NUFFOODS Spectrum India Feb 2026

GENERIC to GENOMIC52 pages including cover PUNE | Volume 13 | Issue 6 | Feburary 2026 | ₹ 150PRGI No. KARENG/2013/54271Rewriting India's Plate from30From Staple to System: India’s Pulse Ingredient Economy40“Exports are critical to positioning makhana as a global plant-based protein”Dr Yashawant Kumar, Founder & CEO, Benefic NutritionFebruary

\"We connect with theNutraceuticals Marvelsand Empower the WholeFood Ecosystem in India\"Explore the FFOODS SpectrumIndia World Now !www.nuffoodsspectrum.inwww.nuffoodsspectrum.asia

RNI TC No.: MAHENG14627Date of Publication: 30.08.2025RNI NO.: KARENG/2013/54271Date of Posting: 1.9.2025Stay up-to-date on the latestfoodtech news and developments in AsiaFor more information, visit:www.nuffoodsspectrum.asiawww.nuffoodsspectrum.inReadE-Magazine1,10,000+Page views75,000+Newsletters/EDM Weekly1,20,000+Readers ofPrint MagazineOUR REACHASIAwww.nuffoodsspectrum.asia

INSIDE 4 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.inScan theQR CodeScan theQR CodeScan theQR CodeScan theQR CodeAustralia wine recovery program extended to 2027 with $3.1Mn federal fundingChina’s beef safeguards shake global meat trade, forcing exporters to rethink strategyDietary guidelines emphasise protein and recommend eggs as highquality, nutritious choice for AmericansIndia–EU FTA to unlock major growth in agricultural and food tradeTOP STORIESVolume 13 | Issue 6 | February 2026 www.nuffoodsspectrum.in'NUFFOODS Spectrum' monthly publication is owned by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd.,Published and Printed by Ravindra Boratkar, Printed at AKRUTI PRINT SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED, 31 B,Parvati Industrial Estate, Pune-Satara Road, Pune-411009. and Published at 'Ashirwad', 36/A/s, S. No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Near Bank of Baroda, Pune - 411 045. Editor: Narayan KulkarniReprinted for private CirculationPublisher & Managing EditorRavindra BoratkarCEOManasee [email protected] - ContentVijay ThombreEditorialChief EditorDr Milind [email protected] [email protected] EditorDr Manbeena [email protected] EditorNitesh Pillai [email protected] Executive EditorMansi Jamsudkar [email protected] REGIONShraddha Warde(Asst. Manager - Brand Voice)“NITON”, No. 11/3, Block “C”, Second Floor, Palace Road, Bangalore, Karnataka- 560052Mobile: [email protected] officesNEW DELHIDr. Manbeena ChawlaExecutive Editor103-104, 1st Floor,Rohit House, 3 Tolstoy Marg,New Delhi - 110001Mobile: +91 [email protected] Sakshi KulkarniMarketing andCommunication- ExecutiveAshirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Pune-411045 Mobile: [email protected] MahajanMedia ExecutiveMobile: +91-90411 [email protected] Boratkar402, Govind Apartments, Shankar Nagar Square, Nagpur - 440 010 Tel. +91-712-2555 249MUMBAIMandar MoreRegional Business Manager- West1st Floor, CIDCO Convention Center, Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra-400703.Mobile: [email protected] PACIFIC AND SOUTH EAST ASIAAnkit KankarGeneral Manager - IntegratedMarketing & Media Acceleration #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 HandHeld: +65 [email protected] ManiMM Activ Sci-Tech Communications#08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094Tel : +65 6336 9142Mobile: [email protected] AMERICA & EUROPEBioSpectrum BureauMM Activ Sci-Tech CommunicationsMobile: +65 90150305E-mail: [email protected] Activ Sci-Tech CommunicationsContent TeamSingapore: Hithaishi C. [email protected] [email protected] Media CommunicationsPoonam [email protected] & Design MEDIA VISION, PuneCover DesignDominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd.Executive ProductionAnil WalunjGeneral Manager - IntegratedMarketing & Media AccelerationAnkit [email protected]. General Manager- HR and AdminAsmita [email protected], Subscription and Media Enquiry:Ganesh [email protected]

INSIDE 4 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 5Letter from PublisherRavindra BoratkarPublisher &Managing Editor,MD, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd.Dear Readers,India’s food, nutrition, and agri-food ecosystem is at a turning point. Lifestyle diseases are on the rise, health awareness is growing, and consumers are increasingly expecting more from what they eat. Traditional “one-size-fits-all” dietary advice is giving way to precision nutrition—personalised solutions that use DNA, biomarkers, and microbiome insights to guide healthier choices. Startups and digital health platforms are leading the charge, offering tailored diets, supplements, and wellness solutions. Yet, as we explore in our lead story, challenges remain: affordability, scientific validation, regulatory clarity, and accessibility all influence how widely these innovations can reach people.India’s nutrition market is widely recognised as a high-potential space. Rising incomes, growing health consciousness, and the boom in D2C wellness brands show that consumers want more from nutrition than ever before. But there’s a disconnect: while demand for science-backed, premium nutrition is rising, many consumers are anchored to mass-market price expectations. Industry insiders call this the price sensitivity trap—a mindset that often shapes everything from product development to brand trust. At the heart, our team explains that this is the “Rs 999 nutrition mindset,” which continues to influence perceptions of value, quality, and affordability across the market.At the same time, India’s pulse sector is moving from being a low-margin staple to a highvalue, versatile ingredient economy. Pulses are no longer just dal—they’re becoming flours, proteins, and functional ingredients used in snacks, bakery, nutrition, and ready-to-cook products. Urban lifestyles, convenience needs, and rising protein demand are driving this evolution. Government policies like Minimum Support Price (MSP) expansion and national missions are stabilising supply, de-risking farmers, and attracting long-term investment. By turning pulses into standardised, scalable, and brandable ingredients, our correspondent explains that how the sector is building a resilient backbone for India’s food system—supporting both protein transitions and healthier diets at scale.The spice industry is also catching investors’ attention. SME IPOs such as Srivari Spices (2023) and Madhusudan Masala (2023) saw strong subscription numbers, while recent IPOs from Shyam Dhani Industries and Shreeji Global FMCG were heavily oversubscribed. Larger players, including Orkla India, have received SEBI approvals, signalling that capital markets see value in branded, value-added spice companies. Our team highlights these listings are helping companies expand, upgrade technology, and build brands, while marking the sector’s steady alignment with global market expectations.Nutrition innovation is moving forward too, with biofortification leading the way. Unlike supplements or post-harvest fortification, biofortified staples like atta, rice, millets, and pulses naturally embed essential nutrients like iron. They are absorbed better by the body, integrate into daily diets seamlessly, and address hidden hunger sustainably. With growing availability through retail and quick-commerce platforms, an expert opines biofortification is proving that good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be part of what people already eat.Looking ahead, 2026 brings a new reality for India’s agri-food sector. Disruptions—from climate volatility to geopolitical shifts—are constant, not occasional. Success will belong to enterprises that combine smart sourcing, AI-powered insights, traceability, automation, and measurable regenerative agriculture practices. An expert explains that companies that build intelligent, adaptive, and audit-ready systems will be the ones capturing opportunities while navigating risk in this evolving ecosystem.I am sure you will find this edition a great read.Thanks & Regards,Ravindra BoratkarPublisher & Managing Editor

INSIDE 6 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.inRewriting India's Plate from Generic to GenomicCONTENT22Precision Nutrition in India: A Structural Problem, Not a Scientific OneAdnan Muhammed, Founder, KYEAL NutrigenomicsCOVER STORY 1626 2932The Price Sensitivity Trap: Why Indian Consumers Want Premium Nutrition at Mass PricesFrom Staple to System: India’s Pulse Ingredient EconomyCan spice IPOs be a game-changer for the industry?Pricing PulsesIPOs

INSIDE 6 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 74244Biofortified Seeds vs Supplementation: A Sustainable Strategy to Address Anaemia at ScaleFrom Volatility to Control: How Intelligence Will Redefine Food Systems in 2026 Prateek Rastogi, Co-founder & CEO, Better NutritionKrishna Kumar, Founder & CEO - CropinDheeraj Talreja, Vice President and Managing Director, Food South Asia, Cargill3437403638“Local manufacturing cuts down consumer price by almost half as compared to importing it from outside”“We believe sustainabilityled sourcing will soon move from being a differentiator to a baseline expectation”“Exports are critical to positioning makhana as a global plant-based protein”“The retail landscape for sports nutrition continues to morph at rapid scale both online and offline”“India’s frozen potato food segment is among the fastest-growing parts of the overall frozen foods market”Amit Dhirwani, Founder & Director, Nutraprep IndiaSachin Thorat, Director – Agriculture, McCain Foods India Dr Yashawant Kumar, Founder & CEO, Benefic Nutrition Justin Becker, SVP International, Nutrabolt Speaking with Biofortified foodsTrends in 202645 Paswan calls for global food brands to establish R&D centres in India Indusfood 2026REGULARSEditorial 09Policy News 10Finance News 11Company News 12Startup News 14People News 46Academia News 47R&D News 48Supplier News 49Let’s Talk Food 50

INSIDE 8 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.inPlease send your feedback [email protected] 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.– EditorAcknowledgements/ FeedbackThanks to NUFFOODS Spectrum for the opportunity to be part of such an interesting and informative Q&A with Elanpro.”-Arpita Chaturvedi, Pune“Thank you for publishing the article featuring 365Veda. It has come out really well.”-Dhruti Fanse, Mumbai“Thank you for sharing the interview and story on mooMark. The December issue of NFS reads well.”-Nishika Gidwani, New Delhi“Thanks for sharing the feature on Bharat Vedika. The edition has come out great. -Karuna Garg, Gurugram“Appreciate the coverage of Good Monk. Please keep me posted on future stories with NUFFOODS Spectrum magazine.”-Tripti Pandey, GurgaonINSIDE

INSIDE 8 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 9Dr Milind KokjeChief EditorCrackdown with Carve-OutsWhile more stringent rules are likely to be introduced soon for licensed Food Business Operators (FBOs) in certain operational areas, those in Delhi have reason to heave a sigh of relief. They have been exempted from some duplicative compliance requirements at the municipal level. Taken together, these developments reflect a broader policy tension: tightening enforcement of core regulatory obligations while simultaneously attempting to reduce avoidable red tape.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has signalled its intent to “tighten the screws” on licensed FBOs on certain compliance matters through a notification issued last month proposing draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. The proposed changes focus on three major areas—return filing obligations, penalty structures, and operational record-keeping requirements. While the regulator is clearly sharpening its enforcement posture on compliance deadlines, it has also sought to clarify and rationalise requirements for non-manufacturing food businesses.Almost in parallel, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has waived the requirement of a separate health trade licence for restaurants and eateries operating in its jurisdiction, provided they hold a valid FSSAI registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This move is explicitly aimed at avoiding duplication of licences and promoting ease of doing business. For FBOs operating within the NDMC area, this is an unambiguous relief—at least on one front of the regulatory burden.The FSSAI has invited stakeholder suggestions and objections within a 60-day window before finalising the draft amendments. One of the most consequential proposals concerns mandatory annual return filing by licensed FBOs. Currently, delays beyond the May 31 deadline attract a fine of Rs 100 per day. Under the proposed regime, penalties would escalate sharply: up to double the annual licence fee for delays of up to 90 days; five times the fee for delays between 91 and 180 days; and automatic licence suspension if returns are not filed within 180 days of the due date. The message is unambiguous—non-compliance with timelines will no longer be treated as a minor procedural lapse.Beyond penalties, the draft amendments also contain welcome relief measures relating to daily operational record-keeping. The FSSAI proposes to limit these requirements to food businesses engaged in manufacturing activities. Non-manufacturing entities—such as traders, distributors and retailers—would be exempt from maintaining daily records of production and raw material usage. This long-overdue clarification would reduce unnecessary compliance burdens and introduce greater proportionality into the regulatory framework.Similarly, retailers are proposed to be excluded from certain stock management and rotation obligations. Practices such as “first in, first out” (FIFO) and “first expiry, first out” (FEFO) would remain mandatory only for manufacturing units. However, this exclusion raises legitimate concerns. It is difficult to justify why retailers should not be expected to follow basic stock rotation practices, especially when food safety risks are just as real at the point of sale as they are at the point of manufacture.The NDMC’s decision to waive the health trade licence requirement also warrants a balanced assessment. While it undeniably reduces overlapping controls and eases compliance for eateries and restaurants, it could make enforcement more challenging at the local level. Municipal licences often function as tools for monitoring hygiene standards, waste disposal practices and public safety norms—areas that fall squarely within the civic authority’s domain. Removing this layer of oversight could weaken local enforcement capacity unless it is offset by stronger coordination with the FSSAI and more frequent inspections.Taken together, these developments present a mixed picture for India’s food businesses. In effect, they amount to a partial win-win for the sector—provided businesses adapt quickly to the tighter compliance regime while effectively leveraging the operational relief being offered. The key challenge for policymakers will be to ensure that enforcement remains consistent, proportionate and institutionally credible. INSIDE

INSIDE 10 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in POLICY NEWSThe government has launched a Market Access Support intervention under the Export Promotion Mission to help Indian exporters expand their presence in international markets. The initiative focuses on improving global market access, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises and new exporters. The scheme provides financial and institutional assistance for activities such as participation in trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, trade delegations, and promotional events in priority markets. It also aims to strengthen buyer linkages and market intelligence for exporters. The intervention is part of a broader export promotion framework designed to improve competitiveness and diversify export destinations. It is implemented under the NIRYAT DISHA subscheme and involves coordination among multiple government departments. The initiative seeks to address barriers faced by exporters in accessing overseas markets and to support sustained growth in India’s export ecosystem.Govt launches market access support interventionGovt issues notices to edible oil companiesThe Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has inaugurated a regional office in Raipur to strengthen export activities in Chhattisgarh. The office is expected to facilitate coordination with exporters, state agencies, and industry stakeholders. The move is aimed at improving access to export-related services, supporting value-added agricultural products, and expanding participation of local producers in global markets. Chhattisgarh has significant production of agricultural and processed food commodities, and the regional office will focus on improving market linkages and export readiness. The expansion of regional infrastructure reflects a broader strategy to strengthen agricultural and processed food exports from non-traditional regions. Officials said the initiative is part of efforts to decentralise export support and improve outreach in emerging production regions. The office will also assist exporters with regulatory procedures, market development activities, and capacity-building initiatives.APEDA opens regional office in RaipurThe government has issued show-cause notices to some large edible oil companies for failing to comply with the amended Vegetable Oil Products Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2025. The action follows non-submission of mandatory monthly production data despite repeated reminders. Such lapses are considered violations of the regulatory framework issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Authorities said similar notices may be issued to other entities that have not registered under the framework or failed to file required returns. Inspections of edible oil processing units may also be conducted to ensure compliance. The amended order, effective from August 2025, requires manufacturers and related stakeholders to register and submit monthly production and stock information through an online system. The framework aims to strengthen monitoring and regulatory oversight in the edible oil sector.

INSIDE 10 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS 11SLMG Beverages reported revenue exceeding Rs 8,000 crore in 2025, supported by sales across its beverage portfolio and distribution network. The company operates across multiple regions with manufacturing and bottling facilities supplying carbonated drinks, juices, and packaged water. Based on current growth trends, SLMG Beverages has outlined a revenue target of Rs 10,000 crore for 2026. The company plans to support this target through capacity expansion, operational scaleup, and network optimisation. Manufacturing output and logistics alignment are expected to play a role in meeting projected demand. The company is also evaluating investments to strengthen production efficiency and distribution coverage. These measures are intended to address volume growth across urban and non-urban markets. SLMG Beverages continues to focus on scaling operations in line with consumption patterns while maintaining supply consistency across its operating footprint.SLMG Beverages crosses Rs 8,000 Cr revenue in 2025Arya.ag raises Rs 725 Cr to expand climate-smart agriculture platformCarlsberg India invests Rs 100 Cr in Mysuru brewery can lineCarlsberg India has invested Rs 100 crore to add a new canning line at its Mysuru brewery in Karnataka. The new line has a production capacity of 22,000 cans per hour and is intended to increase can-format output at the facility. The investment is part of the company’s manufacturing capacity planning to support demand across its beverage portfolio. The Mysuru brewery serves as a key production site within Carlsberg India’s domestic operations. The additional canning infrastructure is expected to support packaging flexibility and improve throughput at the plant. It also aligns with the company’s focus on balancing output across different packaging formats. The expansion strengthens Carlsberg India’s production capabilities in southern India and supports supply requirements across regional markets.Arya.ag has raised Rs 725 crore in equity funding to scale its climate-smart agriculture platform. The funding will be used to expand infrastructure, technology deployment, and farmer engagement across agricultural value chains. The company plans to strengthen farmgate storage capacity, post-harvest management systems, and digital tools that support price discovery, financing access, and market linkages. Arya.ag works with farmers and farmer producer organisations to integrate storage, trade, and credit services. The platform operates across multiple crops and regions, focusing on reducing post-harvest losses and enabling structured participation in agricultural markets. The funding will also support expansion of Smart Farm Centres and warehousing assets. The capital raise is expected to support operational scale-up and wider adoption of climate-linked agricultural practices across the company’s network.

INSIDE 12 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWSRSPL Group’s dairy brand Namaste India is planning to expand its footprint in eastern and north-eastern India. The company aims to strengthen distribution across states including West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and neighbouring regions as part of its regional growth strategy. The expansion will focus on increasing availability of dairy products through local distributors and retail channels. The company plans to align its supply chain and cold chain infrastructure to support the rollout in these markets. Namaste India currently operates in select regions and sees the eastern and north-eastern markets as opportunities for demand growth in packaged dairy. The strategy includes market-specific pricing and distribution planning to address regional consumption patterns. The expansion reflects RSPL Group’s efforts to scale its dairy business alongside its existing presence in FMCG categories.Ghodawat Consumer has expanded its food portfolio with the launch of soya chunks under its STAR brand. The product targets consumers seeking plant-based protein options for daily cooking. The soya chunks are positioned as a protein-rich ingredient suitable for household and foodservice use. With this launch, the company enters the packaged soya chunks segment, which has seen increased penetration across urban and semiurban markets. The product is aimed at supporting dietary protein intake and is intended for use in common Indian recipes. Distribution will be aligned with the company’s existing retail network. The move is part of Ghodawat Consumer’s broader strategy to diversify its food offerings beyond staples and edible oils. The company continues to focus on expanding its packaged foods presence through new product categories aligned with evolving consumption patterns.McCain Cheesy Pizza Fingers receives NIQ BASES awardGhodawat Consumer launches soya chunks under STAR brandMcCain Foods’ product Cheesy Pizza Fingers has received the NIQ BASES Breakthrough Innovation Award 2025. The recognition is based on product performance metrics including consumer adoption and repeat purchase in the frozen snacks category. The product combines cheesefilled snacks with pizza-style flavour positioning and is targeted at home consumption. According to NIQ BASES evaluation criteria, the product demonstrated performance against benchmarks used to assess new product success. The award highlights McCain’s continued focus on innovation within the frozen foods segment in India. The company has been expanding its portfolio to cater to changing consumption occasions, including snacks and meal accompaniments. The recognition places the product among a set of new launches evaluated for market impact during the assessment period.RSPL’s Namaste India targets eastern and northeastern markets

INSIDE 12 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 13Alkem launches Renocia Cyclical Therapy Nutrition KitAlkem Laboratories has introduced Renocia Cyclical Therapy, a nutritional supplements kit designed to support hair growth. The kit follows a phased supplementation approach and is intended for use under medical guidance. Renocia Cyclical Therapy includes multiple supplements formulated to be consumed in cycles, addressing nutritional requirements linked to hair health. The offering targets individuals experiencing hair-related concerns linked to nutritional factors. The launch marks Alkem’s entry into structured nutrition-based regimens within the wellness and supplements segment. The company aims to integrate nutrition support with dermatologyfocused care. The product is part of Alkem’s broader portfolio expansion in nutraceuticals and conditionspecific nutrition solutions.Sustainable Energy Development (SED) is supporting Parag Agro Industries in its 7,000 tonnes per day sugar mill expansion project. The expansion is aimed at increasing sugar processing capacity and improving operational efficiency at the facility. The project involves upgrades to milling operations and associated infrastructure to handle higher cane throughput. Energy efficiency measures and process optimisation form part of the expansion plan. The initiative aligns with efforts to enhance domestic sugar processing capacity while integrating efficiencyfocused systems. The expansion is expected to support higher output during crushing seasons and strengthen the company’s operational scale. Parag Agro operates in the sugar manufacturing segment and continues to invest in capacity enhancement to support long-term production requirements.Marico partners with IIT Tirupati for research collaborationSED supports Parag Agro’s 7,000 TCD expansion projectMarico has entered into a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati to work on research initiatives in food, nutrition, and allied areas. The partnership will focus on joint research projects, academic exchange, and knowledge development. Under the collaboration, Marico and IIT Tirupati will work on areas including food science, material research, and product-related studies. The engagement is expected to involve faculty members, researchers, and students from the institute. The partnership supports Marico’s approach to linking academic research with industry applications. It also provides IIT Tirupati with opportunities for industryaligned research exposure. The collaboration reflects growing engagement between FMCG companies and academic institutions for research-driven product development.

INSIDE 14 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUP NEWSAce Blend has launched a creatine monohydrate supplement in India. The product contains micronised creatine monohydrate with a standard serving size and is available in multiple packaging formats. It also includes tart cherry extract as an additional ingredient. The company stated that the product is positioned in the sports nutrition and dietary supplement segment. Creatine monohydrate is widely used in supplements and is associated with physical performance and recovery in active individuals. The launch marks an expansion of Ace Blend’s product portfolio in the nutraceutical category. The company aims to strengthen its presence in the growing sports nutrition market through new product introductions. The introduction of the creatine supplement reflects increasing demand for protein and performance-related products in India’s nutrition market, driven by rising consumer interest in fitness and functional nutrition.LabelBlind has launched an AI-based tool designed to support food businesses in managing product information and regulatory requirements. The platform analyses food labels and related data to help companies review ingredient details, claims, and compliance parameters. The tool is intended for use by food manufacturers, brands, and other stakeholders involved in product development and regulatory processes. According to the company, the updated system offers automated analysis and structured insights to assist decision-making in product formulation and labelling. The launch reflects increasing use of digital technologies in the food sector to address regulatory complexity and data management challenges. As food companies face evolving compliance requirements and growing product portfolios, technology-driven tools are being integrated into operational workflows. With this introduction, LabelBlind expands its technology offerings for the food industry and strengthens its focus on data-driven solutions for product and regulatory management.Rasayanam has launched a liver detox supplement in India. The product is positioned in the nutraceutical segment and formulated using herbal ingredients. The company stated that the supplement is developed for dietary use and is intended to support liver-related health needs. The formulation includes a blend of plant-based extracts commonly used in nutraceutical and herbal products. The launch marks an addition to Rasayanam’s portfolio of health and wellness products. The company aims to expand its presence in the dietary supplements market through new product introductions. The introduction of the liver supplement reflects ongoing growth in demand for herbal and nutraceutical products in India. With this launch, Rasayanam continues to broaden its product range in the functional nutrition and wellness category.LabelBlind launches AI tool for food firmsRasayanam launches liver supplementAce Blend launches Creatine Monohydrate

INSIDE 14 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUP NEWS 15Greenspace Herbs has launched Berberine QA in India. The product is positioned in the nutraceutical segment and formulated with berberine as the primary ingredient. The company stated that the product is developed for dietary supplement applications. Berberine is commonly used in nutraceutical formulations and is included in products linked to metabolic health and related wellness categories. The launch marks an addition to Greenspace Herbs’ portfolio of nutraceutical offerings. The company aims to expand its product range within the dietary supplements market through new launches. The introduction of Berberine QA reflects continued growth in the nutraceutical sector and increasing consumer demand for herbal and plant-based ingredients. With this launch, Greenspace Herbs broadens its presence in the functional nutrition and supplement category.BuyBuyCart launches B2 premium snack rangeThe Baker’s Dozen introduces multigrain protein chipsGreenspace Herbs launches Berberine QAThe Baker’s Dozen has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of multigrain protein chips in India. The new product marks the brand’s entry into the savoury snacks segment, moving beyond its core bakery offerings. The chips are made using a mix of grains and pulses, including urad dal, jowar, and chickpeas. They are positioned within the packaged snacks category and are being introduced across multiple flavour variants and pack sizes. The launch comes amid rising demand for proteinrich and multigrain snack products in the Indian market. Companies in the packaged food sector are increasingly diversifying portfolios to address changing consumption patterns and preferences. With this introduction, The Baker’s Dozen adds a new category to its product range and strengthens its presence in the broader packaged food market.BuyBuyCart has introduced the B2 snack range as part of its private label portfolio in India. The launch adds new packaged snack products to the company’s existing offerings in the food category. The B2 range includes multiple snack formats positioned for retail distribution. The company stated that the expansion is part of its strategy to strengthen its private label presence in the packaged food segment. Private label brands are gaining traction in India’s food and grocery market, with companies using them to broaden product portfolios and increase control over pricing and distribution. The launch of the B2 range reflects this broader shift in the market. With the introduction of new snack products, BuyBuyCart expands its private label portfolio and increases its footprint in the packaged snacks segment. The move aligns with ongoing efforts by companies to diversify offerings and respond to changing consumer consumption patterns.

INSIDE 16 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVERIndia’s nutrition problem is no longer about hunger alone—it is about mismatch. Even as supermarket shelves overflow with “healthy” products and fortified foods, diabetes, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies continue to rise side by side. The contradiction is forcing a rethink. Consumers are questioning generic wellness claims, scientists are challenging populationaverage diets, and startups are betting that biology—not branding—will shape the future of food. From DNA tests and gut biomarkers to tech-enabled meal plans, nutrition in India is shifting from mass solutions to individual relevance. The question is no longer whether this shift will happen, but whether India can scale precision nutrition responsibly and affordably.Rewriting India's Plate from Generic to Genomic

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 17In late 2025, mainstream consumer packaged goods giants began recalibrating how they think about daily nutrition, signalling a shift from broad wellness claims toward more targeted, meaningful nutrition solutions. Hindustan Unilever (HUL), for example, sharpened its focus on lifestyle nutrition by expanding its Horlicks Superfoods range with blends featuring oats, almonds, and millets specifically designed for everyday health needs, tapping into rising consumer demand for functional nutrition at scale. At the same time, startups like The Kenko Life raised fresh funding from ecosystem players such as Rainmatter by Zerodha to build scalable subscription-based models that combine macro-balanced meals with science-informed recommendations, offering high-protein, low-added sugar options alongside tech-led personalisation layers. These developments highlight a broader evolution in India’s market: nutrition is no longer just about calories or generic health claims; it’s about relevance, context, and increasingly, individual needs.For decades, India’s nutrition strategy, both at a public health and commercial level, has followed a one-size-fits-all approach. Dietary guidelines, fortified foods, supplements, and even functional products have largely been designed for the “average Indian.” However, the idea of an average Indian has always been flawed. India is home to vast genetic diversity, multiple dietary patterns, regional food habits, and varying metabolic responses to the same foods. This mismatch has increasingly become visible as India simultaneously battles undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.Traditional nutrition frameworks focused on calorie sufficiency and basic nutrient intake. While this approach helped reduce hunger, it did little to address why two individuals eating the same diet experience completely different health outcomes. One person thrives, while another develops deficiencies or lifestyle disorders. This gap has pushed scientists and nutritionists to look beyond food quantity and quality, toward how the body actually responds to nutrients. DNA-driven diets are emerging as a response to this challenge. Nutrigenomics: the study of how genes interact with nutrients, suggests that genetic variations influence how individuals absorb, metabolise, and utilise food. For instance, lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, caffeine metabolism, and vitamin absorption all have genetic links. Understanding these variations opens the door to designing diets that align with individual biology rather than population averages.In India, this shift is particularly relevant. A carbohydrate-heavy diet, combined with genetic predisposition, has contributed to rising diabetes rates. Similarly, iron deficiency persists despite widespread fortification because absorption varies across individuals. DNA-based insights offer the possibility of addressing these gaps with more targeted nutrition strategies. This transition from generic nutrition to DNA-driven diets also reflects a broader change in consumer mindset. Health is no longer just about eating “healthy food”; it is about eating the right food for one’s body. As preventive healthcare gains momentum, food is increasingly viewed as a tool to manage long-term health risks.The move away from one-size-fits-all nutrition is not a rejection of traditional diets, but a refinement of them. DNA-driven nutrition aims to personalise food choices within existing cultural frameworks, making nutrition more effective, sustainable, and relevant for India’s diverse population.Precision vs Personalised Nutrition: Where India Really StandsIn India’s evolving nutrition landscape, the boundary between personalisation and precision is often blurred, yet the difference between the two has significant implications for scientific credibility, product design, and health outcomes. Most products currently marketed as personalised nutrition are, in reality, segmented nutrition, formulated based on age, gender, lifestyle, or health conditions such as diabetes, gut health, or heart health. While this approach is a clear step forward from mass-market multivitamins, it still does not account for individual biological differences in nutrient absorption, metabolism, or genetic predisposition.Experts working at the intersection of nutrition science and advanced diagnostics emphasise that this distinction is not merely semantic, but foundational to how nutrition solutions are designed and delivered. As Arun Om Lal, industry chair professor, NIFTEM Kundli notes: “Personalised nutrition and precision nutrition are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Personalised nutrition focuses on tailoring dietary recommendations to an individual’s unique characteristics, such as genetic profile, lifestyle, and health goals. Precision nutrition, on the other hand, involves using advanced technologies like genomics, metabolomics, and artificial intelligence to provide highly specific and targeted nutritional advice.The key differences lie in their approach and scope. Personalised nutrition adapts general dietary guidelines to individual needs, whereas precision nutrition seeks to understand the complex interactions between genes, environment, and lifestyle to create truly individualised nutrition plans. Precision nutrition is a game-changer, especially in India where dietary habits and health challenges are highly diverse. It enables nutrition plans

INSIDE 18 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVERto be tailored to genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health goals, making it particularly effective for managing conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.For instance, an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study found that high consumption of refined carbohydrates such as white rice increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. A precision nutrition approach accounts for individual genetic and metabolic differences, allowing dietary recommendations to move beyond blanket restrictions and become culturally and biologically relevant.This distinction matters because segmentation now dominates the Indian market at scale. According to industry estimates, India’s personalised nutrition and supplements market was valued at over $600 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 16 per cent through the next decade, driven largely by condition-specific supplements, protein formats, and functional foods rather than true biological personalisation. The popularity of diabetesfriendly nutrition, gut-health formulations, and targeted immunity products reflects this shift.Precision nutrition goes a step further by using biological data: DNA, gut microbiome profiles, blood biomarkers, and metabolic markers, to design nutrition interventions. It seeks to answer not just what someone should eat, but why a particular nutrient or formulation works for that individual. In India, this approach is still emerging, largely through startups offering DNA testing kits, microbiome analysis, or biomarker-based nutrition plans, often bundled with digital coaching.In recent years, companies such as NuGenomics, MapmyGenome, Xcode Life, Vieroots, and KYEAL have brought genomic and biomarker-led nutrition conversations into the mainstream wellness space. At the same time, platforms like HealthifyMe and Ultrahuman are adding deeper data layers: continuous glucose monitoring, metabolic insights, and AI-driven recommendations, signalling how technology is beginning to bridge the gap between lifestyle tracking and biological insight. However, India’s nutrition market is currently in a hybrid phase. On one end are traditional supplements and functional foods with broad or condition-based claims. On the other are precisionfocused startups catering primarily to urban, affluent consumers. True precision nutrition remains limited by cost, awareness, availability of testing infrastructure, and limited integration with mainstream food and nutraceutical products.Data relevance presents another structural challenge. Much of the global nutrigenomics and microbiome research that informs precision nutrition today is based on Western populations. Applying these “Personalised nutrition and precision nutrition are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Personalised nutrition focuses on tailoring dietary recommendations to an individual’s unique characteristics. Precision nutrition, on the other hand, involves using advanced technologies like genomics, metabolomics, and artificial intelligence.”- Arun Om Lal, industry chair professor, NIFTEM, Kundli

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 19insights directly to Indian consumers, who exhibit vast genetic, dietary, and metabolic diversity, can lead to incomplete or inaccurate outcomes. Building Indiaspecific genomic and biomarker datasets remains a critical gap. \"There have been remarkable advances in recent years in identifying genetic variants that alter disease susceptibility by interacting with dietary factors. Despite the remarkable progress, several factors need to be considered before the translation of nutrigenetics insights to personalised and precision nutrition in ethnically diverse populations. Some of these factors include variations in genetic predispositions, cultural and lifestyle factors as well as socio-economic factors. Conducting gene-diet interaction studies in diverse populations is essential given the genetic diversity and variations in dietary patterns. Studies utilising large sample sizes are required as this improves the power to detect interactions with minimal effect sizes\", says Vimal Karani S, Deputy Director, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Reading, UK. While adding more depth to the topic, Madhuree Kumari, Scientist, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore comments, \"Currently, treatment of various human ailments is based on different therapeutic approaches, including traditional and modern medicine systems. The continuously and gradually evolving disciplines of genomics in relation to nutrition have elucidated the importance of genetic variations, epigenetic information, and expression of myriads of genes in disease progression, apart from their involvement in modulating therapeutic responses. Although precision nutrition now includes the integrative study of latest omics of nutrigenomics like metagenomics, metabolomics, and next-generation sequencing to understand the relationship between nutrition profile and human health management. However, the management of huge amounts of data generated by omics approaches is still a challenging task and warrants the application of the latest artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for in depth understanding.\"Despite these constraints, momentum is unmistakable. Consumer interest is shifting from shortterm wellness fixes toward deeper questions around nutrient absorption, metabolic health, gut function, and long-term disease prevention. Brands are responding by experimenting with customised packs, subscription models, biomarker-led recommendations, and digital health integrations, even if full-scale precision remains aspirational for now.The key question, therefore, is not whether India will adopt precision nutrition, but how quickly and how responsibly it will move from segmentation to true “Conducting gene-diet interaction studies in diverse populations is essential given the genetic diversity and variations in dietary patterns. Studies utilising large sample sizes are required as this improves the power to detect interactions with minimal effect sizes.”- Vimal Karani S, Deputy Director, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Reading, UK.

INSIDE 20 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVERThe current adopters are individuals who prefer to take charge of their health rather than leave it to fate or in their doctor’s hands alone. They are the leader birds who lead the rest of the flock to better futures, and at Vieroots we are seeing their word-of-mouth publicity regarding its benefits gaining traction in winning new adopters.”he benefits from DNA-based diets are hard to ignore. “Your genes affect the metabolism of the foods you eat, and the foods you eat affect your gene expression in return. This bidirectional link is termed nutrigenomics, and is so powerful that even individuals who have failed to lose weight by every other way, lose weight and keep it away too after adopting DNA-based weight loss programmes. ‘Optimize My Weight’ from us has been India’s first such programme,” says Dr Nair.Dr Nair further adds, “Beyond weight management, DNA-based diets also offer potential in preventing lifestyle diseases. A recent study by our research team found that almost all individuals with a risk of heart disease also had a genetic risk for magnesium deficiency. Genetic testing can help identify such risks across hundreds of diseases and nutrients, enabling “The management of huge amounts of data generated by omics approaches is still a challenging task and warrants the application of the latest artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for in depth understanding.”- Madhuree Kumari, Scientist, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalorebiological precision. Achieving this transition will require close collaboration between food and nutraceutical companies, diagnostics firms, researchers, digital health platforms, and regulators, ensuring that science, affordability, and consumer trust evolve together.DNA Testing Goes Mainstream: Hype or Healthcare Shift?DNA testing in India has steadily expanded beyond ancestry and forensic applications into wellness, nutrition, and preventive health. Over the past few years, a growing ecosystem of Indian companies has introduced at-home genetic testing kits that provide insights related to nutrient metabolism, fitness response, disease predisposition, and long-term health planning. This shift reflects a broader movement toward datadriven and preventive healthcare models.Globally, nutrigenomics has gained scientific recognition over the last two decades. Peer-reviewed research published in journals such as The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nature Genetics, and Nutrients has established clear links between specific genetic variants and nutrient metabolism. Well-studied examples include genetic polymorphisms affecting folate metabolism (MTHFR), lipid metabolism (APOE), caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2), vitamin D synthesis (VDR), and lactose tolerance (LCT). These insights form the scientific foundation on which DNA-based nutrition recommendations are built.Industry practitioners, however, point out that while scientific validation exists, adoption is still at an early stage. Dr Sajeev Nair, Founder & Chairman, Vieroots explains, “While genetic testing for nutritional needs is growing fast, we are nowhere near ideal adoption rates. But this will change irreversibly, going forward.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 21

INSIDE 22 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVERPrecision nutrition in India is often dismissed as a luxury product designed for the urban elite. That criticism is not entirely wrong. But it is also incomplete. On the ground, the real bottleneck holding back scale is not science. It is structure.India today does not lack nutritional science, diagnostic capability, or data-driven insights. What it lacks is a delivery model that aligns precision nutrition with the country’s economic realities, healthcare pathways, and everyday food habits. Personalised nutrition in India has largely been built on a flawed assumption—that complexity must be expensive, and exclusivity equals credibility. This model has been imported from Western wellness ecosystems and applied to a country that operates on very different clinical, cultural, and economic foundations. As a result, precision nutrition has remained a boutique service rather than evolving into a meaningful public health lever.What needs to change begins with reframing the objective itself. Personalised nutrition must stop trying to replace clinical care and start integrating with it. In India, the doctor continues to be the first and most trusted point of contact for health decisions. Precision nutrition becomes scalable only when it positions itself as a clinical support layer—one that improves outcomes in diabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, gut health, and cardiovascular risk. Adoption follows naturally when doctors see measurable improvements in biomarkers, not just lifestyle narratives or wellness claims.Adnan Muhammed, Founder, KYEAL NutrigenomicsPrecision Nutrition in India: A Structural Problem, Not a Scientific Onepreventive supplementation years before disease onset. However, DNA-based nutrition cannot be oversimplified. Comprehensive nutrigenomic testing must be correlated with metabolic assessments, and translated by multidisciplinary teams including doctors, geneticists, nutritionists, and lifestyle experts. Nutrient deficiencies rarely exist in isolation, and absorption depends on complex nutrient interactions. We address these complexities through proprietary AI-based systems refined across tens of thousands of clients.”Simplified DNA diet advice commonly seen on social media does not hold much value. Nutrition also does not work in isolation—exercise, sleep, gut microbiome, and stress management play equally critical roles, all of which are genetically mediated. This systems biology approach is essential for truly personalised genomic wellness.DNA testing has also played a role in increasing consumer literacy around biological individuality. Concepts such as genetic predisposition, metabolic variability, and preventive nutrition are increasingly shaping how Indian consumers approach longterm health. This awareness is influencing not only supplement choices, but also broader lifestyle decisions related to diet quality, physical activity, and disease prevention. Importantly, DNA testing is now being positioned as a foundational data layer, rather than a standalone solution. When integrated with clinical biomarkers, dietary assessments, and lifestyle data, genomic insights enable more structured and proactive nutrition strategies. This integrated approach aligns with India’s broader healthcare shift toward early intervention and preventive care, especially in the context of rising lifestyle disorders.DNA testing is expected to play a growing role in shaping next-generation nutrition models in India. Its long-term impact will be defined by how effectively genomic insights are embedded within food systems, nutraceutical development, and preventive healthcare frameworks, moving nutrition closer to a science-led, individual-centric future.Can India Support Precision Nutrition?Precision nutrition cannot exist without strong scientific foundations. While India has a well-established food science, biotechnology, and diagnostics ecosystem, significant gaps remain in nutrigenomics research, clinical validation, and data integration. One of the most pressing challenges is the absence of large-scale, Indiaspecific genomic and microbiome datasets that truly reflect the country’s genetic diversity, dietary patterns,

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 23The second shift required is rebuilding cost structures from the ground up. The challenge is not biomarker testing itself, but over-testing. Many platforms test everything simply because they can, not because each marker meaningfully changes dietary or lifestyle decisions. Scalability demands ruthless prioritisation—identifying the smallest biomarker set that can meaningfully shift nutrition recommendations for Indian phenotypes. Fewer tests, tighter feedback loops, and faster iteration cycles are essential. Precision is not about volume; it is about relevance.Third, data must translate into action, not dashboards. Indian consumers do not fail because they lack information. They fail because execution is hard. A detailed report that does not integrate into daily food availability, household habits, and cultural patterns is effectively dead on arrival. Personalised nutrition becomes clinically useful only when insights are embedded into what people actually eat, not what they are theoretically told to eat. This requires local food mapping, regional recipe integration, and dynamic nutrition plans that adapt to income levels, seasonal availability, and shifting lifestyles.The fourth requirement is moving from one-time diagnosis to continuous feedback. India’s most pressing health challenges are chronic and slow-moving. A single snapshot test offers limited long-term value. What creates scale and sustained impact is longitudinal tracking, where nutrition plans evolve with biomarker trends, symptom progression, and real-world compliance signals. This, in turn, demands digital infrastructure, ecosystem partnerships, and simplified monitoring models that support both users and clinicians—without overwhelming either.Finally, precision nutrition must abandon vanity positioning. This space is not about optimisation for biohackers or elite wellness seekers. It is about risk reduction at population scale. When personalised nutrition speaks the language of prevention, productivity, and long-term healthcare cost savings, it begins to align with insurers, employers, hospitals, and public health stakeholders. That alignment is critical if precision nutrition is to move beyond niche adoption.The opportunity cost of not addressing these structural gaps is enormous. India will continue to spend heavily on late-stage disease management while ignoring early metabolic signals that nutrition can effectively modulate. Precision nutrition will remain a talking point rather than a system-level intervention.The science is ready. The market is not. Scale will come when personalised nutrition stops trying to look premium—and starts acting useful. and lifestyle variations. Building locally relevant datasets will require long-term investment, sustained research funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration between academic institutions, diagnostics firms, food and nutraceutical companies, and public health agencies, supported by strong public–private partnerships.Another critical constraint is the high R&D intensity associated with precision nutrition. Advanced diagnostics, bioinformatics platforms, and continuous validation significantly increase development costs. For startups and mid-sized companies, balancing scientific depth with commercial viability remains a challenge, particularly in a price-sensitive market like India. At the same time, the industry is recognising that evidencebased innovation is no longer optional. Research institutions, food technology centres, and companies across the nutrition value chain are beginning to align around the need for scientifically validated, data-driven approaches that move beyond generic supplementation.As nutraceuticals increasingly intersect with precision and personalised nutrition, the quality of inputs and evidence supporting formulations is becoming a defining factor for credibility. Gaurav Soni, Founder and Managing Director, Botanic Healthcare, explains, “As nutraceuticals move from generic formulations to targeted and personalised solutions, the credibility of the category increasingly depends on what sits beneath the label. Ingredient standardisation, clinical validation, and traceability are becoming decisive factors in whether personalised nutrition is viewed as science-led or marketing-led.Standardisation is fundamental to efficacy. Studies have shown that the active compound content in non-standardised botanical ingredients can vary by 20 to 60 per cent depending on source and processing methods. For personalised nutrition, where formulations are designed around specific physiological needs, such “While genetic testing for nutritional needs is growing fast, we are nowhere near ideal adoption rates. But this will change irreversibly, going forward. The current adopters are individuals who prefer to take charge of their health rather than leave it to fate or in their doctor’s hands alone.” - Dr Sajeev Nair, Founder & Chairman, Vieroots

INSIDE 24 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER“As nutraceuticals move from generic formulations to targeted and personalised solutions, the credibility of the category increasingly depends on what sits beneath the label. Ingredient standardisation, clinical validation, and traceability are becoming decisive factors in whether personalised nutrition is viewed as science-led or marketing-led.”- Gaurav Soni, Founder and Managing Director, Botanic HealthcareAdvances in genomics and microbiome science show that our gut bacteria, metabolic markers, and genetic predispositions directly influence how we digest food, absorb nutrients, and develop chronic conditions. Globally, this has shifted nutrition from calorie counting to biological response-based decision-making.”Kushnir further adds, “In India, precision nutrition today is largely limited to urban, premium consumers. Full-scale microbiome or DNA testing is powerful, but expensive. Today, personalisation is a luxury, not a public health lever. From my experience, the solution isn’t to variability can significantly dilute outcomes. Without consistent and measurable actives, tailoring nutrition to individual requirements becomes imprecise and unreliable.Clinical validation adds a necessary layer of trust. Industry data shows that products supported by human clinical evidence are up to three times more likely to gain repeat consumer adoption compared to claim-led formulations. Bioavailability studies and controlled human trials establish not only whether an ingredient works, but how effectively it delivers benefits in real-world conditions, an important consideration as personalised nutrition increasingly intersects with preventive healthcare.Traceability has also moved from being a compliance requirement to a quality differentiator. With the global nutraceutical market projected to cross $600 billion by 2030, regulators and consumers are demanding greater transparency across supply chains. Full traceability from raw material sourcing to finished ingredient helps ensure safety, consistency, and regulatory readiness, particularly as formulations become more targeted and data-driven.Together, standardisation, validation, and traceability form the backbone of credible personalised nutrition. They enable brands to move beyond broad wellness claims and design solutions grounded in measurable science. This shift is essential if personalised nutrition is to be positioned as a serious, outcomes-focused category rather than a passing consumer trend.Accessibility is the next defining issue. Currently, DNA-driven and precision nutrition services are largely concentrated among urban, affluent, and digitally literate consumers. High testing costs, limited awareness, and gaps in digital literacy restrict adoption across broader populations. For precision nutrition to deliver meaningful public health impact, it must evolve beyond premium wellness offerings. Scalable models, simplified testing frameworks, and integration with mainstream nutrition products and preventive health initiatives will be key to expanding reach. Affordability will depend on reducing diagnostic costs, leveraging digital platforms, and developing mass-customisation strategies that allow personalisation without full individualisation.This challenge of accessibility and relevance is central to how emerging players are rethinking precision nutrition models in India. As Max Kushnir, Chief Scientific Officer, Sova Health, notes, “As someone building at the intersection of health, data, and nutrition, I’ve seen firsthand why India’s nutrition crisis isn’t about lack of information, it’s about lack of relevance. We’ve spent decades giving people generic advice, while biology quietly reminds us that no two bodies respond to food the same way. Precision nutrition changes that equation.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 25“In India, precision nutrition today is largely limited to urban, premium consumers. Full-scale microbiome or DNA testing is powerful, but expensive. Tiered personalisation, hybrid models combining validated questionnaires with select biomarkers, and cost-effective diagnostics can lower the barrier to entry while remaining evidence-based.”- Max Kushnir, Chief Scientific Officer, Sova Health‘dumb down’ the science but to design smarter entry points. Tiered personalisation, hybrid models combining validated questionnaires with select biomarkers, and cost-effective diagnostics can lower the barrier to entry while remaining evidence-based. This thinking drives our work at Sova Health.”“We started with deep microbiome science but realised that impact comes from accessibility. We introduced India’s most affordable gut biome test and the country’s first fully personalised, questionnairebased probiotics—products that are two to three times more cost-effective than existing alternatives. The future of nutrition in India will not be built only on premium DNA kits. It will be built on biomarker-led thinking, costconscious design, culturally relevant recommendations, and scalable nutraceutical innovation. When personalisation becomes practical and affordable, nutrition shifts from reactive care to preventive healthcare at scale.”As the ecosystem evolves, regulatory and ethical considerations become increasingly important. Genetic data is deeply personal and sensitive, raising issues related to privacy, informed consent, data protection, and responsible usage. India currently lacks comprehensive, nutrigenomics-specific regulatory frameworks to govern DNA-based nutrition claims and data handling practices. Clear guidelines will be essential to define permissible claims, establish validation standards, and build consumer trust. This will require coordinated engagement between regulators, industry players, researchers, and healthcare professionals.Finally, the scientific complexity of precision nutrition itself must be acknowledged. Genetic data indicates risk rather than outcomes, and nutrition responses are shaped by an interaction between genetics, gut microbiota, physical activity, socio-economic conditions, and long-term dietary habits. Translating genomic insights into meaningful health outcomes requires trained professionals, including dietitians and genetic counselors, as well as clinical validation to ensure recommendations are contextual, practical, and evidence-based.India’s ability to support precision nutrition will therefore depend on how effectively science, affordability, regulation, and trust are aligned. The transition from segmented nutrition to true biological precision will be gradual, but with sustained investment, collaboration, and responsible innovation, India has the potential to build a precision nutrition ecosystem that is both credible and inclusive.What’s Next: The Future Plate of IndiaThe future of Indian nutrition lies at the convergence of food science, genomics, digital health, and consumer trust. While DNA may not dictate every food choice, it will increasingly influence how nutrition products are designed, validated, and positioned. Mainstream nutraceutical brands, ingredient companies, startups, and academic institutions will all play a role in shaping this transition, from segmentation today to true precision tomorrow. The success of precision nutrition in India will ultimately be measured not by how advanced the science becomes, but by how responsibly, inclusively, and effectively it improves everyday health outcomes. Mansi Jamsudkar Padvekar [email protected]

India is often described as one of the world’s most promising nutrition markets. Rising lifestyle disorders, increasing fitness awareness, growing disposable incomes, and the rapid expansion of D2C health brands all point towards a consumer base that wants more from food and nutrition than ever before. And yet, the industry finds itself caught in a contradiction.Indian consumers want premium nutrition, but they want it at mass-market prices. This contradiction, what many industry insiders now quietly call the price sensitivity trap, is shaping product design, formulation decisions, R&D investments, and even the credibility of India’s nutrition ecosystem. At the heart of this trap lies a powerful psychological anchor: the Rs 999 nutrition mindset.The Rs 999 Mindset: How Price Became the Starting PointWalk through any nutrition marketplace, online or offline, and a pattern quickly emerges. Whether it is multivitamins, protein powders, collagen supplements, probiotics, gummies, or immunity blends, the majority of monthly packs are priced between Rs 599 and Rs 999. This price band has become the industry’s comfort zone, not because it reflects the real cost of quality nutrition, but because it reflects what consumers are willing to pay.Across India’s D2C nutrition landscape, brands such as HealthKart (MuscleBlaze, TrueBasics), Wellbeing Nutrition, OZiva, Himalayan Organics, Plix, and Fast&Up have all built large portfolios where the dominant SKUs sit firmly below the Rs 1,000 mark. Over the last few years, products have been aggressively designed around this psychological ceiling. Thirty-day packs are favoured over longer formats, not for scientific reasons but to ensure that the final MRP remains under Rs 1,000.Even brands positioning themselves as “premium” hesitate to cross this threshold, fearing drop-offs in conversion. As a result, formulation decisions often begin not with ideal dosing or duration, but with the final printed price.In effect, price has become the starting point of formulation, not the outcome of it. This has had a visible impact on how nutrition is perceived. Consumers increasingly see supplements as a monthly FMCG expense, similar to skincare or grooming products, rather than as a long-term health investment. While this has helped expand category adoption, it has also compressed value perception, making it difficult for genuinely science-backed products to command higher prices.The irony is stark: while consumers demand imported ingredients, global quality benchmarks, and “clinically proven” claims, they resist paying prices that could realistically support those expectations.Indian nutrition products today are not built from the lab up, they are built from the MRP down. Thirty-day packs dominate shelves not because they are nutritionally ideal, but because they keep prices psychologically acceptable.Quick AnalysisObserved industry pattern: Brands prefer 30-day SKUs over 60 or 90 days to keep the MRP below Rs 1,000 Even clinically differentiated formulations are downsized to fit price expectations Subscription discounts are used to mask actual monthly costInsight for analysis: The Rs 999 ceiling has become an unwritten industry rule, forcing brands to design products around price first, science second.Why this matters: True premium nutrition, especially involving patented ingredients or clinical backing, struggles to survive at this price point without compromises.When Price Trumps ScienceOne of the most under-discussed consequences of price sensitivity is its direct impact on R&D and clinical validation. Developing truly differentiated nutrition products, especially in categories like probiotics, specialised proteins, or functional bioactives, requires The Price Sensitivity Trap: Why Indian Consumers Want Premium Nutrition at Mass PricesIndia is often hailed as one of the world’s most promising nutrition markets. Rising lifestyle disorders, growing fitness awareness, expanding disposable incomes and a boom in D2C health brands all point to a consumer base seeking more from food and nutrition. Yet the industry remains caught in a persistent contradiction. Consumers increasingly aspire to premium, science-backed nutrition, but expect it at mass-market prices. This tension—what industry insiders describe as the price sensitivity trap—is reshaping product formulation, R&D investment and brand credibility. At its core sits a powerful psychological anchor: the Rs 999 nutrition mindset, which continues to define how value, quality and affordability are perceived in India’s nutrition ecosystem.INSIDE 26 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PRICING

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PRICING 27long-term investment. Clinical trials, stability studies, bioavailability testing, and regulatory compliance add layers of cost that simply cannot be absorbed within a Rs 999 framework.Take probiotics, for instance. Conducting a meaningful clinical study for a specific strain or formulation can cost several crores of rupees and take years to complete. Stability studies to ensure that claimed CFU counts are retained until the end of shelf life add further expense, as do cold-chain logistics in certain formats.In India, companies such as Unique Biotech, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Lactose India, and Anthem Biosciences possess the technical capability to support advanced probiotic development. On the consumer side, brands like Himalaya Wellness, Cipla Health, and newer D2C players increasingly talk about gut health and microbiome science. Yet, the commercial reality remains challenging.Faced with these realities, many brands make a pragmatic decision: skip deep validation. Instead of conducting India-specific trials, they rely on global strain data. Instead of guaranteeing CFU counts at the end of shelf life, they mention values “at time of manufacture.” Instead of investing in advanced encapsulation or stability technologies, they opt for formulations that are cheaper to produce and easier to scale.These decisions are rarely malicious. They are commercial responses to a market that is unwilling to pay for scientific depth. But over time, they have created a marketplace where products are marketed as “functional” without always delivering consistent functional outcomes.A small number of companies that do invest in enhanced stability or differentiated probiotic technologies often struggle with pricing acceptance. Despite offering objectively superior science, they face consumer resistance simply because their MRPs break the Rs 1,000 psychological barrier. The result is a market where average products sell better than excellent ones.The Silent Compromises in Ingredient QualityPerhaps the most visible manifestation of the price sensitivity trap is seen in the protein and performance nutrition segment. Protein is one of India’s fastest-growing nutrition categories, but it is also one of its most pricesensitive. Consumers demand high protein content, clean labels, international sourcing, and great taste, often at prices significantly lower than global benchmarks.Leading brands, and newer performance nutrition startups compete aggressively on price while promising high protein content, clean labels, international sourcing, and great taste, often at prices far lower than global benchmarks.To meet these expectations, brands are forced to make quiet trade-offs. In many cases, protein per serving is adjusted downward while maintaining a large scoop size, creating the illusion of value. Blended protein sources are used without clearly communicating differences in amino acid profiles or digestibility. Flavour systems and sweeteners are enhanced to improve palatability, compensating for formulation limitations rather than nutritional optimisation.Marketing budgets, on the other hand, often remain intact. Influencer endorsements, digital campaigns, and high-visibility launches take priority because they drive faster returns than invisible improvements in formulation quality.To the consumer, the product looks premium, tastes acceptable, and fits the expected price bracket. What remains hidden is the gradual erosion of nutritional efficiency per rupee. These compromises are rarely visible on the label, but they accumulate over time, shaping trust, health outcomes, and category credibility.Quick AnalysisObserved industry pattern: Protein density and ingredient quality are adjusted quietly to maintain price points Premium or patented ingredients are avoided or used in minimal quantities Marketing spend is prioritised over formulation upgradesInsight for analysis: Price pressure normalises invisible quality dilution.Why this matters: Consumers may not notice immediately, but trust erosion accumulates over time, hurting the entire category.Gummies, Convenience, and the Illusion of PremiumAnother category that perfectly illustrates the Rs 999 mindset is gummies and convenience supplements. Indian brands such as Wellbeing Nutrition, Plix, Power Gummies, and Zingavita have popularised the format by positioning nutrition as easy, indulgent, and lifestyle-driven.Gummies have exploded in popularity by offering nutrition in a format that feels indulgent, easy, and lifestyleoriented. They are often positioned as premium products, yet priced deliberately within entry-level affordability.Most gummies are sold as 30-day packs, carefully priced between Rs 699 and Rs 999. The nutrient load per gummy is typically modest, but the format lowers psychological barriers to consumption. For first-time supplement users, this creates a low-risk entry point into the category.However, the gap between perceived premium and actual nutritional density is significant. Delivering meaningful doses of vitamins, minerals, or bioactives through gummies is inherently challenging due to formulation constraints. Yet the premium perception allows

INSIDE 28 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PRICING brands to compete on aesthetics and branding rather than efficacy. This has reinforced a dangerous consumer expectation: that premium nutrition should be easy, tasty, and inexpensive, regardless of the scientific compromises required to make that possible.Fortification and the Cost of ScaleThe price sensitivity trap is not limited to supplements. It extends deeply into fortified foods and staples, where affordability and scale are paramount. Government-led fortification programmes in rice, oil, and flour aim to address micronutrient deficiencies at population scale, and cost efficiency is central to their success.However, this focus on affordability has shaped public perception around nutrition more broadly. Fortification is often viewed as something that should be cheap and invisible, rather than optimised for bioavailability or absorption.Private players attempting to introduce enhanced or differentiated fortification, using better delivery systems or higher-quality nutrient forms, often struggle to justify higher prices. Consumers, that are used to subsidised or low-cost fortified staples, resist paying more, even when scientific benefits are demonstrable. This dynamic reinforces the belief that nutrition is a low-cost add-on, not a value-driven investment.Conclusion: Price Is Not the Enemy—Misalignment IsPrice, in itself, is not the villain of India’s nutrition story. Misalignment is. Regulatory compliance further complicates the pricing equation in a market already shaped by extreme price sensitivity. Meeting the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requirements, conducting mandatory product testing, updating labels, and navigating approval timelines all add operational costs that rarely feature in consumer decision-making. For small and mid-sized brands, these costs form a significant portion of overall expenditure, often before a product even reaches the shelf.When margins are already compressed by rigid price expectations, quality becomes the most adjustable variable. Unlike large corporations, SMEs often lack the financial buffer to invest simultaneously in compliance, formulation excellence, clinical validation, and consumer education. The result is not necessarily non-compliance, but compromise, where scientific depth is quietly traded off to stay commercially viable.Over time, this creates a fragmented nutrition market. Product quality varies widely, but pricing remains narrowly clustered around familiar psychological thresholds. For consumers, meaningful differentiation becomes difficult. For brands that invest in better ingredients, stronger science, and higher compliance standards, the playing field becomes uneven, where credibility costs more, but does not always pay back.The deeper danger of the price sensitivity trap, however, lies beyond immediate trade-offs. When consumers repeatedly encounter products that overpromise and underdeliver, trust erodes. When brands struggle to monetise scientific investment, innovation slows. And when price becomes the dominant differentiator, quality becomes optional rather than foundational.India then risks building a nutrition market that grows rapidly in volume but remains shallow in value. This is particularly concerning as the country grapples with rising lifestyle disorders that require sustained, evidence-based nutritional interventions. Nutrition cannot remain indefinitely suspended between aspiration and affordability. Without scientific credibility and outcomedriven formulations, nutrition risks becoming another fastmoving consumer trend rather than a meaningful health solution.Breaking out of this trap will require a coordinated shift across the ecosystem. Consumers must be educated beyond buzzwords to understand concepts such as bioavailability, dosing, and clinical relevance in simple, accessible terms. Without clarity on value, price will continue to dominate choice.Brands, meanwhile, need to move away from onesize-fits-all pricing and adopt clear tiered strategies, distinguishing entry-level nutrition from science-backed formulations, rather than forcing every product into the same affordability bracket. Transparent communication around formulation decisions, ingredient choices, and scientific limitations, without fear of losing customers, will be essential to rebuilding long-term trust.Most importantly, the industry must collectively challenge the assumption that premium nutrition can, or should, be delivered at mass prices.India does not lack demand for better nutrition. What it lacks is alignment between expectations, education, and economics. The Rs 999 mindset is not inherently flawed, it reflects real affordability constraints and consumer caution. But when it becomes an unquestioned rule, it restricts the industry’s ability to innovate responsibly.Premium nutrition costs more because science costs more. Until that reality is accepted, the Rs 999 mindset will continue to define, and limit, India’s nutrition journey.The choice before the industry is clear: compete endlessly on price, or gradually shift the conversation towards value. The future of Indian nutrition depends on which path is taken. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected]

INSIDE 28 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 29From Staple to System: India’s Pulse Ingredient EconomyPulses are undergoing a quiet but profound reinvention. Once viewed as a low-margin staple tied to household kitchens and policy cycles, they are now emerging as strategic building blocks of the modern food system. This shift is being catalysed by rising protein consciousness, time-scarce urban lifestyles, advances in food processing, and a policy framework that prioritises stability over surplus. Together, these forces are transforming pulses from agricultural commodities into scalable, branded ingredients—making this not just a food story, but a structural economic one.The power of the pulse ingredient economy lies in its structure. Ingredients are repeatable, scalable, and brandable—enabling consistency, expansion, and differentiation beyond price. Most importantly, ingredientisation stabilises demand. When pulses are embedded across snacks, bakery, nutrition, and institutional food, consumption becomes diversified and resilient, no longer tied to household habits or seasonal cycles. In this model, pulses cease to be commodities. They become infrastructure for the modern food system, supporting protein transitions, convenience eating, and health-led consumption at scale.From Staple to System: Why Pulses Are Changing NowThe reinvention of pulses is neither accidental nor cosmetic. It reflects deep structural shifts in how food is consumed, produced, and valued. Once confined to a low-margin role as a staple, pulses now sit at the intersection of nutrition science, lifestyle change, and industrial food innovation. Three converging forces are driving this transition—elevating pulses from a household necessity to a system-level ingredient.The first is protein anxiety. As incomes rise, protein has become shorthand for health, strength, and satiety. Yet this demand increasingly collides with discomfort around meat—driven by cost inflation, health concerns, environmental pressure, and ethics. Plant-based protein fills this gap, and pulses are uniquely positioned to lead it. They combine nutritional density, affordability, and cultural familiarity in a way few alternatives can. What has changed is perception: pulses are shedding the label of “poor man’s protein” and being reframed as clean-label, whole-food nutrition. This shift has unlocked new use cases in sports nutrition, weight management, and medical diets. As protein becomes intentional rather than incidental, pulses move up the value ladder. The second force is urbanisation—not just of cities, but of time. Traditional pulse consumption assumes patience: soaking, slow cooking, and fresh preparation. In time-scarce, dual-income households, these rituals are increasingly misaligned. Demand has not disappeared; it has shifted. Consumers want pulses without friction—ready-to-cook formats, instant meals, snacks, and versatile ingredients that fit modern routines. Pulses are PULSES

INSIDE 30 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PULSES no longer anchored to meals alone; they are becoming modular inputs across snacks, bakery, breakfast, and beverages.The third—and most decisive—force is industrial capability. Advances in milling, fractionation, extrusion, and food chemistry now allow pulses to be systematically deconstructed into protein, starch, fibre, and micronutrients, each optimised for function and performance. This rewrites the economics: value is driven by functionality, not volume, and standardisation pushes pulses toward organised, branded ecosystems. In this new landscape, pulses are no longer agricultural outputs. They are food-tech inputs.The Rise of the Pulse Ingredient EconomyAt the heart of this transition lies value addition—a decisive shift in where profits are created and who captures them. For decades, the pulse economy was shaped by upstream arbitrage. Traders extracted value through geography, timing, and information asymmetry. Processing was minimal, differentiation low, and margins volatile. In this system, scale mattered more than strategy. “The growth of the ready-to-eat and quick-cook market is being driven by urban consumers' desire. Dals today are being used as pulse flours, protein powders and premium snack mixes as health-conscious, value-added items within a higher-margin market. This transition offers a substantial financial opportunity for us to go beyond undifferentiated dals“, mentioned Rohit Mehrotra, CoFounder, Organic Tattva.That logic is now breaking down. Value is moving downstream—into processing, formulation, and branding. Pulses are no longer sold merely as crops, but as functional inputs within a broader food ecosystem. This migration is reshaping incentives across the supply chain, rewarding players who can convert raw pulses into consistent, application-specific ingredients.Pulse flours are the most accessible entry point. Ancient in origin but modern in positioning, lentil, pea, chickpea, and blended pulse flours are marketed as gluten-free, low-GI, protein-rich alternatives to refined wheat. Their use now extends well beyond traditional cuisines into baked goods, snacks, breakfast mixes, and ready-to-cook foods. In order to set themselves apart from conventional, unorganised channels like local dal mills and open-market, organised companies in the pulse sector are using quality, traceability and food safety requirements. Adherence to regulated production lines, stringent lab testing and quality grading, which guarantee constant product integrity are among the organised sector's main advantages. “Beyond flours lie protein concentrates and isolates, where margins expand sharply. Pea protein now anchors plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and nutrition products globally. Despite being a leading pulse producer, India remains underrepresented due to capital intensity and technical complexity, though momentum is building. For Indian processors, protein extraction marks an inflection point—from trading instincts to manufacturing discipline”, added Mehrotra.“In the pulses category, consumer trust is increasingly shaped by transparency and purity. While unorganised players continue to cater to bulk demand. Bharat Vedica builds credibility through certified organic sourcing, strict quality checks, and clear labelling. As consumers become more mindful of what they eat, they are gravitating towards brands that uphold authenticity, traceability, and consistent standards across the value chain,” opined Arvind Patel, Managing Director, Bharat Vedica - A Patel Venture.MSP Expansion: De-Risking the Farmer, Stabilising the CropThe expansion of Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement for pulses is more than a pricing tool—it is a signal of intent. By procuring key pulses at MSP through agencies such as National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF), the state has begun absorbing price risk that farmers once bore alone. This matters because pulses compete directly with other crops for acreage. When procurement is credible, cultivation shifts from opportunistic—driven by price spikes—to planned and deliberate.With downside risk capped, farmers allocate land more confidently, invest in better inputs, and adopt improved practices. The result is structural: lower volatility, steadier output, and more predictable supply. And for modern food markets, predictability matters more than volume.Stability in the pulses sector is further strengthened by the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, which reimagines pulses not merely as agricultural output but as strategic economic assets. Moving beyond earlier policies that focused primarily on production volumes, the mission adopts a comprehensive value-chain approach—integrating output targets with improved seed development, access to quality planting material, assured procurement, and, crucially, investments in

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PULSES 31post-harvest processing, storage, and infrastructure. By stabilising farmer incomes through enhanced MSP and higher procurement volumes, government policies are already reshaping the domestic pulses market. These efforts gain further momentum from the newly approved National Pulses Mission, which aims to boost domestic production while ensuring robust market linkages, including 100 per cent MSP procurement of key pulses. As Mehrotra notes, by reducing price volatility and ensuring reliable raw material availability for processors, this policy framework is fostering long-term supply stability across the sector.The shift is subtle but decisive. Production alone does not create resilience or value. What matters is how output is aggregated, processed, stored, and channelled into markets. By promoting processing capacity, modern storage, and cluster-based development, the mission enables pulses to move reliably into organised, specification-driven supply chains, while nudging the sector toward standardisation—an essential requirement for ingredient manufacturers and branded food companies.For organised players, this policy-driven stability is not a bonus; it is a precondition. Processing plants, protein extraction units, and branded food businesses are capital-intensive and long-term by nature. They cannot operate on erratic supply or sudden price shocks. Every investment decision—from plant location to product design—rests on predictable access to raw material at consistent quality.By reducing production risk and improving supply visibility, policy lowers the cost of capital. Banks lend more readily. Investors commit with greater confidence. Scale becomes feasible. In effect, policy is doing what markets alone could not: crowding in investment by reducing uncertainty.The deeper shift is philosophical. Pulse policy now recognises that farmer welfare and market development are interdependent. MSP and missions are no longer just support mechanisms; they are market-enabling instruments, integrating farmers into modern value chains. For pulses, this alignment is the foundation of the next phase of the economy.What Still Holds Pulses BackDespite growing momentum, India’s shift from pulse staple to pulse system remains unfinished and uneven. Structural constraints—some legacy, some newly exposed—continue to slow the transition.The most immediate bottleneck lies post-harvest. Pulses suffer high losses due to inadequate drying, poor storage, pest damage, and fragmented logistics. More moisture- and insect-sensitive than cereals, they have long been underserved by storage infrastructure. For an ingredient economy built on consistency, these losses undermine reliability, not just efficiency.Processing is the second constraint. While dal milling is widespread, advanced capacity for fractionation, protein extraction, and functional ingredients remains limited. Most facilities are small-scale and volume-driven, ill-suited to specification-led output. Scaling requires capital, technical expertise, energy efficiency, and demand visibility—still evolving.Demand-side gaps persist as well. Consumer understanding of pulse-based ingredients remains shallow, limiting repeat adoption beyond “high-protein” cues. Most consequentially, India has yet to emerge as a major exporter of high-value pulse ingredients. The challenge is not supply, but conversion—turning abundance into export-ready, globally compliant ingredients. These constraints are solvable, but explain why progress has been incremental rather than explosive.Conclusion: Pulses as the Future, Not the PastPulses have always fed India. What is new—and consequential—is the ambition to make them power growth. For decades, pulses occupied a paradoxical place in the food economy: indispensable yet undervalued, nutritionally rich yet economically fragile. As commodities, they were trapped in cycles of volatility, weak differentiation, and episodic policy attention. Their value was cultural and nutritional—not commercial.That paradigm is now shifting. As ingredients, pulses acquire a new identity. They become modular, versatile, and investable—capable of moving across food categories, consumption occasions, and markets. They align with the logic of modern food systems, where value is created through functionality, consistency, and brand equity rather than volume alone.The transition from dal to derivatives—from staple to system—reshapes how agricultural value is created, captured, and sustained in India. It offers an exit from the low-margin commodity trap and a pathway toward a more resilient, innovation-led agri-food economy.This transformation is not driven by any single force. It is the result of convergence—rising protein demand, changing lifestyles, advancing food technology, and policy increasingly oriented toward market creation. Dal will always matter. But the future of pulses will be written elsewhere—in processing plants, ingredient labs, branded portfolios, and global value chains. Beyond the bowl lies the real opportunity. Suchetana Choudhury [email protected]

INSIDE 32 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in IPOSIndia is one of the largest producers of spices. The country dominates the global spice market. According to estimates, the spice market in India was valued at Rs 2,00,647 crore in 2024 and is expected to double to Rs 5,13,253 crore by 2033. Major spices include chilli, turmeric, ginger, coriander, and cumin, which account for 76 per cent of output.The leading producers of spices in India are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala.The World Spice Organisation, a collaborative platform that unites all stakeholders in the spice industry, is seeing an increased investor interest in spice companies. Investors are optimistic about the spice sector since it has been growing in an impressive manner, year on year, both in the domestic and export segments and this trend is expected to continue.A number of spice companies have moved beyond being pure commodity players and have built stronger brands, export markets, value-added products and better quality and compliance systems.India is seeing spice majors going in for IPOs. The rising demand for food and beverages, medicinal use, and packaged spices have led to the growth of the sector, seeing the sector grow to newer heights. Many companies are listed on the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange SME platforms.Recent IPOs and the needJaipur-based Shyam Dhani Industries, engaged primarily in manufacturing and processing varieties of spices under the brand ‘SHYAM’, recently went in for an IPO. The company produces 160 varieties of spices. The company became the 5th most subscribed SME IPO ever. It was subscribed 988 times over the three-day period, receiving 361.55 crore share bids (6,22,097 applications) against the available quota of 36.58 lakh shares. This particular IPO is being claimed to be highly successful and has become the most subscribed SME IPOs ever.Says Ramawtar Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Shyam Dhani Industries, “The IPO will provide strategic capital to reinforce our capabilities and accelerate the next phase of expansion. The proceeds will be utilised to enhance working capital, strengthen brand visibility, upgrade machinery at our existing manufacturing unit, and invest in a solar rooftop system. These initiatives will improve operational efficiency, expand capacity, and support sustainable value creation as we scale our presence across India and international markets.”Can spice IPOs be a game-changer for the industry?India is one of the largest producers of spices. Indian spice manufacturers with an eye on the global demand are eying Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) to boost exports. The recent IPOs, which have generated interest among investors, are a testament to the growing demand. However, not everyone may see success in the long run. Spice manufacturers and experts give their insights on the long-term impact of IPOs on the spice industry.India's Spices Scetor GrowthIPO Growth : The increasing trend of spice companies going publuc.Demand Drivers : The Factors contributing to the sector's expansionLeading Producers :Thestates that dominate spice production in India

INSIDE 32 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in IPOS 33Adding to it, Ashok Holani, Director, Holani Consultants, “The IPO will equip the company with the capital required to strengthen its operational backbone and drive the next phase of sustainable expansion. The proposed investments toward working capital, brand building, manufacturing upgrades, and renewable energy initiatives reflect a clear focus on scale, efficiency, and long-term value creation. We believe this public offering will further enhance the company’s market position and support its ambition to grow across India and emerging global markets.”Bengaluru-based Orkla India, the parent company of the MTR and Eastern spice brands, received SEBI approval for a Rs 1,667-crore IPO listed in November 2025. Although not a pure-play spice player, it has a large proportion of its sales from Eastern Condiments and MTR Foods. Other large, listed conglomerates like ITC Foods and Tata Consumer Products have an exposure to spices but have other F&B segments as well. Rajkot-based Shreeji Global FMCG’s SME IPO was open for subscription in November 2025. The company deals in a wide variety of spices, pulses, grains, and food products under the brand ‘SHETHJI. The company aims to utilise the proceeds in capital expenditure for factory infrastructure, to modernise and expand its plant, machinery, and cold storage facilities, towards solar power systems to reduce energy costs and promote eco-friendly production and to support working capital requirements to streamline daily operations and order fulfilment.Previous IPOsWay back in 2023, Hyderabad-based Srivari Spices and Foods raised Rs 9 crore at Rs 40-42 per share. In the same year, Jamnagar-based Madhusudan Masala shares were listed at a 71.4 per cent premium at Rs 120 on NSE SME against the IPO price of Rs 70 per share.ChallengesThere are significant hurdles associated with the IPOs by spice majors in India. Quality issues to regulatory compliance, market dynamics, etc. are the likely challenges for an IPO to succeed in the long run. Inconsistent raw materials, pesticides, and microbial contaminations are some of the hurdles. Investors investing in IPOs look for hurdles and shy away from taking part in any future activities. Other challenges are supply chain issues, port delays leading to export import issues, contamination risks, and overreliance on commodity exports, which hinder value addition.According to Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, World Spice Organisation, Chairman, Technical Committee, All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), not all IPOs will sustain equally well. Menon says, “Long-term performance will depend on how strong the company’s fundamentals are. Companies with professional management, good governance, stable and responsible sourcing, diversified markets and a focus on quality and traceability are more likely to do well. High subscription numbers at the time of IPO show interest, but long-term success depends on consistent performance. The spice industry faces risks such as raw material price volatility, climate-related supply issues and changing food safety regulations across countries. After listing, companies also face pressure to deliver quarterly results and manage higher compliance costs. This transition can be challenging.”The futureTalking about the IPO trends in spice industry Amit Dutta, Director, Agri-Foods & Nutrition Growth Advisory, Frost & Sullivan, says, “Based on historical trends and current markets, we can expect 2-3 SME IPOs in this space this year, but it is difficult to predict. The market is enthusiastic about SME listings, with all space listings being fully subscribed with a good response.”The spice industry benefits from steady demand, rising rural penetration and changing dietary habits. With intense competition, thin margins and brand differentiation, sometimes it becomes difficult to sustain. Spice companies should balance cost efficiency with consistent quality and distribution strength. They also need to generate confidence among the shareholders to sustain the IPO in the long run. Sanjiv [email protected] in recent pastsPlayer Mkt Cap (INR Cr) CAGR since Inception IPO DetailsShreeji Global FMCG 270 117.7% IPO in Nov 25 @ Rs 101/shareShyam Dhani Industries 196 -97.8% IPO in Dec 25 @ Rs 139/shareMadhusudhan Masala 167 4.7% IPO in Sep 23 @ Rs 116/shareSrivari Spices 102 8.4% IPO in Sep 23 @ Rs 98/share

INSIDE 34 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.inAmit Dhirwani,Founder & Director, Nutraprep India“Local manufacturing cuts down consumer price by almost half as compared to importing it from outside”India’s fitness and performance nutrition market is growing rapidly, but challenges like counterfeits, inconsistent quality, and lack of consumer trust continue to hold the category back. Nutraprep India Pvt. Ltd. is addressing this gap by building a transparent, science-led manufacturing ecosystem aligned with global standards. In a key industry development, Nutraprep has entered a strategic partnership with Nutrabolt, the global leader behind C4, XTEND and Cellucor, to manufacture and distribute select products in India. In an interview with NUFFOODS Spectrum Amit Dhirwani, Founder & Director of Nutraprep discuss this partnership, rebuilding trust, and the future of credible performance nutrition in India. Edited excerpts; SPEAKING WITH What infrastructure has Nutraprep built to meet Nutrabolt’s manufacturing standards?Nutraprep was built ground-up to meet Nutrabolt’s requirements, not adapted later. That meant setting up manufacturing processes, quality systems, and governance structures aligned to their global standards from day one. This includes GMP-compliant facilities, clearly defined formulation transfer protocols, and quality checkpoints that mirror how Nutrabolt operates in mature markets. Nothing moves into production unless it clears both Indian regulatory requirements and Nutrabolt’s internal quality benchmarks. The focus wasn’t speed to launch, rather, to build an infrastructure that can scale without compromising consistency, safety, or brand integrity.How quickly can Nutraprep scale production as demand grows?Scalability was designed into the model from the start. Since we manufacture locally using proven formulations, we have put in place an optimised Supply Chain already. Production planning is closely aligned with real demand signals from the market through Bright’s distribution network, allowing us to scale in phases rather than all at once. This ensures predictable growth while maintaining quality and compliance.What quality assurance systems are in place to replicate international product consistency?Consistency is non-negotiable for us. Every product manufactured in India follows the same formulation, specifications, and quality benchmarks defined by Nutrabolt globally. At the manufacturing level, we operate a multi-layered quality assurance system. This includes extensive internal and third-party testing across 100+ critical parameters, completely aligned with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requirements and Nutrabolt’s global standards.In addition, we’ve implemented product-level authentication through a dual-QR verification system, so each unit can be validated individually. Combined with sourcing ingredients from internationally recognised, quality-certified suppliers, this ensures that what consumers get in India matches the performance, safety, and consistency of the global portfolio.What were the key factors that led Nutrabolt to choose Nutraprep as its manufacturing and marketing partner?Nutrabolt was clear about one thing from the outset: India needed a manufacturing partner that could operate at global standards. That alignment on quality, process discipline, and long-term intent was the starting point. Nutraprep was set up specifically to build a globally benchmarked manufacturing platform for India, with strong quality systems, transparent processes, and the ability to scale responsibly. We were not approaching this as a short-term distribution opportunity, but as a foundational, long-term play for the category.The final piece was execution readiness. With Bright Performance Nutrition’s proven pan-India distribution capability, the model brought together global formulations, compliant local manufacturing, and credible market access, making it a fit-for-purpose platform for Nutrabolt’s India ambitions.How will you balance maintaining global brand integrity while adapting to Indian consumer preferences?We started with ensuring that everyone involved

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 35was aligned that the product itself does not change. Nutrabolt’s formulations, ingredient standards, and quality benchmarks remain exactly the same as global markets. That’s the integrity of the brand. Where localisation comes in is around the product, not inside it. Manufacturing locally meant we could improve accessibility and availability, without touching formulation or performance outcomes. Our role is to ensure Indian consumers get the same product experience they would expect anywhere else in the world, delivered in a way that fits local consumer insights, consumption patterns, retail behaviour, and market realities.How do you envision the partnership evolving over the next 3–5 years?Over the next few years, the focus is on building depth of product portfolio and scale.How will responsibilities be divided between Nutraprep and Bright for sales forecasting, marketing, and retailer relationships?The roles are structured to keep accountability clear and execution efficient. Nutraprep’s responsibility sits largely on manufacturing excellence, regulatory compliance, alignment with Nutrabolt’s global standards, and marketing the brands based on Indian consumer insights. We work closely with Nutrabolt on formulation transfer, quality systems, and ongoing oversight. Bright Performance Nutrition leads the go-to-market side; including sales forecasting, retailer relationships, channel strategy, and on-ground execution across offline and digital platforms. They bring deep operating experience across India’s fitness and wellness retail ecosystem. Demand planning, supply readiness, and market feedback are reviewed jointly through structured planning cycles, so manufacturing, distribution, and market realities stay tightly aligned as the category scales.What KPIs are set for Bright as the exclusive omnichannel distributor?The KPIs are centred around ensuring consistent, credible access to the brands across India. In addition, execution quality at retail is critical, including dominant shelf visibility, in-store shelf leadership, and adherence to brand and quality guidelines across authorised outlets. The focus is on ensuring the brands are visible, wellrepresented, and easy for consumers to find in trusted retail environments.How will you ensure availability across offline channels, gyms, ecommerce, and marketplaces? We’ve structured the rollout in phases, starting with priority metros and Tier-1 markets where demand and category maturity already exist. Bright leads the omnichannel execution across specialty nutrition retail, gyms, and digital platforms, while we align manufacturing and supply planning closely with real demand signals. This ensures we’re not overextending supply or compromising consistency. The focus is on sustained availability. As demand stabilises, we scale distribution in a controlled and predictable manner.How much cost savings does domestic manufacturing create, and how much of that benefit will be passed to consumers?Local manufacturing cuts down consumer price by almost half as compared to importing it from outside.How will Nutraprep ensure authenticity and prevent counterfeit products in a market where this is a concern?Counterfeiting is a known challenge in this category, and we’ve built safeguards into the system from the get go. Every product manufactured for India carries a dual QR-code, product-level authentication system, implemented in partnership with a specialised verification technology provider. This allows consumers to verify authenticity at the individual unit level, rather than relying on outer packaging or distributor claims. Beyond this, controlled manufacturing, direct coordination with Bright’s authorised distribution network, and tighter inventory traceability help reduce leakage across the value chain.What is Nutraprep’s long-term vision in India within the health & wellness space?NutraPrep’s long-term vision is to make Xtend C4 and Cellucor Cor-Performance the No 1 brand in India in their respective categories.Do you foresee adding more global brands to the manufacturing portfolio?Nutraprep is exclusively for C4, XTEND and Cellucor.How does this partnership align with the broader ‘Make in India’ opportunity for sports nutrition?For us, Make in India is about building capability and accountability in the category. This strategic agreement allows globally established products to be made in India with the same formulation discipline, testing depth, and compliance rigor they follow internationally. That’s where the real value lies. Narayan Kulkarni [email protected]

Justin Becker, SVP International, Nutrabolt “The retail landscape for sports nutrition continues to morph at rapid scale both online and offline”As one of the world’s leading performance nutrition companies, Nutrabolt—the brand behind C4, XTEND and Cellucor—has played a key role in shaping science-backed sports nutrition globally. With India’s fitness market accelerating but trust remaining a challenge, Nutrabolt has entered a strategic agreement with Nutraprep India Pvt. Ltd. to manufacture and distribute select products locally, aligned with its international standards. In an interview with NUFFOODS Spectrum Justin Becker, SVP – International, Nutrabolt, discuss the company’s India strategy and this partnership. Edited excerpts; INSIDE 36 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH What key success metrics does Nutrabolt expect from the India partnership in the first 12–24 months?Nutrabolt expects to establish a single supply source providing Indian retailers on-going consistent supply and support so that our consumer demand can be met. The brand will be measuring accessibility across the full omni channel so that consumers can easily search and find C4, Xtend and Cellucor at major retailers both online and offline.How does India fit into Nutrabolt’s broader global expansion strategy?India presents a high growth potential given its current market cap and consumer adoption of a healthier lifestyle. We anticipate the market to be highly strategic in the next 12-24 months. India could be a top 5 market for Nutrabolt in the foreseeable future given its strategic agreements.What long-term product roadmap does Nutrabolt envision for the Indian market beyond C4 and Xtend?We will be strategically focused on laying the roots across energy, recovery, endurance and protein.What level of technology transfer will be provided to Nutra Prep, and how is consistency with global formulations ensured?Our teams are working collaboratively with Nutrabolt R&D, product development and sourcing teams so that we provide a consistent product offering and shared level of tech transfer. This is a joint effort between all parties both internally and externally utilising approved Nutrabolt suppliers to ensure consistency.How is Nutrabolt supporting alignment with FSSAI and other Indian regulatory standards during the transition to local manufacturing?The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines are publicly published and with the support of Nutrabolt’s internal regulatory team, Nutraprep’s in market expertise and the support of outside regulatory councils. It is our objective to ensure that we are following the local regulatory framework.Will there be shared responsibility in auditing manufacturing and quality protocols?Yes, this has been conducted both via desk audit but also several in person site audits which are due to anniversary each year.How does Nutrabolt view India’s growth potential compared to other emerging markets?Very strong potential. The retail landscape continues to morph at rapid scale both online and offline. India continues to lead the way with major retailers continuously evolving to meet the modern needs of today’s busy consumers. This isn’t the same for other emerging markets. We recognise India as a leader in this space and its consumers are seeking better for your alternatives.What market segments does Nutrabolt consider the biggest opportunities (e.g., performance athletes, general fitness audiences, lifestyle consumers)?Nutrabolt prides itself on making our products accessible to all. While performance athletes use the brand globally, and the brand’s origins are cantered as the athlete, we find that the general fitness enthusiast looking to make progress are really the ones who can benefit from the integration of our products. Narayan Kulkarni [email protected]

Sachin Thorat,Director – Agriculture, McCain Foods India “We believe sustainability-led sourcing will soon move from being a differentiator to a baseline expectation”As sustainable sourcing moves from intent to imperative in India’s food processing sector, companies with deep-rooted farm partnerships are setting new benchmarks. In this interview with NUFFOODS Spectrum, Sachin Thorat, Director – Agriculture, McCain Foods India, shares insights into how the company is strengthening farm resilience, ensuring supply consistency, and embedding sustainability into procurement decisions—while navigating climate variability, scaling challenges, and evolving industry expectations. Edited excerpts; NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 37What does the FICCI recognition mean for McCain Foods India’s long-term sustainable sourcing strategy?The FICCI recognition reinforces our long-standing belief that sustainable sourcing is not a peripheral activity but central to how we operate in India. For McCain Foods India, it validates a model we have been building for over two decades—one that places farmers at the heart of our value chain. The recognition reflects our commitment to investing in agronomy, partnerships, and systems that strengthen farm resilience while ensuring consistent, high-quality raw material for our business over the long term.How do long-term farmer partnerships support sustainability and supply security for McCain?Long-term partnerships enable trust, continuity, and mutual investment. For farmers, it provides confidence to adopt new practices and technologies. For McCain, it ensures supply security, traceability, and consistent quality. These partnerships allow us to plan better, invest in farm-level improvements, and jointly address challenges, creating shared value across the supply chain.How is sustainable sourcing shaping competitive advantage in the food processing industry?Sustainable sourcing is increasingly becoming a strategic differentiator. Companies that invest early in responsible sourcing models are better positioned to manage supply risks, meet evolving customer expectations, and comply with regulatory requirements. For McCain, our integrated approach to sustainability strengthens brand trust, improves operational resilience, and enhances long-term competitiveness in a dynamic food ecosystem.How does McCain’s farm-level sustainability strategy ensure consistent raw material quality?Consistency in quality begins at the farm. McCain’s farm-level sustainability strategy emphasises seed quality, agronomic discipline, and harvest practices that directly influence processing outcomes, while also prioritising food and people safety. Close engagement with growers throughout the crop cycle helps ensure adherence to safety protocols, responsible input use, and uniform crop quality. This integrated approach reduces variability, enhances processing efficiency, and ensures safe, high-quality raw material for our operations.How should food companies assess ROI from sustainable sourcing initiatives?While sustainability initiatives often require upfront investment, the returns extend beyond immediate financial metrics. Reduced supply volatility, improved yields, lower rejection rates, and stronger farmer relationships contribute to long-term value creation. Companies should evaluate ROI through a combination of economic resilience, risk mitigation, and reputational benefits, rather than viewing sustainability as a cost centre.Will sustainability-led sourcing soon become a baseline requirement in India’s food industry?We believe sustainability-led sourcing will soon move from being a differentiator to a baseline expectation. As climate risks intensify and stakeholder expectations evolve, responsible sourcing will become essential for business continuity. Companies that proactively embed sustainability into their sourcing models will be better prepared for this transition. Mansi Jamsudkar Padvekar [email protected]

Mainak Dhar,Managing Director, McCain Foods India“India’s frozen potato food segment is among the fastest-growing parts of the overall frozen foods market”Cargill and McCain have recently strengthened their decades-long partnership to advance sustainable and science-led innovation in this space. Together, they are working on nextgeneration product solutions, responsible sourcing and supporting the growth of India’s quick service restaurant (QSR) and frozen foods ecosystem. Dheeraj Talreja, Vice President and Managing Director, Food South Asia, Cargill and Mainak Dhar, Managing Director, McCain Foods India, talk about how the frozen food sector is evolving, the growth drivers and challenges. Edited excerpts; INSIDE 38 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH How big is the frozen food sector in India?Talreja: India’s frozen potato food segment, especially French fries and specialty potato products, is among the fastest-growing parts of the overall frozen foods market. The category is currently growing at approximately 11 per cent CAGR, driven by rising affluence, increasing exposure to changing food habits, and the rapid expansion of QSRs and online food delivery platforms.India’s strong macro-economic fundamentals further support this growth. With GDP growing at over 6 per cent annually and nearly 50 per cent of the population expected to enter the high- and upper-middle-income bracket by 2030 (earning over $8,500 per capita), the consumption of convenience and premium food formats is expected to rise sharply. At the same time, the growing digital penetration, with nearly one billion Internet users expected by 2030, is accelerating awareness and aspiration for global food brands and cuisines.What are the growth drivers and challenges being faced by the frozen food sector in India?Talreja: The strongest growth drivers are affluence, aspiration and accessibility. Higher disposable incomes are encouraging consumers to trade up to branded, high-quality frozen foods. Digital connectivity and global exposure are driving preference for Western-style foods, especially among younger consumers. Most importantly, the rapid growth of QSRs, cafés and cloud kitchens is a key catalyst, with QSRs and cloud kitchens expected to grow at a CAGR of over 17 per cent between 2025 and 2030, according to Swiggy–Kearney’s How India Eats 2025 report — significantly boosting demand for frozen potato products like French fries.Challenges remain around uneven cold-chain infrastructure, energy and logistics costs, and lingering consumer misconceptions around frozen foods. However, these are being steadily addressed through investments in storage, transport, retail freezers and consumer education. How do you ensure food safety and quality?Dhar: McCain follows a fully integrated “seed-to-shelf” food safety system. This includes contract farming, seed development, agronomy support, controlled harvesting, cold storage, traceability and world-class manufacturing practices. Our plants operate under Dheeraj Talreja, Vice President and Managing Director, Food South Asia, Cargill

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 39globally recognised food safety and quality certifications and undergo routine audits. Each product batch is tested for microbiological, chemical and physical parameters to ensure it meets McCain’s global standards.Talreja: From a Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory (FSQR) standpoint, McCain has consistently rated Cargill an ‘A’ over the past four to five years, awarding a 99.6 per cent score for SG Palm Olein, recognising right-first-time quality against McCain’s specifications and sustained RSPO certification. This certification covers incoming compliance, food safety, and quality compliance, as well as regulatory documentation and compliance. Generally, Cargill’s global quality management system (QMS) is implemented across its plants to support consistent product quality and food safety management. Our product safety, quality, and regulatory policy outlines the requirements that guide our approach to providing safe, quality products. Cargill India plants hold Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 certification from a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)-registered certification body, reflecting the application of internationally recognised food safety management systems, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Prerequisite Programmes.Who are your major suppliers?Our primary raw material, potatoes, is sourced through a contract farming network across India’s major potato belts. We also work with approved and audited suppliers for oils, coatings, seasonings, packaging and logistics, ensuring compliance with McCain’s global standards on quality, safety, ethics and sustainability.What kind of tech innovations are currently being used at your plants to ensure zero adulteration and a better supply chain mechanism?Dhar: Our manufacturing plants use advanced optical sorters, defect scanners, metal detectors and foreignmatter detection systems to ensure product integrity. Digital traceability systems allow us to track raw material and finished goods through every stage of production and distribution. Automation and data analytics help optimise yields, reduce waste and improve consistency.Talreja: Cargill applies its product safety, quality and regulatory policy to support product risk assessment and mitigation across sourcing, manufacturing, and the supply chain. This is complemented by a Supplier Qualification Management programme designed to identify and mitigate food safety, quality, and regulatory risks. In addition, Cargill plants utilise advanced testing equipment such as Gas Chromatography and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) to support robust analytical and instrumental capabilities for adulteration testing.Tell us about the sustainability measures being followed and anything planned for the future. Dhar: McCain works with farmers on regenerative farming practices, responsible irrigation, soil health and crop optimisation. At our plants, we focus on reducing water and energy intensity, increasing renewable energy use, improving waste management and moving toward more sustainable packaging. These efforts align with McCain’s global commitments to regenerative agriculture, climate action and resource efficiency.Talreja: Cargill operates at the centre of the global food system, connecting farmers, food producers, and consumers while advancing more sustainable food production. Our sustainability approach focuses on three priorities - Climate, Land and Water, and People, supporting practices that help reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and strengthen farmer and community livelihoods to build more resilient food systems. These priorities guide how we operate across our sites and supply chains and shape how we work with partners to strengthen responsible sourcing over time. Read our 2025 Environmental, Societal, and Governance (ESG) report for more detailed information.In practice, this is reflected in Cargill’s support for McCain’s transition to more sustainable palm oil sourcing, including the adoption of RSPO Segregated palm oil, helping establish McCain as an early adopter in India. Cargill sites are also Sedex SMETA 4-Pillar certified, demonstrating alignment with recognised standards for ethical, social, and environmental responsibility. Looking ahead, Cargill continues to collaborate with partners to further strengthen responsible sourcing and sustainability practices.What are the future plans in the pipeline?Dhar: India continues to be a strategic growth market for McCain. We are investing in expanding capacity, deepening farmer partnerships, broadening our product portfolio and strengthening our national distribution across retail and food service channels.Talreja: We aim to continue strengthening our presence in India as a customer-focused and responsible growth partner, building on existing capabilities and partnerships. Our focus is on expanding solutions tailored to local market needs, while deepening technical collaboration and co-creation with customers. This approach is supported by efforts to connect the right solutions with the right customers, enable faster innovation, deliver seamless service, and advance sustainability-led capabilities. Through these efforts, Cargill seeks to support customer success and grow alongside India’s evolving food landscape. Sanjiv [email protected]

Dr Yashawant Kumar,Founder & CEO, Benefic Nutrition “Exports are critical to positioning makhana as a global plant-based protein”In India’s fast-evolving nutraceutical and functional nutrition landscape, innovation is no longer limited to formulations alone—it must also address taste, convenience, affordability, and long-term consumer adherence. Benefic Nutrition, under the leadership of Dr Yashawant Kumar, has emerged as a disruptor by reimagining how preventive nutrition fits into everyday life. From chocolate-format diabetic supplements and makhana-based protein bars to clean-label sugar replacement solutions for B2B customers, the company is blending science with indulgence to improve compliance and scale impact. In this interview with NUFFOODS Spectrum, Dr Kumar shares Benefic Nutrition’s innovation philosophy, B2B growth strategy, supply chain approach, and vision for India’s functional nutrition ecosystem. Edited excerpts; INSIDE 40 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH Benefic Nutrition has introduced several firsts in India’s nutrition market. How do you differentiate your innovation strategy from other players in the nutraceutical space?Most Indians struggle with wellness routines not because they don’t care about health, but because supplements are often unpleasant, inconvenient, or unaffordable. Nearly 60 per cent of Indians don’t even know they need supplements. Among those who do, close to 90 per cent fail to complete their course due to poor taste, inconvenience, or the absence of visible results.We started with a fundamental question: What if wellness tasted so good that you never forgot to take it? Our belief is simple yet powerful—if a product isn’t enjoyable enough to crave, it won’t be consumed long enough to deliver results. That insight shaped our entire innovation strategy. Using proprietary flavour-masking technologies and rapid-absorption formulations, we developed first-oftheir-kind functional chocolates, energy bars, drinks, poplets, and even sugar replacement natural sweeteners. These products are science-backed, clinically effective, cleanlabel, and indulgent at the same time. Importantly, they are designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines and are priced accessibly for India’s upper-middle and middle-class consumers, who form the bulk of the population. Our goal is to make health effortless, not aspirational.With your recent partnership with a hospital chain for India’s first chocolate-format diabetic supplement, how do you see hospital and clinical tie-ups shaping your B2B business?Hospital and institutional partnerships are central to our B2B growth strategy. They position our diabetic supplements not just as products, but as preventive healthcare solutions that improve patient quality of life.For a diabetic patient, even simple pleasures like chocolate are often off-limits, which significantly impacts emotional well-being. Our chocolate-format diabetic supplement directly addresses this gap. It combines enjoyment with therapeutic efficacy, incorporating 13 clinically recognised herbs known to help manage postmeal blood sugar levels. These hospital partnerships go beyond distribution. They are strategic collaborations that allow us to co-create patient-centric solutions and validate innovation within clinical environments. This places Benefic Nutrition at the forefront of preventive and lifestyle-based healthcare in India.What has been the response from healthcare professionals, and how does this format support patient compliance?The response from healthcare professionals has been overwhelmingly positive. Clinicians recognise that long-term adherence is one of the biggest challenges in chronic care, particularly for conditions like diabetes.Our chocolate-based format is viewed as novel, patientfriendly, and effective. It significantly reduces “treatment fatigue,” which is common with pills, powders, or complex supplement routines. Patients no longer have to mix powders or swallow tablets—it fits naturally into their daily lives. This ease of consumption plays a critical role in encouraging sustained usage, which ultimately drives better health outcomes.Your Sweet Family Monk Fruit + Erythritol blend targets the sugar replacement market. How are you positioning it for B2B buyers and HoReCa?Sweet Family was developed to address a clear gap in the bulk sweetener category. We are not positioning it as just another alternative, but as a superior, premium, all-in-one solution for modern food formulations. Our positioning revolves around the idea of “Clean-label, no-compromise sweetness.”

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 41The product delivers three key advantages. First, better taste—it offers clean, sugar-like sweetness without the bitterness commonly associated with stevia or artificial sweeteners. Second, clean-label appeal, with simple, recognisable ingredients like monk fruit and erythritol. Third, functional versatility—it is heat-stable, soluble, and works as a 1:1 sugar replacement, allowing manufacturers to reformulate with minimal R&D investment. For bulk buyers, food manufacturers, and HoReCa players, Sweet Family enables sugar reduction without compromising flavour or mouthfeel—an increasingly critical need as sugar taxes and front-of-pack labelling regulations loom.What advantages does Sweet Family offer across bakery, confectionery, and beverages?Sweet Family is a scientifically validated and clinically endorsed natural sugar replacer with zero calories and a low glycaemic index. It is entirely plant-based, free from artificial additives, and suitable for diabetics and health-conscious consumers. Its biggest advantage is taste parity with sugar—without bitterness or metallic notes—making it ideal for bakery, beverages, confectionery, and desserts. From cakes and cookies to teas, coffees, and ready-to-drink beverages, it integrates seamlessly across applications while enabling brands to meet growing demand for better-for-you products.You recently launched India’s first makhana-based protein bar. What potential do you see for makhana protein?Our makhana-based protein bar—“Desh ka Protein, Desh ke Liye!”—contains 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of fibre, making it India’s highest-fibre plant protein bar. Makhana holds immense potential due to its nutritional profile, digestibility, and cultural relevance.In institutional nutrition, makhana protein can support school and college meal programmes, hospitals, and government nutrition schemes, especially for populations requiring easily digestible, hypoallergenic protein. Its indigenous origin aligns well with policies supporting local crops and farmer livelihoods. In corporate wellness, the potential is even higher. The product fits perfectly into employee health initiatives and aligns with ESG goals, sustainability narratives, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. With premium packaging and “Made in India” storytelling, it can compete strongly with imported protein bars.How will you scale distribution through gyms and fitness platforms?We plan to partner selectively with gyms, fitness chains, and health platforms that align with our brand values. Pilot programmes, co-branded campaigns, sampling, and educational initiatives will help demonstrate value.Joint marketing across social media, in-gym activations, and wellness events will drive awareness. Dedicated partnership managers will oversee long-term collaborations, while logistics and inventory systems will be optimised for scale. We also see strong potential in digital health platforms through content partnerships, webinars, and personalised nutrition integrations.What role do exports play in your makhana roadmap?Exports are critical to positioning makhana as a global plant-based protein. With rising global demand for clean, plant-based nutrition, makhana can be positioned as a premium Indian superfood. High-quality standards, organic certifications, and international distributor partnerships will support this ambition and fuel sustainable growth.How are you managing supply chain challenges while keeping costs competitive?We manage supply chain risks through diversified sourcing, long-term supplier contracts, stringent quality checks, demand forecasting, and selective vertical integration. Regional sourcing and direct grower partnerships help improve reliability and reduce costs, while transparency and traceability ensure consistent quality for B2B partners.Do you see opportunities for co-creation with FMCG, QSR, and startups?Absolutely. There is strong potential to cocreate functional foods, low-sugar menu items, and personalised nutrition solutions with FMCG companies, QSRs, and health startups. These collaborations help expand reach, build credibility, and accelerate consumer adoption of healthier options.What support do you expect from regulators and policymakers?Clear regulations, faster ingredient approvals, standardised certifications, R&D grants, public awareness campaigns, and export support are essential to accelerate growth in India’s functional nutrition sector. A supportive ecosystem will help drive innovation, trust, and global competitiveness.Looking ahead, what will drive Benefic Nutrition’s next phase of B2B growth?Our next phase will be driven by expansion into plantbased proteins, functional beverages, and customised nutrition solutions for sports, healthcare, and corporate wellness. Strategic partnerships with technology providers, ingredient innovators, healthcare institutions, and large food manufacturers will be key to unlocking new growth opportunities and strengthening our B2B value proposition. Mansi Jamsudkar Padvekar [email protected]

Prateek Rastogi,Co-founder & CEO, Better NutritionBiofortified Seeds vs Supplementation: A Sustainable Strategy to Address Anaemia at ScaleIndia does not suffer from a shortage of food. Yet, anaemia continues to affect a large part of the population across age groups, genders, and income levels. This paradox - plates that are full but bodies that are undernourished - highlights a deeper issue: the quality of nutrition in everyday diets. For decades, the dominant response to iron deficiency has been supplementation. Tablets, syrups, fortified gummies, and government distribution programmes have been deployed at scale. While these interventions have played an important role, anaemia remains stubbornly persistent. This raises a critical question: are we addressing the symptom or the root cause?INSIDE 42 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in BIOFORTIFIED FOODSA new and far more sustainable answer is emerging - biofortified foods. Instead of adding iron after food is processed, biofortification focuses on growing crops that are naturally richer in iron and other essential micronutrients. Today, these foods are no longer confined to research trials or pilot programmes. Biofortified atta, rice, millets, and pulses are already available to consumers on platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, Amazon, and modern retail - making this solution practical, scalable, and immediate.Why Anaemia Remains a National ChallengeAnaemia is not caused by lack of calories; it is caused by lack of absorbable iron and supporting micronutrients. Staples like wheat and rice form the backbone of Indian diets, but over decades of breeding crops primarily for yield and shelf life, their micronutrient density has declined. As a result, even regular consumption of staples does not guarantee adequate iron intake. The burden is highest among women and children, but urban populations are increasingly affected as well. Fatigue, poor concentration, reduced immunity, and lower productivity are common consequences - many of which are normalised and never traced back to nutrition.The Supplementation TrapIron supplementation has been the default response for years. While supplements can help correct deficiencies in controlled, clinical settings, they face several challenges at the population scale. First,

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in BIOFORTIFIED FOODS 43compliance is low. Supplements are often discontinued due to gastrointestinal discomfort, metallic taste, or simply forgetfulness. Second, absorption varies widely. The body does not always absorb synthetic iron efficiently, especially when consumed without the right dietary context. Third, supplements treat iron in isolation, whereas nutrition in real life works as a system - iron absorption is influenced by zinc, vitamin C, protein, and overall gut health. Most importantly, supplementation does not change what people eat every day. Once the programme stops, the deficiency often returns.Artificial Fortification: A Partial FixFood fortification - adding iron to flour or rice during processing - has improved reach compared to supplements. However, it also has limitations. Fortified nutrients are added post-harvest, which can lead to uneven distribution, stability issues, and variability in actual intake. Fortification often focuses on one or two nutrients, ignoring the broader nutritional matrix needed for effective absorption. From a consumer perspective, fortification labels rarely reflect batch-level reality - they are typically based on assumed averages. Fortification helps, but it does not fundamentally improve the nutritional quality of the crop itself.Biofortification: Fixing Nutrition at the SourceBiofortification takes a fundamentally different approach. It begins at the seed and soil level. Through selective breeding and improved agronomic practices, crops are developed to naturally accumulate higher levels of iron, zinc, calcium, protein, and other micronutrients during growth. The nutrient is embedded within the grain’s structure, not added later. This mirrors how humans evolved to absorb nutrition from whole foods, not isolates. Biofortified staples such as high-iron rice, iron- and calcium-rich millets like ragi and bajra, nutrientdense wheat atta, and biofortified pulses have shown consistently higher iron content than conventional varieties. More importantly, because the nutrient exists in a natural food matrix, bioavailability is significantly better compared to many supplemental forms.Absorption Matters More Than IntakeIron intake alone does not determine impact - absorption does. When iron is consumed as part of whole foods, alongside natural proteins, fibers, and companion minerals, the body regulates uptake more efficiently. This is why traditional diets, despite being simpler, often supported better health outcomes than modern, ultra-processed eating patterns supplemented with pills. Biofortified foods deliver iron in the same context in which humans have always absorbed nutrients - through meals, not medication.From Research to Retail: Biofortification Goes MainstreamUntil recently, biofortification was discussed mainly in academic and policy circles. That has changed. Today, consumers can simply search for “biofortified atta” or “2X iron-rich millets” on quick-commerce apps and receive nutrient-dense staples at their doorstep. This marks a crucial shift - nutrition is no longer dependent on behavioral change or medical compliance. It is built into what people already eat every day. Unlike supplements or trend-driven health products, biofortified staples do not ask consumers to add anything new to their routine. They simply make existing habits more nourishing.Beyond Iron: A Multi-Nutrient AdvantageAnother major advantage of biofortification is that it does not stop at iron. Modern biofortified crops are developed to improve multiple micronutrients simultaneously - zinc for immunity, calcium for bone health, magnesium for metabolism, and even protein quality. Addressing anaemia in isolation is no longer enough; nutrition deficiencies often coexist. By improving the overall nutrient density of staples, biofortification strengthens the entire nutritional foundation, not just one parameter.A Sustainable, Scalable SolutionFrom a public health and food systems perspective, biofortification is uniquely scalable. Once the seed and agronomic system are established, the benefits repeat every season without recurring distribution costs. Farmers benefit from better crop value, consumers receive better nutrition, and the food system moves from reactive correction to proactive nourishment. This is not a trend or a fad. It is a structural upgrade to how food is grown and consumed.The Path ForwardAnaemia cannot be solved by pills alone. Nor can it be eliminated by labels that promise nutrition without measuring it. The future lies in growing better food, not compensating for poor food later. Biofortified staples offer a rare alignment of science, sustainability, consumer behavior, and scalability. As these foods become more widely available across retail and quick commerce, India has a real opportunity to address iron deficiency at scale - quietly, naturally, and permanently. The solution to anaemia does not lie in asking people to eat differently. It lies in ensuring that what they already eat is truly nourishing.

From Volatility to Control: How Intelligence Will Redefine Food Systems in 2026INSIDE 44 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in TRENDS IN 2026In 2026, food systems will cross a defining threshold. What were once episodic disruptions; geopolitical tensions, regulatory pressure, climate volatility, and labour constraints are converging into a permanent operating reality. For agri-food enterprises, resilience will no longer be a matter of scale or intuition, but of intelligence. The next phase of transformation will be driven by how effectively organisations turn uncertainty into foresight and foresight into action. Here are the key shifts that will shape food production, sourcing, and supply chains in 2026:1. Geopolitics becomes a core food-system risk: Food security is rapidly becoming a board-level geopolitical concern. Trade barriers, protectionist policies, and regional instability will increasingly dictate where food is grown, sourced, and priced. In response, agri-food enterprises will move away from overreliance on traditional production regions toward diversified, predictive sourcing strategies. Real-time intelligence spanning climate, field conditions, yield outlooks, and trade risk will enable earlier commitments, smarter origin choices, and a shift from reactive firefighting to foresightled resilience.2. Risk-adjusted sourcing becomes a board discipline: The old sourcing playbook optimised for cost and efficiency. The new one optimises for continuity. Procurement leaders will increasingly adopt riskadjusted sourcing, using forward signals on production risk, logistics fragility, and policy disruption to guide origin diversification, scenarioled contracting, and season-ahead decisions. Sourcing will evolve from a transactional function into a strategic lever for supply assurance.3. Regulation becomes operational, not rhetorical: Regulations such as EUDR signal a broader shift: compliance moving from reporting obligations to core operational requirements. Even as implementation timelines evolve, the direction is clear. Traceability, geolocation evidence, and due diligence will become embedded into daily operations, not handled as downstream documentation. Evidence-ready supply chains will no longer be optional, they will be table stakes for market access, brand trust, and continuity.4. AI evolves from “predictive” to decision-grade intelligence: Boards don’t buy predictions; they buy outcomes. In 2026, AI adoption will be driven by its ability to change decisions before capital is deployed: acreage allocation, variety selection, supplier strategy, protection planning, logistics timing, and contingency sourcing. The language that will matter is decision-grade intelligence, systems that translate signals into clear, contextual actions at enterprise scale.5. Agentic planning becomes the operating model for volatility:Static annual plans break the moment conditions change. Agentic systems, capable of continuous sensing, scenario simulation, and next-best-action recommendations, will increasingly support dynamic re-planning across procurement, quality, and sustainability functions. This marks a shift from linear planning to living operating models, where decisions evolve in real time as seasons, markets, and risks change.6. Autonomy scales as intelligence meets execution: Automation and robotics are moving beyond pilots, driven by labour constraints and unit economics. The real leap in 2026 will be closed-loop execution: detect decide  act. Intelligence will guide machines on where to intervene, what to do, and when, reducing waste, protecting yield, and improving consistency across production systems.7. Regenerative agriculture scales when it becomes measurable and financeable: Regenerative agriculture will move from aspiration to operating model as measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) become continuous and outcomelinked. When soil health, emissions, and yield resilience are measurable, auditable, and tied to financial outcomes, regenerative programmes can scale beyond pilots, unlocking procurement models that are both sustainable and commercially viable. The Bottom LineThe winners of 2026 will build a new food-system operating stack: Decision-grade intelligence + agentic planning + autonomous execution + audit-ready compliance. This is what surety of supply looks like in modern food systems, not driven by intuition, but by intelligence that enables resilient production, sustainable sourcing, and predictable supply chains at global scale. Krishna Kumar,Founder & CEO - Cropin

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EVENT REPORT 45Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, inaugurated the 9th edition of Indusfood 2026 at Expo Mart, Greater Noida, on January 8, 2026. Asia’s premier food and beverage trade show, Indusfood 2026 marks its largest-ever edition, showcasing the expanding scale and global relevance of India’s food processing sector.In his inaugural address, the Minister emphasized the Government of India’s strong commitment to the food processing industry, underlined by the existence of a dedicated ministry for the sector. He described the ministry’s role as a bridge between policymakers and industry stakeholders, aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.A key highlight of Paswan’s address was his appeal to global food brands to establish their Research and Development (R&D) centres in India. He noted that India’s vast agricultural base, diverse agro-climatic zones, and rich culinary heritage provide a unique ecosystem for food innovation. According to the Minister, India offers immense potential to develop new products, flavours, and food technologies that can cater to evolving global consumer preferences.“India has huge diversity and immense potential to introduce new varieties on the global food platter,” the Minister stated, adding that setting up R&D centres in India would allow global companies to leverage local raw materials, traditional knowledge, and a growing pool of skilled professionals. Such investments, he said, would not only boost innovation but also help India transition from being a volume-driven exporter to a value-driven global food hub.The Minister further highlighted that GST rationalisation, which brought most food processing products under the 5 per cent or 0 per cent slab, has significantly improved market access and competitiveness for the sector. He reaffirmed the government’s willingness to provide policy support, ease of doing business, and institutional backing to attract global investments in food processing and R&D.Supporting this vision, schemes such as PMFME, Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, and the expanded role of the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) are strengthening the innovation ecosystem. Additionally, APEDA’s BHARATI initiative aims to nurture agri-food startups and promote export-oriented innovation.Indusfood 2026, with participation from over 2,200 exhibitors and buyers from more than 120 countries, provided a powerful platform for reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global centre for food innovation, research, and value-added exports. Paswan calls for global food brands to establish R&D centres in IndiaChirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries to mark the inauguration of the 9th edition of Indusfood 2026 at Expo Mart, Greater Noida, on January 8, 2026. Indusfood 2026

INSIDE 46 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWSNutrifyToday has promoted MTI Khasim to its Board and appointed him Executive Director, Research & Development and Commercialisation. In his new role, Khasim will lead two key verticals: the company’s AI-driven intelligence platform and its supplychain network for the nutraceutical ecosystem. He will oversee the integration of technology, research, and commercialisation to support product development and industry collaboration. Khasim has been associated with NutrifyToday for four years and has contributed to the development of its research architecture, partnerships, and knowledge infrastructure. His appointment expands his responsibilities across strategic and operational areas, with a focus on aligning digital intelligence with supply-chain execution. The company stated that the move reflects its focus on strengthening its technology and commercial capabilities as it scales its platform and ecosystem. Khasim will also work with internal teams across research, data, regulatory intelligence, and supply-chain operations to support the company’s next phase of development. The Government of Kerala has nominated Dr Sreeraj Gopi, Founder and Managing Director of Molecules Biolabs, as the Government Nominee on the Board of Directors of Kerala Lifesciences Industries Parks Private Limited (KLIP). The appointment was made by the Industries Department on December 24, 2025. Dr Gopi’s nomination fills the vacancy created following the resignation of John Kuriakose, who stepped down from the KLIP Board with effect from October 22, 2025. Dr Sreeraj Gopi holds doctoral degrees from Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland, and Deakin University, Australia, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, London. He founded Molecules Biolabs and leads its operations, with the company supplying products to multiple international markets. He also serves as CEO of Akore Formulations, focusing on formulation technologies for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Dr Gopi is a Visiting Professor at Shanghai University and advises several life sciences and nutraceutical companies. His appointment is expected to support KLIP’s governance and sectoral initiatives.Centre extends NDDB Chairman’s tenureKerala appoints Dr Sreeraj Gopi as government nominee on KLIP BoardThe Government of India has extended the tenure of Dr Meenesh Shah as Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for 3.5 years. The extension ensures continuity in leadership at the apex dairy institution. Dr Shah heads NDDB and chairs several organisations and subsidiaries linked to the dairy and allied sectors, including Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable, Indian Immunologicals, NDDB Dairy Services, IDMC, and others. He also holds leadership roles in national cooperative bodies and serves on boards associated with the dairy and agricultural ecosystem. With over four decades of experience in the sector, Dr Shah has been involved in institutional development, cooperative expansion, and sectoral initiatives related to dairy and rural development. His extended tenure is expected to support ongoing programmes and strategic initiatives within NDDB and associated organisations. The decision comes as NDDB continues to play a central role in India’s dairy sector and cooperative framework.NutrifyToday appoints MTI Khasim as Executive Director

INSIDE 46 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in ACADEMIA NEWS 47The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-Kundli) has partnered with the Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI) to strengthen skill development in India’s food sector. The collaboration aims to design and deliver training and certification programmes aligned with industry requirements. Under the partnership, both organisations will jointly develop modules focused on food safety management, regulatory compliance, quality systems, licensing, labelling, packaging, HACCP implementation, allergen management, and internal auditing. The programmes will combine academic inputs with industry practices to support workforce readiness. The initiative targets students, professionals, and stakeholders across the food processing value chain, with an emphasis on building competencies relevant to operational and compliance roles. Training will be delivered through structured courses and certification frameworks to address skill gaps in the sector. The collaboration reflects an effort to align institutional training with industry needs and support capacity building in the food processing ecosystem.NIFTEM-Kundli ties up with FICSI for skill developmentNIFTEM-K to train 2,110 minority beneficiaries in food processingThe National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), will train 2,110 beneficiaries from minority communities under a skill development programme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. NIFTEM-K has been appointed as the Project Implementing Agency for the initiative under the PM VIKAS scheme. The training will be conducted across seven locations in Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana. Beneficiaries will be trained under three job roles: Multi Skill Technician (Food Processing), Millet Products Processor, and Assistant Baking Technician. The courses will follow the National Skills Qualification Framework and be aligned with standards approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training. Participants will receive certification upon completion of the programme. IIP Delhi, PPRDC launch packaging recycling courseThe Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Delhi, in collaboration with the Plastics Packaging Research and Development Centre (PPRDC), has introduced a professional certificate course on plastics packaging and recycling. The threemonth programme is structured into 15 sessions covering 32 subjects and will be delivered by faculty from industry and academia. The course content includes plastic packaging materials, packaging systems, recycling processes, regulatory frameworks, extended producer responsibility, and end-of-life management of plastic packaging. The programme combines classroom sessions with practical training, laboratory exposure, case studies, and industry visits. The course is open to engineering graduates, diploma holders, working professionals, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and personnel involved in packaging and processing operations. Participants will also undertake project work and interact with sector experts as part of the curriculum. The initiative aims to build skills related to plastics packaging and recycling and address workforce requirements across packaging, recycling, and compliance functions.

INSIDE 48 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in R&D NEWSExperts caution that consuming caffeine immediately after meals may affect bone health, muscle function, and inflammatory responses. According to observations, caffeine intake can interfere with nutrient absorption and physiological processes when consumed close to food intake. The discussion highlights potential links between caffeine consumption and calcium metabolism, muscle tension, and inflammatory reactions. Experts suggest that timing of caffeine intake may influence its impact on the body, particularly in individuals with specific dietary patterns or health concerns. The findings underline the need for awareness about caffeine consumption habits and their possible effects on long-term health outcomes. The issue also reflects broader concerns about dietary practices and their interaction with commonly consumed stimulants in daily diets.A nationwide consumer-led evaluation identified quality gaps in popular packaged food and nutrition products. The initiative assessed 30 products selected through consumer voting and subjected them to independent laboratory testing. Results showed variation in ingredient claims, nutritional accuracy, and compliance with labelling norms across categories such as snacks, beverages, and supplements. Several products were found to deviate from stated nutritional values, while others showed inconsistencies in ingredient disclosure and quality parameters. The findings highlight gaps between marketing claims and actual product composition. The assessment also pointed to the need for stronger regulatory oversight, transparent labelling, and improved quality assurance practices in the packaged food and wellness sector. The results reflect growing consumer scrutiny of product quality and rising demand for verified information in everyday food and nutrition choices. A survey on personal loan usage shows that digital consumption is a key spending area among borrowers. Around 52 per cent of personal loan users reported spending on online food ordering platforms, while 55 per cent used credit for online shopping and 40 per cent for mobile banking applications. The findings indicate a shift in borrowing patterns from emergency needs to lifestyledriven expenditure. Borrowers increasingly integrate credit into daily digital transactions, reflecting wider adoption of online services. The survey also suggests that digital-first financial behaviour is becoming common across borrower segments, with mobile-based platforms playing a central role in spending decisions. The trend highlights the growing link between consumer credit and digital consumption in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.Study flags quality gaps in food and wellness products52% borrowers spend on online food: SurveyExperts caution on caffeine timing after meals

INSIDE 48 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS 49DCGpac opens manufacturing plant in NoidaDCGpac has started operations at a smart manufacturing facility in Noida with an initial production capacity of 250 tonnes per month. The plant, spread across 20,000 sq. ft., began production in January 2026. The facility marks the company’s move towards backward integration, covering raw materials, manufacturing, quality assurance, fulfilment and distribution. It has been developed under a longterm partnership with a material science firm focused on biodegradable and compostable materials. The plant will produce sustainable packaging solutions for sectors including e-commerce, logistics, retail and direct-to-consumer brands, with supplies planned for domestic and international markets. The site includes extrusion, printing and finishing systems, along with an in-house quality control laboratory.Kanchan Metals has been named among India’s Top 100 Innovative Companies at the CII Industrial Innovation Awards, announced during the CII Global Summit on Technology, R&D and Intellectual Property. The recognition marks the company’s second inclusion in the list. The award framework evaluates organisations on research and development activity, technological capability, and intellectual property creation. Kanchan Metals has focused on engineering development, process improvement, and design capabilities in food processing and packaging equipment. Over time, the company has invested in technology upgrades and in-house engineering to address evolving requirements in the food and beverage sector. The recognition reflects its ongoing emphasis on innovation and technical development within manufacturing and equipment solutions. IllumiPure presents lighting-based disinfection conceptKanchan Metals enters Top 100 innovators listIllumiPure has introduced lighting technology designed to combine illumination with continuous disinfection in food processing environments. The system uses specific light spectra to reduce pathogens in air and on surfaces while remaining safe for human exposure. The technology operates around the 405 nm range and integrates antimicrobial functionality into standard white lighting. It aims to support hygiene measures in manufacturing facilities without relying on ultraviolet radiation or ozone generation. According to the company, the lighting system can target bacteria, viruses and other contaminants and is intended for use across processing, packaging and related industrial settings. The concept was presented at a food manufacturing exhibition, marking the company’s engagement with the Indian market.

INSIDE 50 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in |February 2026 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.inAfter years of negotiation, the conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement marks a decisive moment for India’s agri-food sector. Often described by the government as the “Mother of All Deals,” the agreement is more than a symbolic trade win. It reshapes how Indian agriculture engages with one of the world’s most demanding, highvalue food markets—and tests whether India can move from commodity exports to credibility-driven, value-added growth.The European Union is already among India’s most important trading partners, yet India’s agri-food exports to the bloc have consistently underperformed their potential. High tariffs, stringent regulatory standards, and fragmented supply chains have constrained growth. The FTA directly addresses these bottlenecks by granting preferential market access to a wide range of Indian agricultural and processed food products, including tea, coffee, spices, grapes, gherkins, cucumbers, dried onions, fresh fruits and vegetables, and several processed foods. Many of these products will now enter the EU at zero or reduced duties, immediately improving price competitiveness.For Indian exporters, this matters not just in volume terms but in positioning. The EU is not a low-margin market. Access comes with demanding expectations around food safety, traceability, sustainability, and quality. Meeting these standards allows Indian products to be sold as premium and reliable—an essential shift if Indian agriexports are to escape the trap of low-value, price-sensitive trade.The income implications for farmers could be significant. Higher-value exports, especially in spices, tea, coffee, grapes, and vegetables, can translate into better price realisation and more stable demand. These sectors are dominated by small and marginal farmers, and deeper integration into EU supply chains could encourage crop diversification, better post-harvest practices, and investment in cold chains and processing. The agreement also opens new avenues for women’s participation in agrivalue chains, particularly in processing, packaging, and export-oriented activities.Crucially, the FTA balances opportunity with protection. India has safeguarded sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, and select fruits and vegetables through exclusions or calibrated tariff commitments. This reflects a clear recognition that trade liberalisation must not compromise food security or farmer livelihoods. In a politically sensitive sector like agriculture, this balance strengthens the agreement’s long-term sustainability.Processed foods and value-added exports are likely to be among the biggest winners. Regulatory cooperation and harmonisation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures will reduce compliance uncertainty, streamline approvals, and lower transaction costs. Predictable market access could finally push Indian exporters to move beyond raw commodities toward branded, packaged, and processed products tailored to European consumers.At the same time, the agreement is not one-sided. India has committed to eliminating or reducing tariffs on several EU agri-food exports, including olive oil, fruit juices, confectionery, pasta, chocolates, pet food, and sheep meat. Tariffs on wines, spirits, and beer—currently among the highest in the world—will be reduced gradually. While politically sensitive, these concessions signal India’s willingness to integrate more deeply into global food trade, while using staging periods and quotas to manage domestic impact.Sanitary and phytosanitary provisions are among the most consequential aspects of the deal. All Indian exports will continue to meet the EU’s stringent SPS standards, with no dilution of food safety rules. However, the agreement introduces greater transparency, defined timelines, and clearer procedures for audits, approvals, certification, and adaptation to regional conditions. For exporters, regulatory uncertainty often costs more than tariffs.The real test now lies in execution. Preferential access alone will not guarantee success. India must invest in quality infrastructure, laboratory capacity, traceability systems, and farmer-level compliance. Exporters will need to internalise EU expectations rather than treat them as external hurdles.This urgency is heightened by growing trade pressure elsewhere. As the Trump administration signals tougher tariff regimes and localisation demands that threaten India’s food and agri exports to the United States, the India–EU FTA offers a timely counterbalance. By opening a large, stable, rules-based market, the agreement provides Indian exporters with strategic diversification at a moment of rising protectionism—shifting India from exporting more food to exporting better food.Narayan [email protected] Trade Deal That Tests India’s Food AmbitionsLET’S TALK