NuFFooDS Spectrum August 2021

NuFFooDS Spectrum is coming up with its anniversary special issue in
September 2021, in coordination with

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

THE KEY FEATURES OF THE SPECIAL EDITION INCLUDE

- Developing rapid food testing kits
- FSSAI initiative on controlling HFSS- High salt, sugar & fat
- Success stories on Eat Right India
- Important matters with food safety departments
- Vegan diet in India on the rise- Are we for it or not?
- Food fortification in India- Where do we stand?
- And much more...

Let's Talk Print

High-impact placements are limited, to secure the issue of your choice,

contact for more details



4 EDITORIAL NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Safeguarding
Food Security

Dr Milind Kokje in food shortage by next year onwards.
Fortunately, in India, agriculture was the only
Chief Editor
sector that grew well last year when all other sectors
Governments across the world are training their failed. But, the food system in India was affected in
guns on the COVID-19 induced economic terms of food imports. For instance, pulses import has
depression and trying their best to put things reduced by almost 42 per cent than the previous year.
as they were. Apart from the evident direct hit to the The imports are affected due stricter testing because
economy, the pandemic has severely affected the of the pandemic and availability of lesser staff due to
social development sectors. Crucial among them lockdowns and employees testing COVID-19 positive.
relates to food security, eradicating hunger, and the This is delaying the clearances of consignments when
supply of nutritious food. actually faster clearances are required for smooth flow.

The World Bank brief reveals that COVID-19 has Some small importers had to, shut shop due to
led to severe and widespread increase in global food the nationwide lockdown. Those who are operating
insecurity. An increasing number of countries are facing somehow are facing delays. The food industry is
growing levels of acute food insecurity, reversing years already in a problem as all kinds of events – from
of development gains. Acute hunger was on the rise big conferences & expos to weddings – small social
even before COVID-19 due to various reasons. Reduced gatherings where food is required are cancelled and
incomes and disruption in supply chains have worsened restaurants not operating to their full capacity, reducing
the situation rapidly. the food demand. This has impacted the whole food
supply chain and naturally imports too.
Several countries are witnessing a sharp rise in
food prices. The Agriculture Commodity Price Index in The industry is thus demanding green channels for
mind-June was 33 per cent higher than in January 2020 imported food items and applying globally approved
and cereal prices increased 43 per cent during the same standards to the imported items where any specific
period. The price index stood at the highest level since product is not included in the rules.
2013. This was the reflection of high food price inflation
in retail in various countries. Considering the various aspects - the dire state of the
sector, need to ensure food security, supply of nutritious
High prices due to growing demand, couple with food, controlling the spiraling prices – the government
disrupted supply chains and reduced incomes due will have to act on various fronts. In such a situation it
to salary cuts or loss of jobs has further worsened should consider the demands of the importers.
the situation. This has led to people cutting down on
consumption, calories, nutritious food and balanced On the international level, various governments and
diets, according to the World Bank in its quick survey authorities will have to address the problem of supply
of 48 countries. An estimated 96 million people from to bring down the prices to ensure food security and
54 countries were pushed into food insecurity by nutritious food. The upcoming United Nations Food
December 2020, in addition to the already existing 137 Systems Summit, to be held in September, is planning to
million acutely food insecure people by December 2019. chalk out a long-term action plan for global food system.
This includes an estimated 6.7 million children hit by At the same time, it must also plan to make supply
malnutrition last year, almost 15 per cent increase. chains more resilient in the post-COVID-19 era.

The real impact of these growing numbers of food
insecure and malnourished people and children will
be seen after some years. Stunting and wasting in
children, anaemia in both men and women, etc. which
will further burden individuals and nations. Food fraud
is another projected outcome. Small farmers will end up
consuming grains set aside for the next season, resulting

Volume 8  |  Issue 12  |  August 2021
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

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6 INSIDE NNUUFFOFOOODDSSSSPPEECCTTRRUUMM || AMuagrucsht 20210 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

19COVER STORY

smart foods

TURN HEALTHY

trendsetters

Wellness, balanced diet and supplementary foods are a well-known panacea for many ailments,
with researchers and nutrition experts vouching for its efficacy and safety. Gone are the days of
mindless 'pill-popping'. With innovative technology, combining the ancient wealth of knowledge
from Ayurveda and transforming them into 'Smart Foods' is the latest trend in the unending quest
to optimal health and managing ailments associated with a fast-paced, and more often, unhealthy
lifestyle. The future belongs to effective Smart Foods that are not only convenient to consume, but
also mimic the 'lifestyle foods' that have become the mainstay. Of lately, we are seeing a number of
young minds coming up with smart ways to use natural and convenient food ingredients packed
either in the form of novel recipes, supplements, snacks or beverages exploring less-touched
segments such as women’s health, protein sufficiency, nourishing nibbles and ready-to-drink mixes.
As the list continues, we cannot help wondering what more is in store in this space of healthy smart
food category in the future. The entry of numerous startups in this segment clearly indicates that this
trend is here to stay.

20 23

Through collaborations and Turning the potential of
partnerships, one can scale the Smart Foods into real benefits
advocacy of healthy ingredients is not an easy task

Raj Sahetiya, Dr Sujeet Ranjan,

Senior Business Director Executive Director,
Human Nutrition & Health, South Asia, DSM, Mumbai Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security, New Delhi

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

Alternative Medicines Supply Chains

27 39

Cut down Tall Claims Supplier engagement key for
of ‘Miracle Cures’ sustainable food supply chains
Exports
Dr K V Satyanarayana,
30
Food Processing & Sustainability Practice,
Untapped potential of Sathguru Management Consultants, Hyderabad
Indian processed foods export
Speaking With Technology

35 41

“Electric Vehicles Valorising pigmented
to plug last mile rice bran for food processing
distribution gaps”
Prof. Vaibhav Goud,
Swarup Bose,
Department of Chemical Engineering,
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, and Associated Faculty of International
Celcius Logistics Solutions Pvt Ltd, Mumbai Joint M.Tech. Degree in Food Science and
Technology (IMDFST), IIT Guwahati
Wellness
FSSAI Initiative
37
42
What ails the Indian
wellness industry? FSSAI mounts offensive
against Food-borne illness
Sanjeev Singhai,
Arun Singhal,
Founder, Wellnessta, Mumbai
Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), New Delhi

REGULARS

Editorial 04

Video Snippets 08

Regulatory News 09

Finance News 11

Company News 12

Start-Up News 15

World News 18

People News 44

Ingredients News 46

R&D News 48

Supplier News 50

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

Rajesh Ramakrishnan, Acknowledgements
Managing Director,
Perfetti Van Melle The range of articles and the depth of information in the
India, Gurugram July issue of ‘NuFFooDS Spectrum’ was very engaging
focuses on the and a pleasure to read. May I compliment you on the
importance of food quality of editorial and design. I look forward to reading
brand authenticity in future issues.
the market.
- Tarun Vij, New Delhi
Scan the QR Code »
Thank you so much for the feature on Central Food
Rohit Markan, Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in NuFFooDS
Managing Director, magazine.
Roquette India,
Mumbai emphasizes - Dr Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Mysuru
on how companies
can use social media The interview with AgNext has come out very well. Thank
to explain benefits of you so much.
their food products.
- Manpreet Kaur, Chandigarh
Scan the QR Code »
VAV Life Sciences appreciates the coverage in the July
Tarun Arora, edition. Looking forward for more articles in the segment
Chief Executive Officer, of liposomal nanotechnology.
Zydus Wellness,
Ahmedabad talks - Aloma Carvalho, Thane
about the challenges
facing the industry in Bikanervala Foods, brand owner of Bikano, is happy with
building trust with the the coverage in the cover story of July edition. Thank you
consumers. for the opportunity.

Scan the QR Code » - Yashika Gupta, New Delhi

Thank you NuFFooDS Spectrum on carrying my two bits
on how to build health supplement brand promising for
immunity.

- Gauri Chaudhari, Mumbai

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 | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 9

Tomar urges Government
expedites capacity
CII to study of rice fortification

available food grains To address anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiency in the
country, the Department of Food & Public Distribution has
resources in India approved aCentrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme on "Fortification
of Rice & its Distribution under Public Distribution System"
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers for a period of 3 years beginning in 2019-20 with total outlay
Welfare, Food Processing Industries, of Rs 174.64 crore. NITI Aayog in its “Strategy for new INDIA
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj @75” has put forward to consider mandatory fortification of
Narendra Singh Tomar recently addressed staples and to incorporate fortified food-grains in Government
the 3rd edition of the Northern Zone programmes, TPDS (NFSA) ICDS, Mid-day Meal Scheme (MDM)
Food Processing Summit organised by etc. The FSSAI has proposed to the Secretary, Department of
the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Expenditure that rice fortification should be made mandatory
Calling for cooperation to take the benefits from January 1, 2024. The government is now expediting the
of the government initiatives to all the fortification of rice to increase the capacity from 15,000 MT to
farmers, Tomar said that the Ministry of 3.5 lakh MT by incentivizing and creating awareness among rice
Food Processing Industries is working millers. Presently, there is no scheme available for connecting
on these initiatives in a planned manner. rice millers with banks. However, a letter was sent to states to
He urged CII to conduct a comparative connect Millers with Banks in respect of various provisions of
study on the available food grains and Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package.
horticulture resources in the country with
their processing so that the government
could devise a strategy to fill the gaps.
Tomar also said that the government has
taken several initiatives to harness the food
and horticulture potential of the country to
encourage investment and development in
the agriculture sector as well as to provide
a better environment to the existing
enterprises. He added that the government
is also committed to the development of the
food processing sector.

APEDA facilitates export of exotic fruits to Dubai

In a major boost to the export of Dubai from Guwahati. Consignment the USA, and Vietnam. Dragon fruit
exotic fruits, a consignment of fibre was exported by APEDA registered production commenced in India in
and mineral-rich ‘Dragon Fruit’, Kiega EXIM. Scientifically referred to the early 1990s and was grown as
also referred as Kamalam, has been as Hylocereus Undatus, the dragon home gardens. At present, dragon
exported to Dubai. A consignment fruit is grown in countries such as fruit is grown mostly in Karnataka,
of Dragon Fruit for exports was Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,
sourced from the farmers of Tadsar Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal,
village, Sangli district, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman and
and it was processed and packed Nicobar Islands. The fruit contains
at the Agricultural and Processed fiber, vitamins, minerals, and
Food Products Export Development antioxidants. It can help in repairing
Authority (APEDA) recognised the cell damage caused by oxidative
exporter – Kay Bee. In addition, a stress and reduce inflammation, and
shipment of fresh Burmese grapes also improve the digestive system.
referred to as ‘Leteku’ in Assamese On the other hand, Leteku contains
language has been exported to vitamin C and Iron.

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

NAFED launches fortified rice bran oil

Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, It may be noted that rice bran and high monounsaturated and
Department of Food and Public oil has multiple health benefits, polyunsaturated fat contents. It
Distribution, recently E-launched including lowering cholesterol level also acts as a booster and reduces
NAFED Fortified Rice Bran Oil. This due to its low trans-fat content the risk of cancer due to the high
initiative by NAFED is intended to amount of Vitamin E it contains.
reduce the country's consumption This oil is recommended by The
dependence on imported edible American Heart Association and the
oil in future. The rice bran oil will World Health Organization (WHO)
be marketed by NAFED (National as one of the best substitutes for
Agricultural Cooperative Marketing other edible oils. Rice Bran oil from
Federation of India Ltd). A NAFED will be fortified and it will
Memorandum of Understanding be ensured that it will contain
(MoU) has been signed between additional nutrients and vitamins.
NAFED and Food Corporation of NAFED Fortified Rice Bran Oil will
India (FCI) for the production and be available at all NAFED Stores and
marketing of fortified rice kernels. also on various online platforms.

Centre reduces Ayush Ministry releases
e-book on 20 medicinal
duty on Crude plants for COVID-19 care

Palm Oil by 5% The then Minister of State etc. The botanical names,
for Ayush (IC) in Arunachal vernacular names, chemical
In order to bring relief to the consumers Pradesh, Kiren Rijiju, recently constituents, therapeutic
and reduce the edible oil prices, Centre released the e-book on 20 values, pharmacological
has reduced the duty on Crude Palm Medicinal Plants for COVID-19 principles and important
Oil (CPO) by 5 per cent. Further, to Care. National Medicinal Plants formulations are also recorded
cool down the prices of RBD Palmolein Board (NMPB), has prepared in this e-book. This will provide
(Refined Palm oil), Department of Food an e-book “20 Medicinal Plants awareness and knowledge to
& Public Distribution has recommended for 2021 for COVID-19 care” to the public on the importance
removal of the restriction on import of highlight important medicinal and diversity of medicinal
RBD Palmolein and to put it in the open plants and their therapeutic plants that are useful in the
general category of imports. These moves properties. These medicinal prevention & management of
are expected to lower prices of edible oils plants are useful in the COVID-19 along with standard
for the domestic consumers. The major prevention & management of of care. While releasing the
edible oils consumed in the country are COVID-19 along with standard book Kiren Rijiju encouraged
mustard, soyabean, groundnut, sunflower of care. The herbs described the NMPB to promote the
sesame oil, niger seed, safflower seed, in the e-book can be used in cultivation and conservation of
castor and linseed (primary source) and conditions leading to fever, medicinal plants throughout
coconut, palm oil, cottonseed, rice bran, cough, cold, weakness, pain the country.
solvent extracted oil, tree & forest origin
oil. The total domestic demand of edible
oils in the country is approximately 250
LMT per year. Around 60 per cent of the
edible oils consumed in the country is
met through imports. Palm oil (Crude +
Refined) import constitutes around 60
per cent of the total edible oil imported,
out of which 54 per cent is imported from
Indonesia and Malaysia.

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

Chai Chun acquires
Okayti Tea Estate

West Bengal-based tea boutique and is a key supplier to major Dabur invests
Chai Chun, has announced Indian, brands, export houses,
the 100 per cent acquisition tea cafeterias and renowned Rs 550 Cr
of Darjeeling-based Okayti tea selling units. Recently, in
Tea Estate. Chai Chun, a unit of association with Indian Railways, in new
Evergreen Group, is one of the Chai Chun launched a “Train
largest tea producers in India, with Tea Cafe” at Asansol Railway manufacturing
an annual production of 15 million Junction, which is set up quite
kilograms CTC teas. Evergreen fascinatingly, within a train bogie. unit in MP
Group is headquartered in Siliguri The 150-year-old Okayti estate
has been patronized by well- Dabur India has commenced
known figures like Jawaharlal construction of its largest, most-
Nehru, Queen Elizabeth and Nikita modern and environment-friendly
Khrushchev. Tea produced from manufacturing facility in Madhya
this garden is certified as 100 per Pradesh (MP). Being set up with
cent bio-organic. Chai Chun plans a phased investment of around
to step up its global expansion Rs 550 crore, this new unit would
efforts and strengthen the legacy manufacture a range of Dabur's
of Darjeeling tea. Food Products, Ayurvedic Medicines
and Health Supplements. The first
JM Financial PE injects Rs 350 M phase of construction of this new
in Walko Food Company facility – which has been planned
under the Mega Projects Scheme of
In line with the company’s current expansion plans, JM Financial Private the Madhya Pradesh Government
Equity has finalised an investment of Rs 350 million in Walko Food Company, as well as the Central Government's
a Pune-based consumer packaged food company. Proceeds from the Production-Linked Incentive
investment will support brand-building activities and augmentation (PLI) scheme – is scheduled for
of the existing capacities of the company. This marks the closing of the completion by the end of 2021-
eighth investment by JM 22 financial year. Located in the
Financial India Fund II. Walko SMART Industrial Park near Indore,
Food Company owns a fast- this unit would provide direct cum
growing natural ice cream indirect employment to around
brand NIC. The company 1,250 people initially and over
operates a manufacturing 3,000 people at the end of the final
plant in Pune and retails in phase. The plant would feature
over 50 cities across India, fully automated processing and
via multiple sales channels packing lines as well as state-of-the-
like food delivery platforms, art warehousing infrastructure to
Modern Trade, Parlors, and optimize supply chain and quality
HORECA. In a short span management.
of time, NIC has emerged as one of the leading national brands in the
natural ice cream category and is the highest selling ice cream brand on
FoodTech platforms. In addition to NIC, it has recently launched desi kulfi
brand GRAMEEN. The ice cream flavours range from fruit, dry fruit variants
to international tastes like sea salted caramel, Madagascar chocolate,
French Vanilla and the ones inspired by Indian Mithais like Gulab Jamun,
Sheer Khurma, Til Gud, Gajar Halwa to name a few.

12 COMPANY NEWS NUNFUFOFFOODOSDSSPSEPCETCRTURMUM| |AuAgpusritl 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Adroit Biomed Ayushakti develops
expands Breathe Easy Immunity Kit
immunity
portfolio with Ayushakti, based in Mumbai, has launched Breathe Easy Immunity Kit for
Glutone MD post-COVID recovery.The kit contains three herbal formulations containing
100 per cent natural ingredients to strengthen one’s lung and respiratory
Mumbai-based Adroit Biomed has system. The immunity kit contains one pack of Swasavin Asthaloc which
launched its immunity enhancing helps in effective relief from heavy breathlessness, chest congestions, and
tablets Glutone MD, which is an wheezing. It strengthens respiratory functions and reduces inflammations
orally dissolving effervescent tablet of respiratory channels. The kit also has two packs of Swasavin D-Vyro that
formulated with Setria Glutathione acts as a strong immunomodulator with herbal extracts. There is one bottle
from Japan. Called The Pocket of Swasavin Kaphano (Syrup) which helps in relieving throat infection,
Warrior, Glutone MD immunity allergic cough, chest congestion, nose block, sinus condition, and cold.
booster tablets have been All the herbal medicines of the Breathe Easy Immunity Kit are formulated
designed using an Orally Dissolving using Ayurvedic herbal extracts such as Giloy, Madhuyashti, Kalmegh,
(OD-Eff ) technology. Glutone Shatavari Pomegranate peel, Tulsi, Kutaj, Shunti, amongst others. All these
MD is an innovative solution and herbs are proven to have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-
a perfect defence mechanism boosting properties. The kit is priced at Rs 1100 and is available across
that acts in two ways and helps all Ayushakti health centers, their official website and selected Ayurved
prevent COVID-19 infection by Bhandars across Mumbai.
strengthening immunity and
reducing inflammation and muscle Maharishi Ayurveda
fatigue that aids in recovery launches herbal drug to fight
from post-COVID symptoms. Its sleep disorders & insomnia
unique ‘6-in-60 secs Action’ makes
it the convenient Glutathione Noida-based Maharishi Ayurveda and Jatamansi (Nardostachys
supplement. It delivers 6 benefits Jatamansi DC). It is also clinically
to consumers which includes has announced the launch of its tested on improving the time
potent antioxidant activity, liver of sleep and is effective in the
protection, immune boosting, anti- Ayurvedic Healthcare portfolio treatment of insomnia. It nourishes
inflammatory and reducing muscle the mind-body connection by
fatigue. The product is being ‘Blissful Sleep’ to help sleep deep helping remove toxins that make
manufactured in a US FDA Food as you feel dull or sad. It supports
well as ANSI National Accreditation and manage sleep disorders. This the memory of bliss in your cells
Board registered and BSI GMP and helps balance hormones that
certified facility and is FSSAI is completely an herbal product govern emotions. The result is a
compliant. Glutone MD is priced at renewed feeling of energy and
Rs 22 per tablet. made up of the combination of happiness — and an overall sense
of well-being.
several herbs, producing a calming,

balancing effect on the body, mind,

and emotions. Blissful Sleep is a

combination of potent herbs such

as Cabbage Rose (Rosa Centifolia),

Indian Valerina (Valeriana Wallichii),

Ashwagandha (Ajagandha)

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | Aupgriul 2st020121| |wwwww.nwu.fnfuofofodossdpsescptercutmru.min.in COMPANY NEWS 13

Vasu Healthcare unveils Heritage
herbal supplements range Foods forays
into 'Ready to
Gujarat based Vasu Healthcare has etc. and is planning to expand the Eat' segment
launched herbal supplements range offering in the near future. Vasu Safe
– Vasu Safe Herbs. The launch will Herbs are 100 per cent vegetarian Heritage Foods, based in
strengthen the company’s existing capsules and prepared using Hyderabad, has announced
immunity & preventive care range standardized herbal extracts for its foray into the Ready to Eat
aimed at promoting overall health & consistent quality and efficacy and (RTE) segment with the launch
well-being while boosting immunity, zero gluten, lactose, colour, flavour of Heritage Tikka Paneer. It
energy, stamina to fight infection, and preservatives free. Vasu Safe comes with pre-marinated
allergy naturally. Company has Herbs covers various health benefits Paneer, mixed with curd
launched six capsules (Single Herb of traditionally-proven herbs aimed (both produced at Heritage's
Vegetarian Capsules) under Safe at fulfilling the daily health needs manufacturing facilities), and
Herbs - Holy Basil, Amalaki, Moringa, and thereby restoring wellness and a right blend masala, and all it
Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Turmeric good health. takes to be ready to eat is 30-
60 seconds heating up either
Ricela Group brings Gamma in an oven or a microwave.
Oryzanol as vegetarian capsules Heritage Paneer Tikka is the
company's first product in this
Dhuri-based Ricela Group, the producer of refined rice bran oil, has launched segment, and the company
Gamma Oryzanol, a natural antioxidant, in India in the form of vegetarian will expand the portfolio with
capsules. Ricela Gamma-oryzanol is a product of AP Organics which is a part of many launches that will have
the Dhuri (Punjab)-based Ricela Group and delivers synergies with the company's
an effective dosage of 300 mg of gamma oryzanol inherent strengths. Heritage
in just two capsules daily. Ricela Gamma Oryzanol Foods is also expanding its
contains 150 mg of Gamma Oryzanol per capsule. yogurt footprint by launching
Gamma oryzanol is a nutrient present in rice bran oil. it in Hyderabad, after
Several scientific studies have shown that Gamma- launching it successfully in
Oryzanol provides numerous physiological benefits Maharashtra (Mumbai and
and helps maintain good health. Gamma Oryzanol Pune) and Gujarat (Surat and
plays an important role in preventing many lifestyle Ahmedabad). The French
diseases. Several countries like Japan, USA, UK, Fruit Yogurt along with the
South Africa, Brazil are using gamma oryzanol as a company’s unique offering,
food supplement, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical for the 'Yo Pop', a drinkable
bodybuilding, strengthening muscles, sports supplement, antioxidant, etc. yogurt is made available
and also as a medicine to treat elevated cholesterol and triglycerides levels, to through the company's
treat anxiety and to relieve menopausal symptoms to name a few. omnichannel distribution
network.

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

Amul revises Vedicinals’ nutra
product shows promise
milk prices in for COVID-19 treatment

Gujarat & Delhi NCR Vedicinals, a German-Indian biotech company based
in Pune, has recently announced the results of a WHO
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing registered randomized clinical trial using its Indian
Federation (GCMMF), marketer of milk and milk regulatory authority approved nutraceutical compound
products under the brand name of Amul, has called Vedicinals9. The clinical trial which involved 124
decided to revise the milk prices by Rs 2 per patients with almost half using the
litre in markets of Ahmedabad and Saurashtra nutraceutical product alongside
of Gujarat and Delhi NCR with effect from standard approved COVID-19
July 1, 2021. In Ahmedabad the price of Amul treatment protocols showed better
Gold will be Rs 29 per 500 ml, Amul Taaza will clinical outcomes including faster
be Rs 23 per 500 ml, and Amul Shakti will be viral clearance, accelerated repair of
at Rs 26 per 500ml. The increase of Rs 2 per lung damage, prevention of severe
litre translates into a 4 per cent increase in COVID-19 disease progression,
MRP which is much lower than average food improvements of various key
inflation. The price revision is being done all biomarkers such as IL-6 and
over India, in rest of the markets where Amul CRP, faster resolution of clinical
is marketing its fresh milk. In the last 1.5 years symptoms such as fever, cough,
Amul has not made any price revision in its fatigue etc. and also organ
fresh milk category. Since then, due to rise in protection. Vedicinals9 consists of
costs of energy, packaging, logistics, overall 9 bioactive molecules including
cost of operation has increased. Considering Baicalin, Quercetin, Luteolin,
the rise in input costs, its member unions have Rutin, Hesperidin Curcumin,
also increased farmers’ price in the range of Rs Epigallocatechin Gallate, Piperine,
45 to Rs 50 per kg fat which is more than 6 per Glycyrrhizin. All these 9 bioactive
cent over previous year. molecules were selected based on
silico studies, meta-analysis of past
published studies, various studies
on their drug target pathways
and also their ability to be able to
correct or stop various human host cellular
pathways disruptions caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Hatsun Agro introduces paneer under Arokya brand

Chennai-based Hatsun Agro Product made by a traditional process using
(HAP) has introduced ‘Arokya’ Paneer, lemon. Arokya Paneer will be a unique
a delectable new addition to its wide offering as it uses lemon juice to curdle
dairy product portfolio. ‘Arokya’ Paneer milk the traditional way which ensures
is made using fresh milk sourced the texture of Paneer remains soft that
directly from farmers and natural makes it suitable for preparing various
lemon. The product will suit consumers dishes. The product will be launched
who prefer superior quality products in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra
that are made in a world-class hygienic Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra
environment. ‘Arokya’ Paneer will and Pondicherry. The product is
meet the growing preference among available in a 200-gram pack and is
consumers for natural and fresh Paneer priced at Rs 100.

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

Licious announces Series F Gourmet
funding round of $192 M Garden raises
Rs 25 Cr in
Bengaluru-based startup Licious, offering a range of meat products, has latest round
announced their Series F funding round of $192 million. The round is led
by Singapore-headquartered investment company Temasek, and Multiples Gourmet Garden, the first full-
Private Equity. Brunei Investment Agency also participated in the round. range zero-contamination fruits
Existing investors 3one4 Capital, Bertelsmann India Investments, Vertex and vegetables (F&V) brand in
Growth Fund, and Vertex the country, has announced its
Ventures Southeast latest round of funding of Rs
Asia and India have also 25 crore led by Beyond Next
participated in this round Ventures, M Venture Partners, and
of fundraise, reaffirming existing investors Incubate India
their faith in the category. & Whiteboard Capital among
With this round, a few others. Established in early 2019,
early investors have exited Gourmet Garden is known for
from their investment. The offering the widest range of
current round of fundraise, zero-contamination vegetables
puts Licious at the driver’s and fruits and other curated
seat for being the highest essential offerings. They stand
funded company in this out on quality and safety owing
category. The company to their patented naturoponic
also recently announced their pledge to comply with the lofty global ESG farming operations, certified
standards, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and governance. The organic farming extensions, and
funds raised through Series F will be deployed towards deeper investment a lean 1-day & 2-touch supply
in technology led supply chain transformation, quality improvement chain. Already a leading brand
& customer experience elevation along with expanding presence in a in Bengaluru and Chennai, the
greater number of Indian cities, powering the international expansion plan, startup is founded by Arjun Balaji,
augmenting capabilities in existing markets, strengthening omnichannel erstwhile a Partner at McKinsey
presence and powering new product launches. and Company, and Vishal
Narayanaswamy who launched
Fitday invests Rs 25 Cr in among the first hydroponic
nutrition gummies segment farms in India. With this funding,
Gourmet Garden aims to expand
Hyderabad-based startup Fitday plans to invest Rs 25 crore in the Gummies their zero-contamination farming
segment this financial year. This announcement was flagged off with Fitday operations, broaden portfolio
with additional fresh categories,
launching seven Vitamin Gummies in the boost customer experience by
market. In a variety of herbal, mineral and deploying India’s first end-to-end
vitamin options, these gummies are: DHA B2C tech-enabled cold-chain,
+ Multivitamin (Gummies for children), and improve ease of ordering
Biotin, Vitamin C, Ashwagandha, Korean with a mobile app and refreshed
Ginseng, Calcium, Vitamin-D3, Ginger website.
Licorice Tulsi (Cold & Flu Gummies), and
Iron Folic Acid. Fitday will also be looking
to invest in educating more people on the
benefits of Nutraceuticals. Fitday aims to
cater to the segment of a higher population
of older adults who are at high risks for chronic diseases caused due to
vitamin deficiencies. Genomelabs, (parent company) that manufactures
Fitday, will introduce more research-based gummies in the future.

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

BOHECO Power Gummies raises $1M in
partners fresh funding led by 9Unicorns
with Spring
Sciences New Delhi-headquartered dietary supplement startup brand Power Gummies
Australia has recently raised its second bridge round funding of approximately $1
million at an undisclosed valuation from investors such as DSG and Pivot
BOHECO- Bombay Hemp Ventures. The round was led by India’s fastest growing accelerator VC
Company, the first mover in the 9Unicorns. Functioning on a D2C business model, Power Gummies intends
industrial hemp and medical to launch 40-plus variants over the coming years by fostering awareness
cannabis space in India, has and building the right consumer base. An upcoming launch is period pain
joined hands with leading gummies that support the menstrual health of women. Power Gummies is
Australian company, Spring revolutionising the nutraceutical industry by bringing in chewable vitamin
Sciences Australia (SSA) for the gummies for promoting nutrition. Through this, it aims to simplify nutrition
exclusive supply of the BOHECO via unconventional, tastiest vitamin gummies that eliminate the fear of bad-
range of hemp and cannabis- tasting vitamin capsules. Power Gummies currently serves 200,000-plus
derived products to the consumers and has sold more than 3 million gummies.
Australian B2B market. Bombay
Hemp Company is a startup Fermentis introduces
enterprise reimagining the immunity boosting
future of Indian agriculture and probiotic drink for kids
sustainable living with hemp
and cannabis as their lens. The Gurugram-based nutraceutical startup, Fermentis Life Sciences has
organisation was the inceptor introduced an immunity boosting probiotic drink for kids - Junior Immunity
of the category in India and set Booster Probiotic -under its family nutrition brand – BillionCheers. For the
the precedent for various other uninitiated, probiotics are good bacteria and yeast which when consumed
players to enter the market are said to offer health benefits by improving or restoring the gut flora.
which is essentially ripe with
market share for the taking. The Fermentis Life Sciences is a leading
agreement between BOHECO manufacturer of probiotics having
and SSA will open gates for pioneered fridge free powders which
all BOHECO products to the don’t need any refrigeration for storage.
Australian market under the A PhD from Jamia Hamdard, Dr Prakash
SSA brand and explore an R&D Chandra Bhatt, Founder of Fermentis
platform for the development Life Sciences has worked extensively
of new products for both the on pharmaceutical and nutraceutical
consumer and pharmaceutical research and formulations across the
markets. BOHECO's world and along with his team of
arrangement with SSA will scientists has successfully blended
ensure an exclusive supply of modern nutritional advancements with
BOHECO products in Australia global traditional medicine.
and the primary philosophy of
‘Active for Life’. This partnership
will focus on a holistic approach
to general wellbeing derived
from a healthy active lifestyle
and balanced nutrition.

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

iD Fresh Food plans 500+ hires to ramp up operations

Bengaluru-based iD Fresh Food is all brand will adopt a focused approach their economic independence,
set to strengthen its workforce with to ensure gender diversity across the company is also set to launch
500+ new recruits across verticals functions, including manufacturing an exclusive iD Women Network.
for its India and Gulf Cooperation operations, which has traditionally iD's women network will focus on
Council (GCC) operations in 2021. been a male bastion in India. To enhancing their professional growth
The steady growth in the company’s ensure women, who have been most and fostering a culture of learning
talent acquisition is a testimony impacted by the pandemic, regain & development. Earlier this year, iD
of its consistent performance Fresh had announced its decision to
and business resilience, despite invest Rs 100 crore in new production
the prolonged challenges of the plants in the Indian and overseas
pandemic induced market. As part of markets, including GCC and the US.
its commitment to foster a positive The company saw a 24 per cent y-o-y
and inclusive culture, iD Fresh will growth in FY 2020-2021 and hired
look at creating opportunities for 150 employees across functions,
diverse sections of the society with including leadership positions,
its hiring. The pioneering fresh food during the pandemic.

VegEase launches OZiva strengthens
grocery cart-at-home
service in Haryana & UP position plant based

VegEase, the country’s only cart-at-home e-grocery startup, nutrition market
is launching its services in Uattar Pradesh (UP) and Haryana
including Manesar, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida. VegEase In a revolutionary bid to extend better health,
is evaluating neighbourhood cart placement locations in these Mumbai-based startup OZiva has announced
cities in UP and Haryana to offer the premium cart-at-home the launch of three new products: ACV
service. The startup has already begun delivery of fruits and Matcha, HerComfort, and Immunity Multi
vegetables in this region, and will shortly introduce exotic as that promise to cater to varying needs to
well as organic produce. The cart-at-home model has seen the consumers like weight loss, women’s
tremendous success health and immunity, respectively. With these
in NCR as VegEase, launches, the brand which has been at the
with customer base forefront of introducing innovative nutrition
doubling in just one products aims to broaden its offerings and
month, in April 2021, reach out to a larger audience. With the
and is growing at the addition of HerComfort which helps manage
rate of 100 per cent abnormal vaginal discharge, the startup is
every month. VegEase catering yet another widespread condition
is committed to giving less spoken about. Immunity Multi and ACV
back the power of Matcha caters to categories that have been
choice to the consumer growing rapidly over the past year. The
in e-commerce of fruits initial trials have garnered great response
and vegetables. With the cart-at-home model, consumers can and OZiva hopes to replicate the same
order online, and then choose the fresh produce from the cart from the larger market too. Immunity Multi
at their preferred time. This increases the complexity of logistics provides a proprietary blend of plant-based
of fruits and vegetables delivery, and VegEase is ramping up vitamins and minerals that makes the body
warehousing and will soon be opening more dark stores to better equipped to fight pathogens, while
reduce the TAT of delivery and other aspects of supply chain ACV Matcha improves regulation of blood
management to facilitate this. glucose levels and enhances healthy weight
management with the help of Apple Cider
Vinegar.

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

GAIN launches Global consumer brands
knowledge unveil world’s first
platform ‘Food enzymatically recycled bottles
Action Cities’
The promise of endlessly recycled PET plastic is one step closer, as the
The Global Alliance for Improved Consortium – Carbios, L’Oréal, Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo and Suntory Beverage
Nutrition (GAIN), along with the & Food Europe – has announced the successful production of the world’s
Milan Urban Food Policy Pact first food-grade PET plastic bottles produced entirely from enzymatically
(MUFPP), and RUAF (Resource recycled plastic. Each Consortium company has successfully manufactured
Centre on Urban Agriculture
and Forestry), is launching Food sample bottles – based on Carbios’ enzymatic PET
Action Cities. It is a knowledge recycling technology – for some of their leading
platform where cities can share products including: Biotherm, Perrier, Pepsi Max and
experiences, resources, and Orangina. By adapting this enzyme, Carbios has fine-
inspiration, and connect with tuned the technology and optimised this enzyme
each other’s journeys towards to break down any kind of PET plastic (regardless of
sustainable, resilient food colour or complexity) into its building blocks, which
systems that advance equitable can then be turned back into like-new, virgin-quality
access to improved nutrition. plastic. Carbios’ patented enzymatic PET recycling
The online Food Action Cities process enables a wide variety of PET plastics to be
platform contains over 70 recycled into virgin quality, food-grade rPET. PET
case studies of actions that plastics that would otherwise go to waste or be incinerated, can now be
have been implemented in brought back into a continuous circular system of recycling. And this can
cities, addressing accessibility, be achieved at high speed – breaking down 97 per cent of plastic in just 16
affordability, utilisation, food hours – 10,000 times more efficient than any biological plastic recycling trial
safety, and desirability of healthy to date. Together, these brands will work to scale this innovation to help
food, as well as initiatives meet the global demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
to strengthen coordination
around healthier diets. It also New commitment to reduce added
includes articles from experts sugars in beverages across Europe
in urban food systems and
nutrition that give advice on UNESDA or the Union of European Soft Drinks Associations, representing
developing and implementing Europe’s soft drinks industry, has announced new and enhanced health
actions. The platform includes and nutrition commitments to continue to help Europeans manage their
good practices in urban food intake of added sugars from soft drinks. At a
systems governance, such time of evolving consumer preferences and
as integration of food and increasing public health expectations, these
nutrition in all relevant policies commitments are the industry’s contribution
and programmes, across city to making the healthier choice become the
government departments and easy choice under the umbrella of the EU
agencies; multi-stakeholder Farm to Fork Strategy and its code of conduct
engagement and alliances for responsible business and marketing
between city government, the practices. Amongst these commitments is
private sector, civil society, and the pledge to reduce average added sugars
others, for relevant, evidence- in soft drinks by another 10 per cent from
based interventions and greater 2019-2025 across the EU-27 and the UK. This
implementation capacity; and will represent a 33 per cent overall reduction in average added sugars over
synergistic use of multiple policy the last two decades, building on past sugar reduction milestones that the
instruments to address the same industry achieved from 2015 to 2019 (14.6 per cent reduction on average)
issue, to magnify the overall and from 2000 to 2015 (13.3 per cent reduction on average).
impact.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 19

smart foods
TURN HEALTHY

trendsetters
The food and beverage (F&B) industry is
Wellness, balanced diet and supplementary undergoing functional and structural changes
foods are a well-known panacea for many by becoming more focused on prevention of
ailments, with researchers and nutrition chronic diseases than simply maintaining health.
experts vouching for its efficacy and safety. With 'immunity-boosters' being established as a
separate food category owing to the pandemic,
Gone are the days of mindless 'pill-popping'. the future is calling for similar ‘smart’ categories
With innovative technology, combining emphasizing on different and specific health
the ancient wealth of knowledge from conditions such as mental well-being, proper
Ayurveda and transforming them into sleep, menstruation, healthy skin, etc. using natural
'Smart Foods' is the latest trend in the ingredients.
unending quest to optimal health and
Consequently, we are seeing a number of young
managing ailments associated with a fast- minds coming up with smart ways to use natural and
paced, and more often, unhealthy lifestyle. convenient food ingredients packed either in the form of
The future belongs to effective Smart Foods novel recipes, supplements, snacks or beverages. These
young entrepreneurs are setting in new trends of food
that are not only convenient to consume, and beverage based products which were never heard of
but also mimic the 'lifestyle foods' that have earlier. In fact, when the importance of good immunity
became a realization last year, the market got flooded
become the mainstay. Of lately, we are with hundreds of immunity boosters where a majority
seeing a number of young minds coming was contributed by the startups in comparison to the
established F&B players.
up with smart ways to use natural and
convenient food ingredients packed either But of course the development of such smart and
in the form of novel recipes, supplements, specific foods using natural ingredients require extensive
snacks or beverages exploring less-touched R&D, scientific backing and investment. Further, building
segments such as women’s health, protein consumer awareness and trust are other factors to be
sufficiency, nourishing nibbles and ready- taken into consideration before such new generation
products carve out a niche for themselves in the Indian
to-drink mixes. As the list continues, we market.
cannot help wondering what more is
in store in this space of healthy smart “For the creation of the concept of smart foods, a
more complex and sophisticated processing mechanism
food category in the future. The entry of is necessary. Thereby, there is a need for insight into the
numerous startups in this segment clearly science of these food materials. Moreover, the functional
ingredients of this type of food can vary depending upon
indicates that this trend is here to stay. the consumer's demand. Also, the bioactive compounds

20 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“For the creation of the
concept of smart foods,
a more complex
and sophisticated
processing mechanism
is necessary. Thereby, there is a

need for insight science of these

food materials.” Raj Sahetiya

- Dr Vaibhav V. Goud Senior Business Director
Human Nutrition & Health, South Asia, DSM, Mumbai
Professor, Department of
Through collaborations and
Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati partnerships, one can scale the
advocacy of healthy ingredients
“We have launched critical
products specifically Fueled by the rapid growth in population, the
formulated for the prevalence of chronic diseases in India has
urban Indian woman. been rising at an alarming rate. Studies have
Each gummy is indicated that about 75 million people above 60 in
manufactured using state-of- India suffer from some chronic disease and around
30 per cent of the working age population between
the-art German processes and 15 and 64 years of age have at least one illness.

expert know-how, without any artificial colour or It has been indicated that the pre-existing
chronic conditions in people can heighten their
flavours.” susceptibility as well as grade of presentation of
COVID-19. These associations revealed between
- Ananya Kejriwal Agarwal the chronic diseases and COVID-19 has put focus on
healthy living for all age groups. As consumers now
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, have a more mindful and preventative approach to

Nyumi, Mumbai are sensitive to processing and environmental factors. To
enhance the stability and effectiveness of the bioactive
“The micronutrients and compound in the food system, more knowledge on the
other extracts in our science of the bioactive compound as well as operational
latest product are procedures are required”, says Dr Vaibhav V. Goud,
medically proven Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian
to help reduce Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati.
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Nevertheless, the millennials have started bringing
discomfort in women.” a variety of smart and innovative products into the
market with extensive marketing strategies in place,
- Divij Bajaj keeping good health of the consumers as the top
priority.
Chief Executive Officer & Founder,
“Gen Z is the new wellness consumer who
Power Gummies, New Delhi appreciates the goodness of natural and organic health
alternatives. One such option is Ayurveda. There is a lot
“Women’s health has of potential in introducing the new generation to the
always been an holistic living methods of Ayurveda, which not only cures
important category the root cause of ailments but also provides a holistic
for us where we have approach to staying healthy”, says Nikhil Maheshwari,
targeted offerings Directors of Operations, Maheshwari Pharmaceuticals
like HerBalance PCOS and India, Ghaziabad.

HerBalance Menopause and

HerComfort.”

- Aarti Gill

Co-founder, OZiva, Mumbai

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

take care of their health, building immunity against “62.8 per cent of Indian
infection will be the new mantra. In such a scenario, consumers are likely to
targeted health solutions would be key. Immunity regularly buy plant-
supplements would continue to see an uptick and based meats but only
lifestyle health would be of new concern. if they are able to match
the taste of conventionally
This needs newer thinking, newer models and
newer technologies that can initiate change at produced meats like chicken and
the base level. The industry would need to cope
with the ever-changing consumer demands and mutton.”
create solutions for healthier diets while fostering
sustainable food systems, which would require - Varun Deshpande
more investment in science & technology.
Managing Director, The Good
The industry needs to employ scientific
expertise and innovation power to solve Food Institute India, Mumbai
everything from malnutrition to sugar reduction
in dairy products, to healthy aging, to vitamins “An in-depth research
for new pharmaceutical therapies, to skin cancer conducted by
prevention. IIT - Bombay
amongst a group of
Consumer awareness of functional food underprivileged children
ingredients is key to making healthy food choices. from suburban slums in Mumbai
Motivation to maintain a healthy and nutritious has indicated major deficiencies in
diet can propel consumers to understand the the intake of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”
benefits of the ingredients used in foods. Most
of the scientific ingredients are developed with - Herjit Bhalla
a prevention propensity of diseases. This needs Vice President India and AEMEA
awareness of the need for a healthier diet even (Asia Europe Middle East Africa),
before advocating the benefits of ingredients used. The Hershey Company, Mumbai
Through collaborations and partnerships, one can
scale the advocacy of healthy ingredients. “The USP of our
turmeric latte
Giving attention to women’s health is Lakadong
Every month, the majority of women go through turmeric, which
hormonal changes that affect their health, skin, hair, the company
fitness and mind, but till recently there have been sources from
no good products for her. There has been a lack of
conversations and solutions available so far. Adding a ray Meghalaya.”
of hope, few startups have lately brought in a new trend
by developing specific products for women. - Sheeza Kazmi

For instance, Mumbai-based startup Nyumi, incepted Co-Founder Rooted Peepul, New Delhi
in 2020, has launched critical products specifically
formulated for the urban Indian woman. Nyumi is the “The shift towards RTD
first company to address the specific issues of nutrient has encouraged
deficiencies in Indian women through products that the beverage
blend Indian herbs and western ingredients in the form manufacturers to
of vegan, gluten and allergen-free gummies. The initial re-evaluate their
product portfolio targets the most prevalent women- innovation strategies and
centric issues: immunity, hair, skin, sleep and urinary
tract wellness. explore options to diversify their

Providing more information about these products, portfolios.”
Ananya Kejriwal Agarwal, Co-founder & Chief Executive
Officer, Nyumi, Mumbai says, “Each gummy is - Shagun Sachdeva

Project Manager-Innovation,

GlobalData, Hyderabad

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

“1 out of 2 women manufactured using state-of-the-art German processes
in India suffer from and expert know-how, without any artificial colour or
anaemia. Our new flavours. They are designed to help a woman strike a
product is specifically balance between urban lifestyle and self-care with an
formulated to combat offering that is easy to understand and integrate into
iron deficiency in women and their busy, hectic lives as a habit of choice, in line with
the philosophy of the company itself. Our gummies
has 100 per cent RDA of iron, blend time-tested Indian herbs such as amla, haldi and
tulsi with western nutrients like biotin and hyaluronic
Vit C, Vit B9 and B12 along acid.“

with 8 grains.” Further, revolutionising the way women manage
menstrual health, New Delhi-based startup Power
- Murugan Narayanaswamy Gummies, established in 2018, has launched a unique
variant of its popular gummies called ‘That Time of
Chief Executive Officer, The Month Gummies’. These are aimed at encouraging
women to take care of their menstrual and hormonal
Southern Health Foods, Chennai health.

“Our prebiotic “These are beneficial in controlling anxiety, easing
chocolate contains premenstrual syndrome’s depressant effects while
natural prebiotic decreasing hormonal acne and improving reproductive
fibers which stimulate health. The product has ingredients such as Vitamin C,
healthy gut bacteria Vitamin B6, Magnesium Sulphate, Passion Flower Extract,
and therefore improves gut Citrus Bioflavonoids, Milk Thistle Extract and Chasteberry
Extract. The micronutrients and other extracts are
health.” medically proven to help reduce premenstrual syndrome
(PMS) discomfort in women”, points out Divij Bajaj, Chief
- Harshavardhan Executive Officer & Founder, Power Gummies, New Delhi.

CEO & Co-Founder, Lil'Goodness, Bengaluru Mumbai-based startup OZiva, started in 2016, is
another player emphasizing on women’s health as a
“We aim to make key product area. Its recent offering called HerComfort
India protein rich supports vaginal health with proprietary blends
and nutritionally containing extracts of fennel seed, licorice root,
efficient with a anise, flax seeds and Ashwagandha which contains
product range that phytoestrogens (plant based estrogen). This supplement
is high on protein and helps prevent vaginal infections and improves vaginal
health.
energy.”
“Women’s health has always been an important
- Vijay Uttarwar category for us where we have targeted offerings
like HerBalance PCOS and HerBalance Menopause.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, With the addition of HerComfort which helps manage
abnormal vaginal discharge we are catering yet another
Naturell India, Mumbai widespread condition less spoken about”, says Aarti Gill,
Co-founder, OZiva, Mumbai.
“Although it is frequently
asserted that plants Adding to this list of women health-based products
provide ample is an older player from Chennai called Southern Health
nutrients like vitamins, Foods that has recently forayed into the women’s health
minerals, and fiber, it is drink space with the launch of Manna iStrong, an iron-
also a common misconception fortified multigrain instant drink mix for women.
that plant-protein is nutritionally
inferior to animal protein. This warrants “1 out of 2 women in India suffer from anaemia. Since
immediate correction and education.” the symptoms of anaemia are tiredness, breathlessness,
hair fall, pale skin and brittle nails etc., many women
- Dr Jagmeet Madan tend to ignore these symptoms as they are very
National President, common. But it can be overcome by intake of foods and

Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), Mumbai

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

Turning the potential of Smart Foods
into real benefits is not an easy task

Dr Sujeet Ranjan Governments need to promote agricultural
diversification, from a dietary and production
Executive Director, perspective. Dietary diversity is a cost-effective,
Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security, New Delhi affordable and sustainable smart food means of
eradicating hunger and malnutrition.
Smart Food is food that fulfills all criteria of
being good for us (nutritious and healthy); Increasing the availability of and access to
good for the planet (environmentally nutritious foods necessary for a healthy diet will
sustainable); and good for the farmer (climate help to close both the production and nutrition
smart, potential to increase yields, multiple uses). gaps. Turning the potential of Smart Foods into
For example, millets have been declared as Smart real benefits is not an easy task. It requires a
foods. Ancient grains like jowar, ragi, foxtail, bajra systems approach, multidisciplinary analysis,
and other minor millets are promising cereals multi-stakeholder consultation and cross-sectoral
that are nutritionally superior to major cereals coordination.
and serve as a good source of protein, high
dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and To achieve Zero Hunger, more attention needs
micronutrients. to be given to both production and consumption.
Identifying which species are appropriate is just
Over time, consumer choices for easy, an initial step from a food-system perspective.
processed, and convenience foods replaced How to create an enabling environment across
the traditional diets, beset by affordability and value chains – to promote sustainable production,
market availability, irrespective of socioeconomic processing, marketing and consumption of Smart
boundaries that has significantly contributed Food is essential to achieving Zero Hunger.
to the growing malnutrition and other non-
communicable diseases. India is facing the triple It is also important to develop capacity and
burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, obesity facilitate knowledge-sharing across states on how
and micronutrient deficiencies; the recent National to better harness the potential of smart foods
Family Health Survey (NFHS) - 5 data is a witness to for Zero Hunger, and to build on the valuable
it with almost stagnant malnutrition rates. experience gained in the country. It is now time
to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge
Adopting a Smart Food approach can tackle that we have accumulated on neglected and
some of the biggest challenges simultaneously, underutilized species so that we can develop more
including malnutrition and other diet-related sustainable, nutrition-dense, climate-resilient and
health issues, rural poverty, and adaptation to and diversified food systems. The evidence is at hand.
mitigation of climate change. To have the greatest We need to act promptly and collectively
impact, Smart Food must be mainstreamed as
staples in global diets to complement today’s three Since COVID-19 has alarmingly affected our
most consumed crops: rice, wheat, and maize. food system, we need a different narrative which
captures not only the role of food in nourishing
our bodies, but also the connections between
agriculture, environment, and farmers’ livelihoods.
A focused effort towards a food movement that is
accessible to all, from the rural poor and growing
urban populations can set the wheels in motion
for a smarter food system. It is now time to take
advantage of the wealth of knowledge that has
been accumulated on neglected and underutilized
crops so as to develop more sustainable, nutrition-
dense, climate-resilient and diversified food
systems.

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

“Numerous studies have combined it with premium dark and milk chocolate to
proven that alkaline create products that come with functional benefits.
water is associated
with weight loss and Moving along is Bengaluru-based startup
detoxification of the Lil'Goodness, founded in 2018, that has launched India’s
body because of its improved first prebiotic chocolate. It contains fibres that activate
pH balance. It plays a vital role in healthy bacteria in the gut and improve the absorption
preventing and reversing metabolic disorders.” of essential vitamins and minerals, therefore promoting
better immunity and good health.
- Vaibhav Garg
Clinical and Sports Nutritionist and “The prebiotic chocolate contains natural prebiotic
fibers which stimulate healthy gut bacteria and therefore
Founder, Purecise, Gurugram improves gut health. The chocolates contain 10 per cent
less sugar than regular milk chocolates and three times
“There is a lot of potential more fiber than regular milk-chocolates. We want to help
in introducing the new both children and adults incorporate healthy choices
generation to the into their lives easily”, says Harshavardhan, CEO & Co-
holistic living methods Founder, Lil'Goodness, Bengaluru.
of Ayurveda, which
not only cures the root cause The startup has also recently launched B12 jaggery
of ailments but also provides a sachets which aim to address the problem of vitamin
holistic approach to staying healthy.” B12 deficiency among the Indian population. On a
similar line, Kolhapur-based startup Elixir Ingredients,
- Nikhil Maheshwari established in 2016, has developed spiced jaggery that
Directors of Operations, combines the goodness of organic sugarcane with green
Maheshwari Pharmaceuticals India, Ghaziabad cardamom, ginger and A2 desi cow ghee, under the
brand name ArkaShastra.
supplements rich in iron and vitamins. Our new product
is specifically formulated to combat iron deficiency Another startup exploring the space of healthy
in women and has 100 per cent RDA of iron, Vit C, Vit snacks comes from Hyderabad, Fitsport Nutrition Food.
B9 and B12 along with 8 Grains such as Ragi, Bajra, It has launched its flagship product in the form of natural
Sorghum, Maize, Wheat, Quinoa, Black rice, Amaranth”, nutrition energy bars under the brand name Happy
says Murugan Narayanaswamy, Chief Executive Officer, Bar. Launched in 2019 by a bunch of health and food
Southern Health Foods, Chennai. enthusiasts, the brand has a predominant presence in
South India in the cities of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Snacking reinvented and Telangana. It has recently expanded to Pune and
Changing the way people look at the concept of snacks, Mumbai as well.
a number of young entrepreneurs are launching
innovative options to be munched in between meals Working on protein sufficiency
in a nourishing way. For example, Gurugram-based According to recent studies, over 90 per cent of the
startup Awsum, incepted in 2021, has developed Indian population is unaware of their ideal protein
India’s first Ayurveda-based intake requirements and as a result protein has become
chocolate. The startup has a highly misunderstood macronutrient. So, to set the
used the ancient wisdom country on the right path of protein sufficiency, a
of Ayurveda and number of companies have developed protein-rich

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

products for the masses. Latest new generation Smart Foods
For example, Mumbai-based FMCG brand Max
Company/ New gen smart Ingredients
Protein, owned by Naturell India, has launched protein Brand food products
peanut butter variety and protein cookies to enhance Nyumi, amla, haldi, tulsi, biotin
the consumption of protein in one’s diet. Mumbai gummies-based and hyaluronic acid
supplements for
“We have made products like protein bars, high Power women's general Vitamin C, B6,
protein chips, launched first in India by our firm and now Gummies, health Magnesium Sulphate,
protein cookies as well. The fact cannot be denied that New Delhi Passion Flower Extract,
everyone’s life is packed with so many routine activities gummies-based Citrus Bioflavonoids,
that even involve a lot of physical tasks. Therefore, supplements Milk Thistle Extract and
protein intake for sustained energy is important to carry for womens' Chasteberry Extract
out such activities. We aim to make India protein rich and menstrual health fennel seed, licorice
nutritionally efficient with a product range that is high root, anise, flax seeds
on protein and energy”, says Vijay Uttarwar, Founder & Oziva, supplements for and Ashwagandha
Chief Executive Officer, Naturell India, Mumbai. Mumbai women's vaginal iron, Vit C, Vit B9 and
health B12 and multi grains
With a similar objective of enhancing the protein Southern
consumption within consumers, Ludhiana-based startup Health iron-fortified cocoa solids, amla, giloi,
Kamree, incorporated in 2020, has launched a range of Foods, multigrain instant ashwagandha, clove,
protein-rich butters comprising of peanuts and almonds. Chennai drink mix for lemon balm, ginseng
women Fructo-Oligosaccharides
To top it all, Right To Protein, a national-level public Awsum, extracted from sources
health initiative has launched India’s first ‘Protein Day’ Gurugram ayurveda-based such as soy beans,
to draw public attention, raise awareness, and educate chocolate range papaya and citrus fruits
India on the health benefits of protein. Globally many 99.5% Jaggery powder
countries recognize February 27, as the Protein Day and Li'l prebiotic (Microencapsulated)
from 2020, India has also joined this movement. Goodness, chocolate
Bengaluru organic sugarcane
According to a nationwide study conducted by with green cardamom,
Right To Protein in 2020, nearly 76 per cent Indian Li'l B12 jaggery ginger and A2 desi cow
food purchase decision makers incorrectly believe that Goodness, spiced jaggery ghee
vegetarians have limited options of protein-rich food Bengaluru dates, jaggery, pumpkin
compared to non-vegetarians. Thus, the Right To Protein seeds, almonds, cow
Initiative adopted plant-based protein as the theme for ArkaShastra, ghee, sunflower seeds
Protein Day 2021 shining the spotlight on plant-based Kolhapur roasted peanuts, dark
sources of protein and encouraging citizens to know chocolate, tomato
more about different types of sources available for better Happy Bar, energy bar peanuts, almonds
nutrition and health. Hyderabad
plant-based meat
“Although it is frequently asserted that plants provide Max Protein, peanut butter
ample nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it is Mumbai range plant proteins,
also a common misconception that plant-protein is peanut butter micronutrients
nutritionally inferior to animal protein. This warrants Kamree, range
immediate correction and education,” says Dr Jagmeet Ludhiana plant-based meat lactose anf gluten free,
Madan, National President, Indian Dietetic Association toppings pizza soy milk
(IDA), Mumbai. Jubilant
FoodWorks, plant protein Lakadong turmeric,
One of the front-running concepts here is being led Noida fortified drink Sri Lankan Cinnamon,
by the introduction of plant-based meat products in Green Cardamom,
Hershey dairy-free plant- Nutmeg, Clove
the market lately. Domino’s India, operated by India, based milk
Mumbai
spice blended
Life Health lattes
Foods,
Mumbai

Rooted
Peepul, New
Delhi

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

Jubilant FoodWorks, has launched a pizza with plant- mixes and artisanal spice blends.
based meat toppings, as a first. The ‘Unthinkable Pizza’ is Sheeza Kazmi, Co-Founder Rooted Peepul, New
topped with a 100 per cent plant-based protein mince.
It is being launched in a pilot across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Delhi shares, “The USP of our turmeric latte is Lakadong
and Bengaluru, in an attempt to conduct further testing turmeric, which the company sources from Meghalaya
of the market. and mixes with other premium spices like Sri Lankan
Cinnamon, Green Cardamom, Nutmeg, Clove, etc. A
“The sector of plant-based meats is soaring globally, few blends have Indian traditional superfoods like
with research showing $2.1 billion in investments in Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Licorice, etc. which have multiple
2020, three times as much as in 2019. Consumer research health benefits.”
reveals that the plant-based meat category could find
broad acceptance with consumers in India, with 62.8 per Adding on, Coca-Cola recently launched RTD spiced
cent of Indian consumers being very likely to regularly buttermilk under its VIO brand to woo the Indian
buy plant-based meats but only if they are able to match customers with ‘desi’ flavours. And in the juice category,
the taste of conventionally produced meats like chicken Hamdard Laboratories has launched a unique fusion
and mutton”, says Varun Deshpande, Managing Director, of RoohAfza with real fruit juices in a convenient RTD,
The Good Food Institute India, Mumbai. tetrapak format for the Indian market.

Vouching similar thoughts is Hershey India that has “The beverage industry has witnessed a significant
recently launched Sofit Plus, a plant protein-fortified shift in the purchasing preferences of consumers in India,
drink. Designed to meet the nutritional needs of with steady rise and strong inclination towards ready-
underprivileged kids, the drink has been developed by to-drink (RTD) beverages. This shift has encouraged
Hershey India in collaboration with the Indian Institute beverage manufacturers to re-evaluate their innovation
of Technology (IIT)-Bombay, Sion Hospital and an NGO strategies and explore options to diversify their
Annamrita, both based in Mumbai. portfolios”, says Shagun Sachdeva, Project Manager-
Innovation, GlobalData, Hyderabad.
Commenting on this development, Herjit Bhalla,
Vice President India and AEMEA (Asia Europe Middle Alkaline water consumption is another new trend
East Africa), The Hershey Company, Mumbai says, “The hitting the RTD segment. A recent example fitting
product is a result of an in-depth research conducted by perfectly here is Alkaline Pure launched by Gurugram-
IIT- Bombay amongst a group of underprivileged children based startup Purecise, incorporated in 2019.
(within the age group of 6-18 years) from suburban slums
in Mumbai. The research revealed startling data such as 30 “According to the World Health Organisation; minerals
per cent of the kids are below normal BMI of which 18 per are absorbed 30 per cent faster and easier from water than
cent are thin, 11 per cent are severely thin and 0.9 per cent they are from food. Since, the human body comprises
are underweight. It further indicated major deficiencies 70 per cent water; consuming alkaline water can be
in the intake of carbohydrates, fats and proteins amongst extremely beneficial for the body. Numerous studies have
children. Calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, proven that alkaline water is associated with weight loss
Zinc and Iron deficiencies were also highlighted through and detoxification of the body because of its improved pH
dietary recall and analysis.” balance. It plays a vital role in preventing and reversing
metabolic disorders. Drinking alkaline water can also help
Mumbai based Life Health Foods is following a similar athletes perform and recover better as it improves their
trend by launching its new brand So Good protein+, hydration process”, says Vaibhav Garg, Clinical and Sports
dairy-free plant-based milk. With 25 per cent more Nutritionist and Founder, Purecise, Gurugram.
protein than regular soy milk and toned dairy milk, So
Good Protein+ is gluten and lactose-free. Not to mention, Bengaluru-based startup Salud
Beverages, started in 2020, is arriving as a game-changer
Experimenting with RTD segment in the RTD market targeting a much wider bracket of the
The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) segment is surely on the rise alcohol drinking demographic. The brand has launched
for the new generation with many different beverage the first ever ready-to-drink gin & tonic in India.
options entering the market recently. As mentioned
above, the launch of So Good Protein+ and Sofit Plus is As the list continues, we cannot help wondering
strengthening the segment further. what more is in store in this space of healthy smart food
category in the future. The entry of numerous startups
Following suite is New Delhi-based startup Rooted in this segment clearly indicates that this trend is here
Peepul, incorporated in 2021, that has launched a range to stay. And it will only be a matter of time when the big
of healthy milk lattes and water-based elixirs. The range food and pharma giants will be turning their investments
of products include turmeric latte mixes, turmeric elixir towards this side.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in ALTERNATIVEMEDICINES 27

Cut down Tall Claims
of ‘Miracle Cures’
Many misleading claims or controversies around Ayurvedic drugs or alternative medicines to combat
COVID-19 are stemming from the fact that people everywhere are becoming increasingly fixated on their
immune systems. It is high time a check-point is imposed on such activities so that some unscrupulous
manufacturers could be prevented from exploiting the situation with their own versions of ‘immunity’ drugs.

The debate around the misleading claims of antiviral therapy by inhibiting viral entry into host/
Patanjali’s tri-herbal formulation Coronil in curing target cells. Coronil is formulated based on the principles
COVID-19 took a new turn recently when the Delhi of Ayurveda, which has been used to treat respiratory
high court issued summons to Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev ailments with symptoms overlapping with those of
on a suit by Delhi Medical Association (DMA) stating COVID-19. It contains extracts of Withania somnifera,
that Ramdev's company Patanjali is propagating false Tinospora cordifolia, and Ocimum sanctum. The ability
information about its Coronil kit that it is a cure for the of Coronil to inhibit ACE-2 and S protein interaction was
coronavirus disease. In addition, the police have also assessed through an ELISA based assay. Once it was
filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the Patanjali established that Coronil could remarkably inhibit the
owner. interaction of ACE-2 and S proteins biochemically, we
analysed its capacity to prohibit entry of SARS-CoV-2
Further, the Uttarakhand unit of the Indian Medical
Association (IMA) has opposed the inclusion of Coronil Alternative medicines
in the COVID-19 kit of the Uttarakhand government. The for COVID-19 under scanner
doctors' body has emphasised that Coronil is recognised  Coronil (Patanjali Ayurved)
as a food supplement by the Ayush Ministry and not as  Aayudh Advance (Shukla Ashar Impex)
a drug or medicine as claimed by Ramdev. The doctors  Aspidosperma Q 20
have also been raising concern over the free distribution  Krishnapatnam Herbal Medicine
of Coronil to COVID-19 patients by the Haryana
government lately.

This reaction comes at a time when the association
is at loggerheads with Ramdev over his disparaging
comments on modern medicine. This is followed by the
IMA serving a Rs 1,000 crore defamation notice on the
Yoga Guru for his alleged remarks against allopathy and
allopathic doctors.

“Besides being an internationally adorned yoga guru,
he is a corporate giant of a pharmaceutical unit and
has made several false acquisitions about his company
products time and again to mislead the public. The
controversies on coronil are well known facts to all”, says
Prof. Dr J A Jayalal, National President, Indian Medical
Association (IMA), Kanyakumari.

Adding to this controversy is the recent approval
of the research publication on the benefits of Coronil
submitted by the Drug Discovery and Development
Division of Patanjali Research Institute, in the Journal of
Inflammation Research by UK-based Dove Medical Press.

“Coronil has been evaluated for its efficacy as an

28 ALTERNATIVEMEDICINES NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“Besides being an S protein pseudotyped viruses into human alveolar
internationally adorned epithelial A549 cells, expressing ACE-2. We also evaluated
yoga guru, Baba the effect of Coronil in ameliorating SARS-CoV-2 S
Ramdev has made protein- and pseudovirus-induced cytokine response
several false acquisitions in human alveolar epithelial cells”, explains Anurag
about his company products Varshney, Vice President and Head - Drug Discovery and
Development, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar.
time and again to mislead the
Tall claims
public.” But this is not the only story revolving around misleading
claims of an Ayurvedic medicine for treating COVID-19.
- Prof. Dr. J.A. Jayalal Around April, Gujarat food and drug regulator issued a
notice, acting upon a letter from the Ministry of Ayush,
National President, to a Rajkot-based ayurvedic drug maker, Shukla Ashar
Impex for misleading claims on its product as a cure for
Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kanyakumari COVID-19.

“Coronil has been According to Deap Shukla, Managing Director,
evaluated for its Shukla Ashar Impex, Rajkot, “Aayudh Advance is a liquid
efficacy as an formulation comprising 21 different types of plant-based
antiviral therapy extracts. Ayurvedic scriptures report these ingredients to
by inhibiting viral be effective and safe to be used for human consumption.
entry into host or target These curative medicinal ingredients are processed
using Quantum technology and Colloidal Sciences and
cells.” are broken down to angstrom-sized. This makes them
far more effective. After just four days of treatment with
- Anurag Varshney Aayudh Advance, it successfully and effectively reduced
the viral load in the patients, without any reported side
Vice President and Head - effects.”

Drug Discovery and Development, In response to these claims, the Ayush Ministry
has pointed out grave misconduct on the part of the
Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar company regarding drug formulation related claims.
Citing the Ayurvedic rule book, the Ministry said that the
“After just four days of formulation was violating Section 33 EEB which puts a
treatment with Aayudh particular drug in ‘Misbranded, Adulterated and Spurious
Advance, it successfully Drug’ category.
and effectively reduced
the viral load in the In this series of controversial claims came another
patients, without any reported candidate in April stating that homoeopathy medicine
Aspidosperma Q 20 can be taken as a substitute
side effects.” when oxygen levels fall. Rubbishing this statement,
the Ministry of Ayush took to Twitter soon after and
- Deap Shukla clarified that social media posts making such claims are
absolutely false.
Managing Director, Shukla Ashar Impex, Rajkot
It was further clarified that Aspidosperma Q20 is
“Even with a perfect diet, simply a homoeopathy remedy that is used to treat
the combination of health issues associated with the respiratory system. The
multiple contributing medicine is beneficial for those who suffer from asthma
factors such as and influenza. This remedy cannot be considered as a
depleted soils, genetic substitute for medical oxygen which is required by those
alterations, increased stress infected with the coronavirus.
etc make it impossible for us to
attain the necessary amount of vitamins and Around sometime in May, thousands of people
minerals solely from the foods we eat.” thronged Krishnapatnam village in Andhra Pradesh's
Nellore district for an ayurveda treatment promising to
- Mugdha Pradhan cure COVID-19. This Krishnapatnam herbal medicine had
Founder & Functional Nutritionist,

ThriveFNC, Pune

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in ALTERNATIVEMEDICINES 29

hit the headlines when hundreds of people claimed that “People often want to
they have fully recovered from the disease after taking take the easy way out,
the drug. and realising this,
the industry uses
Soon after, the government officials started emotional advertising
conducting investigation regarding the medicine and branding techniques to
preparation by Bonigi Anandaiah, an ayurvedic
practitioner from the port town of Krishnapatnam. The showcase their products as
state government subsequently roped in experts from
the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences ‘miraculous’.”
(CCRAS) to study the composition of the medicine being
distributed by Anandaiah. After the experts found that - Lavleen Kaur
the medicine has no side effects or harmful content,
they allowed the distribution in the area. However, the Co-founder & Dietician, Diet Insight, Chandigarh
government has cautioned the public to not discontinue
administration of other medicines for COVID-19 soils, the storage and transportation of our food, genetic
treatment. alterations, and the increased stress and nutritional
demands resulting from a toxic environment – make
Choosing Ayurveda over Allopathy? it impossible for us to attain the necessary amount
These fake claims or controversies around of vitamins and minerals solely from the foods we
ayurvedic drugs or alternative medicines to
combat COVID-19 stems from the fact that eat”, points out Mugdha Pradhan, Founder &
people everywhere are becoming increasingly Functional Nutritionist, ThriveFNC, Pune.
fixated on their immune systems. As a result,
companies and government officials are Word of Caution
pushing ayurvedic products in the name Considering the fact that it is not possible to
of better or stronger immunity. Owing to
such pushes, pharmaceutical and FMCG acquire better immunity overnight and it is
companies manufacturing ayurvedic dependent on a person’s daily food habits,
products have been able to substantially regimen, exercise routine, mental health
increase their turnover since the last year. and emotions, depending majorly on
supplements or taking them in excess may
For instance, many products that not be regarded as a wise decision.
include the ‘immunity’ tag are available “People often want to take the easy
over the counter at allopathic pharmacies way out, and realizing this, the industry
across India. In fact, some pharmacies have uses emotional advertising and branding
devoted a separate shelf for such products. techniques to showcase their products as
While this popularity and acceptance of ‘miraculous’. The supplement industry is
Ayurveda is soaring high in our country notoriously known to make misleading
owing to the current pandemic, one claims to fuel business due to a lack of
does wonder about the scientific basis stringent regulations. You can’t be sure that
of the individual ingredients present in the ingredient list on a product is authentic.
these products. One also tends to debate whether Food provides many bioactive compounds
supplements can ever replace the goodness of real food
for a healthy lifestyle and strong immunity. and dietary fiber that typically aren’t found
in supplements. Besides, there’s also a placebo
“If there is one question that’s popping on everyone’s effect to taking supplements - people feel healthier if
mind right now is, whether it is possible to obtain all they believe they are doing something for their health”,
the essential nutrients from one’s diet or is there a says Lavleen Kaur, Co-founder & Dietician, Diet Insight,
need for health supplements? If you are eating a fresh Chandigarh.
and healthy diet consisting of whole and unprocessed While the COVID-19 pandemic has easily
foods; getting an abundant supply of vitamins, minerals, overwhelmed the healthcare system of our country, a
antioxidants, and other nutrients shouldn’t be that hard. similar impact is being observed in case of the numerous
Well, it seems things are more complicated than you ayurveda products flooding the market. It is high time
imagine! Even with a perfect diet, the combination of a check-point is imposed on such activities so that the
multiple contributing factors – including our depleted manufacturers can stop exploiting the situation with
their own versions of ‘immunity’ drugs.

Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

30 EXPORTS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Untapped potential of
Indian processed foods export

Currently India is the 14th largest exporter in the world with only two per cent share in global export of food
products. There is significant potential for India to export to the top 10 largest global markets. Processed
foods exports is seeing an upward trend YoY, but the majority of exports from India are dominated by low
value added food products (raw material/ semi-processed) (69 per cent) compared to Mexico (50 per cent),
China (48 per cent), Germany (28 per cent) and Netherlands (41 per cent)

India’s food processing industry has seen tremendous Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), quality infrastructure
growth over the years. According to KPMG (May 2021), for modern food processing is being developed across
Indian food processing industry report the global food the country with grants from the Government of India.
processing industry stands at $1.7 trillion. India’s food India’s export of processed food products has witnessed
processing market stands at $263 billion and is expected a growth of 26.51 per cent in rupee terms during April-
to grow to $535 billion by 2025. India is a food surplus February (2020-21), compared to the same period during
country and the country is capable of supplying globally. the previous year (2019-20).
There is tremendous untapped potential that needs to
be harnessed. The total value of export of processed products was
Rs 43,798 crore during April-February 2021 as per quick
Currently India is the 14th largest exporter in the estimates, of which oil meals exports stand at Rs 11,471
world with only two per cent share in global export of crore. The overall exports of oil meals during April-May
food products. There is significant potential for India to
export to the top 10 largest global markets. Processed
foods exports is seeing an upward trend year-on-
year (YoY), but the majority of exports from India are
dominated by low value added food products (raw
material/ semi-processed) (69 per cent) compared to
Mexico (50 per cent), China (48 per cent), Germany (28
per cent) and Netherlands (41 per cent).

The Indian food processing industry comprises six
key sub-segments: dairy, meat and marine, cereals,
grains and oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, beverages
(non-alcoholic) and packaged food. The industry
consists of six major sub-segments. Packaged foods
followed by cereals, grains and oilseeds are the highest
contributors to the overall gross value added (GVA) of
the industry.

Government initiatives
As per the Indian food processing industry report (May
2021), India’s exports to China, Iran and Bangladesh
have grown by 62 per cent, 41 per cent and 22 per cent
year-on-year (YoY) respectively. Exports to the UAE and
Vietnam have declined by 6.8 per cent and 19 per cent
(YoY) respectively. India’s exports form a major share of
food products imported by Nepal, Iran and Bangladesh.

The food processing industry has seen a positive
impact which has been led by the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries (MOFPI). Under Pradhan Mantri

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EXPORTS 31

2021 is reported at 531,700 tonnes, South Korea being a Value of exports of
major importer, importing 179,115 tonnes of oil meals. processed food products

Besides PMKSY, the government has announced April-February (2020-21)
Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing
Industry (PLISFPI) to support creation of global food Products "Qty In MTs" Value Rs Crore
manufacturing champions commensurate with India’s
natural resource endowment and support Indian brands Pulses 255415 1828
of food products in the international markets with an
outlay of Rs 10900 crore. The first component of PLISFPI Processed 335229 2846
relates to incentivising manufacturing of four major Vegetables
food product segments namely ready to cook/ ready to
eat (RTC/ RTE) foods including millets based products, Processed 485181 4666
processed fruits & vegetables, marine products, Fruits & Juices
mozzarella cheese.
Groundnuts 589658 4911
While initiatives have been taken to augment the
food processing infrastructure, more needs to be done Guar Gum 210712 1742
to scale up infrastructure across various segments such
as dairy, fisheries, etc. to utilise the full potential of the Cereals 366595 4261
industry. In addition, there are significant opportunities Preparations
in storage and supply chain infrastructure-cold
chain logistics, smart logistics etc. To ensure a faster Cocoa Products 23432 1006
augmentation/up-gradation of quality infrastructure
in line with industry requirements, government Milled Products 356721 1382
partnerships with private players through appropriate
PPP models should be considered. Alcoholic Beverages 230738 2265

Misc 5679
Processed Items

Oil Meals 11471

Total 43798

Source: PIB

Challenges with dairy exports
The dairy industry is booming, with a positive impact on
dairy products export. Dr RS Sodhi, Managing Director,
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, Ltd
(Amul), Anand opined that India’s food production is
more than $550 billion out of which dairy itself is $110
billion and at this growth rate dairy industry will become
$200 billion in the next ten years. “Currently we are
producing 21 per cent of the world's milk, in ten years we
will be producing one-third of the world’s milk in India
and that too by 100 million farmers. India can become
the dairy to the world because of the government and
policy makers' intention to provide jobs in the rural
areas, sustainable and we know in agriculture, crop
sustainability is the problem because there are subsidies,
in dairy there are no subsidies,” he added.

India has a geographical advantage, as all
neighbouring countries are milk deficient (Pakistan,
Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South-East
countries, Middle-East countries, Russia, China). India
needs to find a solution to reach these countries and that
is where the policy makers need to take initiatives.

“Ten biggest dairy importing countries don’t import
from India even after paying full duties. India imports
more than 5000 tonnes of dairy products every year,
till now in the last 40 years these countries have not
imported dairy products from India. None of the dairy
surplus countries allow free trade or concession rate

32 EXPORTS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Source: KPMG Source: KPMG

while importing dairy products from other countries. We that want to do sampling and testing of our products and
also need to address long term policy because in exports therefore exporting out of India is not an easy proposition.
market development takes time,” added Dr Sodhi. So there are quite a few challenges out there needless to
say cost of production is one of them, which is quite a big
With global trade improving and rising demands, challenge as most of our goods are fairly expensive. Most
there is also a demand for Indian cuisine. Indian cuisine of the commodities suffer from either poor productivity
has been well received globally and its popularity is on on account of poor yields of poor variety being grown
the rise. MTR has been one of the pioneers in taking the or having fairly high amounts of pesticide residue which
Indian cuisine globally. actually get blocked by other countries. There is a lot of
work that we need to do to insure Indian exports from
Rise in demand of Indian ready to eat India becomes more and more competitive.”
Sanjay Sharma, CEO, MTR Foods Pvt Ltd, Bangalore
Urban, said, “We are trying to take Indian cuisine across Not only is India capable of exporting dairy products
the world. The largest market currently is the US with and ready to eat foods but also food grains. Basmati rice
42 per cent of the global market for Indian food. The has been well received globally due to its aroma and long
UK is another big market, the markets are pretty much grains. Basmati exports is valued at Rs 33,000 crore, it is
spread in the proportion that Indian diaspora is spread a very big part of the total agri export. Of the 500 million
across the world. The US is about 4.4 million immigrants, tonnes of rice consumed, basmati is only 10 million
the UK is about 3.5 million, then there is Africa and the tonnes. Future of rice as a commodity to be traded and
African sub-continent, South-East Asia and so is the exported is going to follow very different dynamics.
Middle-East having a fair amount of Indians out there.
These naturally tend to be the more attractive market. Expansion of basmati rice exports
The US has probably the most richest and wealthy Indian Vivek Chandra, CEO, Global Branded Business, LT Foods
immigrants and therefore represents a large share of Ltd, Delhi, said, “The biggest market for basmati is the
Indian ready to eat. Indian ready to eat is a relatively Middle-East. The Middle-East market is pretty much
underdeveloped market that is largely because brands saturated. The far east eats sticky rice. It leaves us with
haven’t invested in building these markets.” markets in Africa, Europe and the US. Africa is a very
price competitive and price sensitive market. So really it
There are various trade barriers that impact the is the US and the EU that we traditionally said that don’t
ease of doing business in global markets. Most of the consume basmati. The fact is that they consume about
food that MTR exports to European markets have ghee nine million tonnes of rice each year, of which basmati is
or paneer, which limits their exports as Europe doesn’t about 600,00 tonnes. Developing these markets is key,
import dairy products from India. and we’ve identified this as a big bag. Then we started
investing against that, acquired two brands, Royal in the
Sharma further stated, “While exporting from India US and 817 in Canada to start to build this”.
there are quite a few cross lines across various agencies
“Now, with these brands and Daawat, we have 50
per cent of the market share of North America. We
are now focused on expanding basmati consumption
to other ethnicities to the mainstream consumers as
we call them. Value added products go a long way
in building uniqueness in differentiation and also in
building resilient consumer demand. If India has to grow
in agri export and take a bigger share of the processed

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EXPORTS 33

India’s share of value- added products as compared to the developed economies and other “Ten biggest dairy
BRICS nations importing countries
don’t import from India
Source: KPMG even after paying full
duties. India imports
food category then we do have to move in value added more than 5000 tonnes of
products for basic commodities,” added Chandra.
dairy products every year, till
Food processing industry gaining momentum
Yogesh Bellani, CEO, FieldFresh Foods, Delhi mentioned, now in the last 40 years these countries have
“The Indian food processing industry is gradually moving
to maturity thanks to rising income prosperity, increasing not imported dairy products from India. None
customer aspirations and globalisation. The sector is
currently characterised with limited value addition and of the dairy surplus countries allow free trade or
low usage of technology with MSMEs accounting for
majority of market share. The cold chain infrastructure concession rate while importing dairy products
is nascent and with lesser shelf life of products coupled
with low margins, beverage companies (especially fruit from other countries. We also need to address
juice companies) are struggling to compete with the
unorganised sector. Further, with COVID-19, out of home long term policy because in exports market
consumption has suffered significant losses. Segments
such as hygiene, health & wellness, and immunity-based development takes time.”
products have seen increasing sales.”
- Dr RS Sodhi
He further stated, “India is a large source of raw
material as well as packaging material and this provides Managing Director, Gujarat Cooperative
a huge opportunity for it to become a ‘food factory’
to global supply chains especially for regions like Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Amul), Anand
Europe, Middle-East and Asia Pacific. However, there
are associated factors such as lower quality perception, “Being in the commodity
uncertainty on trade policies etc. which could pose a market is purely a
challenge for exports. Technology adoption can help function of price.
address quality and enhance value addition to achieve We cannot be a food
economies of scale for Indian producers, thus making the processing export
products competitive in the global market. Innovations player and just be working on
in products can help achieve scale to become successful the access of price because that
in a price sensitive market like India. Government is something that anybody can beat you, as
support by way of schemes for technology adoption there are surpluses in other parts of the country
and free trade agreement (FTA) revisions could further as well as other parts of the world.”
augment the potential that we have to offer.”
- Neel Kingston Jasper
More than just commodity exports Head of Finance & IT -
India’s potential is still untapped and there are several Foods Business Division, ITC, Chennai
challenges that need to be addressed if India is going
to become a global exporter of processed food. “There “We are now focused on
have been multiple challenges in various global markets expanding basmati
primarily on account of non tariff barriers. That is consumption to other
something that we have learnt in multiple ways when we ethnicities to the
mainstream consumers
as we call them. Value-added

products go a long way in

building uniqueness in differentiation and also

in building resilient consumer demand. If India

has to grow in agri export and take a bigger

share of the processed food category then we do

have to move in value-added products for basic

commodities.”

- Vivek Chandra

CEO, Global Branded Business,

LT Foods Ltd, Delhi

34 EXPORTS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“India is a large source of are dealing with commodities. Especially when we were
raw material as well as exporting rice, we found out that we can’t export to Iran
packaging material even though we are big exporters of rice and Iran is a big
and this provides a consumer of rice that we grow in the country, including
huge opportunity for the basmati variety. We just couldn’t enter the market due
it to become a ‘food factory’ to to non-tariff barriers,” observed Neel Kingston Jasper, Head
of Finance & IT - Foods Business Division, ITC, Chennai.
global supply chains especially
“Being in the commodity market is purely a function
for regions like Europe, Middle-East and Asia of price. We cannot be a food processing export player
and just be working on the access of price because that
Pacific. However, there are associated factors is something that anybody can beat you, as there are
surpluses in other parts of the country as well as other
such as lower quality perception, uncertainty on parts of the world,” concluded Jasper.

trade policies etc. which could pose a challenge Global exports have been low and are dominated by
low value-added products. The other issue is that Indian
for exports.” products cannot compete in the global market in terms
of price and quality. India needs to scale up production
- Yogesh Bellani with quality and cost effective products, meeting global
certification requirements.
CEO, FieldFresh Foods, Delhi
Harnessing the potential
“Most of the commodities India has the potential to export to the rest of the world
suffer from either but there are several challenges when it comes to global
poor productivity on trade. These bottlenecks are beyond organisations
account of poor yields control and policy makers need to take initiatives to
of poor variety being address these issues. Policy makers should negotiate
grown or having fairly high FTAs, lowering non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and expediting
implementation of remission of duties and taxes on
amounts of pesticide residue exported products (RoDTEP) scheme.

which actually get blocked by other countries. The PLI scheme can be the catalyst in enhancing
processing capacities to meet rising demands.
There is a lot of work that we need to do to Complimentary industries such as food ingredients,
food processing equipment, food logistics and
ensure Indian exports become more and more food packaging have huge potential. To enhance
competitiveness and meet the hygiene needs at a scale,
competitive.” the players especially MSMEs will require high quality
testing and certification infrastructure.
- Sanjay Sharma
A coordinated approach is the need of the hour for
CEO, MTR Foods Pvt Ltd, Bangalore Urban development of all segments of the food processing
industry taking into account opportunities in regional
preference, exports, quality management systems and
measures to enhance competitiveness of Indian products.
With MOFPI, Agricultural and Processed Food Products
Export Development Authority (APEDA), Marine Products
Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) supported by a Food
Processing Council (consisting of industry representatives)
working in tandem can boost the industry growth at
segment/ product level, tapping value added exports
and addressing issues and challenges – infrastructure
bottlenecks, quality bottlenecks etc.

Prabhat Prakash
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 35

“Electric Vehicles Swarup Bose,
to plug last mile
distribution gaps” Founder & Chief Executive Officer,
Celcius Logistics Solutions Pvt Ltd,

Mumbai

Established in November 2020, Mumbai-based cold scarce. Our modus operandi was to create an asset-
chain marketplace startup Celsius is working to light SaaS-based platform that would help cold chain
reinforce the cold-chain infrastructure in India. entities collaborate regardless of their bandwidth.
Though the cold chain industry has witnessed a huge With this even smaller shippers and transporters
transformation during the last few years, the COVID-19 would be able to use our platform to assist larger
lockdown has opened an array of hope for companies manufacturers. We check storage units of shippers
like Celsius, which could efficiently transport essential and fleets of transporters for Good Distribution
commodities of high priority such as dairy, seafood, and Practices (GDP) compliance and if they do not meet
fruits. It serves as a unique aggregator platform and the needs, we help them install technological devices
offers solutions for both reefer logistics and cold storage that would get them the clearance. Notably, we have
warehousing. Swarup Bose, Founder & Chief Executive seen tremendous growth in the past year.
Officer, Celcius Logistics Solutions Pvt Ltd, Mumbai
reveals more about the startup’s operations and plans, Where are your facilities located across India? Any
during an interaction with NuFFooDS Spectrum. plans to open new facilities in the country and
Edited excerpts; abroad?
We have gone from operating in Mumbai, to
What will be the sole purpose of the recent operating in 90 cities across India, and from only
fundraising by Celsius? connecting the major hubs in metro cities to Tier II
We were fortunate enough to raise about $500,000 and III cities. We have transporters working with us
as seed funding in May this year. We are thankful that come from over 60 cities and this helps us reach
to the institutional VCs that backed us up early on. the remote and rural parts of the country. We plan
MaGEhold, Keiretsu forum, EVAN, LUMIS partners, on opening four other offices across the country, in
Huddle, Mumbai Angels and a few others showed the North, North East, East and the South. This way,
confidence in our offerings. We are looking at using we can increase our reach to Tier II and III cities. Also,
the fund to expand our team and reach. Currently, we over the next three years, we are planning on growing
operate across 90 cities in India, but we aim to expand our domestic network, venturing into shipping, and
our operations to have a reach all over the country. connecting our network with other countries so we
We will also be using the funding to scale up our can facilitate the import and export of perishables
partner base and enhance our tech platform to make across the globe.
it more efficient with each update.
What plans have you drawn out for the next five
How does the business model at Celcius operates? years?
We started Celcius at the height of the lockdown We plan to grow and cover over 500 cities in the
in 2020 when the entire country was shut down. next two or three years while creating India’s largest
Transportation of essential commodities was of high last-mile delivery network. The services we offer will
priority during these times. We realised that creating cover everything from primary movement to the
a nationwide cold chain network was the need of last mile distribution, thereby providing a complete
the hour since the cold chain facilities available were cold chain solution. Our software operations too, are
set to evolve from transaction-based to completely

36 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

integrated TMS (Transportation Management System) close to 2 lakhs whereas the infrastructure available
and WMS (Warehouse Management System). This is only 50,000. Since the facilities cannot expand
change will further help us create a holistic end-to- overnight, what we can do is create a nationwide
end supply chain solution for the cold chain network. network of cold chain entities. Through this network,
manufacturers can collaborate with transporters
What are the main challenges facing the cold chain and shipping companies based on their needs. This
industry in India? network will enable transporters and shippers from
The pandemic has brought a lot of the issues with the across the country to work with manufacturers of
cold chain industry to the forefront. Apart from the different bandwidths. Through this, we can utilise all
clear lack of facilities and infrastructure, the industry the infrastructure available to its complete potential
often has to deal with technological challenges. while also ensuring that the perishable cargo can
Most cold chain products are sensitive to minor reach even the remote parts of India.
fluctuations in temperature. A lot of the storage and
shipping companies do not have the technological What new technology-driven cold chain solutions
solutions required to monitor the conditions of the are we going to witness in the long run in the cold
products stored or track the products when they are chain infra sector?
en route. This eventually leads to a lot of the products The cold chain industry is going to witness an era
deteriorating in quality, and the amount of waste of Electric Vehicles (EV) replacing the existing petro
generated increases. To prevent such instances, we fuel vehicles for last-mile distribution. This will
ensure that we install IoT devices and GPS trackers reduce costs across the board for the distribution of
in the vehicles of every transporter we get onboard. perishable products, especially in the last mile, where
This way, not only do we monitor the temperature we lack infrastructure. As of now, new technologies
conditions of the shipments but we can also track the like PCM (Phase Change Material) are being widely
location of the vehicles to assist them in case of any used in the distribution of temperature-sensitive
mishaps that might occur on the road. products. We are also working on a prototype project
where we will be launching last-mile services in a
How can India build an efficient cold chain select few cities with EV being a part of the fleet. Once
infrastructure system for perishable products? this drive is successful, we will implement the same
An efficient cold chain supply system is crucial for across the country, forming the largest network of
perishable cargo to be widely available across the vehicles for the distribution of cold chain products.
country. In India, the fleet size required for hauling
perishable cargo to the cities and the rural areas is Sanjiv Das
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WELLNESS 37

What ails the Indian wellness industry? Sanjeev Singhai,

In light of a positive political and economic scenario, India is expected to emerge as one Founder,
of the leading economies in the world over the next decade. The Micro, Small & Medium Wellnessta, Mumbai
Enterprises (MSME) industry is already playing an important role in shaping the Indian
economy. Before the pandemic, the development of MSMEs & startups was meant to be

critical for various factors such as employment opportunities in urban and rural areas
and financial inclusion to support the development of new-age entrepreneurs. Some
of these businesses, during the pandemic, evolved as potential contenders for globally
competitive businesses that represent India. MSME’s have made a critical impact in both

domestic and foreign markets through the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

With the ongoing pandemic which has claimed Opportunities
several lives in India, several healthcare and Research, product development, and innovation
wellness startups have landed investments are the backbone of the wellness sector. Although
from venture capitals, angel, and early age investors. large multinational companies dominate the space
Various startups have applied modern technology MSME’s and startups comprise more than 70 per cent
to help consumers to meet nutritional requirements, of the current market share. Startups are tapping the
personalised products, virtual wellness therapies, opportunities in this sector due to easy market access,
lifestyle-changing tools, and online platforms that serve low-cost innovation, and efficient marketing strategies.
the ever-changing consumer demands. Preventive Innovation in the wellness sector originates from
healthcare in India is also expected to boom over the consumer demand. There are immense opportunities in
next decade. Due to the pandemic, people in bigger this segment, with sustainability and quality products
cities have started spending more on nutrition-rich food, forming a wellness range or service base. Adapting to
supplements, and beverages that build one’s immunity. the changing market requirements and staying relevant
is also extremely important.
Economic contributions
According to the Indian Beauty & Hygiene Association Wellness Tourism
(IBHA), in 2018 the wellness and personal beauty market A commonly misunderstood concept is the term
in India were valued at Rs 901.07 billion. These figures medical and wellness tourism. Both types differ in their
are expected to scale up by 2021 to an estimate of Rs significance, destinations, and objectives. Medical travel
2,463.49 billion. The compound annual growth rate focuses on people travelling to other countries for
(CAGR) has multiplied by 18.40 per cent during the affordable medical treatments and surgeries or higher
2019 - 2024 period. The reason for the sharp rise can be quality treatment or better access to medical care in
attributed to factors such as consumer awareness, rising comparison to their home country. Wellness on the other
income, fast-paced lifestyles, and the need to adapt to hand leads to seeking activities that enhance health
something easy to access for everyone. and wellbeing. The main factors are location-based,
therapies, or experiences that are not easily available in
Wellness, as a business industry has witnessed a great their home country. The decision to opt for a wellness
scope in India. The government has laid emphasis and retreat is a less serious one.
encouraged alternative medicine and a holistic approach
to meet health-related challenges. Tech-enabled wellness
Technology has been a boon in our ‘lockdown’ life.
Back in 2014, the government introduced the However, it isn’t a surprise that it has taken over so many
Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, aspects of our day-to-day routine. Tech-enabled wellness
and Homoeopathy) to promote the country's ancient, has given rise to various new and interesting dimensions.
traditional healing and wellness methods that have Wellness brands are seeking creative ways to engage
been thoroughly researched by experts. Techniques like clients by offering remote nutrition tips, handling
Panchakarma in Ayurveda are globally renowned for anxiety, fitness classes, immunity-boosting guidance,
their benefits not just in preventive healthcare but also and much more. Various upcoming trends have helped
for the treatment of numerous chronic lifestyle disorders. the industry to continuously innovate. Some emerging
Due to these initiatives, India stands out as the second-
largest exporter of AYUSH and herbal products globally.

38 WELLNESS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

trends like wearable devices, thermal wellness, virtual Post-COVID advantage
fitness, smart mattresses, etc., have led the transformation A good deal of wellness service providers has devised
of wellness trends to a whole new level. a new range of activities and options that cater to
post-COVID recovery of individuals. Through online
Challenges profiling, a well-established health and well-being plan is
Among the several challenges faced by the industry, administered that provides a unique program for clients.
India takes up only a minuscule fraction in the global
wellness industry, the value of which is estimated to Some essential elements include:
be close to $4.2 trillion wherein India has a long to go.  Diet detox based on specialist advice, stress
Lack of adequate infrastructure and shortage of skilled management through emotional well being
workforce is one of the biggest impediments of this  Stress management techniques that are
sector. Wellness centres often provide a comprehensive scientifically proven
and holistic wellness model. In the last few years,  Personalised fitness using integrated approaches
although the government has made notable changes to that supervise dietary requirements, strict timetables,
support the wellness sector, the transformation of the and availability of fitness experts.
industry into a more robust one will be time-consuming.  Sleep healing that helps in following a circadian
rhythm to a person’s lifestyle. An often-neglected
Awareness: India should focus on creating awareness aspect of wellbeing, sleep is the key to good health and
on health and wellness especially during the current recovery
phase of a global pandemic. Very few people in India  COVID related anxiety recovery is based on
give importance to mental well-being. People need stimulating the immune system, improving oxygenation,
to promote emotional wellness also as a part of the reducing stress, resistance and capacity to endure.
immunity-building exercise. A combination of such programmes is a smartly built
health and wellness proposal for individuals that will
Scaling up: Investments in Artificial Intelligence boost the sectors’ growth during the pandemic phase.
and machine learning for this sector can be a possible The framework for a new wave of opportunity will have
solution to overcome technology-related challenges. to be considered, including different stages of growth,
However, some of these interfaces are expensive and can enterprise support, and avenues for expansion. It should
pose a bigger challenge for startups. be designed taking into consideration the maturity stage
and the scale of the enterprise. Some growth enabling
Willingness to pay: Most wellness platforms often pillars include infrastructure, regulation, funding,
offer free trial sessions or services. However, sometimes incentives, and skillset.
the clients are not keen to subscribe or enroll for a longer Currently, we are witnessing tremendous growth
tenure of membership which makes it difficult for start- with a lot of wellness brands hopping onto the
ups to financially sustain themselves. bandwagon to help the day-to-day needs of the
consumers. With several players competing with each
Skill gap: The wellness industry demands a skilled other for the same set of the target audience, local
workforce to sustain growth. The availability of specialized businesses are also establishing themselves by giving
wellness experts has been a concern. Quality accreditation on-demand doorstep services. Each of these enterprises
becomes void if in hindsight monitoring is absent. aims to constantly go one step ahead to make
Although the government has been actively supporting consumers’ lives more comfortably.
in contributing various initiatives, the social economic
challenges prevailing in India hinder the option to train or
rebuild skill sets that are required for this industry.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLY CHAINS 39

Supplier engagement key for
sustainable food supply chains

Globally industries are facing increasing pressure to reduce their environmental Dr K V Satyanarayana,
footprint by way of national regulations, sector specific standards, investors, and
consumer expectations. Assessing climate and resource impacts, risks, and opportunities Food Processing & Sustainability
is the first step in building sustainable and resilient supply chains. Corporate GHG Practice, Sathguru Management
accounting and target setting for emission reductions will help companies develop
appropriate strategy and roadmap with identified opportunities in improving efficiency Consultants, Hyderabad

and environmental performance of their products and supply chains.

The operations and supply chains of various Interventions
industry sectors have significant impact on Food industry can improve sustainability performance
the environment through direct and indirect across the value chain through interventions like:
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Value chain/ Scope
3 emissions typically arise from the upstream and (i) Innovations in product design and use of
downstream supply chain activities and consumers sustainably sourced ingredients - an example is the
using the products. As per CDP Global Supply Chain increased product launches in the animal alternatives
Report 2020, the supply chain emissions are on average (dairy, meat) segment.
11.4 times greater than the emissions of a company’s
direct & operational (Scope 1 and 2) emissions. The (ii) Innovations in packaging - by redesigning
ratio of supply chain to direct emissions for the ‘Food, packaging material, use of recycled material, reducing
beverage & agriculture’ sector was reported as 11.2 secondary packaging etc.
against 7.9 for biotech, health care and pharma and
7.7 for manufacturing - indicating significant GHG (iii) Increased operational efficiencies – increasing
emissions across the value chain for the food industry. productivity of resources deployed, use of renewable
This necessitates the food industry to act across the energy, optimising resource use (energy, water, heat,
value chain - from product design to end of product life steam, refrigerant etc.).
- to reduce its environmental impact.
(iv) Efficient supply chain logistics – by increasing
Assessing climate and resource impacts, risks, localised/ regional sourcing, establishing cold chains
and opportunities is the first step in building to reduce post-harvest losses, solar powered cold
sustainable and resilient supply chains. For example, storage for fresh produce, supplier network & delivery
diversified food companies relying on a range of logistics optimisation. Measures such as maximising
agricultural commodities including cereals, pulses, fuel efficiency of vehicles, electrification of future fleet,
meat, dairy etc. have high exposure to raw material solar operated transport etc. can reduce supply chain
risks from supply chains that are water and emissions transportation emissions.
intensive. Corporate GHG accounting and target
setting for emission reductions will help companies (v) Business model innovations - by adopting
develop appropriate strategy and roadmap with circular economy models/ closed-loop production
identified opportunities in improving efficiency and systems that utilise the 3R principles i.e., reduce, reuse
environmental performance of their products and (example recycling to prevent food waste), recovering
supply chains; and to prioritise them to use their resources from food waste and recycling the materials
resources wisely. E.g., Unilever has set plans to reduce for packaging.
emissions to zero within its own operations by 2030
and to net zero across its value chain by 2039. Cargill The circular economy models/products are
has adopted a Scope 3 target of reducing greenhouse still in their infancy and provide potential upscale
gas emissions in its global supply chains by 30 per cent opportunities in the food industry. Pallet pooling is a
per tonne of product by 2030. Nestle is taking measures circular business model that has been successfully used
to halve its emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by in some markets wherein companies can rent pallets
2050. from a pallet pooling service (like LEAP India) where and
when needed, instead of managing their own inventory
of pallets. Further, the use of plastic pallets saves weight
and fuel over wooden pallets, and their efficient model
of use, reuse, and recyclability provides a viable option
for sustainable supply chain management in the food

40 SUPPLY CHAINS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

industry. Reusable packaging is another product/ service value chains, companies commonly seek to influence
with great potential in a circular model. compliance and on boarding procedures, collect
information on behaviour, change behaviour through
The Loop Store, a US based reusable packaging incentives or change markets via innovation and
platform, delivers products to consumers, and picks up collaboration (Hungry for Change, CDP Report 2020).
the empty packaging to clean and refill it repeatedly.
Loop has partnered with players like P&G, Unilever, As per the report, the most common type of
Nestle, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and others to deliver products engagement on climate-related issues is information
in reusable packaging. Upcycling of by-products/ collection to understand supplier behaviour. However,
materials from food waste is another intervention with only 11 per cent of food value chain companies utilized
great promise. “Upcycled foods” use ingredients that innovation and collaboration in their engagement
otherwise would not have been consumed and are practices, suggesting most companies failed to integrate
produced from the by-products or food waste, thus their suppliers and other partners in conversations on
having a positive environmental impact. how to change markets. Emphasis could be laid on
collaborative innovation that can leverage supplier
The Upcycled Food Association (UFA) has recently capabilities in co-developing solutions.
developed the first ever certification standard and
certification mark for upcycled ingredients in food and Once engaged by customers, suppliers must work
beverages. The certification and the logo are expected to with their own upstream suppliers. However, efforts
create consumer awareness and promote the upcycled of CDP supply chain members to influence upstream
segment in near future. emissions have not progressed beyond their direct
relationships with first tier suppliers. It is also crucial to
Working with suppliers understand the supplier capabilities (scale, technical
Sustainable supply chains cannot be built by food skills etc.) and challenges such as access to capital. This
companies in silos and effective supplier engagement may be also the case with Indian food industry, wherein
is required to bring the required transformation in a large proportion of MSMEs may be constrained to
supply chains. Firms can effectively manage the supplier work with supply chains due to capital and/or lack of
engagement programmes by starting with strategic expertise. Supplier development and collaboration by
suppliers, who are a smaller number of priority suppliers way of knowledge-sharing, capacity building and access
with significant environmental footprint and then to finance is critical for greening supply chains. Mars,
gradually extending the programme to other major PepsiCo and McCormick have partnered to create a new
suppliers. Firms may have obligatory or voluntary Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (Supplier
programmes for their suppliers depending on their LoCT) - a coalition that aims to drive emissions cuts in
commitments /goals and nature of relationships with global supply chains by engaging with suppliers.
suppliers; and may also integrate the programmes
into their procurement practices. When engaging the Benefits
Sustainable practices not only help mitigating the
climate and related regulatory risks, but also help in
improving operational efficiency and cost savings.
Supply chain GHG emissions management can provide
incentives for innovation in product design and supply
chain management, increase sales and customer
loyalty as well as improve stakeholder relationships
through proactive and transparent disclosures and
demonstration of environmental performance.

With the increasing trend of multiple third-
party certifications for sustainable practices gaining
acceptance with industry, increasing level of consumer
awareness and investors interest in transparency in
environmental disclosures and related actions, more
food value chain actors are expected to embrace the
sustainable supply chain practices. This also provides
opportunities for companies to become leaders and
create best practices in building sustainable supply
chains for the food industry.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in TECHNOLOGY 41

Valorising pigmented Prof. Vaibhav Goud,
rice bran for food
processing Department of Chemical Engineering,
and Associated Faculty of International
Joint M.Tech. Degree in Food Science and

Technology (IMDFST), IIT Guwahati

The black and purple rice (Oryza sativa L.) are the when heated with water it forms a paste-like texture with
indigenous rice varieties and are mostly available in high viscosity, which decreases the spray drying efficiency
North-East India. The bran of black and purple rice, and increases the surface crack, thereby limiting its
a waste product from the rice milling process, contains application for encapsulation using spray drying. These
high level of polyphenols such as anthocyanins (cyanidin- limitations can be overcome by the modification of native
3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin-3- starch. Therefore, this study is the first to report the use
O-gentiobioside) and various type of phenolics (Catechin of microencapsulated anthocyanin from purple rice bran
hydrate, Coumaric acid, Ferulic acid, Syringic acid, Vanillic with modified glutinous rice starch using a spray-drying
acid, and gallic acid) and flavonoids in its composition. technique.

The bran shows numerous antioxidant activities such Further, to test the efficacy of the developed
as ferric reducing antioxidant power, Trolox equivalent microencapsulated anthocyanin, authors have used
antioxidant capacity, and scavenging effect on the extrusion technology for the new food product
1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical. However, the development and it has been observed that the use of
use of extracted anthocyanins during food processing has microencapsulated anthocyanin increased the nutritional
been limited by their relative instability under varying light, quality of the food product.
oxygen, enzymes, thermal treatment, and pH conditions as
well as other factors. The extrusion cooking is carried out using a single screw
extruder. After extrusion, the product is dried at 50 °C to
A latest study has applied microencapsulation maintain a moisture content of 10 per cent. The developed
technique for enhancing the shelf life and stability of extruded showed higher 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
anthocyanin. Different kinds of encapsulating materials (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of extrudate due to the
have been tested for the microencapsulation of phenolic presence of anthocyanin.
compounds. The type of encapsulating material depends
on the phenolic compounds and the type of food material It is manifested that microencapsulated anthocyanin
in which it will be used. The stability of encapsulated from pigmented rice bran could efficiently be used in the
phenolic compounds during food processing depends on food industry and could replace the synthetic antioxidants
the types of processing and processing parameters. in the production of functional food and pharmaceuticals.

There are various types of microencapsulation The utilisation of developed technology will provide a
techniques, such as a vibrational nozzle, centrifugal new horizon to valorise the pigmented rice bran of North-
extrusion, spray drying, and co-crystallisation. The most East India and will create new job opportunities in the
commonly used technique is spray drying, due to its agriculture and rural sector of the country.
continuity in nature, low cost and less time which can
produce particles with good quality. For microencapsulation The study has been recently published in the
through the spray drying process, the selection of wall international journal of repute, International Journal
material is the primary step. Most commonly used wall of Biological Macromolecules and Food Science and
materials are maltodextrin, gum arabic, and emulsifying Biotechnology.The technology has been developed by Prof.
starches. The maltodextrins and starches have properties Chandan Das and Prof. Vaibhav Goud the author, faculties
like good solubility and low viscosity at high solids contents of Department of Chemical Engineering, and Associated
which are highly essential for an encapsulating agent. faculties of IMDFST, IIT Guwahati a joint academic exercise
with the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science of
However, native starch is insoluble in cold water and, Gifu University, Japan with their former Ph.D. student Dr
Amit Baran Das, Assistant Professor, Tezpur University.

42 FSSAI INITIATIVE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Arun Singhal, FSSAI mounts
offensive against
Arun Singhal, Food-borne illness
CEO, FSSAI, New Delhi

Food safety is one of the major determinants of a sound and production/processing and cleaning agents for equipment
cohesive healthcare system in a country. As food chains are and machinery.
becoming longer, complex and globalized, contamination
of food leading to food borne diseases is a growing concern.  Physical hazards: Any extraneous objects in food
Unsafe food not only poses a threat to the health of the public that can cause illness or injury to the consumer such as
but also affects the socio-economic development of a country. glass, pieces of metal, plastic or wood etc.
This silent pandemic is responsible for hundreds of thousands
of deaths every year and thus needs more attention. For Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI),
improving the food testing infrastructure in the country, FSSAI an apex food regulator, has been continuously working
is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for ‘Strengthening towards improving the food testing ecosystem in
of the Food Testing Ecosystem’ in the country with a total the country. Two well established and fully equipped
outlay of Rs 481.95 crore that includes provisioning of modern laboratories are supported by FSSAI in Delhi-NCR and
testing equipment in State Food Laboratories across the Kolkata locations. We have a significant number of State
country as well as allocating Mobile Food Testing Labs and Food Laboratories as well as NABL accredited private
other related measures. labs with a network of almost 190 notified food testing
laboratories.
Burden of food-borne illnesses is comparable to malaria,
HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It is estimated that every Concrete steps
year 100 million cases of food-borne diseases (FBD) For improving the food testing infrastructure in the
are reported in India and it costs $15 billion annually to the country, FSSAI is implementing a Central Sector Scheme
country. By 2030, food borne diseases are expected to rise for ‘Strengthening of the Food Testing Ecosystem’ in the
to 150-177 million annually. Several recent researches have country with a total outlay of Rs 481.95 crore that includes
unveiled a strong interconnection between unsafe food
and adverse health & nutrition outcomes. Infection by food-
borne pathogens results in poor absorption of nutrients
from food, particularly of vitamins and minerals thus
impacting the overall nutritional status of an individual.

To ensure availability of safe and hygienic food to
consumers, effective food testing measures are vital at
every necessary step throughout the food value chain. The
objective of food testing is to ensure that the food is free
from the below mentioned hazards:

 Biological hazards: Derived from microbial hazards
such as salmonella and E. coli bacteria.

 Chemical hazards: Contamination with chemicals
used in agriculture and/or production processes such as
antibiotics, pesticides, as well as food additives such as
preservatives, and including chemicals that are used in the

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

provisioning of modern testing equipment in State Food a faster, better, and cheaper way. FSSAI has approved 65
Laboratories across the country as well as allocating Mobile rapid food testing kits/devices so far to ensure faster, better
Food Testing Labs and other related measures. To ensure and cheaper real-time testing of food even at the field level,
quality and consistency of results from participating food thus assuring safe and good quality of food while raising
laboratories, FSSAI has recognised food labs as per ISO the bar for food safety in the country.
17025/2017 only through National Accreditation Board
for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) under Food safety on wheels
integrated assessment system. These labs are being To facilitate on the spot testing of adulteration in common
monitored by NABL through audits, verification and other food items, FSSAI has provided over 90 mobile food testing
periodical desktop surveillance audit, reassessment and laboratories called Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs) to the
renewal of accreditation. States/ Union Territories (UTs)s to add to the food testing
infrastructure in the country. Any consumer can visit these
Further, FSSAI has introduced a scheme for approving FSWs and test the quality of food products. These units help
rapid analytical food testing (RAFT) devices/kits/methods. the functionaries in the States to enhance their outreach
Several recent rapid and automated kits/equipment/ and conduct surveillance activities even in far-flung areas.
methods are commercially available globally to bridge Most of these FSWs are being utilised by States effectively
the gap for rapid detection of food borne contaminants and efficiently. To inform consumers about common
etc. and instantaneous, on-line monitoring to ensure the food adulterants, FSSAI has published DART (Detecting
safety of food products. To further reduce the screening Adulterants with Rapid Testing) book that enables a
time of food products by Food Safety Officers (FSO) at consumer to test common adulterants in food products at
the field level and accelerate surveillance activities, FSSAI home. DART can be used as a ready guide for households,
has come up with a policy for fast track approval of rapid which can induce awareness among consumers about
food testing kits/devices. The ultimate goal for these rapid food safety.
testing devices and equipment is to provide results within
a few hours, if not in “real time”. FSSAI is actively involved in building capacities
of laboratory personnel and food analysts to further
RAFT kits are most advanced, easy to use, portable enhance the capability of food labs in India. A state-of-
hand-held devices. They don't require any sophisticated the-art laboratory on a Public Private Partnership model at
equipment and reagents to run the tests. The tests can Ghaziabad ensures periodic training and capacity building
be performed anywhere by anyone without any specific of laboratory personnel under advanced methods and
training requirements. Recently, an indigenous RAFT kit - techniques. A mandatory training programme covering
Precision Iodine Value Analyser (PIVA) has been developed Good Food Laboratory Practices (GFLP) is meant for all
by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) along the personnel of laboratories under the purview of FSSAI.
with Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO).This This five day training is conducted at the premises of the
home grown kit can determine the Iodine Value (degree state-of-the-art laboratory at Ghaziabad and/or notified
of unsaturation) measurement in edible oils and fats in laboratories having testing facilities for safety parameters
(microbiological, pesticide and heavy metals) in Chemical
and biological fields as per the NABL Scope. The provision
under Rule 2.1.4 of Food Safety and Standards Rules,
2011 states that a person appointed as Food Analyst shall
undergo all specialized training programmes specified
by the Food Authority periodically. In view of the current
pandemic situation in the country, FSSAI is conducting
webinars or virtual training programmes for FSSAI network
laboratory personnel and food analysts.

Food testing being an important part of the food
safety ecosystem helps in determining any risk that is
associated with the food products and builds confidence
in consumers that the food available for consumption is
safe and hygienic. FSSAI aims to keep the confidence of
consumers intact and continues to build a more robust
food safety ecosystem in the country to ensure effective
food safety as well as credible food testing measures at
every level.

44 PEOPLE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Cabinet inducts Pashupati Kumar
Paras gets charge
Sarbananda Sonowal of MoFPI

as AYUSH Minister In the reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's Cabinet that underwent a reboot on July
In the reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet 7, Pashupati Kumar Paras has got the charge of
that underwent a reboot Assam-based Sarbananda Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
Sonowal has been given the charge of Ayush Ministry Paras is the younger brother of late Ram Vilas
(Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa Paswan, a politician from Bihar and the Cabinet
and Homoeopathy). He will also be handling the Ministry Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. A former Chief Minister Distribution in
of Assam, Sonowal has also served as the Union Minister the first and
for Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of India, from second Modi
2014 to 2016. He was chosen to be the Chief Minister of ministries.
Assam after the 2016 Assam Legislative Assembly election Paswan passed
and he is the first Chief Minister of the state from Bharatiya away in October
Janata Party (BJP). Sonowal was the President of Assam's 2020. A total
oldest student body, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) of 43 political
from 1992 to 1999. After that, he became a member of the leaders have
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). He was appointed president been sworn-in as
of BJP's Assam Unit in 2012 and is also a member of the union ministers,
party's National Executive. and some are
promoted. He
has earlier served as the Minister for Animal and
Fish Resources Department in the Government
of Bihar. Paras was elected as the National
President of Lok Janshakti Party replacing
Chirag Kumar Paswan in June 2021. He has
been a member of Bihar Legislative Assembly
seven times from Alauli since 1977. He has
earlier served thrice as a minister in the state.

Natural Remedies elevates
Narender Reddy to COO

Bengaluru-based herbal track record in driving Sales &
healthcare company Natural Marketing. Natural Remedies
Remedies has elevated K. has been expanding its presence
Narender Reddy as the Chief globally. He had joined Natural
Operating Officer (COO). Reddy Remedies thirty years back as a
as the COO will spearhead Veterinary Sales Representative.
Sales, Marketing, Formulation Over the years, he has been
& Development and the Supply responsible for designing,
Chain Management teams. developing and delivering
Before this role, he was serving strategic plans leading to an
as Commercial Director at effective bottom line and three
Natural Remedies. Reddy has a times more growth at Natural
proven executive management remedies.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS 45

Coca-Cola India appoints Meenesh Shah takes
Devyani RL Rana as VP, over additional charge
Public Affairs of NDDB Chairman

Coca-Cola has announced the appointment of Meenesh Shah, Executive Director, National Dairy
Devyani Rajya Laxmi Rana, as Vice President Development Board (NDDB) has taken over additional
(VP) of Public Affairs, Communications and charge of the post of Chairman, NDDB for a period of
Sustainability for India and Southwest Asia. six months with effect from June 1, 2021 until further
Devyani is a new addition to Coca-Cola’s orders. Varsha Joshi’s tenure as Chairman of NDDB ended
leadership team for the region to further drive the on May 31, 2021. Shah obtained his BSc degree in Dairy
company’s purpose-driven approach. Formerly, Technology from Sheth MC College of Dairy Science
Devyani was Director of Public Affairs for India, (Anand Agricultural University), Anand and also holds a
Post Graduate Diploma in Rural
Nepal, Bhutan for Management from Institute
Caterpillar India. of Rural Management, Anand
Devyani has over (IRMA). He has multidimensional
25 years of work experience in the dairy sector
experience in for more than 35 years in
government and Research & Development,
corporate affairs, Product & Process
strategic business Development, Project Appraisal
advocacy, risk & Finance, Cooperative Services
management, and Project Management of
communications, CSR, and sustainability. She National Dairy Plan (NDP I) - the
has successfully developed effective strategies recently concluded Central Sector Scheme funded by the
focused on maximizing impact in the region World Bank. He is also on the governing boards of NDDB
on infrastructure, environmental, social and Dairy Services (NDS), IDMC Limited, National Cooperative
governance, and trade, resulting in business Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) Ltd, Mother Dairy Fruit &
profitability, increased footprint, and expanded Vegetable Pvt Ltd (MDFVPL) etc. He is member secretary
manufacturing operations for domestic and of the Indian National Committee (INC) of International
export markets. She has also led advocacy, Dairy Federation (IDF) and also member of standing
internal, external, and brand communications committee on dairy policy and economics of International
initiatives that have delivered positive business Dairy Federation (IDF).
outcomes and contributed to the engagement of
the organizations and teams she served.

MM Activ receives R S Gadgil Memorial Award

On the occasion of Late R S Gadgil's technology to enable knowledge
75th birth anniversary, a two-day virtual sharing & business’. The award,
award marathon event- RSG Wisdom presented by Dr Nanasaheb Chaudhary,
and Excellence Awards Ceremony was MS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Edinburgh), was
organised by Truwellth & Energya, a received by Dr Milind Kokje, Chief Editor,
division of RSG Nutrition and Healthcare, NuFFooDS Spectrum on behalf of MM
on June 20-21, 2021. The award Activ Sci-Tech Communication. Thane-
ceremony was inaugurated by Health based RSG Nutrition and Healthcare is a
Minister of Goa, Vishwajit Rane. During tribute to one of the first revolutionary
the award ceremony, MM Activ Sci-Tech healthcare legends, Late R S Gadgil, who
Communications, publishing company with his strong purpose of developing
of NuFFooDS Spectrum, received effective therapies to reduce disease
the R S Gadgil’s memorial award, for burden garnered the profound vision of
‘Integrating media with science & TruNutrition for TruWellness.

46 INGREDIENTS NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Azelis extends footprint in Indian food market

Belgium headquartered firm Azelis includes specialty carrageenan, and C&I (Consumers & Industrials);
has announced the extension of xanthan gum, pectin, gellan gum, and in Indonesia, in addition to the
its distribution scope with US- fermentation-derived cellulose existing Food partnership, Azelis will
based CP Kelco in India and few and, the newest addition, citrus also cover C&I by July 11. Azelis will
other Asian countries namely fiber. In India, Azelis is covering the cover the markets of C&I in Thailand
Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. market of Food; in Malaysia, Food by August 1. CP Kelco and Azelis’
CP Kelco’s product range is a collaboration in Asia Pacific started
significant addition to Azelis’ in 2012 with China and expanded
portfolio and the new agreement in 2018 to Indonesia. With more
marks an important milestone than 140 years of ingredient
in the strong and continuously expertise, CP Kelco offers advanced
developing collaboration between thickening, texturizing, suspending
both companies globally. Azelis and stabilizing solutions through its
will distribute the complete range innovative portfolio of nature-based
of CP Kelco’s products, which hydrocolloids and citrus fiber.

Univar expands Brenntag acquires
distribution agreement
with Tata Chemicals food ingredients

US-based Univar Solutions Inc., a global chemical and distributor JM Swank
ingredient distributor and provider of value-added services,
has recently announced an expanded distribution agreement German firm Brenntag, the global market leader
with Mumbai's Tata Chemicals Ltd. The agreement builds on in chemicals and ingredients distribution, has
the companies' existing relationship in Canada and appoints announced the acquisition of the US-located
Univar Solutions as the exclusive distributor of Tata's range of Storm Chaser Holding Corporation (JM Swank)
prebiotic dietary fibers - FOSSENCE and GOSSENCE across the from Platinum Equity. The company is a leading
Eastern and Central United States. The addition of FOSSENCE distributor of food ingredients and reported
and GOSSENCE, which are produced using Tata Chemicals' sales of approximately $500 million in 2020.
proprietary in-house developed fermentation technology, With an enterprise value of $304 million, this is a
to Univar Solutions' industry-leading specialty ingredients decisive step in expanding Brenntag's position
portfolio, provides food and nutraceutical manufacturers in in the North American Nutrition industry and
the United States with additional options to help them meet a key acquisition aligned with Brenntag's M&A
evolving health, wellness and nutritional trends. strategy. The acquired company offers a highly
diversified product portfolio of food ingredients
such as spices, dairy, grain, sweeteners, fats &
oils, texturants, flavours & colours, starches,
cocoa, and inclusions. JM Swank's broad
product line perfectly complements Brenntag's
existing portfolio in the nutrition industry.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENTS NEWS 47

Firmenich adds Tate & Lyle partners
with Agrana Fruit
Dynarome TR to
British supplier of food and beverage ingredients Tate &
SmartProteins Lyle has announced a new long-term partnership in Brazil
with AGRANA Fruit, a global leader in fruit preparations.
technology portfolio The agreement establishes new manufacturing dynamics
for Brazil’s fruit preparations segment, bringing more
Swiss firm Firmenich has announced the launch innovation to the sector. With the partnership, which
of Dynarome TR, the latest addition to its starts in September, Tate & Lyle Brazil will transfer the
proprietary SmartProteins technology portfolio. production of fruit preparations from its facility in Juiz de
Dynarome TR is designed to deliver a natural, Fora (MG) to AGRANA Fruit’s facility with cutting-edge
authentic and mouthwatering cooking aroma equipment in Cabreúva, in the countryside of São Paulo.
for meat analogs across several plant-based food The decision aims to optimise the production process,
formats. With Dynarome TR, Firmenich has taken offering innovative solutions to meet customer demand
a culinary approach to produce a new natural aligned with the main trends in the sector. Currently,
flavour delivery system that allows tailored flavour Tate & Lyle provides fruit preparations for yogurt and
release at elevated temperatures by customizing dairy drinks manufacturers, but is looking to target
the composition of its lipid phase. Dynarome other categories, a path that will be taken more easily
TR cooking aroma greatly adds to Firmenich's with access to AGRANA’s cutting-edge manufacturing
industry-leading SmartProteins portfolio of technology and expertise.
integrated solutions encompassing texture
ingredients, juiciness and succulence technology,
salt and umami tools and delicious meat tastes.

Arla Foods signs contract with whey protein supplier

Arla Foods has signed a contract leading suppliers of refined whey
with another leading dairy company, ingredients within infant, clinical,
Dale Farm, to supply whey protein and sports nutrition, health foods
concentrate for Arla’s global and other foods and beverages. To
ingredients business. This is the first meet the increasing global demand
time the two dairy cooperatives have for AFI’s specialty products and to
partnered as part of a major supply continue to increase the value of its
contract. Dale Farm is headquartered whey ingredients business through
in Northern Ireland and will innovation and extensive know-
supply Arla Foods Ingredients, how, AFI is pleased to have secured a
headquartered in Denmark with contract with Dale Farms. Dale Farm
whey protein concentrate, which has until now mainly supplied whey
will be used as an ingredient in protein for use in sports nutrition
infant formula and consumer products so this contract repositions
health ingredients. Arla Foods this aspect of its business within the
Ingredients (AFI) is one of the world’s infant formula market.

48 ACADERM&IDC NEWS NNUUFFFFOOOODDSSSSPPEECCTTRRUUMM || AMuagrucsht 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Daily consumption Research picks potato
& rice protein shakes
of prunes affects over whey protein

the heart A study from the Centre for Nutraceuticals at the University of
Westminster in the US has found that plant-based protein shakes may
New research suggests eating prunes be potential viable alternatives to milk-based whey protein shakes,
each day can improve cardiovascular particularly in people with need of careful monitoring of glucose
disease (CVD) risk factors, including levels. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, is the first to show
raising antioxidant capacity and potato and rice proteins can be just as effective at managing your
reducing inflammation among healthy, appetite and can help better manage blood glucose levels and reduce
postmenopausal women. Cardiovascular spikes in insulin compared to whey protein. During the study the
disease is the number one cause of death blood metabolic response of participants was measured after drinking
worldwide posing a significant public potato, rice and whey protein shakes. Appetite was also monitored in
health challenge. The research led by San the following three hours to understand how these drinks may affect
Diego State University, US reveals that the participants’hunger and their desire to eat. The research observed
prunes can positively affect heart disease that vegan protein shakes led to a lower rise in blood insulin compared
risk. In this randomized, controlled study, to whey, while potato protein prevented any rise in insulin. This may
researchers found that eating 50 grams explain the better blood glucose control following consumption of the
of prunes (about 5-6 prunes) each day plant-based protein and poses the question of whether vegan protein
for just 6 months resulted in improved shakes are more suitable for individuals who need to need control
CVD risk biomarkers – including raising their blood glucose levels such as diabetic and obese individuals.
the body's good cholesterol, known
as HDL, and lowering the ratio of total
cholesterol to HDL. Eating prunes daily
also promoted higher antioxidant
capacity and lowered levels of the
inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6
and tumour necrosis factor-alpha
associated with CVD risk. Notably, the
study participants' body mass index and
weight were maintained during the trial
despite adding prunes to the usual diet.

Western high-fat diet may cause chronic pain

A typical Western high-fat diet can increase the risk of body. The researchers used multiple methods in both
painful disorders common in people with conditions mice and humans to study the role of polyunsaturated
such as diabetes or obesity, according
to a groundbreaking paper authored fatty acids in pain conditions. They
by a team led by The University of found that typical Western diets high
Texas Health Science Center at San in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats
Antonio, also referred to as UT Health served as a significant risk factor for
San Antonio, US. Moreover, changes both inflammatory and neuropathic
in diet may significantly reduce or pain. Reversal of this diet, especially
even reverse pain from conditions by lowering omega-6 and increasing
causing either inflammatory pain – omega-3 lipids, greatly reduced these
such as arthritis, trauma or surgery pain conditions, the researchers found.
– or neuropathic pain, such as Also, the authors demonstrated that
diabetes. The novel finding could help treat chronic- skin levels of omega-6 lipids in patients
pain patients by simply altering diet or developing with Type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain were strongly
drugs that block release of certain fatty acids in the associated with reported pain levels and the need for
taking analgesic drugs.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in R&D NEWS 49

IIT Mandi associates excessive sugar
consumption with fatty liver disease

A team of researchers from the is the overconsumption of sugar –
both table sugar (sucrose) and other
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) forms of carbohydrates. Through
a complementary experimental
Mandi has used complementary approach involving mice models,
the IIT Mandi team has shown the
experimental approaches, hitherto unknown link between the
carbohydrate-induced activation of
to establish the underlying a protein complex called NF-κB and
increased DNL. The unraveling of
biochemical relationship between the molecular link between sugar
and fat accumulation in the liver is
the consumption of excessive sugar key to developing therapeutics for
the disease. The team has shown
and the development of ‘fatty liver’, that drugs that can inhibit NF-κB can
prevent sugar-induced hepatic fat
medically known as Non-Alcoholic accumulation.

Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). This

research comes at a time in which the work have been published in the
Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Government of India has included NAFLD is a medical condition in
which excess fat deposits in the liver.
NAFLD in the National Programme The disease starts silently, with no
overt symptoms for as much as two
for Prevention & Control of Cancer, decades. One of the causes for NAFLD

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases

and Stroke (NPCDCS). The results of

the IIT Mandi team’s path-breaking

NRCM develops NIN highlights
portable meat production
& retailing facility need of vitamin A

The National Research make it unique to move supplementation in kids
Centre on Meat (NRCM), independently. The units
Hyderabad has recently are equipped with pest According to a new study by the National
designed and fabricated killers, wall-mounted fans, Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad,
an innovative Portable exhaust fans, and water the Central government needs to revisit its
Meat Production and storage facility to ensure nationwide policy of Vitamin-A Supplementation
Retailing Facility (P-MART) hygienic production and (VAS) programme and make it more state-
for the hygienic meat for operators’ comfort. specific. The study was
production from the The electrical stunning, conducted by researchers
small ruminants. The refrigeration, bone cutting from NIN, St John’s
P-MART’s operation has and mincing facilities Research Institute,
been validated and also have also been provided. Bengaluru and Sitaram
a patent application It can be operated either Bhartia Institute of Science
has been filed. The on the ground or on a and Research, New Delhi.
developed technology vehicle. The food grade The study results, published
has been transferred to stainless steel (SS 304) in the American Journal of
entrepreneurs for up- was used for fabricating Clinical Nutrition, suggest
scaling so as to make the facility. To meet the that the national prevalence of Vitamin-A
the facility available to production requirements, deficiency (VAD) risk is below 20 per cent in
stakeholders. It consists the innovative aerobic Indian children. The study draws on the sample
of Lairage, Slaughtering, green waste composting of the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey
Cutting & Packaging, and mechanisms and (CNNS) which was conducted in 30 states during
Retailing Units. The four anaerobic biogas plants 2016-2018. The survey showed that VAD based
Separable Wheeled Units were also standardised. on serum retinol levels was 15.7 per cent among
one-five-year-old children across the country,
certainly lesser than the 20 per cent mark that
defines a serious public health problem.

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

Siegwerk Smurfit Kappa injects
unveils €24M in France facility
next-gen of
sustainable Ireland-based Smurfit Kappa, one improvements at the plant, including
water-based of the leading providers of paper- reducing CO2 emissions, with a
inks for based packaging in the world, has saving of at least 150 tonnes annually.
packaging announced it will invest €24 million to Phase one of the project, including
expand its corrugated plant in Rethel, installation of the new corrugator,
German firm Siegwerk, one of North-East France, demonstrating the is due to be completed in the first
the leading global providers company's continued commitment half of 2022, with full completion of
of printing inks and coatings to its French customer market. The the investment project expected in
for packaging applications new investment will facilitate the 2023. The investment will help to
and labels, is now offering a consolidation of two existing facilities modernise and expand the plant,
new generation of sustainable at that plant and the installation of which will include a new 8200 sq ft
water-based inks for paper a new state-of-the-art corrugator building designed specifically for
and board applications: and conversion equipment. This the installation of the new high-tech
UniNATURE. The new product investment will result in environmental corrugator.
range is formulated with
renewable and natural Tetra Pak increases recycling of
components, providing an used beverage carton packs in India
environmentally friendly
alternative to conventional Swiss firm Tetra Pak has tied up with FINISH Society, a well-known solid waste
inks without impacting the management NGO, to increase collection of used carton packages in Udaipur.
recyclability of paper, and As part of the collaborative effort, FINISH Society will be working closely with
board packaging taking a the Municipal Corporation of Udaipur to recover used packs of juice, milk
step towards reducing the
microplastics which can etc. from the corporation’s sorting centres,
be found in inks. The new which will then be channelised to the nearest
ink and coating series is recycler. In addition, Tetra Pak has tied up with
applicable for many paper & The Kabadiwala, a well-known local waste
board applications including management venture to increase collection of
corrugated board boxes, used beverage cartons in Bhopal. Consumers
trays and displays, fast food who wish to sell their used cartons can do so by
packaging, sacks and bags, booking a pick-up through The Kabadiwala app
as well as cups and wraps. and be paid for their waste in return. The team
It supports various printing will also set up 70 deposit points at public places
applications whilst meeting across the city where consumers can simply
the highest market and drop-off their used cartons for recycling. Through these initiatives, Tetra Pak is
regulatory standards. raising awareness among the waste-picker community, about the value they
can derive from collecting used beverage cartons and selling them to a recycler.