diverse B2B clients across
Mehfil Biryani by Zakir Khan, Makhni the FMCG, agribusiness, and
Brothers, Thali Central, and Meals101 grocery industries. Despite the
rapid increase in demand for
Centre funds Maha firm to make, branded food products, most
commercialise compostable plastic food brands in India struggle
with reliable manufacturing. At
The Indian government has approved a startup loan of Rs 1.15 crore to the same time, India has more
TGP Bioplastics for commercialising “compostable” plastic and mitigating than 40,000 food processing
the usage of Single Use Plastics (SUP). In a statement, Dr Jitendra Singh the units that suffer from multiple
Union Minister of State for Science & Technology said, an MoU was signed inefficiencies including low
capacity utilisation, lack of
between the Technology Development Board quality standardisation, high
(TDB), a statutory body under the Department of wastage, and limited access
Science & Technology and TGP Bioplastics Private to working capital financing.
Limited, Satara, Maharashtra, for manufacturing Suite42’s B2B food processing
and commercialisation of compostable plastic. The platform is working to solve
composite is a unique blend of Thermoplastic-Starch these long standing issues,
(TPS)-glycerin with some chemical modifications that offering complete contract
provides higher strength with low manufacturing manufacturing solutions. In the
cost. The granules prepared from this composite next 18 months, the company
can be moulded into any shape and used as per the plans to work with various B2B
requirement, and it further breaks down into natural substances once thrown clients including e-commerce,
out. With funding from TDB, the company targets a production capacity of 880 D2Cs, and FMCG brands, as well
MT per annum, with an aim to provide compostable packaging solutions in as 2000 modern trade outlets
the context of India’s need to phase out non-compostable SUP. The pandemic across multiple cities.
caused a surge in consumption of single-use plastics, particularly in the food
service sector. Used primarily in the food and beverage industry, single use
plastic items are used because of their reliance on packaging and convenience.

12 FINANCE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

3F to invest Diageo India injects
Rs 250 Cr in first Rs 45 Cr in Craft and
Oil Palm factory Innovation Hub in Goa
in Arunachal
Pradesh Diageo India, a leading alcohol for malt, gin and rum; maturation
infrastructure and blending
Hyderabad-based 3F Oil Palm beverage company, has capability for spirits; an automated
has announced an investment of bottling and packaging line for craft
Rs 250 crore in the North East by announced an investment of spirits and a modern warehouse for
setting up an integrated Oil Palm incoming and finished products.
factory at the lower Dibang Valley Rs 45 crore for its state-of-the- In addition, it will host a one-
in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. The of-a-kind Consumer Experience
company had already acquired art Craft and Innovation Hub in Centre. When fully operational
120 acres of land for the project with a capacity of 20,000 cases a
in the month of February. Ponda, Goa. This is in line with the month, the hub will employ 250
All necessary approvals and people locally. This investment
statutory clearances pertaining company’s strategy to accelerate demonstrates Diageo India’s
to the land were also obtained. dedication to long-term research
The integrated Oil palm project transformational innovation and with a focus on driving Grain-to-
will consist of a State-of-the- Glass sustainability, nurturing the
art Oil palm factory (Palm Oil strengthen its Craft and premium craft spirits ecosystem in India as
Processing and Refinery), a
zero discharge effluent plant, portfolio. The hub was inaugurated well as continued commitment
a power plant based on palm to the state of Goa.
waste, and other buildings and by Subhash Shirodkar, Minister,
godowns for support functions.
The addition of this factory Water Resource Development,
will supplement the existing
company operations that include Co-Operation and Provedoria,
Nursery, Area Expansion/ Crop
Maintenance, FFB Harvesting and Government of Goa. The Craft and
Collection and other ancillary
farmer services. The factory is Innovation Hub, spread across 4
set to be developed in 2 phases
and phase 1 is expected to be acres, offers robust, end-to-end
commissioned by September
2023. Phase 1 of the project capabilities addressing various
is expected to generate local
employment to over 300 people. requirements such as

distillation capabilities

Protein bread brand The Health
Factory raises Rs 2 Cr
The Health Factory, a Mumbai- all its products. The company
based brand that brought protein produces a range, including India’s
bread for the first time to India, first protein bread available in
has raised a Rs 2 crore seed round whole wheat, multi-protein, and
of funding from Venture Garage, multi-protein lite variants as well
Vikas Nahar – Founder, Happilo, as zero maida bread. The bread has
and other marquee angels. The 6 diverse types and claims to have
Health Factory is a holistic food 300 per cent more protein, along
and beverages (F&B) brand that with 20 per cent less carbs, high
claims to combine nutrition, taste, fibre, zero cholesterol, and low
science, in
sugar and fat. The brand will
use the funds raised to scale
and streamline its operations
and manufacturing process,

better its IT infrastructure,
build out a talented team
and ramp up its marketing
efforts.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS NEWS 13

Nutriherbs unveils first of its Salud Beverages
goes global
kind health supplements
Bengaluru-based startup Salud Beverages
Nutriherbs, is the new herbal supplement brand, has signed an 11-country, inter-continental
launched by New Delhi-based startup Skygain distribution deal with Maritime and Mercantile
Nutricare. Its portfolio includes over 50 herb-based International (MMI). MMI is one of the leading
supplements. The focus at Nutriherbs is on delivering distributors in the world and part of the
products made using only natural ingredients as the renowned Emirates Group. The MMI deal makes
brand claims to have discovered nature’s secrets and Salud a global brand that will be available across
crafted them carefully in each of their products so 11 countries. Salud propels its journey with the
that it can benefit your health and beauty needs. The United Arab Emirates in September, following
brand’s R&D team has gone as far as the Himalayan collaborations with other international markets.
ranges to source natural ingredients and pride Salud Beverages is the only ready-to-drink
themselves on being a vegetarian company that does (RTD) Indian company to have won awards and
not use any animal-derived ingredients. Nutriherbs accolades on the global stage, including the
is launching its 3 new products – Nutriherbs Brain IWSC, London and CWSA in Hong Kong. Currently available in
Tea, Nutriherbs Brain Coffee and Nutriherbs Glow four Indian states, Salud an urban lifestyle brand has prevailed
Builder. The active ingredients in Brain Tea include with growing acceptance and popularity amongst consumers
Organic Ginkgo Biloba, Organic Gotu Kola, Organic seeking out the complete product portfolio of alcoholic &
Lion’s Mane Mushroom and Organic MCT Coconut non-alcoholic beverages along with the exclusive music tracks
Oil, while the Brain Coffee contains Organic Roasted called the ‘Salud Sessions’ and a clothing line, ‘Salud Merch’.
Coffee Beans Powder, Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Right from launching the country’s first cocktail in a bottle,
Powder and Organic MCT Coconut Powder. Gin & Tonic (G&T) 2.0, to being the first to enter the Metaverse
with a roadmap, the brand has redefined the rules of the urban
lifestyle. Salud made an enormous impact at the start of 2021
by launching the country’s first G&T, during the pandemic. The
brand launched three variants of bottled cocktails and hopes
to become a global Indian brand with products on par with
international standards.

Curefoods launches Season 2 of Accelerator Programme

Bengaluru-based startup Curefoods, a who have depth in their vision and will also be considered. Companies
leading cloud kitchens operator, has believe in disrupting the food space. having low last mile efforts and leak-
announced the launch of its Curefoods The Curefoods Product Market Fit proof logistics will be preferred over
Accelerator Programme Season 2, (PMF) criteria are defined depending the others. Once the company is part
for the entrepreneurs who are going on three aspects: The startup should of the accelerator programme, the 10-
deep into the existing food systems be generating an annual revenue of Rs day process to garner funding entails
and look forward to solving the future 1.5 to 3 crore, the amount of demand a complete audit of the company’s
of food. The brands and participants of it is generating will be evaluated, last 18 months’ P&L. There will also be
the programme will get access to the and lastly, the unit economics and a clean reconciliation of the revenue
capital and network of Curefoods, and operational efficiency of the company that was reported, invoiced, and
support from an extensive expertise collected. A detailed breakdown of
stack of the brand, in the fields of the cost of goods sold (COGS) and
brand marketing and planning the evaluation of the company’s
among others, to achieve growth and operational complexity and its scale
development in their entrepreneurial potential will be examined. Based on
journey. For the programme, Curefoods the company’s future plans for the
eagerly anticipates engaging with next 18 months, the required funds
passionate companies and startups will be scaled.

14 STARTUPS NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Rage Coffee partners HUL to offer grants
to startups in plastics
with Nirula’s to launch solutions challenge

new fortified ice-cream Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the
‘TRANSFORM Plastics Challenge’- a programme to accelerate
Virat Kolhi backed Rage Coffee, a brand owned Indian startups. TRANSFORM is a joint initiative between
by New Delhi-based startup Swmabhan Unilever, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Commerce, has collaborated with Nirula’s to Office (FCDO), and Ernst & Young (EY). This challenge, in
introduce Silky Brew, a 100 per cent Arabica collaboration with Social Alpha, will help tech startups from
coffee-based ice cream. Rage Coffee, a caffeine India working in the areas of plastic waste management and
innovation brand, is India’s first plant-powered circularity. As part of the programme, HUL will give five Indian
coffee infused with 6 vitamins, packed with startups up to Rs 1.6 crore each through grant funding and
premium proteins, and made using Arabica equity investments along with mentorship and support for
beans sourced from India’s most renowned scaling their business. The TRANSFORM Plastics Challenge
plantations. On the other hand, Nirula’s ice will identify startups working on developing technology
creams are eggless and 100 per cent milk and solutions for processing plastic waste, economically viable
cream-based. They have been launching a new reuse, or refill models, as well as material or substrate level
ice cream variant every month since 1977. More innovations that make packaging recyclable or compostable.
than 110+ outlets across Delhi NCR, Bangalore, The Challenge invites startups who are already building
Patna, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Mohali will retail innovative and scalable solutions to apply and ensure that
Silky Brew. plastic waste does not end up in landfills and oceans but
stays in the circular economy.

HempStreet develops herbal medicine
Sarpagandha Vati to combat hypertension

New Delhi-based startup outperforms other drugs in the same (Nardostachys Jatamansi). Each
HempStreet, India’s first research therapeutic range when combined tablet of ‘Sarpagandha Vati’ contains
to retail venture in the ayurvedic with more potent herbs such asVijaya Sarpagandha (262.20 mg), Khurasani
cannabis sector, has launched (Cannabis Sativa) and Jatamansi Ajwain (52.44 mg), Jatamansi (26.22
Sarpagandha Vati. Coming in the form mg), Vijaya (26.22 mg) and Pipalimula
of a tablet, Sarpagandha Vati helps (4.92 mg). This Ayurvedic medicine
treat Hypertension and Insomnia calms the nervous system, aids in
due to its calmative properties. the maintenance of normal blood
HempStreet’s dispensation works pressure, and maintains oxygen
through a network of doctors who balance that helps regulate blood
can buy the product via HempStreet’s pressure in hypertensive patients.
B2B channels. This medicine is safe Additionally, Sarpagandha Vati’s
and reliable for middle-aged and diuretic and detoxifying properties
elderly people (39-70 years) who benefit people with issues like
are at higher risk of side effects. epilepsy, delirium, anxiety disorder
The classical ayurvedic formulation and alcohol-dependency.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 15

Godrej Jersey adds ‘Nutty Hindustan
Badam Milk’ to it flavoured Salts launches
milk basket mineral-rich
self-iodised
Godrej Jersey, a leading private dairy player in Southern India lake salt
and a subsidiary of Godrej Agrovet, has announced the launch
of Nutty Badam flavoured milk. Priced at Rs 40 for 200ml, Godrej Hindustan Salts Limited, a
Jersey Nutty Badam Milk will be available in all five southern Government of India enterprise
under the Ministry of Heavy
states, i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Industries, has introduced a
and Kerala. Marketed as a health-drink, the product attempts new brand of lake salt Kshaar.
to fill the gap in regular milk consumption by offering the This alkaline lake salt, naturally
flavoured milk option to break barriers. This has become a embedded with iodine and
promising category offering both nutrition and taste. The 54 rich minerals is a rare local
drink consists of essential nutrients, such as potassium, treasure that has existed
proteins, zinc, calcium, carbohydrates, phosphorus, and since time immemorial and
vitamin D, A and B12. It aids in building and repairing muscles is consumed by inhabitants.
and is a healthy post-workout and hydration beverage. It Hindustan Salts, which mines
also helps improve immunity, metabolism, and skin texture, this salt from Sambhar Lake
building bones, promoting healthy teeth, and meeting in Rajasthan, has now added
calcium requirements in the body. According to industry value by enabling self-iodisation
through natural processes,
estimates, the flavoured milk market in India was worth Rs 33.2 billion in branded it as Kshaar and
2021. A recent report by the International Market Analysis Research and introduced it in packaged form
Consulting (IMARC) Group expects the demand to reach Rs 127.7 billion by for the Indian market. The salt
2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 26.01 per cent from 2022-2027. has a pH of over 9.5, which
gives it high alkalinity that
Kings Infra Ventures to make lends several health benefits
RTE fish products with CIFT for consumers. The therapeutic
values not only stem from its
Ernakulam-based Kings Infra Ventures has signed a pact with the Central high alkaline index but also from
Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi to develop ready-to-eat the 54 minerals and self-iodised
(RTE) and ready-to-serve (RTS) fish products by adopting steam or water nature it is endowed with. The
immersion technology capable of achieving very long shelf life under normal salt enhances immunity and acts
as a protective shield against
room temperature, without using any chemical illnesses.
additives or preservatives. The innovative project
would also help in providing an opportunity for
optimising ingredients, processing and heating
conditions of the region-specific ethnic dishes.
The two entities will also collaborate on a
project to convert shrimp head, shells and other
leftovers into value added products such as
Chitin and Chitosan. These products have very
high potential in various applications in food
processing, organic fertilisers and nutraceuticals. The modified technology
developed by ICAR-CIFT uses a specially designed machine which reduces
chemical usage in the production of Chitin/Chitosan making the process
more sustainable. The process helps in improving the quality of chitin and
chitosan at a reduced cost. The effluent treatment cost is also reduced due to
the cutting down in chemical usage. The protein separated can be used for
many products including feed and other bio active molecules.

16 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Nutra Biotics Griffith Foods adds sauces to
launches spice up the Indian market
nutraceutical
for blood sugar A subsidiary of Griffith Foods USA, Griffith Foods (for India and the Middle
control East region) with a well-equipped manufacturing set-up in Bengaluru, state-
of-the-art facilities and a culinary centre, has launched a new line of sauces,
Hyderabad-based nutraceutical specially customised to cater to the
company Nutra Biotics has Indian market. These culinary-inspired
launched a novel vitamin sauces are authentically produced
combination-based product to deliver made-from-scratch quality
called DIVITIZ for lowering and flavours that are popular among
sugar levels in the blood and to Indian consumers. The new line of
maintain healthy blood sugar sauces includes Mexican Chipotle
levels in pre-diabetics and type Sauce, Naga Jolokia Sauce, Creamy
2 diabetics. The patent pending Alfredo Sauce, Makhani Gravy Base,
product was researched and Pink Blush Sauce, Basil Pesto Sauce,
developed by RPK Pharma All Purpose Tomato Base, Schezwan
Inc, a US-based company and Sauce, Bhuna Gravy Base, Mango
is being distributed in India Habanero Sauce & Guntur Hot Sauce. Adhering to the growing demand
by Nutra Biotics – For Better for sauces & dressings, India’s seasonings, dressings and sauces market is
Health. RPK Pharma performed projected to grow from Rs 217 billion in 2021 to Rs 290.6 billion in 2026, at a
extensive research to select the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6 per cent. In the B2B space which
components of DIVITIZ, which contributes 35 per cent of the total sauces and dressings market, Griffith
provide synergy to produce Foods launches customised solutions for the Quick Service Restaurants
maximal sugar lowering. The (QSR) segment as per their needs.
product focuses on insulin
function, better energy Nutraceutical firm Deccan Healthcare
production by muscles, and to expand global footprint
sugar lowering. The research
team which invented the Deccan Healthcare, a Hyderabad-based nutraceutical products company,
product at RPK Pharma includes with an aim to help consumers age gracefully, reduce risk of disease,
senior scientists who have been prevent disease, and live a better quality of life, is expanding its product
working in the US and India for portfolio to include consumer health problems arising out of long digital
over 30 years and have been screen time viewing. It is also diversifying its distribution network in India
associated with other successful and overseas. The company plans to expand its global footprint with
product launches globally. specific segmented products for the main market in the US, UK and Europe.

It is looking at expanding focus in
these markets over the next 5 years.
From 600 retail stores in the US, it
plans to scale up to 6000 in the next
5 years and be part of all the major
retail chains in the US. Deccan
Healthcare is introducing 4 variants
of nutraceuticals to address tech/
text neck, digital eye strain, brain
fog, and energy burnout due to
long digital screen time exposure.
It plans to launch these 4 variants in the domestic market through targeted
online distribution and via collaborations in international markets including
the UAE and USA. In UAE, the company will offer its products through
Medisouk online POS and subsequently through the retail offline outlets.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WORLD NEWS 17

$80M US aid to improve US gives $15M to Nepal
food security & nutrition for global food crisis
in Afghanistan
As part of the recently announced US government
The United States, through the US Agency for funding of $2.76 billion in US government funding to
International Development (USAID), has announced an address the global food crisis, the United States Agency
$80 million commitment to the United Nations Food and for International Development (USAID) will provide
Agriculture Organization (FAO) to improve food security $15 million to Nepal to protect vulnerable populations
and nutrition for Afghans experiencing severe food from the escalating global crisis worsened by Russia’s
insecurity, including women, women-headed households, unprovoked war in Ukraine. President Joe Biden
and smallholder farmers and herders. With this assistance, pledged these additional US government food security
USAID will help Afghan farmers increase the production resources during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Germany,
of nutritious food using environmentally-sustainable which represents more than half of the resources that
practices, and increase the availability of quality seeds and G7 leaders committed to address global food security
other agricultural inputs. This funding will also improve at the Summit. In Nepal, the supplemental funding will
smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate and economic help ensure that people affected by rising prices and
shocks through crop diversification and promoting food shortages have enough to eat. Activities include
agricultural best practices, including through support supporting small farms to produce more food locally
to small-scale food producers, women, family farmers, and households in need of food assistance. These
pastoralists, and fishers. This support will also benefit funds will also support nutrition-enhanced food for
small-scale Afghan agribusinesses, helping to ensure children under the age of five and pregnant women.
sustainable food production systems, and improve the USAID will be working closely with the Government
food security and nutrition of vulnerable Afghan families. of Nepal to invest additional resources strategically so
that they align with Nepal’s ongoing effort to combat
food insecurity and meet the goal of sustainably
reducing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

ADB and Japan support food security in Sri Lanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Chen Chen signed on behalf of ADB. will upgrade information technology
and the Government of Sri Lanka have The loan signing was witnessed by systems and digital tools for the
signed a $200 million emergency the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Samurdhi program and agriculture and
assistance loan and a $3 million grant Mizukoshi Hideaki. The assistance will agrarian development to enhance cash
from the Japan Fund for Prosperous expand direct financial support for the grant beneficiary selection, verification,
and Resilient Asia and the Pacific poor and vulnerable, while boosting monitoring, and communication,
(JFPR). This will ensure access to food livelihood development activities, and and improve financial, advisory, and
and protect livelihoods for the poor agricultural production and enhancing other services for low-income families
and the vulnerable, especially women social protection systems. The project and farmers. To promote advanced
and children. The loan funds have been practices and technologies for
repurposed from the ongoing ADB precision agriculture and improved
portfolio. Secretary to the Treasury crop productivity among farmers,
and Ministry of Finance K. M. Mahinda especially female farmers, the grant will
Siriwardana signed the loan agreement support the upgrading and delivery
for the Government of Sri Lanka and of the Good Agricultural Practices
ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka certification programme.

18 WORLD NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Culinary Medicine courses Turning over a new leaf
to teach docs nutrition to ease global food crisis
education at Med Schools
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel
Culinary medicine programmes are emerging at medical Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute
schools to meet a critical need to improve nutrition in Haifa have developed an innovative technology
education in an era of unprecedented diet-related that enables the growth of “enriched seaweed” infused
health problems including obesity and cardiovascular with nutrients, proteins, dietary fibre, and minerals for
disease, according to a review of programmes by the human and animal needs. According to the researchers,
University of Texas (UT) Southwestern researchers in the state-of-the-art technology significantly increases
the US. The programmes utilise teaching kitchens to the growth rate, protein levels, healthy carbohydrates,
give health professionals practical skills to help patients and minerals in the seaweed’s tissues, making the
make evidence-based dietary changes while celebrating “enriched seaweed”a natural superfood with extremely
nourishing, accessible, affordable, and delicious food. high nutritional value, which can be used in the
The researchers identified 34 medical student-focused future for the health food industry and to secure an
culinary medicine courses, utilising a variety of curricular unlimited food source. Seaweed can be regarded as
and assessment strategies that lack standardisation and a natural superfood, more abundant in the necessary
measurement of competencies. While the programmes components of the human diet than other food sources.
have a positive impact on student wellness and nutrition Through the technological approach developed, a farm
knowledge, they struggle with adequate funding and owner or entrepreneur will be able to plan in advance
faculty support. According to the findings, the time is a production line of seaweed rich in the substances
ripe for increased support. Suboptimal diets are well in which they are interested, which can be used as
established as a driving force for increased morbidity health foods or nutritional supplements. The enriched
in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes, seaweed can be used to help populations suffering
and the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the relevance of from malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, for
metabolic health in food insecure communities. example disadvantaged populations around the world,
as well as supplements to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

New framework raises bar on sustainability
tracking of alternative meat

From plant-based meat to macadamia the new frameworks with input from a this launch, the authors of the
milk, food producers, retailers and diverse array of investors, companies frameworks will work with alternative
manufacturers can now accurately and NGOs, including Unilever, Eat Just protein brands that want to use the
report on the sustainability impact of Inc., Newton Investment Management, frameworks to report on ESG factors
their alternative proteins’ businesses PIMCO, Blue Horizon and the WWF- such as carbon emissions, land,
thanks to the launch of two new UK as well as environmental, social water and nutrition impacts. FAIRR
reporting frameworks. The frameworks and governance (ESG) and life cycle and GFI’s open source Alternative
were designed by the $68 trillion- assessment (LCA) experts. Following Proteins ESG Reporting Framework
backed Farm Animal Investment Risk for Specialised Companies and the
and Return (FAIRR) Initiative investor Alternative Proteins ESG Reporting
network and the Good Food Institute Framework for Diversified Companies
(GFI), an international non-profit provide investors, governments, and
reimagining meat production, and consumers with a route to receiving
are backed by investors and industry accurate information from each
leaders. FAIRR and GFI co-developed alternative protein business.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 19

What's
Feeding
Eating
Disorder
Epidemic?

Although there has been a constant surge in the rate of eating disorders (EDs) across India, there is surprisingly
very little scholarly literature available about it, within the country, as the area remains significantly under-
researched and poorly reported. The small amount of existing data, recorded mostly by psychiatrists, is further
impaired by two factors: it is neither based on substantial nationwide surveys on the issue, nor does it involve
a credible official body for data-gathering. Moreover, the differences between cultures and psychology in
Eastern and Western countries, further exaggerates the variations in diagnosing and managing ED, making the
issue more complex. Let's explore the reach and impact of this disorder and how it's being addressed.

Once concentrated among adolescent As a result, EDs were initially found less often in less
Caucasian females in high-income Western developed, poorer Asian countries such as India, Thailand,
countries, today, eating disorders (EDs) are Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos,
truly global. Accurate epidemiological and and Vietnam. But now as these countries have grown
burden estimates are crucial for understanding the more industrialised and globalised, EDs have followed,
effect of EDs on population health, and planning for the and the gap is closing between several Asian countries
response of health systems, in terms of both prevention and the West with regards to both clinical pathology, as
interventions and improvement of access to optimal well as more widespread disordered eating, weight and
treatment. shape concerns, and dieting behaviours.

According to studies, 70 million people live with Furthermore, a critical aspect of the emergence
EDs worldwide. Out of which, Japan has the highest and spread of EDs in Asia is that it has transpired
prevalence of eating disorders in Asia, followed by Hong concurrently with rapidly rising rates of obesity across
Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. The manner in the continent. Similar to many Western countries, obesity
which EDs have spread among Asian countries is directly rates have reached epidemic proportions in Malaysia,
related to the economic transformation of the region. Singapore, Thailand, and other parts of South Asia.

20 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Source- Clemson University Public Health Science “"Even though eating
disorders can be fatal
Although EDs and obesity have historically been treated in some cases, data
as independent public health issues, they share many on people affected
common etiological factors, and successful strategies for by eating disorders
combating one will almost certainly impact the other. like bulimia and anorexia are
near to non-existent in India.
In India’s context, EDs paint a particularly complex Not much research has been done on eating
picture both historically and at present, perhaps disorders in India because it is actually a low
reflecting the enormous diversity of its population. priority.”
Additionally, awareness and resources are two areas that
India needs to desperately work on, for treating EDs. Dr N.M. Babina, Chief Medical Officer, Jindal
There needs to be more concrete research to identify Naturecure Institute
surrounding factors from all possible tangents to
understand this disorder. “The lack of published
evidence in the field of
While sharing her thoughts on the ED issue in India, eating disorders and
Dr N.M. Babina, Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure other lesser-known
Institute says, "Even though eating disorders can be psychiatric illness acts
fatal in some cases, data on people affected by eating as an impediment to frame
disorders like bulimia and anorexia are near to non- appropriate policies.”
existent in India. There is also the concern of stigma
and lack of awareness surrounding the issue, making Dr Anusa Arunachalam
recovery even more difficult. In our country, where Mohandoss, Clinical Associate Professor,
mental health issues are easily predisposed by society, Department of Psychiatry, Shri Satya Sai Medical
the problems of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa
and bulimia are painfully ignored." College and Research Institute

She further adds, “The study in 2018, examining the ecosystem needs to be built in order to take this forward,
prevalence of eating disorders in the student population and that is currently missing in our country.
of Mysore published in the Indian psychiatry journal
revealed that 26.6 per cent of participants were prone “Indian psychiatrists need to document the
to eating disorders due to abnormal eating attitudes. original research and publish their efforts in reputed
However, the surprising thing is that hardly any of these journals. The lack of published evidence in the field
studies have been conducted by official bodies and of ED and other lesser-known psychiatric illness acts
nationwide surveys are still non-existent. Not much as an impedance to frame appropriate policies. The
research has been done on eating disorders in India, documentation of epidemiological characteristics of
because it is actually a very, very low priority.” various medical illnesses, including ED, is the need of
the hour. Furthermore, screening using India-specific
There are several groups of people well-placed questionnaires needs to be employed”, says Dr Anusa
to give us an in-depth understanding of the multiple Arunachalam Mohandoss, Clinical Associate Professor,
aspects associated with EDs. These include mental Department of Psychiatry, Shri Satya Sai Medical College
health professionals, patients that are either currently and Research Institute.
dealing with related conditions, or with a former history
of illness, or general physicians, dieticians, nutritionists, In contrast to India, developed countries are taking
gym trainers, etc. But the right environment or several strides towards conducting research and
developing policies, aimed at treating eating disorders.

A global fight
About 9 per cent of the American population is

diagnosed with EDs and over 10,200 lose their lives each
year, fighting eating disorders. In such a scenario, the
government has become more vigilant. Various state
policies in the US are targeted toward combating the ill
effects of diet-culture, which include public awareness

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 21

campaigns, fines, and tax incentives. “With our study, we now
In June 2022, The US Department of Health and have critical data to
estimate the cost-
Human Services announced a $3.715 million Eating effectiveness, improved
Disorders Initiative, under the Office of Women’s Health quality of life, and
(OWH). This effort is meant to support grants designed most importantly, lives to be
to identify, develop, and implement evidence-based saved by scaling up effective
strategies and community-based interventions, aimed at prevention, early detection, and treatment
detecting and preventing eating disorders, focusing on interventions for eating disorders.”
teen girls at risk for eating disorders during the COVID-19
pandemic. This OWH grant will help to further expand Dr S. Bryn Austin, Director, Strategic Training
the research on the pandemic’s impact on mental health Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders
and eating disorders while helping communities become
better educated and more aware of these illnesses. “Eating Disorders Genetics
Initiative offers us a
The advocacy organisation, The Eating Disorders unique opportunity to
Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action (EDC) from further investigate the
Washington, D.C is working to advance the recognition complex interplay of
of EDs as a public health priority throughout the United genetic and environmental
States. With the main objectives of influencing federal factors that contribute to
policy, raising awareness among policymakers and the eating disorders, in order
public about ED, increasing resources for education, to improve diagnosis, management, and
prevention, and improved training, and promoting treatment.”
funding and support for scientific research on ED, EDC is
making some realistic efforts in the field. Cynthia Bulik,
Founding Director, University of North Carolina
The Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of
Eating Disorders (STRIPED) is a graduate-level training Centre of Excellence for Eating Disorders
initiative based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public
Health and Boston Children’s Hospital. In collaboration “It is estimated that
with the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) and approximately 1 million
Australians are living
Types of Eating Disorders and Common Symptoms with an eating disorder,
which is 4 per cent of
Types Common symptoms the population.”

Anorexia nervosa Very restricted eating Dr Sarah Maguire, Director,
patterns InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders

Bulimia nervosa Recurrent episodes of binge Deloitte Access Economics STRIPED had recently led
eating an initiative to carry out the most comprehensive
examination of the social and economic burden of eating
Binge eating disorder Eating large amounts of disorders in the United States. This research estimated
food rapidly the financial implications of eating disorders for the
health system, families, and individuals and loss of life
Pica Craving non-food and wellbeing due to the devastating impact of eating
substances such as ice, dirt, disorders on physical and mental health.
etc.
“Our study lays bare the devastating economic
Rumination disorder Regurgitating previously impact that eating disorders have in the United States,
chewed food and a country where the majority of people affected
swallowing suffer alone and never receive appropriate treatment
because of barriers to healthcare and lack of training
Avoidant/restrictive Avoidance or restriction of for healthcare providers. With our study, we now have
food intake disorder food intake

Purging disorder Purging behaviours, such as
vomiting, laxatives, diuretics,
or excessive exercising

Night eating syndrome Frequent and excessive
eating at night

22 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Policy Interventions, Challenges
and Way Forward to Fight ED

Dr Jagmeet Madan,

Nutrition Expert, Professor,
Principal, Sir Vithaldas
Thackersey College of Home
Science, SNDTWU; National
President, Indian Dietetic
Association

Eating disorders (ED) are a range of irregular eating
behaviours that may or may not warrant a diagnosis.
It may range from abnormal eating patterns, to
following fad diets, cleanses, heightened focus on
appearance, extreme social media fanaticism and dietary
supplement abuse without professional guidance.

India is a young country with 60 per cent of its
population being young adults. The focus of today's
young adults across socioeconomic strata is on looks, role
models, peers, steep professional ambitions. This has an
impact on the food habits and dietary patterns which can
be skewed for quick gains. Disturbed attitudes towards
weight, body shape and eating, play a key role in the
origin of Eating Disorders.

National Policy Interventions are needed to include

the critical data we need to begin to estimate the understanding and ultimately a cure.
cost-effectiveness, improved quality of life, and, most According to Cynthia Bulik, Founding Director,
importantly, lives to be saved by scaling up effective
prevention, early detection, and treatment interventions University of North Carolina Centre of Excellence for
for eating disorders”, says Dr S Bryn Austin, Director, Eating Disorders, “Our new study, EDGI, offers us a
STRIPED and Professor, Harvard T.H. Chan School of unique opportunity to further investigate the complex
Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital. interplay of genetic and environmental factors that
contribute to eating disorders, in order to improve
Not to forget, the US launched the Eating Disorders diagnosis, management, and treatment, an endeavour
Genetics Initiative (EDGI) in 2020, a global initiative to that is evidently even more critical during the current
discover the genes that cause anorexia nervosa, bulimia pandemic. We are inviting all Americans, aged 18 and
nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Researchers in the over, with first-hand experience of an eating disorder, to
United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark participate in this important genetics study.”
will collect clinical information and saliva samples from
over 16,000 people with a history of eating disorders EDGI is also helping researchers in the UK better
and individuals without an eating disorder. The goal of understand these conditions and enable the design of
the research study is to transform our knowledge about new treatments aimed at improving the lives of patients.
the causes of eating disorders to work toward greater
On the other hand, the Australian government is
investing an additional $24.3 million to implement new

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 23

eating disorders along with Mental Health conditions, like National Eating Disorders Associations (NEDA) as
especially in young adults. At least 50 per cent of in the West, can be a step forward. Presently there is no
eating disorder patients have a psychiatric comorbidity association or body that works for the cause of ED in India.
with depression being the most common symptom. This could be due to a lack of interest of professionals
The approach towards treatment is a combination of to work in this area. There is a need to engage
pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and behavioural multidisciplinary teams, to work in this field.
modifications. The formation of non profit associations
The underreporting of eating disorders can be the
biggest challenge because of delayed diagnosis and the
failure to find professional help. Most often the individuals
with eating disorders seek help late, with reasons of being
a burden to others, embarrassment, fear of losing control
over their eating habits and weight, denial and failure to
perceive the severity of illness.

There is a need to develop and validate culturally
sensitive instruments for diagnosis as well as generating
locally relevant epidemiological data about Eating
Disorders from the community and hospital settings.
A recent study in South India revealed that the risk of
prevalence of eating disorders is high among medical
and paramedical students but the awareness is low. High
stress, body shape concerns and behavioural symptoms
are significantly associated with eating disorders. Routine
screenings and referral services in each institute would
be a step forward. There is a lack of awareness about
ED in the general population. There is a need to include
it in the psychoeducational programmes with a focus
on early detection and referrals to the right medical,
nutrition and psychological professionals. There is a need
to give adequate weightage to incorporating teaching
about management of eating disorders in the training of
nutrition and psychiatric professionals.

There is also a need to develop consensus statements
and guidelines for the management of eating disorders.

community-based treatment services and fund existing “Eating disorders are serious, complex mental
support and treatment services for Australians with an illnesses with significant physical and mental health
eating disorder. $26.9 million was also included in last impacts, high mortality rates and low rates of detection. It
year’s budget to increase the availability and quality of is estimated that approximately 1 million Australians are
care options for people affected by eating disorders out living with an eating disorder, which is 4 per cent of the
of which $13 million were raised to establish a National population. Eating disorders also have one of the highest
Eating Disorder Research Centre to coordinate and mortality rates of any mental illness”, says Dr Sarah
conduct world-leading research into eating disorders. Maguire, Director, InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders.

Further, the Australian government has awarded the While few developments are being heard of in
University of Sydney a $13 million four-year grant, which some parts of the world, research innovation in the
will fund the establishment of the Australian Eating field of eating disorders is still hampered by insufficient
Disorders Research and Translation Centre. InsideOut resourcing and lack of a coherent vision and plan,
Institute for Eating Disorders, a partnership between particularly in India. Signs are very clear that if we do
the University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health not wake up now, EDs might slowly increase the existing
District, will lead a national consortium of partners to disease burden in our country.
develop the Centre and implement the Australian Eating
Disorders Research & Translation Strategy. Mansi Jamsudkar
([email protected])

24 WORLD DAIRY SUMMIT 2022 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit 2022

India will vaccinate 100% of
the animals against FMD and
Brucellosis by 2025: Modi
“ When the animal is sick it affects
the life of the farmer, affecting his
income. It also affects the efficiency
of the animal, the quality of its milk
and other related products. In this direction, India is

working toward universal vaccination of animals. We
have resolved that by 2025, we will vaccinate 100 per

cent of the animals against Foot and Mouth Disease and

Brucellosis. We are aiming to be completely free from

these diseases by the end of this decade”, said Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.

Inaugurating the International Dairy Federation

World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS) 2022 organised at India Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the
Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, on September 12
the Prime Minister observed that there has been a loss
of livestock in many states of India due to Lumpy Skin

Disease (LSD) in the recent past and assured everyone inauguration of the International Dairy Federation
that the central government, along with various state World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS) 2022, organised
governments, is trying their level best to keep a check at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida on
on it. September 12, 2022.

He further pointed out that our scientists have He further said, “Our dairy industry is unique as it
prepared indigenous vaccine for LSD. Same time efforts

are being made to track the movement of animals to is based on a cooperative model that empowers small

keep the outbreak under control. Be it vaccination of and marginal dairy farmers, especially women. The

animals or any other modern technology, the Prime government has taken several steps for the betterment
Minister said that India is always eager to contribute to of the sector, resulting in an increase of over 44 per cent

the field of dairy while striving to learn from its partner in milk production in the last eight years. Milk production

nations. “India has acted swiftly on its food safety across the world is growing at a rate of 2 per cent while it

standards”, Modi added. is growing at an annual rate of over 6 per cent in India.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that India is working In his address Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar

on a digital system which will capture the end-to- Pradesh who commented on the creation of milk clusters

end activities of the livestock sector. This will provide by promoting local cooperatives in Uttar Pradesh said, “In
accurate information needed to improve this sector. 2019, we had created a farmer’s organisation – Balinee
– in Bundelkhand which has spread its wings to 795
The Prime Minister also spoke of the importance of

'livestock' and milk-related businesses in India's cultural villages in the region comprising over 41,000 farmers.

landscape. He said that unlike other developed countries They are producing 1.35 lakh litre and their annual
of the world, the real strength of the dairy sector in India revenue is close to Rs 150 crore. It’s quite a success story
is small farmers. “India's dairy sector is identified more by and we are now working to create similar milk clusters at

'production by mass' than 'mass production'. Based on the five more locations in the state.”

efforts of these small farmers with one, two or three cattle, The chief minister said that not only the state would
India is the largest milk producing country,” he added. have five more milk producing clusters but also, he is

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WORLD DAIRY SUMMIT 2022 25

Gathering at the inauguration of the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS) 2022

seeking support of National Dairy Development Board State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying,
(NDDB) in proper management and running of these Dr L Murugan; Union Minister of State for Agriculture
upcoming plants that he intends to make operational in and Food Processing, Sanjeev Kumar Balyan; Members
a year or two. of Parliament, Surendra Singh Nagar and Dr Mahesh
Sharma, President of International Dairy Federation, P
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry Brazzale, and Director General of International Dairy
and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala; Union Minister of

Cooperative dairy contributes to the development of the country by
touching many dimensions: Shah

“Corporate Dairy contributes to the development The Union Minister for Home Affairs and
of the country by generating income for shareholders Cooperation, Amit Shah addressing at the
of the companies and its owners through milk World Dairy Summit-2022, on the ‘Relevance of
production. At the same time, cooperative dairy Cooperative institutions for the Dairy Sector’, in
contributes to the development of the country by Greater Noida on September 12, 2022.
touching many dimensions and through this we can
become self-reliant. Along with this, the fight against certification, marketing and export of natural farming
malnutrition through cooperatives also goes ahead products.
and cooperative dairy also serves the purpose of
women’s empowerment,” said the Union Home and He said in countries across the world, farmers
Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. get only 40-50 per cent of the profits from milk
production in the dairy industry, but in India, dairy
Addressing the World Dairy Summit-2022 on the cooperatives deposits 70 per cent of the consumer
subject 'Relevance of Cooperative Institutions for price into banks account of milk producing farmers
Dairy Sector', he said that crores of women in India which is a great achievement for India. The world
have been empowered through cooperative dairy. should adopt this model. He said today 1.8 crore
Cooperative dairy and other cooperative institutions farmers in India are associated with the dairy through
have contributed in the rural development of Gujarat cooperative sector. There are about two lakh rural
and the dignitaries who are at this conference should dairies at present and two lakh more rural dairies will
visit Gujarat and see the cooperative model there. be built before 2024.

Shah called on those present at the conference
that they should make natural farming the life of
dairy. He said that the goal of cooperative dairy is
not to earn money but to give good health to every
citizen by building a strong India and in this we can
show the way to farmers of the world. The products
produced by natural farming will bring prosperity
to the lives of the farmers of the country as well
as contribute significantly to the development
of India's economy. Shah said three separate
multistate cooperative societies are being formed for

26 WORLD DAIRY SUMMIT 2022 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Waste to wealth management necessary in every way: Tomar

“There is a big contribution of women in Animal The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Husbandry and Milk Production sector, women Minister Narendra Singh Tomar addressing the
empowerment is intrinsic part of their involvement gathering at a special session on Feed, Food and
in this sector. Therefore, the Prime Minister has Waste on the third day of the International Dairy
created separate Ministries of Animal Husbandry and Federation's World Dairy Summit in Greater Noida
Cooperatives sectors and also hiked their budget. on September 14, 2022.
The basic spirit behind all this is to benefit the
farmers. Now more and more Agri Startups are being a waste. The Central Government has launched the
launched,” said Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Gobardhan scheme. Cow dung can be used as an
Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. energy resource. This will increase income, while
protecting the environment from harm. Along with
Speaking on the third day of the International this, natural farming will also be encouraged. He said
Dairy Federation's World Dairy Summit in Greater that people have become health conscious after
Noida Tomar on the topic ‘Feed, Food and Waste’ Covid and are moving towards clean and hygienic
stressed on ‘Waste to Wealth Management’ by all food. People's attention has been drawn towards
means. He said that normally we do not dispose of Natural Farming. The coverage of Organic Farming
the waste properly. Whether it is the crop stubble or and Natural Farming is rising. It is in demand all over
the disposal of fruits and vegetable waste in homes, the world. Recently, India has exported agricultural
converting them into wealth is the need of the hour. products worth Rs 3.75 lakh crore, including a large
There is a need to think and work on how we can share of organic products. He said that whatever
use the waste in different ways, for example, take the proposals will come out of this conference, the
disposal of stubble, - using the technology, the Pusa Government will proceed on it in right earnest.
Institute has made the decomposer. This will increase
the productivity of the farm, while fodder will also be
available for the cattle, there is a need to work in this
direction on a large scale.

Giving the example of the Goras area of his
parliamentary constituency, the Union Agriculture
Minister said that this area used to be a cluster of Gir
cows. Even at present, there are about 30,000 cows,
but due to lack of fodder during the summer, the
cattle have to be taken away for grazing, now work
has been started in this direction. There is also a
need to pay attention on creating awareness about
how cattle get food. He said that cow dung is also

Federation, Caroline Emond were among those present dairy sector and Caroline Emond, Director General,
on the occasion. Around 75 lakh farmers got connected International Dairy Federation promised to work with
with the event through technology. India to ensure sustainability and adherence to climate
change in the long-run.
The four-day long summit concluded on September
15 with Parshottam Rupala giving his final remarks. He The IDF WDS 2022, held from September 12-15
said, “India’s fully committed to sustainability. It will witnessed participation of global and Indian dairy
be adopted rather than imposed on milk producers stakeholders including industry leaders, experts, farmers
for attaining growth. The government is according the and policy planners centring around the theme of ‘Dairy
highest priority to tackle the issue of farm sector waste for Nutrition and Livelihood’. Around 1500 participants
for which many initiatives including ‘Waste to Wealth’ from 50 countries participated in IDF WDS 2022. The last
programme encompassing proper use of dung to shore such Summit was held in India about half a century ago
up farmers’ income have been undertaken.” in 1974.

Listing out the three main challenges of animal Manishika Miglani
welfare, food safety and environment before the dairy [email protected]
sector, Brazalle lauded the digitalisation work in India’s

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PLANT-BASED YOGURT 27

Yashvanthraa An Alternative Amod Ashok
Mohanraj, Founder & Dairy Salgaonkar,
Perspective
CEO, Progo Foods of India Co-founder & COO, A2S2
Enterprises

The Indian subcontinent is currently experiencing the emergence of a novel plant-based food industry inclusive of
plant-based dairy and its yogurt category. This is considered the new wave of a green revolution that is currently
taking place around the globe and in India. These plant-based dairy and yogurt brands in India have identified gaps
in the market that the animal-derived dairy incumbents have not addressed. The plant-based yogurt category has
a handful of local players addressing the needs of their consumers. Increased investments can help scale up the
production and distribution of the products and significantly empower brands to reach consumers across India,
driving the market growth rate higher.

India is the topmost producer and consumer of animal- others. A report by the International Market Analysis
derived dairy equating to 20 per cent of the world’s Research and Consulting Group (IMARC) finds that the
supply, estimated to be worth $144.5 billion, and it animal-based curd market in India reached Rs 1,184.3
produced 188 million metric tonnes of milk in 2020, billion ($15 million) in 2021 & is expected to grow at
according to Invest India. a CAGR of 15.24 per cent between 2022 and 2027 to
On the other hand, the Indian plant-based dairy reach Rs 2,782.9 billion ($35 million) by 2027. According
sector is in its nascent stage, estimated to be around to Prof. Mini Sheth, from the Department of Food and
$21 million, projected to grow at a Compound Annual Nutrition, at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.7 per cent, 1.4x the growth of India’s animal-based yogurt market volume is currently
the Indian animal-based dairy market, and reach $63.9 estimated to be around 4 million litres and from IMARC’s
million by 2024. Moreover, the Good Food Institute’s report it is known that the flavoured and frozen yogurt
“Smart Protein Market Size and Export Potential in market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.87 per cent
India by 2030” report, estimates the Indian plant-based between 2022 and 2027 to reach 75 million litres by
dairy industry in 2030 to range between a low growth 2027. The global plant-based yogurt market, inclusive
scenario of $611 million to a high growth scenario of of the Indian region, grew at a CAGR of 7.2 per cent
$1.3 billion. between 2017 and 2021. It is estimated to reach $2.2
The yogurt market is a subcategory of the curd billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7
market and is further segmented into conventional, per cent during 2022 to 2032 to reach $5.1 billion in
set, stirred, Greek, frozen & drinkable yogurt among 2032, as per Future Market Insights.

28 PLANT-BASED YOGURT NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

The Raising Demand and Brand Launches of Plant- Using large-scale distributors, Chetran Foods offers
Based Dairy in India Mango Soy Yogurt across India at economical rates.

Although India is the largest consumer of animal-based Moreover, other startups are local to their city of
dairy that is commonly attributed to being a great source operations. 1ness ships their Cashew and Coconut
of dietary calcium, 1 in 2 people in India have Osteopenia, yogurts only across Mumbai city. Another Mumbai-
the weakening of bones due to a loss in Bone Mineral based brand, Palette Plant Based Foods, offers Cashew
Density, and 1 in 5 suffer from Osteoporosis when bones yogurts in flavours such as Original, Mango, and Banana
become brittle and are prone to fractures, as per research that use real fruit pulp. Health on Plants, available in
published in the International Journal of Research in Bangalore city offers organic Peanut and Soy curds.
Orthopaedics. Interestingly, this industry has grown despite Mupaal-Wegun, available in Chennai city, offers Cashew,
over 60 per cent of the population in India being lactose Peanut, and Soy Curd varieties. Axia Foods based out of
intolerant, according to recent research studies. Pune offers high protein vegan yogurts in eco-friendly
packaging. The protein content in their yogurt ranges
As consumers become increasingly conscious of how between 8g and 27g in a single serving size of 150g.
food impacts their life and their surroundings, the novel However, their pricing is extremely premium which may
food industry, including the plant-based alternative inhibit their growth, as consumers in India prioritise
sector in India, has continued to evolve. The Rakuten affordability immensely if a large population is taken into
Insight survey on “Reasons why Indian consumers consideration. On the other hand, winners in the market
are choosing plant-based dairy alternatives” reveals are successfully able to drive down their prices as they
that for 48 per cent of respondents there’s a growing benefit from economies of scale as done by One Good.
concern about animal welfare, 44 per cent prefer a
vegetarian or vegan diet, 42 per cent have beliefs that It is also worth noting that none of India’s larger
plant-based products are healthier, and for 29 per cent animal-based dairy producers have forayed into
there’s a growing concern of the environmental impact plant-based dairy yet. Amul is an animal-derived dairy
of livestock farming. With this increased consumer cooperative that is not just India’s, but the world’s largest
awareness, more and more brands are entering the producer of milk. If Amul and other heavy-weights of the
market to cater to this unrealised market demand. Indian dairy industry, such as Mother Dairy and Milky
Mist enter the plant-based yogurt market, cost-based
Gaining consumer loyalty with their animal-derived competition would increase immensely. Economies of
Greek Yogurt, Epigamia in 2020, launched its line of scale will help keep costs low for these companies and
Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurts in Unsweetened, Sweetened their extensive distribution network would allow their
with Jaggery, and Mango flavours. Their key value products to reach the entire Indian subcontinent. Yet,
proposition is the preservative-free and probiotic-rich there is currently no indication that these companies are
nature of their products. One Good, a plant-based dairy expanding to the plant-based dairy industry.
brand, offers Peanut Curd along with other alternatives
such as Cashew-Oat milk, Cheeses, and Butters. One Plant-based yogurt ingredients & challenges faced
Good has been instrumental in reaching the masses as by brands
70 per cent of its sales come from first-time buyers of
plant-based products. The key value proposition of One Nuts & legumes such as coconuts, cashews, soybeans
Good's Peanut Curd is affordability and accessibility. and peanuts are the most common hero ingredients of
plant-based yogurt bases, as their milk provides healthy
fats and their thick viscosity emulates the creamy mouth-
feel, that is familiar to consumers of animal-derived dairy
curd and yogurts. After extracting milk from the nuts and
legumes, the plant-milk is then heat treated/pasteurised.
Some brands add starches as thickeners, fruit extracts to
add flavours, and live cultures and probiotics to ferment.
Yogurts are also fortified with calcium along with
vitamins and minerals, so consumers receive nutritional
benefits that are on par with or more than when they
consume animal-derived yogurts.

As plant-based yogurts are fermented using live
cultures and probiotics, their short shelf-life challenges
the brands to scale up and reach their consumers far
from their manufacturing location. The average shelf-life

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PLANT-BASED YOGURT 29

of preservative-free plant-based yogurts in India, ranges over two rounds, according to Crunchbase, to expand
between 21 and 30 days under refrigeration. Packaging their alternative dairy product line from investors such
of the products is also vital as the sturdier the packaging as Sustainable Food Ventures (SFV), VegInvest Trust,
is, the less likelihood of leakage and damage to the and several other Indian Angel investors, as well as an
products, when they reach the brand’s retail partners AngelList syndicate Ice Breaker.
and consumers.
Regulatory framework
Investments in Indian Plant-based yogurt Industry The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
From the 2022 Plant Based Foods Industry
(FSSAI) released a final regulation for vegan food
Association (PBFIA) Position Paper ‘The Dawn of Plant this June 2022. FSSAI has made it compulsory for
based Age’, it is known that the Asia Pacific region manufacturers of vegan products to display the specified
inclusive of India, accounted for 25 deals in 2021, Vegan logo by the authority after approval. This promotes
amounting to investments worth $220 million. easier recognition of the products and warrants
traceability of the products up to their manufacturers.
Currently, the plant-based industry in India has It is also mentioned that vegan food products cannot
seen a boom in investments in plant-based meat involve animal testing for any purpose unless regulated
brands. Nevertheless, the plant-based dairy inclusive otherwise by the authority. Additionally, the packaging
of milk, chilled dessert, and yogurt categories have a material used for the products needs to comply with the
comparatively higher growth projection and valuation provisions of packaging regulations. The Food Business
than the plant-based meat categories, according to Operator (FBO) should safeguard the vegan products
Future Market Insights. So, are we expecting a trend of from any non-vegan substances and take necessary
increased investments into the alterative dairy market in precautions encouraged by the Good Manufacturing
India soon? Practices (GMP) during the production, processing, and
distribution of vegan products. Thorough cleaning and
(Image source: PBFIA’s report on The Plant Based comparable measures stated under the GMP need to
Revolution, Growth Opportunities and Winning Strategies in be followed when the same production line of vegan
the Global and Indian Plant based market) products is shared with non-vegan products. The sellers
of vegan products should ensure they store and display
Plant-based dairy brands in India that have yogurt the products separately from non-vegan foods. Moreover,
in their portfolio of products that have received funding the regulations mention import and export rules wherein
are Epigamia and One Good. Drums Food International, no vegan product should be imported without obtaining
the parent company of Epigamia, an animal-derived requisite regulatory certifications from the exporting
dairy brand that foraged into the plant-based dairy to countries. Furthermore, the regulation mentions that the
offer consumers a range of coconut yogurts, has raised, FBO should comply with any other specifications put in
according to Crunchbase, a total of $56.3 million in place over time, to ensure the integrity of vegan food and
funding by investors such as Danone Manifesto Venture, ingredients.
Mousse Partners, Verlinvest, DSG Consumer Partners, and
Bollywood celebrity Deepika Padukone to name a few. Conclusion
Their last funding was raised in a Series C round. The plant-based dairy industry is emerging and,

One Good, known for their star product Peanut on its way, to become India’s economic driver in the
Curd in India, has raised around $1.4 million in funding future. Market players are continuously entering the
plant-based dairy industry to potentially benefit as
early entrants in a market that has unmet wants and
needs. Changing market trends and consumers gaining
more awareness about how food affects one’s health,
the environment, and animals, are the main drivers
for this industry. Investments in this category can be
seen predominantly from mission-aligned VC firms and
investors who believe in the brand and the industry’s
potential to yield high returns over time. Several
industry-specific reports have indicated that the plant-
based dairy and its yogurt category is projected to grow
manifold in the coming years.

30 BLOCKCHAIN NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Can blockchain unblock food
ingredients supply chain?

With the increasing popularity of plant-based foods, new supply chain challenges are on the rise with regard to the
traceability of ingredients. According to The Good Food Institute, plant-based meat alternatives are projected to
account for 6 per cent of worldwide meat consumption by 2030. In such a scenario, the production and ingredients
supply should meet the demand on time to optimise the business potential for alternatives to animal products.
However, the food ingredients supply chain faces unique traceability problems in India.

Food ingredients, one of the fast-growing billion ingredients supply chain is one of the major setbacks
dollar industries, plays a vital role in the growth crippling the sector in India.
of the food processing sectors worldwide. The
Virender Grover, Managing Director, Roquette

emerging trends in the food and beverage market push India says, “the food ingredient manufacturer is the

the industry towards exploring innovative applications primary processor of agricultural commodities. The

of these food ingredients making the industry even more food ingredient industry has the ability to provide

fertile. Moreover, the rise of specialty food ingredients, consumers with access to a bigger variety of choices

where China, Russia, and Brazil along with India are the for healthy plant-based diets, which will also reduce

key players, is making an impact in the market. However, our environmental footprint and our current big

India holds only 0.2 per cent shares of the $700 million dependence on animal farming for our protein needs.

global food ingredients business, as per reports. But unfortunately, still, our stakeholders do not see

The primary reason behind this could be the ingredient manufacturers as an integral part of the food

significantly poor level of local investments in the industry.”

manufacturing of food ingredients, forcing the Now the growing popularity of plant-based foods

need to import most of the ingredients from other in India has put the much needed spotlight on the

countries. Along with other barriers like the inadequate availability and traceability of ingredients such as pea,

framework for processing and agricultural practices, chick pea, millets, canola, quinoa, oat, hemp seeds etc.

insufficient marketing capabilities, and inferior storage This in turn is calling out for more attention from all the

and infrastructure, the poor connectivity in the food stakeholders on how to build an effective and traceable

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in BLOCKCHAIN 31

supply chain system for the food ingredients in the Blockchain & food supply chain
country.
Blockchain is the new technology that can create an
In India, the most commonly used traceability impact on the food supply chain. Many companies
technologies are alphanumeric codes, holograms, such as IBM and Provenance have invested in
barcodes, RFID tags, and GI tags focused more on end blockchain to support various firms to adopt the
product identification and sales management, that do new technology and improve their supply chain
not offer a robust solution. efficiency. The research has been able to cover the
perspective of blockchain, issues pertaining to
“The inability of the food businesses in implementing the existing food supply chain, and blockchain
an effective traceability system across the food supply capabilities that can help to improve the supply
chain in India has been reported due to high cost chain pain points. The exhaustive literature review
involved in the infrastructure required for executing analysis along with the primary data obtained
a tracking system. Besides, ignorance and general from the key supply chain partners has helped in
disregard for the food safety culture has been one of identifying the critical factors that have to be
the other pertinent reasons. Therefore, it is important considered while adopting blockchain in the various
to educate all stakeholders of the benefits of a robust clusters of food supply chain in the Indian context.
traceability system”, says Prof. Eram Rao, Department of
Food Technology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied UNDP-Spices Board joint initiative to build a blockchain-
Sciences, University of Delhi. powered traceability interface for Indian spices, is
to make the value chain efficient, transparent, and
Technology to the rescue? equitable for all stakeholders.
Some food processing companies in India have
Another initiative in this direction comes from
already started exploring technological interventions to a Bengaluru-based startup, which has created a
tackle different obstacles in the food ingredients supply blockchain-powered traceability platform that enhances
chain. food and supply chain transparency. It has partnered
with an international non-profit TechnoServe, to offer
To be specific, blockchain is one technology that end-to-end digital traceability for coffee produced by
is making a positive impact on the food ecosystem, 3500 farmers in Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh.
and has generated considerable hype in the market.
Blockchain is a promising intervention that is “TechnoServe uses the pre-harvest module to
continuously transforming the food supply chain into a track the first mile connectivity of the coffee value
more sustainable business model with utmost resilience. chain. This is followed by the onboarding of Blue Tokai,
Humble Beans and Slay Coffee clients onto the same
According to the reports, it is estimated that blockchain network to track the post-harvest processes
blockchain will enable $31 billion in food fraud savings and generate a QR code product identity for consumer
globally by 2024 by immutably tracking food across the engagement. Traceability offers transparency and
supply chain. Substantial savings in food fraud will be differentiation to each stakeholder in the supply chain”,
realised from 2021 and compliance costs will be reduced says Srivatsa Sreenivasarao, Co-Founder and Chief
by 30 per cent by 2024. Executive Officer, TraceX.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla, Partner - Advisory, Food, The startup currently works with 30+ food companies
and Agri, KPMG India, says, “Agriculture production that include prominent names such as Olam, MTR
and food supply chains have witnessed a significant Foods, Slay Coffee, Government of Telangana, GoDesi,
transformation with technology enablement at the farm BlueTokai, Sam Agri, Milk Mantra and many others.
gate. Multiple pilots of technology interventions in agri-
food supply chains across states by various stakeholders Recently, Mangaluru-based chocolate manufacturer
have paved the way for technology-enabled, data-driven Central Arecanut & Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-
agriculture and food supply chains in India.” operative (CAMPCO) has chosen Infor CloudSuite Food
& Beverage, a US-based Enterprise Resource Planning
Last year, the Spices Board of India, under the cloud company, for optimising an end-to-end supply
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and UNDP chain network.
India’s Accelerator Lab signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU), with the aim to build a How is the West faring?
blockchain-based traceability interface for Indian spices Although India has been gradually adopting
to enhance transparency in the supply chain and trade. It
will allow farmers just as all other members of the supply tech interventions at various stages of supply chain
chain to access the information which further makes the
entire supply chain more efficient and equitable. This

32 BLOCKCHAIN NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

management of food ingredients, there are multiple “Unfortunately, our
examples of global players that are far ahead along the stakeholders do
curve. not see ingredient
manufacturers as an
For instance, Colombia-based Demetria, the first integral part of the food
artificial intelligence (AI)-powered taste and quality industry.”
intelligence software as a service (SaaS) startup for the
coffee supply chain has unveiled a working application Virender Grover,
that identifies the successful reproduction of high- Managing Director, Roquette India
value coffee seedlings. Demetria has entered into a
commercial agreement with Nestlé Nespresso to deploy “it is important to educate
this solution having conducted a pilot, enabling the all stakeholders in the
coffee brand to enhance operational capacity and food business of the
efficiency by providing high-quality coffee plants to benefits of a robust
farmers. traceability system.”
Prof. Eram Rao, Department of
Then there is Belgium-based drink and brewing Food Technology, Bhaskaracharya
company AB InBev that has initiated a new programme
in Europe that uses blockchain technology to provide College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi
its beer consumers with an end-to-end view of its barley
supply chain. The brewer has launched a new pilot “Traceability offers
programme to give full transparency and traceability in transparency and
its supply chain of barley, from the consumer back to the differentiation to each
farm, using a blockchain technology platform deployed stakeholder in the supply
by SettleMint. chain.”
Srivatsa Sreenivasarao,
Moreover, Nestlé has expanded the use of the IBM Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, TraceX
Food Trust blockchain technology platform to its Zoégas
coffee brand. By scanning the QR code on the packaging, “Agriculture production
consumers can follow the coffee journey from the and food supply chains
growing locations to the Zoégas factory in Helsingborg have witnessed
where the beans are roasted, grounded, and packed. a significant
Together with OpenSC, Nestlé is also piloting an open transformation with
blockchain to monitor and openly communicate data technology enablement at the
related to the sustainability of milk and palm oil. farm gate.”

Likewise, US-based Cargill, a global food corporation, Srinivas Kuchibhotla,
has also been connecting its consumers with the Partner - Advisory, Food, and Agri, KPMG India
journey of the cocoa they are eating and drinking. With
the launch of CocoaWise, a digital portal, Cargill aims still at an early stage in India, it is necessary to provide
to provide a lens through which food and beverage training and to encourage knowledge-transition with
manufacturers can have increased knowledge and skill development through peer education, building
shareability of the origin of the products they source partnerships between big food industries, medium and
from Cargill’s direct supply chain. small enterprises, for strengthening the traceability
systems in their facilities. Government and industry-
Recently, Toronto-based Above Food Corp. (Above driven skill enhancement and continuous training of the
Food), a first-of-its-kind vertically integrated plant-based workforce could go a long way in fully integrating the
food company, has launched a new direct-to-consumer tech-based food ingredients supply chain management
e-commerce platform to give consumers across North practices in India.
America the opportunity to enjoy more than forty plant-
based food products with unparalleled traceability. Mansi Jamsudkar
([email protected])
Way forward
The world is undoubtedly moving towards

technology-enabled IT services with adoption of Internet
of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologies to provide
real time information to consumers about different
food ingredients. Although these technologies are

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 33

“Key stakeholders George Cheriyan, Director,
remain unaware or
CUTS International & member of
partially aware of the Central Advisory Committee,
the need for FoPL
regulation in India” Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI)

Throughout 2022, there has been a persistent the scientific panel and decided to further move ahead
demand for mandatory simplified front of the pack with HSR. Now, in accordance with the usual procedure,
labelling (FoPL) regulation to be notified by the food FSSAI has issued its draft regulations on front-of-package
regulation- Food Safety and Standards Authority notified, soliciting comments from all stakeholders. Once
of India (FSSAI) at the earliest, to address the rise in the comments from all stakeholders are received, FSSAI's
lifestyle related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) scientific panel comprising independent experts will study
in the country. But the outcome is yet to be seen. these comments and make its proposal. Following this,
In a recent conversation with nuFFooDS Spectrum, it will go to a scientific committee, FSSAI and the Health
George Cheriyan, Director, CUTS International, Ministry for approval before finally notifying it.
nominated to the Central Advisory Committee of
FSSAI, shares more in this regard. Edited excerpts; Do you think an ordinary consumer could play any
significant role in this whole debate and discussion
What are the recent updates regarding the on FOPL?
implementation of FoPL regulations?
FSSAI has issued the draft regulation for labels on
On February 15, 2022 in the meeting of the front of food packets and the same has been uploaded
Stakeholders group, FSSAI announced its plans to go ahead on September 20, 2022 on its website seeking comments
with the ‘Health Star Rating’ (HSR) for packaged foods in from public. Therefore, I humbly request the common
India on a voluntary basis starting mid 2023 based on a consumers, consumer organisations and public health
survey finding by IIM-Ahmedabad. On July 13, 2022, the experts to strongly raise their objections and provide
meeting of FSSAI approved the recommendations of their suggestions on the draft, if any, as per the format.
Consumers could also submit comments online or through

34 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

email to the id provided along with the notification within other than FSSAI officials. Of this, the representatives of
60 days from uploading of draft notification, which will consumer organisations were only 4-5. Remaining 25
fall on November 19, 2022. I feel only a very strong written representatives were from the major industry associations
disagreement from all quarters, including the consumer and national/multinational food industries.
bodies, public health experts etc. regarding the format
of FoPL chosen will now put a pressure on the regulators Though it was pointed out on several occasions, FSSAI
to halt and give a serious rethink about their decision. was allowing the industry to participate in large numbers
Otherwise in normal circumstances the final notification with a 6:1 ratio. In all the meetings, industries were
will happen before mid of 2023. dominating with a justification that they have only one
response/one PPT, though it was allowed to be presented
What are the current challenges facing the regulatory by 10-12 representatives, including regulatory experts,
bodies in finalising the guidelines? Are all state legal experts, and health experts brought by the industry
government bodies equally involved? associations.

While the food regulator stands by the IIM-A study During the first week of February 2022 (after 6
citing it is based on a survey of 20,500 people, many recent rounds), FSSAI requested for nomination of additional
studies carried out by prominent institutes including the All representatives from consumer organisations. Though
India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) and International nominated, those representatives did not receive
Institute for Population Sciences (a premier institute known invitations for the February 15 meeting. Those who
for its landmark surveys like the National Family Health tried to join were prevented from attending the crucial
Survey -NFHS) point out that a majority of Indians prefer a meeting. The regulator seemed to be in fear of the industry
'high-in’ style warning on front of pack labels of packaged associations/MNCs. Even the neutrality of the scientific
foods and beverages, indicating excessive levels of salt, panel was under question because it has been reported
sugar or fat. The WHO also favours the mandatory use of that industries have planted their people in these panels.
front of pack labels that are simple to understand and
readily visible. Also, the entire debate on FoPL has once What is expected out of this much awaited regulation?
again raised questions on the influence of the industry The 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted
on the food regulator. Now even more stakeholders have
called for the need for "insulating" policy decisions from by the United Nations (UN) considers NCDs as a significant
the industry. So, addressing all these concerns have now challenge for sustainable development to reduce
become a real challenge for the regulator. Besides, although premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
health is a State subject, I don’t think state governments This becomes even more challenging as highly processed,
are involved in any manner in the entire process, as most packaged foods that tend to be high in fats, sugars and salt
of the state Food Safety Commissionerates with whom we are often less expensive than fresh and nutritious foods.
interacted were unaware about FoPL and its intricacies. Various institutions, including WHO, Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO), and United Nations Children's Fund
How is the food industry supporting the (UNICEF) have repeatedly advocated for avoiding such
implementation of FoPL? What are the bottlenecks at unhealthy foods from people’s diets.
their end?
It is therefore expected that regulations like FoPL
The food industry appears to have agreed with the would help consumers easily identify the nutritional
FSSAI's decision on the issue of voluntary implementation quality of foods, thereby encouraging them towards
till mid-2027 and use of HSR. Afterall, it’s a winning healthier food choices at the point of purchase.
situation for them since at the end of all these discussions
and stiff opposition from consumers and public health
experts, they managed to get what they wanted. The
industries across any sector have always been more vocal
in their opposition to mandatory labelling programmes
rather than voluntary. Given their power of influence and
stronghold, governments are forced to enact unclear and
hollow provisions to benefit the industries at large.

Here I would like to highlight to our readers what
happened during the stakeholder consultations. Each of
the seven stakeholder’s meetings, both physical and virtual,
were attended by an average of 28-30 representatives

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 35

How would it help in addressing the growing burden encouraging the regulators to rethink their decision
of non-communicable diseases in India? Could you cite on moving ahead with HSR and come up with a more
global examples as reference? suitable warning label that addresses the concerns of all
stakeholders especially the consumers, rather than taking
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends, a step in the wrong direction to appease the industries.
along with educational initiatives, advertisements, Besides, while public awareness of aspects of food hygiene
marketing restrictions and elimination of industrially has significantly been enhanced during the pandemic,
produced trans fats, the implementation of front-of-pack knowledge about nutritious and safe food has not seen
labelling on packaged foods as one of the ‘best-buy’ many positive changes. So our team at CUTS has already
measures to help prevent NCDs. Such a label readily taken the lead to sensitise all stakeholders, and very
informs consumers about the healthiness of a food recently conducted two state-level consultations at Kerala
product when compared to similar ones available in the and Rajasthan and plan to hold more such events across
market. More importantly it will warn consumers when the country in the coming months.
food products are excessive in added sugars, fat, and
sodium, which are the three critical negative nutrients Besides, once a FoPL regulation is brought into effect,
associated with NCDs. As of today, FoPL schemes have the next big hurdle would be to ensure its effective
been introduced by governments in over 42 countries implementation and monitoring. The labelling must be
around the world, and are being considered by many uniformly applied, actively monitored and enforced, and
more including India. Countries that took the bold stand, regularly reviewed and evaluated for improvements or
such as Brazil and Mexico, which have low and middle- adjustments. The initial few years should be devoted
income populations like ours with low literacy rates to analysing and tracking the effectiveness of the
and a greater burden of diet-related diseases, are ideal regulation, the depth of consumer acceptance, changes
cases for us to rely upon. They adopted warning labels in the nutritional quality of people's diets, the ambit of
despite stiff opposition from the industry sector, keeping nutrient threshold and food products, etc. There is a need
the more significant interest of consumers and human for better coordination of regulators at the Centre and
health in mind. Commissionerates of Food Safety in states. For this to
happen, adequate funds are required.
Chile is a country with high levels of Sugar-Sweetened
Beverages (SSB) intake. With an intent to curb high rates Another practical challenge we might face is the
of obesity among its population, Chile in 2012 regulated significant lack of law enforcement capacity, including
the nutritional content of food and its marketing across shortages of food-safety officers. The massive gap between
the country. Such a move was first in the world and it the size of the food market and the government’s capacity
included three concrete measures in one policy. First, it to supervise and manage this sector has always remained
mandated a FoPL for most food products that are high in a concern. Steps should be taken to constantly develop the
a certain level of calories, sugars, sodium, and saturated capacities of food safety officers by providing them with
fat, and then it regulated the advertising and marketing of appropriate training and expertise, and their enforcement
products with FoPL, particularly limiting advertisements activities should be backed with speedy and effective trials.
targeting audiences younger than 14 years old. Finally, Likewise, as always pointed out by different stakeholders,
it prohibited all products that exceed the thresholds of efforts should also be taken to increase the capacity of food
critical nutrients from being sold in schools. All these laboratories. Even the Comptroller and Auditor General
efforts saw a 26.7 per cent decrease in sugar purchases, (CAG) of India conducted an audit of FSSAI in 2017. The
36.7 per cent in sodium purchases, and 23.8 per cent in audit report highlighted this requirement. Despite adequate
calorie purchases in Chile within 2 years after warning support and modernisation, most of the food laboratories in
labels were implemented (Lancet Planet, 2021). India lack technical manpower and often, essential food-
testing equipment is either unavailable or non-functional.
What more needs to be done for the successful
implementation of FoPL in the coming times? Also, many state food laboratories and referral
laboratories to which FSSAI and state food safety
Till date only a very limited number of policy makers, authorities sent food samples for testing, do not possess
health experts and consumer organisations are involved National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration
in the FoPL consultation process. Larger chunk of the Laboratories (NABL) accreditation. Such a shortage
key stakeholders, particularly the policy-makers remain of qualified manpower and functional food-testing
unaware or partially aware of the need and development equipment in state and referral laboratories, often results in
of FoPL regulation in the country. There is a need to deficient food samples testing.
educate and sensitise this set of stakeholders and gather
their support to successfully advocate with FSSAI, thereby Dr Manbeena Chawla
([email protected])

36 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Ong Bee Chip, Managing “We expect plant-
based products to
Director, OTS Holdings gain more traction
in Asia in the
coming years”

Plant-based eating has been growing due to the distributors, such
increased awareness of its environmental and as Hong Kong,
sustainability benefits, as well as concerns over Brunei, Australia
mitigating global food insecurity. In addition to these and the EU.
concerns, OTS Holdings is looking to align itself with Additionally,
Singapore’s 2030 goal of producing 30 per cent of its we are in the
nutritional needs locally with the launch of ANEW- a middle of
new alternative meat brand. OTS Holdings Limited is a distributorship
Singapore-based branding and manufacturing group discussions with
with a niche in the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meat our Indonesia
products, now eyeing the global market for its 100 per and Canada
cent plant-based proteins. Ong Bee Chip, Managing partners.
Director, OTS Holdings spoke to nuFFooDS Spectrum,
about the company’s foray into the plant-based meat How do you foresee
business and its future plans. Edited excerpts- the market potential in the
region? What is OTS's revenue
Could you talk about the investments and prediction for the ANEW venture?
stakeholder relationships in bringing ANEW to the
Asian market as a meat substitute? Do you plan to During the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, we
expand to other Asian markets? saw an increase in big plant-based brands from overseas
coming in and establishing a presence here in the
OTS Holdings is not new to the luncheon meat region. Two years later, we still believe there is a growth
category. We have been manufacturing luncheon meat potential for the plant-based industry as the market in
since 2009 and have extended the technological know- the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is still in its nascent stages.
how, capabilities, and experience to establish a plant- The pandemic shone a light for Singaporeans here to
based brand. One of the objectives of the project was to start evaluating their choices and whether they want to
challenge ourselves to innovate a plant-based version of continue purchasing meat. The disruption in the recent
the luncheon meat, despite having no prior experience chicken supply with Malaysia also struck close to home
in the plant-based category. Our R&D team has really the importance of self-reliance and the significance of
surpassed themselves in this and come up with a plant- having alternative protein sources.
based luncheon meat which is currently the lowest-
calorie, lowest-fat plant-based luncheon meat offering in Plant-based meat has definitely shown itself to be
the market. a less resource-intensive option for both producers
and consumers. More people are now receptive to the
We have plans to launch into Malaysia and the idea of the development of unconventional food to
Philippines, where we have existing distribution complement traditional food sources. Also, compared
networks. We are also looking to venture into countries to animal-based products, there are lesser regulatory
where we have existing business relationships with our barriers for plant-based products. This makes ANEW

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 37

products much more accessible for consumers in How do you describe the competitiveness of plant-
the APAC region. With lower or zero tariffs for various based meat technology in the existing market?
countries, it should also push our competitive edge in
keeping our prices affordable. According to a Bloomberg Intelligence report, the
global market for plant-based foods could see fivefold
We are hoping that this new plant-based brand growth by 2030, assisted by the increasing demand for
ANEW can assist OTS Holdings to break into sizeable sustainable products. With our government following
new markets where other animal protein-based brands the trend and shifting its focus on food sustainability
cannot. Under this present climate, we are hopeful and self-reliance as a country, this has led to an influx
ANEW can continue to grow rapidly and in time, own a of established plant-based companies moving their
significant contribution to total company revenue. research & development centres or even headquarters
to Singapore. Meanwhile, startups are also using
How will OTS Holdings' future corporate technology to engineer meat in labs or manufacture it
developments impact shareholders in the plant- from plant-based products. In addition, the pandemic
based meat industry? saw a shift in consumer behaviours globally and
upended the traditional meat supply chain. This caused
We expect plant-based products to gain more food giants and startups alike to work and navigate a
traction in Asia in the coming years, and we have future where protein is not dominated by conventional
planned new projects in the pipeline to support that meat sources. All these movements make Singapore
growing demand. For instance, we are looking to a fast-growing and concentrated hub for plant-based
expand our plant-based product range and are looking technology and development.
to export to over 40 countries, where there is higher
awareness and penetration of plant-based products How committed is Singapore to reducing its carbon
and/or a sizeable luncheon meat market. footprint by embracing plant-based meat alternative
initiatives? In terms of government support, what do
We have also conducted market research with you expect for OTS or similar ventures?
Enterprise Singapore and McKinsey Consulting, with
the launch market mapping, to ascertain launch While the alternative protein movement is still in its
market priorities. Trademark registrations are also in infancy in Asia, here in Singapore, we stand out from the
progress for the said 40 countries. With more of these crowd and have of late become a food tech innovation
projects, we wish to attract more major shareholders, hub. This is reflected in the country’s commitment to its
both locally and globally. 2030 green initiative plan, whereby Singapore aims to
produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs by the year
Studies have shown that human cells absorb more 2030. In line with this, the government has also been
proteins from animal meat than plant meat. What investing significantly in various food tech and food
are your views on this? innovation companies. Thanks to these, the city-state of
Singapore is evolving into the food tech capital of Asia.
Indeed, various recent studies show that the
human body absorbs less protein from plant-based In addition, the country is also helping out in other
proteins compared to animal proteins. However, in sustainability areas to further reduce carbon footprint.
my opinion, it should not discredit plant-based meat Besides signing the Paris Agreement in 2015, Singapore
alternatives as there are still beneficial aspects such as will continue to work with other parties to advance
having lesser or no saturated fat and lower calories. the international climate change agenda and pledge
to achieve net zero carbon emissions by or around
For instance, one of the main ingredients in the mid-century. At OTS Holdings, we are also supporting
ANEW product is soy protein, which is known to the 30 by 30 vision with the launch of our plant-based
contain all the essential amino acids. While we are food brand – ANEW. While delivering convenience to
unable to justify at this point how much of these consumers, ANEW is also looking to mitigate concerns
essential amino acids are present, however, our of food security in Singapore by producing and
product’s overall protein content is able to meet HPB manufacturing plant-based luncheon meat locally.
guidelines on claiming the product to be ‘High in
protein’. Besides the creation of ANEW, we have been
contributing to the sustainability efforts here at OTS
There are also many health benefits associated Holdings as well.
with choosing plant protein. Plant protein tends to be
higher in fibre, which is important for our digestive Hithaishi Bhaskar
health. There are also medical reports which show that ( [email protected])
plant-based protein keeps the blood pressure low and
lowers the risk of cancer and diabetes.

38 SYNTHETICBIOLOGY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Suraj Nair, Synthetic Biology:
Changing the Way
Lead (TechSprouts), You Grow and Eat
Ankur Capital Your Food!

How do we feed 10 billion people by 2050? There is ample evidence to suggest that enough food
Sounds simple enough? Produce more food, exists for everyone, enough to feed more than 10 billion
right? Sadly, it isn't as straightforward as people. Despite this, hunger still exists. The problem is
it seems. Agriculture is one of the largest not so much about a lack of food production than it is
contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), uses about a lack of efficiency in agri-food systems across the
the largest amount of water sources and is one of the board.
largest polluting activities. Simply growing more is
unsustainable. Let’s start answering the question by Further, climate change is sending global climatic
putting things in perspective. systems into a state of flux and rapid change. Agriculture
is extremely sensitive to shifting weather patterns,

Fertilizers Food- Crops for Meat
& Stimulants direct human Milk
comsumption Flavours
Growth Fibers
Supplements Industrial- Crops Feeds- Crops Oils
for industrial for livestock
Pesticides products such consumption Converted Food Products
as oils
Agri-Inputs
Crops

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SYNTHETICBIOLOGY 39

Input Challenges CHALLENGES Product Output Challenges

 High use of fertilizers has become Crop Challenges  Low conversion efficiency of carbon
detrimental to the soil and water (plant to meat)
health  Low efficiencies of
nitrogen uptake  Animal feed and industrial product
 Fertilizer production is prices are subject to high variation in
highly energy intensive and  Low conversion crop prices
phosphorous resources are efficiencies of light into
limited biomass  Large use of crop land and water
for meat production- an inefficient
 Low attachment rate of synthetic  Low water use efficiency process
pesticides leads to contamination  Inadequate nutritional
of the environmental resources.  Loss of food/crops at the retail and
value in most crops limits distribution stage
sufficient food supply
 Loss of crops in the field

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY INTERVENTIONS

Input Interventions Crop Interventions Product Output Interventions

 Development of  Development of advanced  Animal feed products through fermentation
Biopesticides/ crop varieties through  Cultured Meat Products
biofertilizers genetic/environmental  Ancillary products for the alternate meat
modifications
 Development of growth market
supplements.  Companies: Syngenta,  Fermented Dairy Products
DuPont, Advanta,  Companies: Perfect Day, Impossible Foods,
 Companies: Pivot Bio, Brightseed, Pairwise, Ceres
String Bio, Agrimetis Apeel Sciences, Glycos Bio, Clara Foods

Synthetic biology interventions in the agri-food system systems are engineered to result in certain desired
outcomes. Using advanced techniques in genetic
droughts, excessive rain and other climatic aberrations, engineering, systems biology and bioengineering,
which makes it acutely sensitive to the effects of climate synthetic biology provides disruptive innovative
change. solutions for the most complex problems in the agri-
food value chain–developing biological stimulants and
Systemic inefficiencies in agri-food systems are pesticides, advanced crop development with climate
associated with various parts of the value chain, ranging resistant traits and efficient food production. While this
from agri-inputs to crop development and further seemed impossible just a decade ago, synthetic biology
final food production. Traditionally, addressing these has seen a major transformation. DNA sequencing and
inefficiencies has involved the use of digital technologies gene synthesis costs have reduced by more than 100x
to collect and distribute data and improve the value and faster gene sequencing techniques such as NGS
chain by data-driven decision making. However, the last have been developed. All this has led to a significant
decade has seen the advent of synthetic biology as a increase in the data on genomics. This data is being used
new innovative approach towards improving agri-food to develop specific interventions in the agri-food value
systems. Further, synthetic biology can not only address chain.
inefficiencies, but also make agriculture more climate-
resilient. How are the investments shaping up?
Investments have been on the rise in companies
What is the synthetic biology approach?
Vitamin A deficiency is a major health issue across using synthetic biology for disrupting the agri-food
systems. 2021 saw $4.4 billion invested into these
the world, more so in countries limited to rice as their companies which is equivalent to the cumulative funds
staple food. Two scientists in the 1990s decided to find invested over the last decade. Close to $3.4 billion
a disruptive solution to this. They fortified the rice with was invested into startups developing food products
beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, by genetically including meat analogs and dairy alternatives using
engineering the conventional rice crop. Known as
the Golden Rice Project, this is a great example of the
synthetic biology approach, wherein natural biological

40 SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Company Description Latest Funding amount (in
$ Million) (2021)
Impossible Foods Plant-based burger meat, sausage and 500
chicken substitutes
Future Meat Technologies Cultured Chicken 347
The Every Company (formerly Clara Foods) Chicken free egg proteins 175
New Culture Cow-free cheese 25
Apeel Biological fruit coatings 250
Pivot Bio Nitrogen biofertilisers 430
GreenLight Biosciences RNA Pesticide 109

synthetic biology. Impossible Foods, a company of Agricultural Biotechnology (ICAR-IIAB) and several
developing plant-based meat burgers uses synthetic others are leading the charge in this direction. Similarly,
biology to produce heme which gives the burger its the startup ecosystem is also making some headways in
beef-like flavour. The company raised $500 million in this direction. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
2021, bringing its total funding to $2 billion. Future has created a large network of startup incubators across
Meat technologies, a cultured meat company from the country and provides the startups with grant funding
Israel saw one of the largest investments amounting and the necessary infrastructure to develop cutting
to $347 million. The company has been able to bring edge synthetic biology solutions. Some of these startups
down the cost of cultured chicken to less than $17 per have also been able to attract private venture capital
kilogram through years of research and development investment for scaling up their technologies. String
into engineering microbes and optimisation of their Bio- a company developing bio-stimulants and alternate
production process. proteins through single cell technology recently raised
$20 million in Series B funding to commercialise their
More than $900 million was invested into agri- products. Similarly, ClearMeat, a company developing
inputs startups with $430 million in Pivot Bio which has cultured meat products raised $80K as seed funding in
launched its PROVEN 40 OS and RETURN OS, the first 2021.
microbial nitrogen fertilisers in the market. GreenLight
Biosciences is developing the world’s first RNA-based The DBT has also recently launched the National
pesticides and has received $109 million in funding in Biotechnology Development Strategy (2021-2025)
2021. which highlights three major action items: building
infrastructure and human resource capacities,
Advanced seed development has generally been strengthening and nurturing the basic research
dominated by large seed companies such as Syngenta. ecosystem and promoting public-private partnerships
However, a new breed of startups have emerged who are for product commercialisation.
using data and artificial intelligence to speed up the seed
development process. Phytoform Labs recently raised What does the future behold?
$5.7 million for scaling up its AI-based genome editing The decade gone by has opened up numerous
platform. Similarly, Piatrika Biosystems raised $1.2 million
for developing its AI/ML agri-genomics platform. opportunities for the use of synthetic biology in
disrupting the agri-food sector. Several companies
Synthetic biology in India is in its nascent stages. in the sector are in the advanced stages of product
However, there is immense potential for its use in the development and are on the cusp of scaling up and
agri-food sector in the country. Despite being one of the commercialisation. Cultured meat and dairy products
largest agricultural producers in the world, the country is are expected to hit the market over the next decade.
still struggling to meet the high demand for food. Rising As more genomic information flows in and newer
population, low crop productivity, and wastage along biochemical pathways are explored, new product lines
the supply chain are some of the major reasons for this are expected to emerge as well. However, there are a few
disparity. challenges that need to be addressed for the products
to become widely accepted by the consumers, which
Research is ongoing in several institutes in the include reducing the costs, improving the organoleptic
country to develop synthetic biology-based solutions properties of the products and scaling up for mass
for the agri-food sector. Agri-biotech institutions such as production.
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), The
Indian Council of Agricultural Research -Indian Institute

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EVENT REPORT 41

“We must know what nutritional
value is added after food products
leave the farm”

Ending nutritional deprivation to (L-R) D. S. Rajora, Director, Agriculture, ASSOCHAM;
improve world health and spur economic Vivek Chandra, Chairman, Food Processing and Value
growth by 2030 is one of the sustainable Addition Council, ASSOCHAM & CEO-Global Branded
development goals enshrined by the Business, LT Foods Ltd; Inoshi Sharma, Director, FFRC-
United Nations General Assembly. FSSAI; and Akshat Khandelwal, Founder and CEO of
Given that India is set to become the Nuflower Foods and Nutrition Pvt. Ltd.
most populous country by the end of
this decade, it is imperative to analyse to revive traditional foods such as millets in our dietary
the nutritional reach in our country. habits and all sections of the society need to undergo this
Understanding the gravity of the subject, change to achieve food security,” highlighted Inoshi in a
ASSOCHAM organised a national different reference.
conference to study integrating nutrition
and health strategies with agriculture The conference emphasised on the interlinkages
and food security. between nutrition, food security and livelihoods in the
Indian context where agriculture, including livestock,
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and remains the principal source of livelihood for almost 60 per
Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) organised a national cent of rural households and 86.2 per cent of Indian farmers,
conference on ‘Achieving nutritional security who are small and marginal holders. It was observed
through agri-nutri-food value chain’. The conference that value chains are a core element of food systems
focused on enabling an ecosystem for investments in and most crucial in creating an enabling environment to
the food and agriculture sectors, against the backdrop promote nutrition-sensitive food systems, agricultural
of malnutrition as one of the most important causes of policies, and effective nutrition education strategies.
underdevelopment. Therefore, a multisectoral approach including agriculture,
healthcare services and socio-economic development is
The event saw many panel discussions about needed to strongly influence nutrition and health. It was
fortification of different varieties of food and crops as two noted that a sustainable agri-nutri-food value chain can
separate remedies to consolidate nutrition in our dietary address the aforesaid by increasing supply and demand
patterns. In this regard, the speakers identified the need for of nutritious and safe food. It can be done through holistic
regulatory frameworks to support this process and further interactions among different commodities within the food
the cause of long-term nutritional security in India. system to tackle nutrient gaps while keeping in mind the

“In order to meet the health demands in today’s
time, we need to focus on the fortification process
and understand how nutrient-rich food will reach the
consumers. We must know what nutritional value is added
after food products leave the farm,” said Inoshi Sharma,
Director, FFRC-FSSAI (Food Fortification Resource Centre-
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) while
articulating the need for this exercise in the context of the
burgeoning population, climate change and environmental
degradation.

Inoshi further added that it is important to save the
produce and have a proper food wastage management
system to pursue the agenda of food conservation. “By
aligning with the International Year of Millets 2023, we need

42 EVENT REPORT NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

environmental risk of reducing diversification. convenience of transportability. Our food systems have
The speakers were of the opinion that such been influenced by urbanisation, changing lifestyles and
dietary patterns, and has, in turn influenced the availability,
interventions should analyse the current nutrition accessibility, affordability and desirability of food.
situation to identify locally suitable food crops in order to
improve market demand, and farm-income. However, the A joint ASSOCHAM-Nangia Andersen LLP report on
implementation will require coordinated efforts of several 'Curbing nutritional attrition to achieve nutritional security
sectors and stakeholders. In view of the same, effective through agri-nutri-food value chain' was also released
Information, Education & Communication (IEC) strategies during the national conference by eminent dignitaries and
and other large-scale educational campaigns can be panellists. According to the report, nutrition is a cross-
integrated with the existing national nutrition and health cutting policy issue and requires synergetic regulations
programs. Raising his concerns over the current data on to address imbalances in food markets, impairment of
malnutrition, Vivek Chandra, Chairman, Food Processing local food production and promoting nutritious food
and Value Addition Council, ASSOCHAM & CEO-Global consumption. In this respect, agricultural policies including
Branded Business, LT Foods Ltd, said, “The impact and agri-research, training and extension, agri-input, land,
extent of malnutrition is huge on our economy as India agricultural finance and infrastructure, natural resource
loses $10 billion every year with the impact of illnesses, conservation were identified as some of the potentially
malnutrition or death cases. Societal and national nutrition reformative areas. It was backed up by data, highlighting
is the future of the country and everyone in the vulnerable agriculture as the only sector affecting both supply
sector of the country.” and demand of nutritious food because of a significant
population depending on it for their livelihoods.
He continued, “Nutritional security is a global
challenge and there is a need to increase food production. The report also talked about marketing and pricing
The agriculture system to consumer process must be policies including incentives, subsidies, farmer protection
supportive of the resources delivering nutritious food and measures like Minimum Support Price (MSPs), inflation
an integrated multi sectoral approach is required in the control measures for essential commodities etc. It was
supply chain.” According to Akshat Khandelwal, founder followed up by defining policies on food import, domestic
and CEO of Nuflower Foods and Nutrition Pvt Ltd, urban production and exports, roads, warehouses, irrigation,
populations are more susceptible to ailments like diabetes, mandis and market yards, logistics and cold chain etc.
cardiovascular diseases and obesity due to a lack of a
nutrient-rich diet. Therefore, a serious consideration for Citing the significance of launching the joint report,
maintaining a macronutrient balance in the agricultural Suraj Nangia, Partner, Nangia Andersen LLP, said, “The
sector is essential. It is also important to foster public- statistics on nutritional status indicate that India has
private partnerships to reduce the burden of food struggled on the issue, along with the other fast-growing
production in our country. economies of Asia and the World. With a ranking of 101 of
116 on the Global Hunger Index 2021 and 131 of 189 on the
The conference identified agriculture as the most Human Development Index 2020, India is home to almost
integral component of achieving food and nutritional one-fourth of the world’s chronically undernourished
security through its crucial linkage between health people. Therefore, the Sustainable Development Goal
and biodiversity. Increasing predominance of crops of zero hunger cannot be achieved globally, unless it is
such as wheat, rice and maize in the global agricultural achieved in India.”
food production has led to loss of biodiversity and
agri landscapes, thus affecting the income of small- “Achieving nutritional security in the context of a
holder farmers along with leading to macro and micro growing population, unpredictable climate change effects,
undernutrition. diminishing land and water resources, environmental
degradation, and fast changing diets will require not just
The loss of agricultural biodiversity is also recognised by approaches to sustainably producing more food, but
the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity and the United also dealing with food waste and promoting improved
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an nutritional outcomes. Capacities for nutrition-sensitive
important component to make our diets healthier and our value chains can be developed through resources and
food systems more resilient and sustainable. interventions that support local stakeholders in driving
change through locally suited and participatory processes
Achieving positive nutritional outcomes entails not just including, but not limited to, policy and decision-making,
the way food is produced through agriculture but how it is investments, research, innovation, and learning,” Nangia
processed, distributed, marketed and consumed in terms concluded.
of better food systems. They can contribute to nutrition by
extending the shelf-life of fresh food, maintaining the food Manishika Miglani
quality over time, and enhancing safety, palatability and [email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in BOOK REVIEW 43

Fenugreek- Traditional and
Modern Medicinal Uses
Lately people are more inclined towards traditional
medicine, motivated by the occurrence of harmful effectiveness of fenugreek as a complementary therapy
effects of chemical drugs on human health as for pre-diabetic and diabetic patients.
well as the various deficits of modern medicine in
treating some diseases. Likewise, the book highlights the role of fenugreek in
The 23-chapter book titled ‘Fenugreek- Traditional controlling the risk factors associated with cardiovascular
and Modern Uses’ is a compilation of scientific studies diseases (CVDs). Despite significant advances in the field
carried out by various researchers globally on medical of CVDs, hyperlipidemia (too many lipids or fats, such
applications of fenugreek seed-based products. It as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood) is still the
covers relevant evidence for the traditional and modern key contributor in the setting of atherosclerotic CVDs,
medicinal applications of fenugreek and its constituents thus its treatment is crucial for reducing cardiovascular
to provide good nutrients, maintain health, prevent events and even premature death. Scientific evidence
diseases and manage disorders. accumulated in this book indicates that fenugreek could
According to the book, fenugreek with its phyto- be used as an adjuvant therapy for hyperlipidemia.
constituents such as bioactive amino acids, alkaloids,
glycosides, soluble fibres and phenolic compounds, With cancer being the second most leading
could be a good candidate for herbal drugs. Multiple cause of death worldwide behind CVDs, this book
research evidences have been discussed in this book to elaborates upon the benefits provided by fenugreek
validate the potential of fenugreek as an herbal drug. in management of malignant disorders. Mechanisms
For instance, the aqueous extract of fenugreek such as oxidative stress, inflammation, inhibition of
seeds may be used as an effective and safe adjuvant proliferation, apoptosis and invasion are suggested as
for management of type 2 diabetes; or fenugreek husk possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti-
alleviates postmenopausal symptoms and helps to cancer fenugreek and its constituents.
establish hormonal balance; or fenugreek seed extracts
may be effective in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome Since breast cancer is documented as one of the
in women of reproductive age by reducing the cyst
volume in both ovaries as well as cyst sizes.

Addressing non-communicable diseases
In particular, the book has highlighted the

medicinal applications of fenugreek for tackling the
non-communicable disease (NCD) burden in the most
natural way. Taking diabetes as an example, fenugreek
is considered as a unique herbal medicine for the
management of hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.
Some bioactive components of fenugreek may also serve
as potential leads for pharmaceutical drug development
as novel anti-diabetic agents.

Improvement of insulin secretion, regulation of
glucose absorption, elevation of glycogen synthesis and
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in the liver
are among the most important mechanisms of actions
underlying the pharmacological effects of fenugreek.
However, the book mentions that more randomised
controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer
durations are warranted to further evaluate the clinical

44 BOOK REVIEW NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

most prevalent cancers with rising burden worldwide in
women at premenopausal and postmenopausal ages,
the book reveals that the soluble fibre constituent of
fenugreek seeds has been suggested as a potential drug
candidate against breast cancer. In addition, the evidence
of efficacy on fenugreek seed extracts from many in vitro
studies against breast cancer cell lines has indicated
apoptosis as an effective mechanism of anti-cancer
action.

Management of Neurological and Psychological Despite the impressive scientific and clinical
Disorders evidence of fenugreek applications, consumer
awareness and understanding are still in its
Owing to the pandemic, a number of psychological infancy. Scientific promotion of this herb is much
disorders have recently come into the limelight such needed to counter the commercial hurdles and
as anxiety, depression, low mood, fear etc. In fact, bottlenecks. Furthermore, the production of
depression has come across as one of the significant fenugreek in India needs attention. Low level of
and most frequently occurring disorders characterised awareness among the farming community, less
by a wide range of physical, behavioural and cognitive availability of high yielding and resistant seed
actions and symptoms. Adding to it, existing options of varieties, traditional farm mechanisation and
antidepressant drugs are associated with numerous side plant protection are some of the major factors
effects and other reactions. responsible for the low production of this herb in
the country. An extensive genomic and agronomic
As a result, traditional antidepressant therapies from clustering is needed to identify the potential
natural or plant origin are gaining interest as a safer genes which could further help in breeding
option of treatment. This book enumerates multiple programmes followed by targeted mutation and
scientific evidences where various fenugreek extracts genetic improvement for abiotic stress tolerance.
have demonstrated antidepressant potential during
preclinical and clinical studies. option for comparable creatine delivery that may prove
beneficial to specific populations that are concerned with
The book also reveals that a bread prepared from the negative implications of consuming large amounts of
fenugreek seeds, maize and wheat can be used as a simple carbohydrates along with creatine.
protective food against various diseases including
Alzheimer’s. Fenugreek has also been documented as Future Direction
a traditional Chinese herb to prevent and cure several This book is a good resource on fenugreek as an
diseases of the central nervous system.
ingredient for medicinal products, especially in order to
Benefits in Sports Nutrition address the growing burden of NCDs such as diabetes,
While the research on fenugreek’s application for cancer and cardiovascular diseases in India. Also, the
functional, nutritional and therapeutic characteristics of
health is extensive and there is a body of evidence fenugreek can be exploited further by the industry in the
that supports its claims, the effects of fenugreek development of healthy food products.
supplementation in sports performance is limited.
However, the book states that evidence on the Dr Manbeena Chawla
varied physiological benefits of fenugreek extract [email protected]
supplementation on sports performance by improving (Fenugreek- Traditional and Modern Medicinal
strength, free testosterone, reducing inflammation etc., is Uses; Edited by Dr Dilip Ghosh- Advisor and Executive
growing. Board Member, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements
Association (HADSA); Dr Prasad Thakurdesai, Chief
Although more research in this area is recommended, Scientific Officer, Indus Biotech Pvt Ltd, Pune; Publisher -
fenugreek has emerged as a promising ingredient for CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group; Pages -460)
sports nutrition and exercise performance applications.
For example, creatine is included in the supplementation
regimen of many power athletes including weight lifters
and football players. Increasing the level of creatine
absorption and uptake into the skeletal muscle is an
important issue when supplementing creatine. Addition
of fenugreek extract to creatine is considered as a safer

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS 45

Starbucks names Former Reckitt head
Laxman Narasimhan as new CEO

Starbucks Corporation has named Laxman the company. Narasimhan joined Reckitt in
Narasimhan as its next Chief Executive September 2019 and was the first external
Officer (CEO), to undertake a reinvention candidate to take the helm at Reckitt since
of the world's biggest coffee chain. it was formed in 1999. He led the company
Narasimhan will join Starbucks in October through the pandemic, which boosted
but will take the helm in April 2023, after sales of its health and hygiene products,
spending a few months learning about and more recently navigated a baby
the company and its Reinvention plan, formula crisis in the United States, leading
which includes paying better wages for to a raise in its annual forecast earlier
baristas, improving employee welfare this year. The 55-year old’s background
and customer experience as well as in beverages, as global chief commercial
reimagining stores. Until then, interim- officer at PepsiCo is expected to help his
CEO Howard Schultz, who took back the transition into Starbucks, and changes
reins of the company for the third time in within the coffee chain currently facing a
April after Kevin Johnson retired, will continue to lead turbulent period.

Bacardi picks Vinay Meghal Sheth is Mars
Wrigley India’s new CFO
Golikeri as MD - India &
Confectionery major Mars
Neighbouring Countries Wrigley India has announced
the appointment of Meghal
Bacardi, one of the Sheth as the new Chief
largest privately held, Financial Officer (CFO).
family-owned spirits He will report to Kalpesh
companies in the world, Parmar, General Manager,
has appointed Vinay Mars Wrigley, India. In his
Golikeri as Managing new role as the CFO, Sheth
Director (MD)- India will utilise his expertise in
& Neighbouring managing volatile markets
Countries. Golikeri to open more avenues for
will be responsible for the brand. Sheth has been a seasoned leader in the FMCG
leading commercial industry since 2001. He started his career with Unilever
operations across the where he worked in various capacities for 13 years and
market for the company’s portfolio of premium spirits rose to the position of Finance Director for APAC, Middle
and will continue to ensure ongoing sustainable and East, Africa, North America, UK and Ireland. He then joined
profitable growth for the business. In his new role, Wrigley India in 2015 as its Chief Financial Officer and
Golikeri will head the India leadership team and spearheaded the seamless integration of the chocolate
report to Vijay Subramaniam, Regional President, and confectionery businesses in India following the
Asia, Middle East & Africa (AMEA), and Global Travel global merger with Mars. During his Wrigley India CFO
Retail (GTR). Golikeri succeeds Sanjit Randhawa who, tenure till 2017, he co-piloted the management team
after nearly five years as Managing Director, India & towards building a strong portfolio of products. He also
Neighboring Countries, will be moving to Dubai, UAE, played multiple roles at the company such as interim
to take on his new role as Director, External Affairs, General Manager, Integration & Transformation Director
Asia Middle East & Africa (AMEA) and Global Travel and Regional Finance Director while stabilising the Indian
Retail (GTR). He will be responsible for developing market, ensuring delivery of business-as-usual during the
and implementing the external affairs strategy for time of transition into Mars Wrigley Confectionery.
AMEA and GTR.

46 PEOAPCLAEDNEEMWICSNEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | OMctaorbcehr22002212 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Sameer Khetarpal joins Jubilant
FoodWorks as CEO & MD

Jubilant FoodWorks has announced with technology and several inorganic
the appointment of Sameer Khetarpal investments and partnerships. Prior
as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Amazon, Khetarpal served as a
and Managing Director (MD). He has Partner at McKinsey and Company,
served in numerous senior leadership where he serviced several hi-tech
roles during his 25-year career in sectors clients on topics related to business
like e-commerce and management building and transformation, and was
consulting, and joins Jubilant from instrumental in building data driven
Amazon. Over the last 6.5 years at service lines used by several Fortune
Amazon, he has conceptualised, 500 companies. He has previously
launched and scaled several businesses worked with GE Capital and Hindustan
like Amazon Fresh, Amazon Food and Unilever. Throughout his career, he
Amazon Pharmacy. He has built these has been driven by a passion to serve
businesses with world-class supply customers and build businesses by
chain infrastructure, deeply embedded leveraging technology.

Swiggy appoints Rohit HCCB names Juan
Pablo Rodriguez as
Kapoor as CEO of Food new CEO

Marketplace biz Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has announced
the appointment of Juan Pablo Rodriguez, its new Chief
Food delivery giant Swiggy has appointed Rohit Executive Officer (CEO). Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who was
Kapoor as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food earlier serving as the Chief Commercial Officer for the
Marketplace. In his role, Kapoor will drive the food Bottling Investments Group (BIG), has been appointed as
delivery business and be responsible to develop General Manager and Chief Executive Officer for HCCB,
strategies, drive growth and foster innovation. With and the transition began in September 2022. With the new
over 20 years of industry experience, Kapoor has position, he will be responsible for ensuring that HCCB
held various leadership positions in sales and finance continues to achieve its growth ambitions and trajectory.
roles in leading companies such as Max India Limited Rodriguez is a 22-year veteran of the Coca-Cola system
and Mckinsey & Company. Prior to joining Swiggy, with a proven track record of leading teams and driving
he worked for close to four years in OYO, first as sustainable growth across markets. Neeraj Garg, the
the CEO of the company’s India and Southeast Asia current Chairman, and CEO of the company, took over the
operations and subsequently as the global chief responsibility of HCCB in 2020, and has played a significant
marketing officer (CMO). Kapoor is a Postgraduate role in continuing the growth story of the company.
from the Indian School of Business and a Certified
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA Institute, USA).

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENTS NEWS 47

Fonterra, Royal DSM Nestlé teams up with
announce non-dairy Perfect Day for animal-free
precision-fermentation protein options
protein startup
Nestlé has announced that it is exploring emerging technologies
Global firms Fonterra and Royal DSM for the development of animal-free dairy protein-based
are establishing a new startup company products. This move complements investments the company
to accelerate the development and has made in plant-based meat and dairy alternative offerings
commercialisation of fermentation-derived over the years to meet the growing consumer demand for
proteins with dairy-like properties. The startup nutritious, more environmentally friendly diets that also taste
is a next step in Fonterra and DSM’s long-
standing joint development relationship. great. Nestlé will pilot a novel product
They have been working together since 2019 through the company's newly established
to build a comprehensive understanding of US R+D Accelerator, bringing it to the US
how to use precision fermentation science market later this year as a test-and-learn. The
and technology to produce proteins similar product is made with animal-free protein
to those found in dairy. To date, this work has from US-based food technology startup
created valuable intellectual property for which Perfect Day, which has developed processes
Fonterra and DSM have filed patents. The new of creating dairy proteins, including casein
startup company will enable the acceleration and whey, by fermentation in microbiota,
of commercial product solutions utilising this specifically from fungi in bioreactors, instead
intellectual property, while continuing to focus of extraction from bovine milk. The protein,
on further precision fermentation research made through precision fermentation,
and development. Fonterra and DSM are also is identical to the whey protein found in
collaborating to reduce on-farm greenhouse cow's milk, offers good nutritional and
gas (GHG) emissions, by exploring applications functionality benefits that is suitable for vegans and is lactose-
for DSM’s methane-inhibiting Bovaer free. The product was developed by Nestlé R&D teams in
technology in the New Zealand pasture-based Switzerland. With expertise in both great-tasting nutritious dairy
farming system. and plant-based dairy alternatives, Nestlé is well-equipped to
deliver a relevant consumer solution in this emerging space in
collaboration with startups and other external partners.

ADM & New Culture partner to scale up
alternative dairy products

ADM, a global leader in sustainable accelerating New Culture’s food will also include collaborations to
human and animal nutrition based in service and consumer applications advance the commercial scale-up
the US, and New Culture, a pioneering with the support of ADM’s broad of New Culture’s animal-free casein
animal-free dairy company, have portfolio of product development and dairy products. ADM’s global
formed a strategic partnership to resources and capabilities. New manufacturing assets and expertise
accelerate the development and Culture will also have access to ADM’s will accelerate New Culture’s efforts
commercialisation of alternative full pantry of sustainable and plant- toward commercialising their
dairy products. The partnership based ingredients and flavours as New animal-free mozzarella in the US
highlights the deep commitments Culture expands the use of animal-free food service market, beginning with
of both companies to enable a more casein into a wide range of animal-free pizzerias in 2023. As New Culture
sustainable food future. The tie-up dairy applications. The partnership grows its commercial footprint,
will allow joint product development, ADM’s production capacity for both
taking advantage of New Culture’s fermentation and dairy operations
innovations in novel ingredients will be made available to meet the
and animal-free dairy products. demand for New Culture’s melty,
The companies will work toward stretchy cheese.

48 R&ADCNAEDWEMS IC NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | OMctaorbcehr22002212 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Scientists make edible coating to IIT-G
extend shelf life of fruits & veggies
breakthrough in
A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
(IIT-G) led by Prof. Vimal Katiyar, Department of Chemical Engineering and making sugar
Centre for Excellence in Sustainable Polymers (CoE-SusPol), has developed
an edible coating to extend the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. This substitute ‘Xylitol’

coating material, which will from sugarcane
prevent wastage, was tested
on vegetables such as potato, waste
tomato, green chilli and
strawberries, Khasi Mandarin, Researchers at the Indian Institute
apples, pineapples, kiwifruits of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) have
and were found to keep these developed an ultrasound-assisted
vegetables fresh for nearly two fermentation method to produce
months. The team used a mix of a micro-algae extract and polysaccharides a safe sugar substitute called
to produce protective, edible films for coating on vegetables and fruits. The ‘Xylitol’ from sugarcane bagasse
marine microalgae called Dunaliella tertiolecta is known for its antioxidant (the residue left after crushing of
properties and has various bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, sugarcane). This method overcomes
proteins, and polysaccharides. The properties of films with varying algal the operational limitations of
extract contents were analysed and compared with controls. The fabricated chemical methods of synthesis and
edible films displayed a superior antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, the time delays associated with
water vapour barrier property, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. conventional fermentation. With
They also had excellent UV-Vis light-blocking property. The researchers increasing awareness of the adverse
believe that their development could help the country meet the Sustainable effects of white sugar (sucrose), not
Development Goal (SDG) target 12.3 that is aimed at reducing food losses only for patients with diabetes but
along the production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. also for general health, there has
been a rise in the consumption of
Changes in daily diet can control safe alternative sweeteners. Xylitol,
diabetes: ICMR a sugar alcohol derived from natural
products, has potential anti-diabetic
The prevalence of diabetes in India is rapidly escalating, with 74 million and anti-obesogenic effects, is a
people in the country estimated to have diabetes, and over 80 million mild prebiotic and protects teeth
having pre-diabetes. Earlier studies have shown that excess carbohydrate against caries. According to the
in the diet (polished white rice in the South and East, and refined wheat researchers, the present research
in the North and West of India) contribute to increased susceptibility to has been carried out on laboratory
type 2 diabetes. The diet of most Indians consists of about 65 to 70 per scale. Commercial implementation
cent carbohydrate, with very little protein. of sonic fermentation would
A recent national study, the Indian Council require the design of high power
of Medical Research (ICMR)-India Diabetes sources of ultrasound for large-scale
(INDIAB) study funded by the ICMR, fermenters, which in turn requires
based on 18,090 adults has shown, using large-scale transducers and RF
a linear regression model and quadratic amplifiers, which remains a major
programming, that if the carbohydrate technical challenge.
content of the Indian diet can be brought
down to 49 to 54 per cent and the protein increased to 19 to 20 per cent and
fat maintained around 21 to 26 per cent, diabetes remission (reversal) can
be achieved. For prevention of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes,
carbohydrate content of 54-57 per cent, protein of 16-20 per cent and fat
of 20-24 per cent would suffice. The ICMR-INDIAB study which was carried
out in the whole country, and included data from 29 States and 2 Union
Territories, is the largest epidemiological study on diabetes done in India.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS 49

Thermo Fisher blood tests for wheat,
sesame allergy get FDA nod

Thermo Fisher Scientific has of sIgE antibodies through a simple with sesame allergy at risk for severe
announced the clearance of blood draw to help improve the anaphylactic reaction and ultimately
ImmunoCAP Specific IgE (sIgE) diagnosis of sesame seed allergy. The achieve better outcomes and patient
Allergen Components for wheat and test offers higher clinical specificity management. Wheat is the third
sesame allergies by the US Food & than skin prick testing extracts and most common food allergy, but it’s
Drug Administration (FDA) for in vitro whole allergen in-vitro sIgE sesame often misdiagnosed and confused
diagnostic use. Soon to be available tests. Results can help identify patients with other digestive disorders like
nationwide, these advanced blood gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
tests can act as a diagnostic aid, helping ImmunoCAP Specific IgE Allergen
specialists and other healthcare Components for wheat help clinicians
providers identify wheat and sesame pinpoint true allergies and distinguish
allergies for patients at risk of a severe between wheat sensitisation and
allergic reaction. ImmunoCAP Specific grass cross-reactivity. This can prevent
IgE Allergen Component Ses i 1 unnecessary diet restrictions for many
provides a quantitative measurement patients.

Neogen merges with 3M Cybernetik to form
food safety business global partnerships in
robotics and process
US-based Neogen Corporation has completed the previously automation

announced merger with 3M’s food safety business to create an Industrial automation firm Cybernetik
has launched a Global Partnership
innovative leader in the food safety sector with a comprehensive Programme to collaborate with
organisations across geographies on
product range and a strategic focus on the category’s long-term projects involving robotics and process
automation. A company can collaborate
growth opportunities. The combination of Neogen and 3M’s food with Cybernetik to avail its services in an
area that is beyond the former’s scope of
safety business creates a leading innovator with an enhanced services or remains in the developmental
stages. With its experience of more than
geographic footprint, three decades, Pune-based Cybernetik
has been working on projects across the
innovative product world and has partners in India, United
States, Australia and Southeast Asia and
offerings, digitisation is currently working on augmenting its
network in the African market. Set up
capabilities, and financial in 1989, the company undertakes the
designing, building and installation of
flexibility to capitalise on end-to-end, turnkey automation systems
for the food, agro, pharmaceutical,
robust growth trends chemical and other manufacturing
industries. Cybernetik has worked
in sustainability, food on major projects with international
organisations such as Hersheys,
safety, and supply chain Mondelez, HF Fuller, Dinex, BASF, Clariant
Chemicals, and many more.
integrity. As part of the

terms of the agreement,

two additional Directors

will be appointed

to Neogen’s Board

of Directors shortly,

increasing Neogen’s Board to a total of 10 members. 3M’s former

food safety business is a leading provider of food safety testing

solutions. It offers a broad range of food safety testing solutions

that support multiple industries within food and beverage, helping

producers to prevent and protect consumers from foodborne

illnesses. The business has built a broad global presence with

products used in more than 60 countries and a diversified revenue

base of more than 100,000 end-user customers.

50 LET’S TALK FOOD NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2022 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

India Targets Numero Uno Status
in Processed Foods Export
India has witnessed an increase in the overall
export of agricultural and processed food Adoption of crop value chains by establishing
products to $9.598 billion in April-July 2022 from crop-specific PPP model, Reinvigorate promotion
$7.397 billion over the same period of the last of Indian-origin brands globally, Institutionalise
fiscal. The exports of agricultural and processed industry-academia collaboration to aid R&D, Set up
food products rose by 30 per cent in the first four collaboration among private players for setting up
months of the current Financial Year 2022-23 and sharing infrastructure facilities and Establish
(April-July) in comparison to the corresponding sustainability and ethical norms and ensure
period of FY 2021-22, according to the provisional compliance to take the country to the next level in
data released by the Directorate General of terms of increasing the food exports in the coming
Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S). years.

As per the DGCI&S provisional data, fresh fruits The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI),
and vegetables (F&V) registered four per cent growth, Government of India (GoI) is taking all necessary steps
while processed F&V recorded a significant growth to boost investments in the food processing industry
of 51 per cent (April-July, 2022) in comparison to in India. The GoI has continued the umbrella Pradhan
corresponding months of the previous year. In Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) scheme with an
April-July, 2021, fresh F&V were exported to the allocation of Rs 4600 crore till March 2026. The ministry
tune of $498 million that increased to $517 million has also been implementing two more flagship
in the corresponding months of the current fiscal. schemes. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
Exports of processed F&V jumped to $665 million in will help modernise and enhance the competitiveness
four months of the current fiscal from $441 million of the food processing industry by manufacturing
in the corresponding months of the previous year. specific categories of food products having a high
Also, processed food products like cereals and potential for growth in output and value addition for
miscellaneous processed items reported a growth a period of six years till 2026-27. The second initiative,
of 37.75 per cent and 35.26 per cent respectively in the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing
comparison to the first four months of the previous Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) will provide financial,
year. However, India is unable to leverage its strength technical, and business support for the up-gradation of
as being the world's largest producer of spices, milk existing micro food processing enterprises.
and pulses, world's largest processor, producer and
consumer of cashew nuts, and world's second largest Besides, the country has recorded an increase in
producer of food grains, fruits, and vegetables. This is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflow in the
mainly because of key issues as identified by Boston Food Processing Sector for the period of March 2021-
Consulting Group (BCG) in association with Federation 2022 at $709.72 million. The total FDI received in the
of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), in food processing sector from April 2000 till March 2022
a report titled “India Food Processing Sector: 5 point was $11.08 billion. India's food processing market is
call to action to tap export potential.” expected to touch $470 billion by 2025. Tier-II and Tier-
III cities could mirror the trend visible in metropolitan
The BCG has pointed out five areas that need areas, by consuming more processed food in the
quick attention namely Low cost competitiveness, coming years.
Product quality concerns, Limited brand strength
of Indian products in overseas markets, Lack of India has the potential to become a processed
infrastructure for processing, storage, and logistics food export powerhouse. It is all the more crucial that
and Limited compliance with sustainability and the industry, as a whole – along with all stakeholders
ethical requirements which need attention from all across the value chain – come together and make
stakeholders to improve the food exports. concerted efforts in this direction, and achieve a
position of supremacy in processed food exports.
The BCG also has suggested five action plans
“A-R-I-S-E” - which can help grow the industry with Narayan Kulkarni
a special focus on exports. The action plans include Editor

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