FFOODSSpectrum Oct 2023 |Superfy My Food

"We connect with the Nutraceuticals Marvels and Empower the Whole Food Ecosystem in India" Explore the FFOODS Spectrum India World Now ! www.nuffoodsspectrum.in www.nuffoodsspectrum.asia

Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Australia’s dietary habits at risk: CSIRO Yum China inaugurates China’s first 100% renewable energy cold chain centre Taiwan’s health brand unveils pineapple enzyme for digestive health Singapore launches world’s first proprietary seaweed heme ingredient for plant-based meat applications TOP STORIES 'nuFFOODS Spectrum' monthly publication is owned by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd., Published and Printed by Ravindra Boratkar, Printed at Spectrum Offset, D2/4, Satyam Industrial Estate, Behind CDSS, Erandawana, Pune - 411 038. and Published at 'Ashirwad', 36/A/s, S. No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Near Bank of Baroda, Pune - 411 045. Editor: Narayan Kulkarni Reprinted for private circulation. Volume 11 | Issue 2 | October 2023 www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Publisher & Managing Editor Ravindra Boratkar Editorial Chief Editor Dr Milind Kokje [email protected] Advisor - Content Vijay Thombre Editor: Narayan Kulkarni [email protected] Executive Editor: Dr Manbeena Chawla [email protected] Assistant Editor : Nitesh Pillai [email protected] Content Team Singapore: Hithaishi C. Bhaskar [email protected] Social Media Communications: Vipan Kumar [email protected] SOUTH REGION Apoorva Mahajan Key Account Executive “NITON”, Block B, First Floor, 11/3, Palace Road, Bangalore 560052 Mobile: +91-7724025888 [email protected] NEW DELHI International offices Dr Manbeena Chawla Media Coordinator 103-104, 1st Floor, Rohit House 3 Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi - 110001 Mobile: +91-8861043732 [email protected] PUNE Vrushti Kothari Business Development Executive Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Pune-411045 Mobile: +91-7798935660 [email protected] NAGPUR Manisha Boratkar 402, Govind Apartments, Shankar Nagar Square, Nagpur - 440 010 Tel. +91-712-2555 249 MUMBAI Mandar More Regional Business Manager 1st Floor, CIDCO Convention Center, Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra-400703. Mobile: +919870009281 [email protected] ASIA PACIFIC AND SOUTH EAST ASIAAnkit Kankar General Manager- ( Strategy and Marketing) #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 HandHeld: +65 90150305 [email protected] SINGAPORE Saradha Mani MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications #08-08, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179094 Tel : +65 6336 9142 Mobile: +6590681202 [email protected] NORTH AMERICA & EUROPE BioSpectrum Bureau MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Mobile: +91-9579069369 E-mail: [email protected] MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Production & Design MEDIA VISION, Pune Cover Design Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. Business CEO Manasee Kurlekar [email protected] General Manager- ( Strategy and Marketing) Ankit Kankar [email protected] Operations and HR Asmita Thakar [email protected] Circulation, Subscription and Media Enquiry: Sudam Walekar [email protected]

Letter from Publisher Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor, MD, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd. Dear Readers, It is a good indication that superfoods have been trending in India since they are good for health. However, it is not a scientifically recognised category of food since there haven’t been any specific criteria to classify foods as superfoods. Generally, it is mostly plant-based but includes some fish and dairy, is nutritionally dense, and contains lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are good for health. The global superfood market is expected to grow by CAGR of 6.7 per cent to $228 billion by 2026. In that restricted space of plants and some fish and dairy, the food industry has been constantly innovating and boosting consumers' imagination of nutrition to the next level. Recently, a company has unveiled a nutritional mix which can be added to any type of food in our daily diet – from milk to dal and curd to vegetables without changing the taste, odour and colour of the food item. It consists of, among other superfoods, Ashwagandha and Brahmi along with multivitamins, clinically proven Probiotics, Fibre and Lysine. Another such innovative product is an alcoholic drink with an infusion of the superfood component Curcumin. Our content team has covered the Indian superfoods market. We have two interesting reports on global events related to two important commodities - one is coffee and the other is spices - held recently in Bengaluru and Mumbai, respectively. The 5th World Coffee Conference was held in Bengaluru, while India is still holding the Presidency of G20. Organised by the Coffee Board of India, the mega event has taken Indian Coffee to the next level, lending it the global exposure it deserves. The first four Coffee Conferences were held in the United Kingdom (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010), and Ethiopia (2016). Coffee is an important commodity because over 2.5 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world daily. The report covers the latest trends and innovations in the Coffee sector. The 14th World Spice Congress was held in Mumbai recently wherein a target of $10 billion for spices export by 2030 from the current $4 billion, was set. In achieving the target, capturing new markets through increased value addition along with expanding existing markets will be crucial. This will require the spices industry to expand through value addition and ramped-up exports. The industry will have to ensure support to farmers for adequate production. Another insight gleaned from the mega event was that a certified brand image for Indian spices, a brand synonymous with quality will have to be devised. A detailed report on this key event is also featured. The role of quality nutrition and dietary supplements has been known to alleviate quite a number of ailments. An expert throws light on the status of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management dietary supplements market. PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. Though it cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed by using PCOS supplements which address specific deficiencies and imbalances in the body and provide necessary nutrients to regulate hormone levels. We also have interviews with experts in the Indian health food supplements industry. I am sure it will be interesting to take a closer look at the Indian health foods market. Thanks & Regards, Yours Sincerely, Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 5

The young and the health-conscious have always been on the lookout for the very best in terms of nutrition and health benefits from their daily foods. Three years post-COVID-19, the market is abuzz with new and improved food products that claim to address this growing need of the Indian population, especially in the urban areas. Ready-toeat and ready-to-cook Superfoods seem to have taken the fancy of a wide section of the population. These foods are not just convenient for daily use but also solve the concerns of under-nutrition, protein and vitamin deficiencies rampant in the country. Let’s explore the Superfoods space and check out a few notable players in India. INSIDE 6 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 22 “With a significant portion of the Indian population keen on switching to a healthy diet, there is a huge potential for the superfoods market to flourish” cover Satyajit Hange, Co-Founder, Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF) COVER STORY 18

INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 7 Editorial 09 Regulatory News 10 Finance News 11 Company News 14 Startup News 17 Academics News 45 People News 46 Ingredients News 47 Supplier News 48 Let’s Talk Food 50 REGULARS 25 29 32 43 41 39 34 36 28 “Together, let’s nurture a sustainable and thriving coffee industry for generations to come” Bring back the old charm of Indian spices renowned worldwide: Piyush Goyal “We are investing in co-creating centres for plant-based meat across the world” How millets can help combat anaemia PCOS management dietary supplements market scenario Investors bet on brighter days ahead of festive season “Collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies can lead to beneficial outcomes for the Indian Bakery sector” “Over the next 10 years, we see FSSAI playing a key role in creating a regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation” New innovations ushering in the ‘fourth wave’ coffee movement in India Coffee Con Spice Congress Speaking with Speaking with Fighting Anaemia PCOS Management Food Retail Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, Middle East, India and Africa (MEIA), Novozymes 38 ''Nutritional requirements of athletes are varied'' Col Devraj Gill, Commandant, Army Sports Institute, Pune Dr Komal Chauhan, Head, Centre of Excellence for Food Fortification (CEFF) and Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, NIFTEM, Haryana Shikha Dwivedi, Dietitian and Nutritionist, OZiva Aditi Handa, Co-Founder & Head Chef, The Baker's Dozen Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife India Nandita Abreo Subramanian, Founder & Director, Firefly Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. 5th World Coffee Conference 2023 14th World Spice Congress

8 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Please send your feedback to [email protected] Thanks for your feedback. We have taken note of your suggestions and will surely try to incorporate the content accordingly in coming issues. Please keep sending us your feedback and updating us on your views about the issue and keep giving your opinions on the content. – Editor Thank you so much for featuring GM Tea Packers in the nuFFOODS Spectrum Anniversary issue. Debomita Deb, Gujarat Thanks a lot for the great coverage and for providing the opportunity for Goodveda to be part of the FFS anniversary issue. Ruchi Mamgain, Noida Thanks for featuring Myprotein in the Anniversary edition of nuFFOODS Spectrum. Kashish Sharma, Mumbai The LabelBlind article coverage looks wonderful. Thank you for the feature and the magazine. Rashida Vapiwala, Mumbai Thanks for featuring HarvestPlus interview. This has come out really well! Thank you so much! It was a pleasure to engage with you and look forward to our continuous association. Sanya Sharma, Delhi Thank you for covering Sid’s Farm’s inputs in the FFS September 2023 edition. Abhay Pratap Singh, Bengaluru Thanks a lot for sharing the Oziva coverage in nuFFOODS Spectrum September 2023 edition. Kulpreet Hora, Delhi Thank you so much for sharing the PDF version of the anniversary issue consisting of Sunpure coverage. Samita Menon, Bangalore I Would like to thank you for featuring Elanpro in the FFS magazine. The interview has come out really well. Arpita Chaturvedi, Mumbai Prashant Gokhale, Managing Director, Bühler India talks about the growth & opportunities in the Indian food market as Bühler celebrates 30 years in India with expanded manufacturing capacity Scan the QR Code » Boubaker BenBelhassen, Director, Trade and Markets Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) shares his views on promoting sustainable coffee production Scan the QR Code » Dr K G Jagadeesh, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary, Coffee Board of India talks about the 5th World Coffee Conference that recently took place in Bengaluru, for the first time in Asia Scan the QR Code » www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 52 pages including cover PUNE | Volume 11 | Issue1 | September 2023 | `150 TH Promoting Public Health With FOOD SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EDIT 9 A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) released in August is an eye-opener for India as it shows an alarming rise in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption in India. The study conducted in association with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) showed that the sale of UPFs in India grew at a rapid CAGR of 13.37 per cent in a decade from 2011 to 2021. It declined sharply for a short period during COVID-19 and has re-surged again. The growth dropped from 12.65 per cent in 2019 to 5.5 per cent in 2020 and re-bounced to 11.3 per cent again in 2020-21. The trend is certainly not a good sign since UPFs are inherently unhealthy. They typically tend to include many additives and ingredients such as preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, artificial colours and flavours. Extracted from foods like fats, starch, added sugars and hydrogenated fats, these ingredients increase the shelf life. The health risk associated with UPFs is summarised by Brazilian scientist Fernanda Rauber when she said, “Most of the UPFs are not food. It is an industrially produced edible substance.” While several studies have been done on the ill effects of UPFs, two recent ones showed that they significantly increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. They are also linked to obesity, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression and dementia. Despite such high health risks, 57 per cent of the average UK diet is UPFs and in children and poorer people, it is up to 80 per cent. In the US too, UPFs are the main source of calories, nearly 58 per cent, and almost 90 per cent of the energy comes from added sugars. 20 people were given a UPF diet and an unprocessed food diet for 14 days each as part of a study, published in Cell Metabolism. It showed that the subjects consumed 500 more calories per day on a UPF diet than those who were given an unprocessed diet. The UPF diet period was also marked by an increased intake of carbohydrates and fat, but devoid of protein. They gained an average of two pounds during the UPF period and lost two pounds during the unprocessed diet phase. The researchers concluded that limiting UPFs may be an effective strategy for preventing and treating obesity. The government can consider a nutrition-based tax model, focusing on higher taxes for products with fat, sugar and salt beyond recommended levels and lower taxes for healthier products. Several policymakers proposed this model to reduce obesityrelated diseases. In a 2014 study, researchers at Cornell and Stanford found that nutrient-specific taxes could have an important effect in inducing healthier purchasing behaviour among consumers. The WHO has recommended that similar nutrition-based taxes should be introduced to reduce consumption of UPFs in India. It has suggested that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) should clearly define high fat sugar, salt (HFSS) foods. With that, the tax authorities can link the GST structure to such products. However, the rapid growth of UPFs in India is a little surprising because there has been a lot of talk about the rising health consciousness among Indians. This was evident in a LocalCircles survey in April 2023 in which 77 per cent of consumers preferred a front-ofthe-pack red label on UPFs. The respondents wanted green, orange and red labels depending on the sugar, salt and fat content in the product. The survey was based on responses from 19,000 respondents from 285 districts. When such a huge number wanted a warning for UPFs it is surprising that the sales of UPFs are growing. Or is it an indication that the consumers do not want UPFs but are unable to identify them to keep away from them? In such a situation, sincere efforts will be required from the food regulator and other related authorities to help consumers identify which products are ultraprocessed, helping in cutting out rover-indulgence in UPFs. Dr Milind Kokje Chief Editor Not Really Food NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

10 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS Piyush Goyal conducts surprise inspection of Gwalior FCI godown The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has issued an advisory for mandatory stock disclosure of Masur (lentil) with immediate effect. All the stakeholders should mandatorily disclose their Masur stock on the stock disclosure portal (https://fcainfoweb.nic.in/psp) managed by the department every Friday. Any undisclosed stock if found, will be considered as hoarding and suitable action under the EC Act would be initiated. Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, during the weekly price review meeting, has instructed the department to broad-based the lentil buffer procurement. The objective is to procure available stocks at prices around the MSP. This came at a time when NAFED and NCCF had to suspend their tenders to purchase imported lentils due to exorbitantly high bids received from few suppliers amid hints of cartelisation. Secretary, Consumer Affairs stated that at a time when lentil import flow increases from Canada and Tur imports from African countries, few players are trying to manipulate the market against the interest of the consumers and the nation. The government is watching the developments very closely and will initiate stringent measures to get the stock released into the market so that the availability of all pulses at reasonable prices in the festival season is ensured. With the decision to resolve six outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) disputes between the US and India through Mutually Agreed Solutions in June 2023, India has withdrawn additional duties on eight US origin products, including apples, walnuts and almonds vide notification number 53/2023 (Custom). Additional duties of 20 per cent each on apples and walnuts and Rs 20 per kg on Almonds were imposed on the US's products in 2019 over and above the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty as a retaliation to the US's state protectionist measure of increasing tariffs on certain steel and Aluminium products. These additional duties imposed by India on US-origin products have been withdrawn as the US agreed to provide market access to Steel and Aluminium products under the exclusion process. There is no reduction on the MFN duty on apples, walnuts and almonds, which still applies to all imported products, including US-origin products, at 50 per cent, 100 per cent and Rs 100 per kg, respectively. Further, DGFT made an amendment in import policy for Apples by applying a MIP (Minimum Import Price) of Rs 50 per Kg for imports from all countries except Bhutan. Therefore, this MIP will also apply to apples from the US and other countries (excluding Bhutan). This measure would protect against the dumping of low-quality apples and from any predatory pricing in the Indian market. India withdraws additional duties on 8 US-origin products Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industries, conducted a surprise inspection of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Gwalior on September 14, 2023. Goyal during the surprise inspection reviewed the entire functioning of the depot which is spread across 5.5 acres area and has a storage capacity of 15156 MT and a current stock position of 1199 MT. He lauded the functioning of the CCTV cameras installed for the comprehensive security of the depot, upkeep of the stocks, preservation and movement, etc. The Depot Online System (DOS) under the ambit of Digital India and cleanliness within the depot premises was also praised. The Union Minister advised maintaining the current standards in the future. Centre initiates steps to ensure availability of all pulses at reasonable prices NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

REGULATORY NEWS 11 FSSAI launches FoSCoS portal in Hindi The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a significant leap towards enhancing user experience and accessibility with the launch of the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal in Hindi. This is an important step towards enhancing business operational efficiency in the food industry. This initiative by FSSAI comes at a time when the nation is celebrating Hindi Diwas on September 14th, 2023. This further highlights the Government’s commitment to ensuring business facilitation. Since its nationwide launch in 2020, FoSCoS has emerged as a single access point for food businesses and regulatory authorities across the country, streamlining all compliance-related activities. The system has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of various food safety processes, simplifying adherence to regulatory norms for food businesses nationwide. The introduction of the Hindi version of FoSCoS will ensure that food businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from diverse linguistic backgrounds can seamlessly access and leverage its services. Centre revises wheat stock limit to prevent hoarding In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India imposed stock limits on the Wheat applicable to Traders/Wholesaler, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors for all States and Union Territories. The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023 was issued on June 12, 2023 and applicable until March 31, 2024 for all States and Union Territories. To soften the prices of Wheat which are showing an increasing trend, Central Government has decided to revise the Wheat Stock limit from 3000 MT to 2000 MT with respect to Traders/Wholesalers and Big Chain Retailers. Traders/Wholesaler can hold 2000 MT whi leBig Chain Retailers can have 10 MT for each outlet and 2000 MT at their depots. For other categories, there is no change in stock limits. All wheat stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal and update the stock position on every Friday. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country's apex food regulator, has taken stern action against Food Business Operators (FBOs) found to be violating food safety laws. According to the records, 1,411 prosecution cases have been initiated against FBOs found violating the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 since April 1, 2023. The prosecution initiated against the FBOs covers different violations committed, including carrying out a food business without a valid license and manufacturing or selling unsafe food. Since the beginning of this financial year, a number of food products across various categories like milk and milk products, spices, packaged drinking water, nutraceuticals, sauces, pickles, chips, jaggery, etc. have been tested to ensure compliance with product standards and safety of the same. FSSAI, along with States/UTs Food Authorities, is continuously monitoring the quality and safety of food products for consumers in the country by drawing and testing samples. FBOs found to be in violation of the rules are liable to face fines and legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FSSAI seeks to prevent non-compliant practices and ensure that consumers across the nation have access to safe and high-quality food products through stringent inspections, monitoring, and enforcement campaigns. FSSAI strongly advises all FBOs to follow the standards of food products prescribed by FSSAI and ensure safe and hygienic practices for the manufacturing of food products. FSSAI prosecutes FBOs in violation of food safety laws NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

12 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Nestlé has announced an agreement with Advent International (global private equity firm) to acquire a majority stake in Grupo CRM, a premium chocolate player in Brazil. Grupo CRM operates a successful direct-toconsumer model, with more than 1,000 chocolate boutiques under the Kopenhagen and Brasil Cacau brands and a strong, growing online presence. The transaction is expected to close in 2024, subject to customary regulatory approvals. According to Laurent Freixe, CEO Zone Latin America at Nestlé, this acquisition further broadens and strengthens the company's confectionery presence in Brazil, enabling it to enter the high-end segment. Kopenhagen and Brasil Cacau offer premium chocolates that are highly appreciated by Brazilian consumers. Together, the companies will explore opportunities to further enhance the company’s unique premium chocolate experience. Nestlé has a strong confectionery business in Brazil, and this transaction will allow the company to grow in the high-end gifting segment. Nestlé will capitalise on its global research and development capacity to help drive innovation and growth. The company will also support Grupo CRM’s sustainability ambitions. Nestlé to acquire majority stake in Brazilian premium chocolate company BL Agro Industries, India’s leading FMCG company, has announced an investment of Rs 500 crore in India’s fast-growing full-stack agri-tech firm Leads Connect. With these funds, Leads Connect aims to enhance its agro-tech stack that would provide more value to farmers. The funding from BL Agro in Leads Connect would be spread over a period of three years, leading to a controlling stake by India’s leading FMCG firm. BL Agro aims to leverage Leads Connect seamless farm value chain solution transcending farm advisory, fintech intervention, and market linkage creating deep connections with the farmers. The coming together of BL Agro and Leads Connect will help farmers get closer to the buyers thereby getting them better prices and markets for their quality produce with control over good quality and the right price. Leads Connect specialises in farm analytics and advisory through agri-tech-driven data analytics and modelling, crop-cutting experiments, risk management, financial services (farmer loans), and procurement from farmers. The funding will be utilised by Leads Connect towards technology advancement, increasing reach among farmers, FPO, and co-operatives, and expanding the beneficiary farmer base through the establishment of AGRANI Centres in various cities, running awareness generation campaigns, mergers & acquisitions, contract farming, and investment in Research for Deep-tech and AI/ML in agriculture as well as to improve quality procurement and supply chain cycle for BL Agro. Through further development of its AGRANI (Agriculture & Disaster Risk Analytics using Next Intelligence) platform, Leads Connect aims to enhance its Khet Se Kitchen Tak initiative. Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, bigger than aerospace and automotive combined and over the last decade, it has continued to have vacancy rates which are higher than those in wider manufacturing and national average at 4.8 per cent in Q2, compared with 2.9 and 3.3 per cent respectively. State of Industry report published by Food and Drink Federation (FDF), a membership organisation that represents and advises UK food and drink manufacturers, has revealed that six out of ten (57 per cent) food and drink manufacturers have vacancy rates of up to 5 per cent, with mid-sized businesses which have a turnover of £26-£500 million experiencing the brunt of these shortages, with half of them reporting vacancies of up to 10 per cent, almost three times the national average. Unfilled vacancies continue to affect a wide range of roles and skills, particularly for project engineers, scientists, lab technologists and plant engineering technicians, as recruits often overlook the food manufacturing industry. Food and drink sector takes £1.4bn hit due to labour shortages BL Agro invests Rs 500 Cr in Indian Agritech startup

FINANCE NEWS 13 Madmix, a healthy food startup, owned by Mel Sante Food Production Pvt. Ltd., has secured a substantial investment in its pre-seed funding round at the valuation of approx. Rs 12 crore. This exciting development is spearheaded by Prime Securities and features prominent investors like Authum Investments and Team India Managers. The investment will be utilised towards marketing efforts, sales team expansion and future product development. This strategic injection of capital is set to boost Madmix into a new era of growth and opportunity after two years of bootstrapping. Despite limited financial resources, the company managed to expand its presence globally, reaching markets in Nepal, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the USA. Additionally, it has made a significant impact in India, with its products available in over 650 stores nationwide. Madmix has a range of ready-toeat snacks made from millets like jowar including puffs in 5 different flavours. They also have a milletbased ready-to-cook range which includes dosa, idli, chilla, bread mix, and flour mix. Madmix is committed to replacing unhealthy eating with good-for-you food, and they are constantly innovating and developing new products. Mel Sante raises Rs 12 Cr Barry Callebaut Group, the manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, announced BC Next Level – a strategic investment programme to unlock the full potential of Barry Callebaut and pave the way for the next decade of sustainable growth by moving Barry Callebaut closer to markets and customers while fostering simplicity and digitisation. The programme includes a net investment of CHF 500 million in areas most relevant to customers, such as innovation, service, sustainability, and quality powered by digital platforms that boost speed to market and facilitate deeper partnerships with customers. BC Next Level will be funded from existing financial resources. Barry Callebaut will increase its regional footprint from three to five regional divisions – Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa – each encompassing five to six country clusters. This also includes the creation of Barry Callebaut’s new Customer Supply & Development organisation to enhance product delivery and scale innovation faster globally, while delivering technical service locally to customers. The programme will deliver savings of around 15 per cent or CHF 250 million per year which will support margins and cash flow. Barry Callebaut will create new global responsibilities within the enabling functions Finance, HR, and Technology to further improve processes, and launch a Customer Supply & Development organisation with an experienced leadership team to drive this key area for our customers. Establishing its ‘Partnership of Progress’ with the state of Assam, PepsiCo India announced its first food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam with an investment of Rs 778 crore. Spread over 44.2 acres, the state-of-the-art plant is proposed to be operational in 2025 and aims to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to 500 people. Following the Bhumi Pujan ceremony of this plant, PepsiCo India signed a Tripartite MoU with Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment & Craftsman training for fostering women empowerment and creating a safe & supportive work environment to enhance women's employability in the region. The plant targets to intake 100 per cent diverse talent and aims at at least 75 per cent women representation and intends to set up its first Community Learning Centre at Women’s ITI campus, Nalbari to upskill women over the next two years. PepsiCo India will also provide farmers with growth opportunities by using state-of-the-art technology, high-quality seeds and affordable machinery with the goal of sourcing 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state, to produce its iconic brand Lay’s. PepsiCo India to invest Rs 778 Cr for manufacturing plant in Assam Barry Callebaut announces strategic investment programme NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

14 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS Fermenta Biotech inaugurates premix manufacturing plant Thane-based Fermenta Biotech, announced the inauguration of its premix plant in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The Company can offer tailormade premixes for industries including staple food fortification, dietary supplements, Ready To Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and Ready To Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) as well as bakery and confectionery, beverages and health food drinks. Fermenta’s plant, dedicated to the manufacture of customised premixes, possesses FSSAI license and can cater to both powder and liquid premix requirements. The premix plant is backed by technical expertise from Fermenta’s formulation development lab in Thane, Maharashtra, and possesses all necessary infrastructure to ensure uniformity and consistency of the products. Leveraging its experience and strengths in Vitamin D, Fermenta will source its ingredients for premixes in a sustainable and reliable manner. The inauguration of the premix facility marks a milestone in Fermenta’s goals to add offerings to its emerging portfolio of nutrition. Tata expands staple food portfolio Tata Sampann, the brand under Tata Consumer Products, has expanded its offering of staple foods by introducing Vermicelli across the southern Indian market. The newly introduced product range comprises three distinct variants - 'Sorghum Millet Vermicelli,' 'Protein Rich Roasted Vermicelli,' and 'Protein Rich Seviyan Vermicelli.' The latter two options are made with 100 per cent semolina (suji), which ensures a balance of protein and dietary fibre. Crafted without the addition of maida, Tata Sampann Vermicelli boasts of a remarkable protein content. If the Roasted Vermicelli offers a texture that is non-sticky and non-lumpy, the Seviyan variant is with a source of dietary fibre, while the Sorghum Millet Vermicelli is a wholesome blend of suji and jowar. The products will be available in select premium outlets and leading e-commerce channels. General Mills India, part of US-based Fortune 500 packaged food company, General Mills Inc., marks a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new plant in Nashik, Maharashtra. This event commemorates the expansion of General Mills' footprint in India. The facility will serve as the epicentre for manufacturing Pillsbury Baking Mixes for the Indian market and is expected to be operational by August 2024. The new plant will be General Mills second manufacturing facility for Pillsbury Baking Mixes in India. The Company will invest approximately Rs 100 crore to build this plant, equipping it with state-of-theart technology and infrastructure. With the addition of this new facility, General Mills India will double its manufacturing footprint, enabling the company to meet the increasing demand for its Pillsbury bakery solutions in India. The Pillsbury brand holds a strong presence in the Baking Mixes segment and is well-positioned to supply baking products to the growing bakery and food service industry in India. India is pivotal to General Mills' global growth strategy. The decision to double production capacity with the new plant is a testament to General Mills' commitment to the growth and success of the baking community. General Mills India doubles Pillsbury production

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 15 Barista Coffee opens 9 outlets in India New Delhi-based Barista Coffee, a homegrown coffee chain brand, has announced the opening of 9 new outlets during August 23. This expansion showcases Barista Coffee's commitment to extending its reach and delivering the coffee experience to an even broader audience. This achievement signifies the company's expansion beyond its existing network of 380+ stores, reinforcing Barista's prominent standing as a key player in the nation's coffee culture. The newly established stores are strategically positioned in various cities, including Bhawanigarh, Sangrur (Punjab), Bachhuan (Punjab), Jeowal (Punjab), Hansi, Hissar (Haryana), Hissar, Hansi Highway (Haryana), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Amazon Gurugram (Haryana), Delhi Airport T-1D (Delhi), and Shivaji Park (Mumbai). The company aims to be at 500 stores over the next 18-24 months. This expansion not only underlines Barista Coffee's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction but also its resolute commitment to elevating café culture across the nation. Nestlé India launches a+ Masala Millet Nestlé India is incorporating millets as an ingredient to provide consumers with more diverse food options. In line with the government focus on millets, Nestlé India is creating a differentiated food portfolio across brands that promote millet as a more sustainable food option, through partnerships and product innovations. As a part of this initiative, Nestlé India has launched Nestlé a+ Masala Millet that contains bajra and can be eaten as a light meal at any time of the day. Available in two variants, Tangy Tomato and Veggie Masala, Nestlé a+ Masala Millet comes in a multi-serve pack, high in fibre, with 30 per cent less calories and free from added preservatives. It has been developed under the guidance of IIMR (Indian Institute of Millets Research). Nestlé India has already launched Nestlé CEREGROW Grain Selection with ragi, Nestlé MILO Cocoa Malt with bajra and Nestlé KOKO KRUNCH Millet-Jowar breakfast cereals. India is one of the largest millet producers in the world, accounting for 20 per cent of global millet production. Nestlé R&D Centre India Private Limited, Manesar (a subsidiary of Nestlé S A and a part of Nestlé’s global R&D network) signed an MOU with Nutrihub-IIMR with an aim to collaborate in areas such as millet processing, health and nutrition benefits, millet sustainable regenerative agriculture practices and start-up collaborations. Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water company, announced the successful restoration of Ladakh Reservoir in the Nubra Valley, Leh. The ambitious project, undertaken by Bisleri, aims to strengthen the local community's resilience and alleviate the risks of water scarcity. The primary objective is to revitalise the Kyagar Panchayat Reservoir, bolstering the region's water infrastructure and addressing its agricultural needs. The reservoir, measuring 135 metres in length, 90 metres in width, and 2 metres in depth, underwent a thorough desilting and repair process to optimise its capacity and operational efficiency. The project also included essential repairs to the water canals, extending over three kilometres. Bisleri International's initiative to repair and restore the reservoir serves a multifaceted purpose. It has significantly increased the storage capacity to 24.3 million litres, providing a dependable water source crucial for the agricultural requirements of 210 families and approximately 1,050 households. It supports crop irrigation, including wheat, barley, apples, apricots, cherries, and a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, mustard seeds, beans, peas, carrots, cabbage, and various green vegetables. This initiative ensures sustained agricultural activities throughout the year, extending beyond the monsoon season, and enhancing crop productivity. Also, it contributes to livestock maintenance and improves sanitation facilities within the community. Bisleri International commits to sustainable development initiatives

16 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS ITC inaugurates two new state-of-the-art facilities in MP ITC Limited, a diversified conglomerate in India celebrated the foundation laying ceremony of ITC’s two new state-of-the-art facilities at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh in the presence of ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri. The facilities were inaugurated by MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The first facility, a state-of-the-art Foods plant, will produce ITC's globally acclaimed Indian brands, including Aashirvaad, Sunfeast biscuits, and 'YiPPee!' noodles. It is set to contribute substantially to enhancing food processing capabilities within the state. The second facility, specializing in Moulded Fibre products, will take a pioneering role in sustainable packaging. This initiative aligns with ITC's commitment to environmentally responsible practices and sustainable solutions. The facilities will also be landmarks in sustainability with the units being designed to IGBC #greenbuilding Platinum standards. ITC Limited's dedication to Madhya Pradesh's growth and its commitment to sustainability continue to drive impactful developments that benefit the state and its people. Myprotein launches butterscotch-flavoured whey protein Myprotein, an online sports nutrition brand, announced the launch of Keventers Butterscotch-flavoured whey protein for its Indian customers. The new flavour aims to cater to the fitness community in India, enabling them to attain their individual objectives while savouring a new flavour that embodies nostalgic emotions. The new Keventers Butterscotch Flavoured Whey Protein has 23 grams of high-quality protein per scoop, this flavourful alternative empowers individuals to meet their nutritional objectives without compromising on taste. According to Sanya Chhabra, Regional Marketing Manager, Myprotein Emerging Markets Myprotein’s collaboration with Keventers underscores a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By combining Myprotein’s expertise in sports nutrition with Keventers’ legacy of taste, the new whey protein flavour will exemplify a harmonious blend of sensory pleasure and dietary purpose. Freshey’s, the ready-to-cook (RTC) brand from the house of BrandsNext, WayCool’s fastest growing FMCG entity, announced its foray into the Indian Bread category with the launch of Malabar Parota and Whole Wheat Chapati. With this strategic move BrandsNext aims to strengthen its RTC portfolio. After its success in the batter, value-added dairy and bread segments, the new line of products under the fresh range aspires to cater to the evolving culinary preferences of consumers by providing a restaurant-like experience at home. Set to expand its foothold in the growing functional market sector, the brand-new products bring in aspects of convenience without compromising on quality and taste. Commenting on the occasion, BP Ravindran, chief executive officer, BrandsNext said, “As consumers embrace convenience and seek respite from the everyday hustle, the RTE/ RTC sector is witnessing a massive growth at 16 per cent. We believe that with this launch, we would be able to fortify our presence in the RTC category even further.” WayCool forays into Indian bread category

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 17 Delhi-based Goodveda Health Lab, an innovative health tech startup announced a comprehensive approach to diabetes management, featuring the transformative diabetes reversal program and a suite of innovative diabetes management products. These offerings include Insulux, karela jamun effervescent, and liver detox effervescent, all designed to empower individuals living with diabetes to regain control of their health and improve their quality of life. Insulux, the first of these offerings, is a specially crafted supplement to support healthy blood sugar levels. The second product, karela jamun effervescent, introduces an approach to incorporating the benefits of bitter gourd (karela) and Indian blackberry (jamun) into daily routines. One of the most distinctive aspects of Goodveda's diabetes management offerings is the liver detox effervescent. It addresses an often-overlooked aspect of diabetes management - liver health. The supplement is designed to support liver health, ultimately enhancing overall diabetes management. By combining its diabetes reversal program with these supplementary products, the company aims to provide individuals with a well-rounded approach to diabetes management, focusing not only on blood sugar levels but also on overall health. Goodveda launches diabetes management products Kocoatrait launches single-origin Dark Chocolate collection NuNectar, a Mumbai-based health and wellness startup has introduced Super Vita, an innovative and wholesome health drink specially crafted for kids. The brand has launched a disruptive digital film featuring Rakshanda Khan, a popular TV actor and a mom. NuNectar’s Super Vita is a junk-free super health drink for kids brimming with 40 vital nutrients, 3 super grains – Barley, Bajra and Wheat, jaggery and Swiss Chocolate flavour, Super Vita delivers a delightful taste with uncompromised health. What makes Super Vita truly Junk-Free is that it contains No Refined Sugar, No added Preservatives and No Artificial colours. According to Hermann Arora, Founder, NuNectar, Super Vita is probably the only junk-free health drink for kids in India that is power-packed with 40 essential nutrients known to aid muscle and bone growth, bolster immunity and help support brain development. Super Vita is the go-to health drink for parents seeking a wholesome choice for their children. Super Vita is tested by an accredited lab and is reviewed and recommended by professional nutritionists for kids. Chennai-based startup Kocoatrait Sustainable Chocolates has unveiled its latest collection of dark chocolates. These are dark chocolates with the same per cent of cocoa featured in various scientific studies examining the potential health benefits of dark chocolate, including blood pressure control and the presence of antioxidants. Kocoatrait doesn't make health claims but offers chocolates used in scientific studies with the same cocoa content, skillfully crafting them into a delicious range of treats. Kocoatrait's new range of single-origin dark chocolates (above 73 per cent) showcases a unique opportunity for chocolate and health enthusiasts to savour the same per cent of cocoa and recipes that have been the focus of extensive medical research on the potential health advantages of dark chocolate consumption. Key highlights of Kocoatrait's research-featured dark chocolates include scientifically studied ingredients, premium quality, variety, flavour, and sustainability. By providing these chocolates, Kocoatrait aims to celebrate pioneering medical research while creating a high-quality and sustainable range of chocolates. NuNectar launches health drink for kids STARTUP NEWS

18 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER The young and the health-conscious have always been on the lookout for the very best in terms of nutrition and health benefits from their daily foods. Three years post-COVID-19, the market is abuzz with new and improved food products that claim to address this growing need of the Indian population, especially in the urban areas. Ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook Superfoods seem to have taken the fancy of a wide section of the population. These foods are not just convenient for daily use but also solve the concerns of under-nutrition, protein and vitamin deficiencies rampant in the country. Let’s explore the Superfoods space and check out a few notable players in India.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 19 With Western culture influencing consumers’ vision toward health and healthy foods, Indians have been constantly exploring unique eating habits. With each day passing, there has been a ‘hype’ of one or another food trend among Indian consumers. In the list of plantbased food, ferments, sustainable foods, fusion foods, trendy beverages, Grab-&-go meals, etc. the concept of superfoods has already claimed its place. Superfoods,’ ‘power foods,’ or ‘top 10 foods’, consumers have picked up their favourite terms and also included the foods coming along with these terms in their daily diet. The biggest names in the Indian food industry have also shown immense interest in the superfoods category, consumers are getting plenty of new options to satisfy their hunger for so-called ‘Superfoods’. To name a few big names, Dabur’s superfood seeds range, ITC and Nestle India’s superfood millet breakfast options, Marico’s oats breakfast portfolio, etc. have gained significant popularity among health food lovers. Along with these food industry giants, a huge list of startups has also emerged in this category. Some of these startups have not only been innovating in the space but also growing manifold with investments from fundraisers, other industry players, celebrities, etc. Nourish You, India’s first home-grown superfood startup, and Bengaluru-headquartered Superfood Valley, one of the major players in the superfoods category have very recently raised $2 million and $1 million respectively as a part of their Seed funding rounds. Such funding is further inspiring these and many more startups in the space to launch unique and set new trends among consumers. According to an IMARC report, the global superfoods market size reached $ 162.6 billion in 2022. Looking forward, the research organisation expects the market to reach $ 226.3 billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5 per cent during 2023-2028. What’s the hype? According to the Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, there’s no scientifically based or regulated definition for superfood, but generally, food is promoted to superfood status when it offers high levels of desirable nutrients, is linked to the prevention of a disease, or is believed to offer several simultaneous health benefits beyond its nutritional value. Its inclusion in the MerriamWebster Dictionary confirms its widespread use, which defines a superfood as “a food that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fibre, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.” Superfoods often translate into super sales that have created a billion-dollar industry today. According to a Nielson survey, consumers are willing to pay more for foods perceived as healthy, and health claims on labels help. Interestingly, foods already perceived as beneficial that also carry a health claim show the most significant sales. This may be due to providing added confirmation of a consumer’s knowledge about a healthful food, increasing the likelihood they will purchase it. The survey also shows that about 80 per cent of respondents see “food as medicine” and eat certain foods to prevent health problems like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Moreover, according to Mintel research, in 2015 there was a 36 per cent increase globally in the number of foods and beverages launched that were labelled as a “superfood,” “superfruit,” or “super grain,” with the United States leading those product launches. No surprise then that plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are generally perceived as healthpromoting, often top superfoods lists. However, it is not a scientifically recognised category of food since there have been no specific criteria to decide what superfood is and what is not. Still, the term is used regularly and it's a huge developing market. Unique products are getting introduced in the market COVER Indian superfood product innovations Company Product What's unique? Superfoods Valley, Bengaluru Good Monk One-of-a-kind nutrition mix that can be mixed with daily foods and can still be enjoyed with the same colour, odour, and taste as before mixing Naturell India Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai Max Protein Roti Mix Provides protein to the daily traditional foods Allied Blenders and Distillers, Mumbai Srishti Premium Whisky Premium whisky with the infusion of the superfood component Curcumin Wakao Foods, Goa Jackfruit Burger Patty Made with 53 per cent jackfruit Cornitos Superfood dips Nacho Crisps dips made of superfood Avacado Source- Company websites

20 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in and the category shows promising future trends for the Indian as well as the global food market. What’s cooking in the Indian market? Scientifically-proven or not, the superfoods have been becoming a rage in the Indian food market. Here are a few innovations in the last year that we can't unsee. In January 2023, Superfoods Valley launched its flagship product, Good Monk, a one-of-a-kind nutrition mix. The product has Superfoods Ashwagandha and Brahmi along with 8 multivitamins, clinically proven probiotics, fibre, lysine, etc. The uniqueness of this nutrition mix is it can be mixed with foods like dal, sambhar, sabzis (dry or gravy), noodles, tomato soup, milk, and curd and the daily foods can still be enjoyed with the same colour, odour, and taste as before mixing. Commenting on the launch, Amarpreet Singh Anand, Founder, Superfoods Valley, said, “What’s most worrisome is that the urban upper-middle-class households are suffering from lack of proper nutrition in a significant way and it’s not because they lack access to good food, but because of the modern lifestyle and eating habits. So instead of chasing the family to eat nutritiously and continuously suffering from the nutrition gap in their daily diet - we are solving to add health and nutrition to whatever they love to eat. Hence, Good Monk - a product that is designed to fill the nutrition gap among Indian families." A similar product with a protein twist has been launched by Mumbai-headquartered Naturell India Pvt. Ltd., the parent company behind Max Protein. Launched in September 2023, Max Protein Roti Mix is a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the landscape of fitness and nutrition in India. This product COVER “ The urban upper-middleclass households are suffering from lack of proper nutrition in a significant way and it’s not because they lack access to good food, but because of the modern lifestyle and eating habits." Amarpreet Singh Anand, Founder, Superfoods Valley “ "Max Protein Roti Mix bridges the gap between traditional meals and modern nutritional needs, allowing every Indian to enjoy protein-rich diets without altering their culinary preferences." Vijay Uttarwar, CEO, Naturell India Pvt. Ltd. “ The United Nations declaring 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’, presents an opportunity to increase consumer awareness around millets and make them available to consumers in formats that are convenient and affordable. ” Prashant Parameswaran, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Consumer Soulfull Indian superfoods Millets, Amla, Fruit seeds, Turmeric, Moringa, Ghee, Jackfruit, Ashwagandha, Plant proteins, Makhana, Almonds, Banana, Oatmeal, Tulsi Leading Indian companies that have launched different millet-based food products Company Product Brand Marico Munchiez- healthy snack made of super grains like Ragi and Makhana Saffola Britannia Millet Bread Britannia ITC Millet cookies Sunfeast Farmlite Nestlé India Masala Millet Nestlé India Bonn group Millet bread, pizza and burger Bonn Nestlé India KOKO KRUNCH Millet-Jowar and MUNCH breakfast cereals Nestlé Breakfast Cereals Source- Company websites is designed for those who wish to enrich their traditional meals with the goodness of protein. The Protein Roti Mix provides protein to the daily traditional foods like chapati, puri, paratha, kulcha, dosa, idli, chilla, etc.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 21 “ Our entry into the readyto-eat snack category will further strengthen our foothold in the healthy and premium foods segment.” Sanjay Mishra, Chief Operating Officer - India Business and Chief Executive Officer - New Business, Marico “ With the growing need for guilt-free snacking, there are rising conversations about choosing foods with millet grains for their benefits.’’ Rajneet Kohli, Chief Executive Officer, Britannia Industries “ I am delighted to announce our ambition to incorporate millets into relevant product categories.” Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India Every roti made with Roti Mix offers 6 gm of protein – equivalent to 1 egg or 1 glass of milk or 30 gm of Paneer. It enhances texture, incorporates superfood ingredients, and boasts abundant whole-grain goodness, enabling individuals to effortlessly combat protein deficiencies. Vijay Uttarwar, CEO, Naturell India Pvt. Ltd. reflecting on the innovation, said, "Max Protein Roti Mix bridges the gap between traditional meals and modern nutritional needs, allowing every Indian to enjoy proteinrich diets without altering their culinary preferences." Another innovative launch in the superfoods category by India’s largest domestic Spirits company, Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), is Srishti Premium Whisky. This premium whisky has the infusion of the superfood component Curcumin. Research across categories shows that Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase the antioxidants that the body produces. Although the company does not make any claim about this with the product, such innovations could be disruptive in the future if dedicated R&D efforts are made. Goa-based Wakao Foods is another disruptive superfood company making way for innovations with the superfood jackfruit. After the launch of Jackfruit sausages in November 2022, the company came up with the Burger Patty, made with superfood jackfruit. The patty is an excellent source of protein, fibre, and essential spices with 53 per cent jackfruit as the chief ingredient. The superfood intervention is seen in almost every meal ranging from breakfast to dinner, snacks are not an exception. New Delhi-based snacks brand Cornitos, expanded its dips range with the superfood Avocado. With the superfood dips, Cornitos aims to produce food products that would entice its consumers to snack healthy. Launched in August 2023, Tata Soulfull’s Ragi Bites Choco Sticks are also a great example of superfood snacks invented recently. Speaking on the launch, Prashant Parameswaran, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Consumer Soulfull, said, "With this launch, we aim to increase the accessibility to millet-based products and further strengthen our presence in the kids’ snacking category. The United Nations declaring 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’, presents an opportunity to increase consumer awareness around millets and make them available to consumers in formats that are convenient and affordable. Tata Soulfull is dedicated to creating innovative millet-based products that align with modern consumer lifestyles.” Big players in the Millet race Millets are the talk of the town in superfood, or rather, super grain space. The declaration of the International Year of Millets has taken even leading indian companies by storm. Nestlé India is incorporating millet as an ingredient to provide consumers with more diverse food options. In line with the government focus on millets, Nestlé India is creating a differentiated food portfolio across brands that promotes millet as a more sustainable food option, through partnerships and product innovations. As a part of this initiative, In September 2023, Nestlé India launched Nestlé a+ Masala Millet that contains bajra and can be eaten as a light meal at any time of the day. It has been developed under the guidance of IIMR (Indian Institute of Millets Research). The company also has Nestlé CEREGROW Grain Selection with ragi, Nestlé MILO Cocoa Malt with bajra and Nestlé KOKO KRUNCH MilletJowar breakfast cereals in its portfolio. These products have been launched this year and some in the previous year. Commenting on the faster adoption of millets, Suresh Narayanan, chairman and managing director, Nestlé India said, “Millets have been associated with India’s agricultural heritage and with 2023 identified as

22 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER the International Year of Millets, it is only appropriate that it is brought to the forefront with increased awareness and suitable products. I am delighted to announce our ambition to incorporate millets into relevant product categories. We have already introduced millets into some of our products and the launch of Nestlé a+ Masala Millet is another step in that direction.” In January 2023, Marico, one of India’s leading FMCG companies, launched Saffola Munchiez - a range of tasty yet healthy snacking options. Made from Indian supergrains like Ragi and Makhana, Saffola Munchiez aims to strengthen better-for-you snacking category. The company has rolled out its latest innovation in the readyto-eat snacks category - Saffola Munchiez Ragi Chips and Saffola Munchiez Roasted Makhana in various flavors. Speaking about this latest innovation, Sanjay Mishra, chief operating officer - India Business and chief executive officer - New Business, Marico, said, “We observed that an increasing number of consumers are preferring branded snacks over unpackaged snacks range. We recognized a rising demand for healthier snacking options in the packaged snacks segment. We are positive that Saffola Munchiez will address the need for on-the-go healthier snacking options that are better for our diverse consumer base. Our entry into the ready-to-eat snack category will further strengthen our foothold in the healthy and premium foods segment.” ITC Foods is also not behind in the race of making snacking better-for-you. In May 2023, launched its first millet cookies as part of Sunfeast Farmlite. Earlier this year, ITC launched a dedicated initiative ‘ITC Mission Millet’ powered by a strategic 3 pillar model that encompasses development of a 'good-for-you' product portfolio, implementation of sustainable farming systems as well as enhancing consumer awareness on the benefit of millets. Available in two variants – Multi Millet & Choco-chip Multi Millet, the millet cookies are made from a blend of millets, including ragi, jowar (sorghum) and contains no added maida. ITC Foods already offers a range of millet-based products such as Aashirvaad multi-millet mix, Aashirvaad ragi flour, Aashirvaad gluten-free flour etc. Along with the other breakfast and meal options, breads are also getting fortified with millets nowadays. Britannia, the pioneer of slice bread in India, launched Millet Bread which contains zero added maida. Packed with the goodness of Ragi, Jowar, Bajra, and Oats, it has fiber and minerals that provide consumers with a convenient way to include millet-based options in their meals. With the launch, Britannia becomes the first company in the organized segment to bring Millet Bread into the FMCG market in India. Commenting on the launch, Rajneet Kohli, chief executive officer, Britannia Industries, said, ‘’As the pioneers in the sliced bread category in India, we’ve always been committed to bringing the latest innovations to our consumers. Bread is a staple diet that is consumed daily by millions of households and served in restaurants and even on flights. With the growing need for guilt-free snacking, there are rising conversations about choosing foods with millet grains for their benefits. We aim to offer an apt solution for our consumers in a category that is highly popular and a staple for several Indian consumers.’’ Bonn Group of Industries, one of the big names in bakery products, joined the Millet bread category in May 2023. The company also launched other bakery products under its category like Millet Pizza and Millet Burger. The Super Sales bubble Looking at the increasing market entry of big as well as small players in the superfoods category, we feel safe to say that even if the ‘superfood hype’ has no scientific backing to claim the health benefits of the products, the category will continue to grow for years to come. The difference in the 21st century is that information now spreads at viral speed so that a new superfood seems to appear on a monthly basis. The essentials are in place: scientific research on a particular food, catchy headlines from the fast-paced popular press, as well as infomercials and marketing campaigns of involved food industries. Millets have already been topping the list in the space, many other superfoods will emerge as ‘food products’ in the near future. ‘Superfoods’, ‘power foods', 'top 10 foods’, or ‘food stars’, what we call them in the next 5 years, only time will tell. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected]

The concept of Superfoods has been trending in India in the recent past. What is the scope for Superfoods in the Indian scenario? We believe the Indian superfoods market presents a significant opportunity for food businesses, especially with the increasing health consciousness and awareness among consumers post-pandemic. Today, the demand for superfoods such as turmeric, ghee, amla, moringa, and ashwagandha is rising for their perceived health benefits. This particular niche can be a smart strategic move for businesses, and they should prepare accordingly to cater to the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food options that are grown organically. Plus, with the surge in obesity rates globally, superfoods that are rich in essential minerals and nutrients but low in calories are rapidly emerging as a healthier alternative for many. With a significant portion of the Indian population aged between 25 and 44 years keen on switching to a healthy diet, there is a huge potential for the superfoods market to flourish. After the launch of Superfood products like Arjun and Turmeric ghee, what are the new products in the pipeline? Our team is relentlessly working on our product development plans for our superfoods category. We are bolstering our specialty superfood ghee lineup with a new range of Tulsi Ghee and Triphala Ghee. Both preparations are being concocted using traditional ayurvedic methods to retain and enhance the nutritional benefits of the superfoods. Our specialty ghee lineup is rich in antioxidant properties and proven to promote respiratory health, boost immunity, and reduce stress levels effectively. We are also planning to launch Amla Gulkand soon, a traditional immunity booster packed with the cooling properties of native roses. Its consumption will improve overall health and well-being and promote the effective functioning of the immunity system. Currently, we have a total of 150 SKUs, and we intend to scale it further through innovation and expansion of our product line across all ranges to cater to the evolving health and wellness needs of customers. What is your plan of action for the International Year of Millets? Millets are typically small-grained, warm-weather cereals that belong to the grass family. Today, some of the most popular neutral millet include jowar, bajra and ragi, and they are widely cultivated and consumed in Satyajit Hange, Co-Founder, Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF) “With a significant portion of the Indian population keen on switching to a healthy diet, there is a huge potential for the superfoods market to flourish” Founded in 2014, Two Brothers Organic Farm (TBOF), is a Pune-based direct-to-consumer organic grocery startup. Having its presence in the Superfoods segment in India, it has recently come up with Superfoods like Arjun and Turmeric ghee. Moreover, the startup is highly visionary about the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 and has innovative millet-based food products in the pipeline for the year. In a recent conversation with nuFFOODS Spectrum, Satyajit Hange, Co-Founder, Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF) shared his views on the status and future of Superfoods products in India along with the recent developments in TBOF. Edited Excerpts: NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER 23

India. However, we also grow several other nutritious varieties, including Little Millet, Barnyard, Proso, Browntop, and Foxtail. In 2021, our government made a proposal to the UN to declare 2023 as the IYM to boost its demand and provide consumers with nutritional food. As advocates of clean and healthy food and fourth-generation farmers, we recognise the importance of millet in our diet and are committed to promoting its nutritional value among consumers. To align our mission and plan of action for the International Year of Millets, we have been providing the best quality millets grown using organic farming methods and without chemicals at affordable rates. Millets have been an integral part of Indian cuisine since ancient times, but somehow, the grain lost its value amid the buzz around junk food and other food invasions in the market. However, with the government’s emphasis on millet and following the post-pandemic wave to stay healthy, we believe more individuals will recognise the nutritional value of millet. The grain is a great source of protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients essential for well-being, making it an important crop for sustainable agriculture and the food system. Through our continuous efforts, we wish to revive the connection to millets and educate consumers about their benefits and versatility through curated awareness campaigns. For instance, this year we are giving out exclusive Farmer’s Millet Faral Hamper for Diwali, which will contain special Millet preparations such as Millet Chakli, Millet Chikki, and Millet Laddoo. During our recent 40-day tour of the US, we held cooking classes to teach consumers how to integrate millet into their daily diets. We also discussed the benefits of millet and promoted it as an alternative to wheat and rice, especially in light of the global export ban on these staple grains. How will you be utilising Rs 14.5 crore, raised recently in the Pre-series A funding round? Our immediate plan is to utilise the recent funding to scale out options and provide our consumers with more healthy and sustainable food options. With the available funds, we intend to expand product capacity, improve product quality, and enhance our marketing and distribution efforts. We also plan on investing in the latest technology and infrastructure to support wide-scale growth and develop more sustainable and diverse brand product ranges. Through our sustained efforts, we intend to emerge as a sustainable and health-conscious brand and tap into the rising demand for clean, healthy, and nutritious food. As we strive to expand the operation and production capability, we plan to make a lasting impact on organic farming and contribute towards sustainable agriculture and food systems for healthy living. What was your annual turnover for FY 2022 and how much growth are you expecting for FY 2023? We have generated an annual revenue of Rs 26 crore in FY 2022. Our projected revenue for the FY 2023 is around Rs 50 crore, representing a significant increase. In foresight, we are chasing an ambitious target of Rs 500 crore over the next five years, which we aim to achieve by increasing our footprint in the market. Over the years, we have established ourselves as a trusted brand in the market by focusing on the quality of the products and increasing customer satisfaction. By delivering upon the consumer needs and requirements, we have been able to achieve our growth targets consistently. How are you expanding your business beyond India? We are focused on expanding our business beyond international borders and emerging as a global brand of clean and organic food products worldwide. To achieve this goal, we are actively adapting our products to meet international regulations and standards and consumer preferences. Meanwhile, we are exploring partnerships and distribution channels in our target international countries, including the USA, the UK, Dubai, and Australia. By expanding our digital and physical footprint, we intend to increase awareness about the organic food system, promote healthy life choices, and capture 20 per cent of brand GMV globally with a projected sale of Rs 50+ crore by 2026. What are your future plans related to new product development, R&D and the like? We intend to collaborate with more like-minded organisations, expert nutritionists, and influencers to expand our reach and increase our brand credibility. We are confident that exploring such collaborations for mutual growth can help us scale new heights, reach our target audience, and promote healthy food choices. We also plan to collaborate with other players in the organic food industry to share our knowledge and learn through shared experiences. The organic food industry is quite dynamic, so we are prioritising staying updated with the changing market trends and consumers’ evolving taste palettes. We believe that by adapting to the changing demand patterns, we can refine our marketing and product development efforts. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected] 24 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER

P iyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, called upon the coffee industry leaders and stakeholders “Together, let’s nurture a sustainable and thriving coffee industry for generations to come.” He said after inaugurating the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023, on the theme “Sustainability through circular economy and regenerative agriculture”. Addressing the gathering the minister said “The theme of the conference emphasises the crucial importance of sustainability, waste reduction, and inclusivity in shaping a greener coffee future. As we gather in Bangalore, a hub of flavour and innovation, I stand by four core principles: continuous innovation from farm to cup, promoting sustainability, fostering global collaborations, and maintaining top-quality standards throughout production, processing, and packaging.” Organised by the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India; Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; Government of Karnataka, and the Coffee Industry, the four-day 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 started from September 25, 2023, at the iconic Bangalore Palace in Bengaluru. Joe Kuli, Minister for Coffee from Papua New Guinea; Massimiliano Fabian, Chair of the International Coffee Council; Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestle India Ltd.; Sunil D’Souza, CEO & MD, Tata Consumer Products; Challa Srishant, Managing Director, CCL Products (India) Ltd.; Shiva Krishnamurthy, Vice President, South Asia Food & Beverage, Hindustan Unilever Limited; N. Sathappan, Chairman & MD, SLN Coffee Pvt. Ltd.; Dr Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director, International Coffee Organisation, and representatives of UNIDO, FAO, ITC, Afreximbank and ILO were present on the occasion and shared their views on the sustainable and thriving coffee industry. Rohan Bopanna, India’s No.1 Doubles Tennis Player & Arjuna Awardee who is the Brand Ambassador of WCC 2023 shared his comments via a recorded message as he was representing India at the Asian Games in China. “The World Coffee Conference 2023 has played a vital role in highlighting India’s commitment to quality and sustainability. This is opening up business opportunities and fostering innovations in the coffee industry,” said Dr K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India in his remarks on the concluding day of the 4-day event. Dr Jagadeesha also said “The conference attracted interest from industrialists, tech enthusiasts, and innovators, driving the growth of India’s coffee culture, especially in cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kolkata (traditionally tea consuming cities). The Coffee shops have also transformed into creative hubs, and we offer support to aspiring entrepreneurs despite the challenges they may encounter. We promote sound agricultural practices and raise global awareness to improve coffee production.” He further said “India’s growing reputation in the coffee industry, known for its sustainable and high-quality production, is gaining global recognition.” Giving details about the WCC 2023, Dr Jagadeesha said “The 5th World Coffee Conference and Expo came 5th World Coffee Conference 2023 “Together, let’s nurture a sustainable and thriving coffee industry for generations to come” Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India (2nd from right) along with dignitaries inaugurating the 5th World Coffee Conference 2023 by lighting the lamp on September 25, 2023 at Bengaluru. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COFFEE CON 25

to an end on September 28 with a participation from 80 countries, including 2609 delegates, 323 International delegates, 253 exhibitors, 13,947 business visitors and 347 B2B meetings. It included 45 knowledge sessions, with 127 speakers, of which 80 were international experts and 47 were Indian.” Exhibition at WCC 2023 was a star attraction where the entire coffee value chain- from bean to cup, equipment companies, coffee machines, soluble coffees brands as well café chains were exhibiting. There were also beautifully designed themed pavilions representing states such as Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the North-East, each showcasing the diverse range of coffees produced in India. Conference Sessions revolved around important topics like Circular Economy & Regenerative Agriculture, Financing Mechanisms, Coffee Quality, Sustainability & Climate Change, Start-up Innovations, Coffee Trade, Livelihood Challenges, Consumption, Social Sustainability, Importance of Robusta and Trading Platforms. Another highlight of WCC 2023 was Skill Building Workshops with focus on sessions around The Rise of Alternative Milk, Everything Brewing – Cold and Hot, Creating Coffee Community – Cafes and Micro Roasters, Sample Roasting at Origin, Alternative fuel for the future of Coffee Roasting, Cooperative venture in India: 19 steps to fetching a cupping score of 91 points – seed-tocup journey, Panel Discussion on The Cafe Business, A Masterclass in Espresso – (Intermediate & Professional), Sipping Sustainability: Exploring Climate-Resilient Coffee Species – Tasting & Panel Talk, Basics of Barista Championship Preparation, The Mysterious Robusta Bean (With Sensory Assessment), Cocoa and Coffee – A story in the making and Blending & profiling Robusta. Bengaluru served as the host city for this exceptional global assembly, highlighting a shared dedication to sustainability and innovation within the coffee industry. As part of the event, traditional folk dances from coffee growing states of Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the North-East were presented, providing delegates from around the world with a delightful glimpse into India’s rich and diverse cultures. The event continued the tradition of previous successful editions held in England (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010), and Ethiopia (2016), each of which garnered widespread acclaim from coffee enthusiasts worldwide. “The demand for coffee has grown over the past decade. We consume close to 3 billion cups of coffee worldwide which is expected to double in the next 25 years,” said Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India. Speaking at the Growers Conclave, a critical component of the four-day event of 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 Bhatia said “The demand for coffee is being led by coffee producing countries who are rising to the demands despite the challenges of climate change and other factors.” Bhatia further said “Adoption of sustainable practices which is the theme of this conference is apt and the discussions have resulted in enlightening insights. Coffee Growers are at the heart of this conference and therefore the conference addresses challenges and solutions aimed at this community, many of whom are fourth and fifth generation growers.” The Growers Conclave provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among individuals who contribute to the coffee cultivation and production process. Participants had the opportunity to get the global perspective from speakers from all over the world including Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Colombia, Europe, and more. They also got to explore cutting-edge techniques, sustainable practices, specialty coffee and exciting trends in the world of coffee farming. On the occasion Bhatia launched ‘India Coffee App’, an App which aims to connect all the participants of the coffee value chain and establish a system providing ease of communication and understanding. In the presence of coffee connoisseurs, experts, and enthusiasts from around the globe, he also released the Coffee Guide, an extensive, hands-on and neutral source of information on the coffee sector. It covers trade issues relevant to coffee growers, traders, exporters, transportation companies, certifiers, associations and authorities, and other relevant actors. Many in the coffee industry consider it the go-to reference. Coffee consumption is expected to double in the next 25 years: Amardeep Singh Bhatia 26 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COFFEE CON Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India addressing the Growers Conclave

Coffee Board is extending research and development services namely seed coffee supply, traps, lures and biocontrol agents to combat the coffee pests, customised advisories, soil sample analysis and distribution of soil health cards, export facilitation, quality analysis etc., to all the stakeholders in the coffee sector. Besides, in order to promote the pure coffee consumption in the domestic market, Coffee Board is selling pure coffee powder/roasted beans to consumers. In this connection, taking into account various technological advances in the field of communication, Coffee Board has launched an ‘Integrated Mobile App’ named ‘India Coffee App’ along with an e-commerce facility for making one stop solution to all the product, services and information provided by the Coffee Board. Coffee Board through ‘India Coffee App’ providing customised advisories to the coffee growers. The services The 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 hosted competitions and championships during the 4-day event, the most coveted of which is the National Barista Championship. The prestigious competition was designed to recognise the most technically proficient and talented baristas in the field. It is dedicated to promoting excellence throughout the entire coffee value chain, fostering skill development, and cultivating a thriving café culture in India. The winner will represent India in The World Barista Championship to be held in South Korea, and a cash prize was also awarded. Hrishikesh Mohite from Café’ De Meet won the National Barista Championship 2024 at the WCC 2023. At the Women's Star Brewer Skills Championship, female baristas and home brewers were offered a platform to proudly display their coffee brewing prowess, demonstrating their skills. Participants were allowed to craft a 'Signature Beverage' utilising home brewing equipment. The Women’s Star Brewer Skills Championship is awarded to Priti Pradhan. The National Latte Art Championship made its debut in India, bringing an exciting blend of artistic expression and barista skill to the forefront. This unique competition challenges baristas with on-the-spot performances that showcase their creativity and precision. From over 150 contestants, Mohammad Afsar was awarded as the champion who will now participate in the International Latte Art Championship in Taiwan. The Great Indian Filter Coffee Championship is a celebration of traditional Indian coffee craftsmanship, designed to promote and nurture the art of brewing the quintessential Filter Coffee. From 27 participants went head-to-head from which Vani shree N from Brown Bean Artistry is declared the winner. 1758 contestants participated in the ‘Flavour of India - The Fine Cup Award Cupping Competition’ which was on a mission to award the production of high-quality coffees in India. The winner of Best Washed Arabica is awarded to Killo Aswini, Best Arabica Naturals is awarded to Kruthi Coffee, Kindriguda Tribal Farmers Group, Best Washed Robusta is awarded to Jacob Mammen, Badra Estate Balehonnur Estate; Best Robusta Naturals is awarded to Jacob Mammen, Badra Balehonnur Estate. Café’ De Meet's Hrishikesh Mohite to represent India at The World Barista Championship in South Korea Hrishikesh Mohite, Winner of the National Barista Championship World Coffee Conference 2023 Why is the India Coffee App a crucial digi-tool? in the App enable efficient, timely customised advisory best agricultural practices, alerts on prices, pest and disease management by leveraging existing mobile reach for wider delivery of improved technology to boost the production and productivity. ‘India Coffee App’ also helps Coffee Board’s field extension functionaries to improve the work efficiency. Under this Integrated Mobile App, Coffee Board has tied up with ‘India Post’ for logistic support in order to deliver the products and services to the coffee stakeholders at their doorstep. ‘India Coffee App’ helps the stakeholders to avail all the products and services of the Coffee Board on a real time basis. This integrated mobile app will also help the Coffee Board to deliver the products and services to stakeholders more efficiently. The features of the App reduce users’ search cost for coffee stakeholders to a greater extent. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COFFEE CON 27

I ndia has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of coffee consumers in the past two decades. Between 1998 to 2011, domestic coffee consumption increased from 50,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 115,000 MT. This can largely be attributed to an increase in disposable income, global exposure, digital and media penetration, urbanization, lifestyle changes. The entry of national and international coffee chainhouse brands has been a key factor in the rising awareness and demand for coffee in domestic markets. Key brands include Cafe Coffee Day, Starbucks, Costa and Barista alongside newer artisanal brands like Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee Roasters and Araku coffee. Most of these chains have also diversified their coffee offerings - they offer many different types of coffee beverages to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Growing demand India’s coffee culture is undergoing a revolution at the moment - there is genuine domestic market interest and curiosity in understanding, brewing and learning more about Indian coffee. Rising awareness about coffee and its types among students, working professionals and the youth of the country is generating demand for independent coffee brands. Before the pandemic there was an active culture of youngsters visiting cafes for specialty coffee. During the lockdown, the demand for ‘cafe-like’ coffee spurred awareness and demand for home brewing, brewing equipment and exploration of various coffee types. Indian coffee is one of the world’s finest shadegrown coffees, and monsoon environments contribute significantly to its complex flavour profile. Therefore it is in high demand among coffee enthusiasts across the globe. The new-age coffee entrepreneurs are partnering with Indian coffee growers to pitch their produce at premium values even in the domestic market. Therefore, farmers are beginning to cater to the domestic market as opposed to largely exporting their produce. Beyond specialty coffee cultivation, the integration of organic, fair-trade, ethical and sustainable practices into coffee growing can allow Indian growers to market their coffee at higher prices. Many micro-roasters also focus on ‘single-origin’ coffees, sourced from select regions or estates to bring out flavour profiles unique to the coffee grown in that area. Another innovation that is slowly gaining traction is that of coffee fermentation. Fermentation in coffee production involves allowing the coffee cherries to undergo controlled microbial activity before they are processed. This process occurs after the cherries are harvested but before the beans are dried and roasted. The goal is to develop new and exciting flavours by leveraging the natural microorganisms found on the cherries. These exciting new innovations are ushering in what is believed to be the ‘fourth wave’ coffee movement in India. Fourth wave coffee is often characterised by its emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship, direct relationships with growers, and a focus on the unique flavours and characteristics of coffee beans. There is also an emphasis on awareness building on various coffees, roasting methods, blends etc. among consumers through platforms such as independent cafes, coffee workshops, competitions and festivals. This movement is likely to lead to a further maturation of India’s domestic coffee market, causing a surge in demand for premium coffees. This would safeguard Indian coffee producers from fluctuations in the global coffee markets and give their coffee long overdue recognition within the country. (Extracts from a report titled “Regenerative Coffee Cultivation for Sustaining & Growing India’s Coffee Industry” released by Firefly Life sciences Pvt. Ltd at the 5th World Coffee Conference 2023) Nandita Abreo Subramanian, Founder & Director, Firefly Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. New innovations ushering in the ‘fourth wave’ coffee movement in India In recent years, the Indian coffee industry has witnessed a rising demand for disruptive and premium products. This has ushered in a wave of over a dozen independent coffee startups and exciting new innovations in what is believed to be the ‘fourth wave’ coffee movement in India. 28 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COFFEE CON

“Spices unite India. Spices of India resonate across the country and reflect the rich traditional culture and heritage along with our well-known trading power. We have to once again bring back the old charm that Indian spices had across the world. India doesn’t settle for second best anymore. We have to become a world leader in the Spice Industry” said Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Addressing the gathering as a keynote speaker at the 14th World Spice Congress held at Navi Mumbai from September 15-17, 2023, Goyal, emphasised on the need to expand the spice industry through value addition to exports. He urged the industry stakeholders to work together to achieve a target of $10 billion dollars for exports by 2030 from the current $4 billion. He stated that achieving the target would require everyone to work together with focused energies to capture newer markets through increased value addition along with expanding existing markets. He also suggested that the 35 million people of Indian origin residing across the world be made brand ambassadors to encourage increased consumption of Spices across the world. Goyal urged the spice industry to strive towards inclusivity and ensure support to farmers for adequate production. He also spoke on the importance of creating a certified brand value for Indian spices. The minister noted that there was no better time to conduct this Congress than on the sidelines of the Indian presidency of G20. “The launch of the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor is similar to the Spice Route of the past. So, we should be actually looking up to this new initiative that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched along with other world leaders. This is an appropriate opportunity for us to bring back the glory of the old Spice Route.” The minister further said, “It is an opportunity to celebrate the flavours of India and the versatility the country offers. Let us go to capture world markets. Just like life is incomplete without celebrations, food would be incomplete without spices. We should make this an essential ingredient across the world. The story of Indian Spices should be talked about and written about all over the world.” “Let us see how our grandmother’s remedies can be 14th World Spice Congress The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal along with Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary, Government of India and Chairman, Spices Board and D Sathiyan, Secretary, Spices Board of India presenting the awards to Shiva Krishna Nandyala, Director of N K Agro Exports (India) Private Ltd and Nandyala Satyanarayan, Proprietor of Nandyala Satyanarayana. Bring back the old charm of Indian spices renowned worldwide: Piyush Goyal NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPICE CONGRESS 29

the remedies of the world. Let’s make India the preferred source of spices and capture the imagination of the rest of the world. If we all work together as a team, we can spice up the world of commerce and exports. Let us delight the world with the magic of spices and let us preserve this magic for future generations” appealed the minister to those present on the occasion. In conclusion, the minister congratulated the Spices Board on conducting the Spice Congress after a hiatus of seven years and also requested it to organise a world class exposition, symposium and conference of the spice industry in Delhi in the year 2024. He asked the Board to invite all the players in the industry for the event and allow the world to see India’s capabilities In his address, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary, Government of India and Chairman, Spices Board, said, "To ensure that India continues to maintain its traditional strength there are several things to work on, in the entire chain of spices, from growers to marketers. It is a shared responsibility of the government and Spices Board to come up with schemes and programmes to facilitate testing labs, assessment quality standards, etc." Speaking on the occasion, D Sathiyan, Secretary, Spices Board, said, "There is tremendous potential to explore product development, biotech, etc. in India. More than 75 spices are grown in India and each state has spices to offer." The Congress witnessed the launch of a book called 'Spice Revolution - Promoting Value Addition in Global Spices Trade' along with the product launch of 'Onboarding of Flavourit Spices to Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in association with YES Bank' and the launch of cardamom-based nutraceutical capsules' Recovereez Forte", by Dr Prashant Varkey, Zum Helen Diagnostic & Therapeutics Pvt Ltd. An experience zone that gave a hands-on experience to visitors in the universe of spices was another attraction of the Congress. At the zone, the delegates and participants get a holistic feel of spices related to the gustatory, olfactory, and visual senses. Goyal presented awards to industry leaders and hoped that they would continue their remarkable performance and high standards and set the bar higher in the future so that Bharat gets recognised all over the world. Speaking at the Export Excellence Award ceremony on September 15, Anupriya Patel, Minister of State, Commerce and Industry, Government of India said “India has a wide array of spices. The focus of the industry professionals should be to grow this sector. In today's world, the health benefits of spices are recognised largely, and we further need to amplify this by scientifically validating spices. The emphasis should be on bringing more innovative methods for global consumers. We need to make an inclusive world and foster sustainable growth. The global community needs to work collectively to face all the challenges." The 14th Congress on the theme ‘VISION 2030: Sustainability, Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence, and Safety" (S.P.I.C.E.S)’ brought together diverse participants, including policymakers, regulatory bodies, spice trade organisations, government representatives, and technical specialists from different nations. The conference saw over 1,000 delegates from India and across the world. The exhibition had 157 exhibition stalls, with over hundreds of visitors from India and abroad. The World Spice Congress (WSC), the conglomeration of the global spice industry, became the aptest platform to deliberate the concerns and considerations of the sector over its three decades-long presence, was organised under the leadership of the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India with support from various trade and export forums. The World Spice Congress provided an opportunity to get to know the sector in a better way. Trade, sustainability, quality and food safety initiatives, recent developments, concerns and future prospects were discussed and deliberated in detail by the key players of the industrythe producers, traders, processors, exporters and regulators from across the world. Abhitash Singh [email protected] The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal addressing the 14th World Spice Congress 2023 held at Navi Mumbai on September 15, 2023. 30 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPICE CONGRESS

1) Dr Viju Jacob, Managing Director, Synthite Industries Private Limited, Kerala (topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20); (topmost exporter of Spice Oils and Oleoresins - 2017- 18, 2018-19, 2019-20); (3rd topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2020-21) and (In appreciation of export of Mint & Mint Products -2019-20) 2) Siva Krishna Nandyala, Director, N.K.Agro Exports (India) Private Limited, Andhra Pradesh (topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2020-21) and (topmost exporter of Chillies - 2020-21) 3) Nandyala Satyanarayan, Proprietor, Nandyala Satyanarayana, Andhra Pradesh (2nd topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2017-18); (topmost exporter of Chillies - 2017-18) 4) Kunthu Kumar Mehta, Director, Siddhartha Corporation Private Limited, Navi Mumbai (2nd topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2018- 19); (3rd topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2019-20 and topmost exporter of Chillies - 2018-19) 5) Bharat Maskai, Partner, Laxmi Enterprises, Navi Mumbai (topmost exporter of Turmeric - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21); (topmost exporter of Fenugreek - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21) 6) John Nechupadom, Managing Director, Plant Lipids Private Limited, Kerala (2nd topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2019-20, 2020-21); (3rd topmost exporter of Spices and Spice products - 2017- 18, 2018-19); (topmost exporter of Spice Oils and Oleoresins - 2020-21) 7) Bhaskar Shah, Managing Director, Jabs International Private Limited, Navi Mumbai (topmost exporter of Cardamom (Large) - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-21) (topmost exporter of Cumin - 2018-19, 2019- 20), (topmost exporter of Fennel - 2018-19, topmost exporter of Ginger - 2019-20, 2020-21. 8) Sushama Srikandath, Director & CEO, AVT McCormick Ingredients Private Limited, Kerala (topmost exporter of Ginger - 2017-18, 2018-19) (topmost exporter of Pepper - 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21). 9) Firoz Meeran, Deputy CEO, Eastern Condiments Private Limited, Kerala (topmost exporter of Spice mixes and Curry Powders - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019- 20, 2020-21); (topmost exporter of Spices in branded Consumer Packs - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21) 10) P.C.Kannan, Founder, P.C.Kannan & Co, Tamil Nadu (topmost exporter of Coriander - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21) 11) Lalit Ganatra, Partner, K.M.Ganatra & Co. Mumbai (topmost exporter of Nutmeg & Mace - 2017-18, 2018- 19, 2019-20 and 2020-21) Award-winning Spices Exporters 12) Sameer Mehra, Chief Executive Officer, Bergwerff Organic India Private Ltd, Madhya Pradesh (topmost exporter of Organic Spices - 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21) 13) Hemen Ruparel, Director, Samex India Private Limited, Mumbai (topmost exporter of Cardamom (Small) - 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21) 14) T.T.Jose, Managing Director, MAS Enterprises Limited, Kerala (topmost exporter of Cardamom (Small) - 2017-18) 15) R.P.S.Hanuman, Director, Vijayakrishna Spice Farms Private Limited, Karnataka (topmost exporter of Chillies - 2019-20) 16) Gulshan John, Managing Director, Nedspice Processing India Private Limited, Kerala (topmost exporter of Pepper - 2017-18) 17) Mitesh Patel, Partner, M.R.A Agro Industries, Gujarat (topmost exporter of Cumin - 2017-18) 18) Ajay K.Tahiliani, Partner, Asian Food Industries, Gujarat (topmost exporter of Fennel - 2019-20) 19) Jayesh Patel, Partner, Jay Dattatray Trading Co. Gujarat (topmost exporter of Fennel - 2017-18) 20) Bhuvanesh Kumar Vashney, Director, Hindustan Mint & Agro Products Private Limited Uttar Pradesh (topmost exporter of Mint & Mint Products - 2017-18) 21) Niraj Sharma, Managing Director, Yogita Agro Food Products Co., Assam (topmost exporter of Spices - the North Eastern Region - 2017-18) 22) Leena Saikia, Director, Frontal Agritech Private Limited, Assam (topmost exporter of Spices - the North Eastern Region - 2018-19, 2019-20) 23) Anil Kumar, Proprietor, Ravi Agri Exports, Andhra Pradesh (topmost exporter of Spices among New Entrepreneurs - 2017-18) 24) Nimithra, Partner, Greens Pulses and Spices, Tamil Nadu (topmost exporter of spices among New Entrepreneurs - 2018-19) 25) Karuppasamy Sankaralingam, Managing Partner, Mahaganapathi Spices, Andhra Pradesh (topmost exporter of Spices among New Entrepreneurs - 2019-20) 26) Vignesh Patel, CEO, Vinay Kumar and Co., Gujarat (topmost exporter of Cumin - 2020-21); (topmost exporter of Fennel - 2020-21) 27) Jamir Uddin, Proprietor, Jamir Uddin, Assam (topmost exporter of Spices - the North Eastern Region - 2020-21) 28) Balu P. Maliekal, Director, Spicerich Seasonings Private Limited, Kerala (in appreciation of the export of Mint & Mint Products - 2020-21) 29) Johny Vadakkumcherry, President, Jeevagram, Kerala (in appreciation of the export of Mint & Mint Products - 2018-19) NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPICE CONGRESS 31

Could you shed light on the impact of the recent merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen which has been the key highlight of FY 2022-23? Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, together, will meet customers’ growing demands for efficient, scalable, and sustainable biosolutions. Our merger with Chr. Hansen will truly make us a biotech powerhouse and this combination is bringing in a lot of synergies complementary to the areas that we play and the areas that Chr. Hansen plays. We have guided the markets on the combination to happen in Q4 of this year (2023) or Q1 of 2024. By then we should be ready with that. So, right now, the teams are working on putting all the frameworks, and all the guardrails. Together, we are establishing a new entity. The current addressable market for biological solutions is estimated to be around EUR 15 billion and growing. The economic impact from biological solutions is expected to grow three times by 2040, driven by growing needs and demands from growing populations around the world. What have been the high points of your business in India during FY 2022-23? What more is in store for the food and agriculture sector? We have completed 40 years in India, so right now we are celebrating this milestone. We started as Novo Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, Middle East, India and Africa (MEIA), Novozymes “We are investing in co-creating centres for plant-based meat across the world” Denmark-based biotechnology firms Novozymes and Chr. Hansen are merging as a result of the $12.3 billion deal announced a few months back. Although there have been several mega-mergers in the ingredients space in recent years, this latest deal between Novozymes and Chr. Hansen is set to have a huge impact, as it appears to be the largest merger in Danish history. While both companies' main business is producing enzymes, Chr. Hansen focuses more on enzymes and microbials for the food sector, while Novozymes' largest business areas include enzymes for household products, food and beverages and biofuels. Following up on this latest development and the company’s future plans, nuFFOODS Spectrum spoke to Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, Middle East, India and Africa (MEIA), Novozymes in detail. Edited excerpts: 32 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH

Nordisk Enzymes, now we are Novozymes. The market has accepted our technologies well and for us, India is a strategic asset. India is a very big player in the whole emerging market as such, we have been growing double digits for the last 15-18 years in India. Sustainability has been a guiding force for our company, and it is expressed in multiple ways. When we try to look into the future and what is ahead of us, we feel that there is a lot to do in food processing, reduction of food waste etc. as society and countries become richer, there will be an increased demand for better nutrition, more protein on the table. We are seeing a big food transformation happening in the country as the country expands its GDP. When we began our operations in 1983, the country’s per capita income was $270 and now we are at $2500. That has driven a lot of change in the food habits and as we now have an ambitious target of a $5 trillion economy, a lot of new things will have to come. Today, globally most of the protein consumption sources are animal-based and as the population and affordability increase, we also need to have sustainable practices. Towards this, we are talking about alternate proteins, plant-based meats etc. As a result, we are investing in co-creating centres for plant-based meat across the world. We are starting with Denmark, the US and China. We have also made an investment of 2 billion DKK in the US in a facility to produce alternate proteins. We feel that the whole biohealth, wellness space is also an exciting area. Towards this, we have made a few acquisitions globally. Over the last four to five years, we have been building up that portfolio. We have acquired a company in Ireland called Precision Biotech to move towards gut health, and one in the US, called MBL. Now we have acquired a company in India- Synergia Life Sciences which makes vitamin K2. Towards this, we would like to operate with fermentation-based and microorganism probiotics as the starting point as a technology. When we talk about agriculture, we need to ensure that our soil is rejuvenated and protected and that our agricultural practices are more sustainable. There is a lot to do out there and India is primarily an agri-based economy and more natural and biological interventions are needed. Outside this, we are also looking at biofuels. For the last 10-15 years, the country has talked about it, but in the last few years, we have really seen an acceleration in adoption. Today, the biofuel mandate has also been advanced which shows the commitment from the government. So, biofuels and bio-agriculture will be focus areas for the company. How is Novozymes contributing to the growth of the Indian bioindustrial segment, and what are your expectations from the government? When we started our operations in India 40 years ago, our entire product range in a fully finished form was coming from our global operations. Now we do a lot of formulations in India, and a lot of value addition of enzyme technology happens in India. We are using the local resources to make the finished product. We are not making the enzyme per se, but a lot of the formulations are being done here. As we move forward and as we see the visibility of some of the high-growth sectors, such as biofuel, we will need a lot of volumes. The moment we have long-term customer commitments and visibility, it becomes compelling to take the next obvious step of local manufacturing and when we produce here, by design, it will become a global site. We will produce here and we will also export. So, it will contribute to the Make in India agenda. Our facility in Patalganga, near Mumbai is a huge facility and is actually built to cater to meet the next 20-25 years of requirement for India. The Indian government has been proactive towards science-based industries including the bioindustrial sector. There is a good engagement with the stakeholders. I also think that the road map towards emerging themes is becoming better and better. We see some clarity, and there is a convergence of things, plans, and direction taking place. There is also a lot of coordinated effort of collaboration including funding to make these things happen. When we look at the bioeconomy, we need to look at all the trends from the future perspective of sustainability, decarbonisation, etc., which means that the industry has to collaborate with all stakeholders, including the government, and articulate the whole efficacy of the biotech sector. The industry also has to take responsibility along with the government, and the climate is favourable in that direction. Dr Manbeena Chawla [email protected] NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 33

What according to you is the market size of the Indian bakery market and where does The Baker's Dozen stand in this market? Artisan Bakery in the food and beverage segment is growing and the pandemic has accentuated its growth manyfold. Now people are becoming more health conscious and are adopting mindful eating habits which led to the increase in the demand for artisan breads. It’s a renaissance period for Sourdough since people are going back to the roots and exploring this authentic bread-making technique. In 2012, the bakery market in India was Rs 3295 crore and by 2021, it has become Rs 75,000 crore growing at a CAGR of 24.5 per cent. Around 46 per cent of consumers consider bakery items produced using enhanced hygiene/food safety measures as important. 43 per cent of Indians are interested in learning how to bake driving premixes and DIY kits. Bakery consumption is on the rise due to changing food habits, more on-thego consumption and increasing awareness of bakery products. The Baker’s Dozen is strategically poised to leverage this burgeoning market expansion, courtesy of its distinctive product range and extensive nationwide reach. The confluence of these factors positions The Baker’s Dozen as a frontrunner in this thriving landscape. What was the annual revenue of The Baker's Dozen in FY 2022 and what do you expect in FY 2023? We closed last financial year at Rs 45 crore Net Revenue and are aiming to grow to Rs 60-80 crore for this fiscal year. We are also aiming to do this while achieving EBITDA profitability by the end of the year. This dual Aditi Handa, Co-Founder & Head Chef, The Baker's Dozen “Collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies can lead to beneficial outcomes for the Indian Bakery sector” With a projected market value likely to exceed $12 billion by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 9.3 per cent from 2019 to 2024, the Indian bakery industry is the key player in the bakery sector internationally after the USA. Mumbai-based bakery brand, The Baker's Dozen, is one of the emerging players in this industry. Sharing her thoughts with nuFFOODS Spectrum, Aditi Handa, Co-founder & Head Chef, The Baker's Dozen highlights the recent developments in the company along with the trends in the Indian bakery industry. Edited excerpts: 34 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH

strategy underscores our dedication to both expansion and financial sustainability. It reflects our confidence in our business model and our ability to manage growth efficiently, ultimately delivering value to our stakeholders while maintaining a strong financial footing. Our team is fully aligned with these objectives, and we are excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year. What are the challenges in the Indian bakery industry and how did you overcome them? In the food industry, the most significant challenge lies in producing an authentic product while competing against brands that resort to aggressive discounting and false advertising to gain market share. Customers are discerning, but they may not always be fully informed about certain practices and nuances within the industry. Assuming the responsibility of educating customers is an arduous task, particularly for emerging brands. One of the primary reasons behind the growth of our brand is the continuous market-building activities that we do to build awareness for our audience for Sourdough and the other artisan bread served at The Baker's Dozen. Additionally, it's an industry where some players prioritise short-term gains over genuine quality and transparency. In contrast, our commitment to providing an honest product means we not only compete in the market but also strive to educate our customers about what goes into their food choices. This educational role is especially daunting for a younger brand like ours. Nonetheless, we believe it's essential to empower our customers with knowledge and uphold our dedication to integrity and authenticity in the food we offer. What are your future plans? As a brand, our historical focus has primarily been on offline channels, be it through our proprietary brand stores or strategic partnerships with modern trade outlets. However, in the current year, we are taking a significant step forward in strengthening our offline presence. We are set to introduce an exciting new line of rusks, toasts, and cookies, thereby elevating our engagement and offerings within the offline retail sector. We further plan to double our marketing spending focussing on a combination of ATL avenues such as hoardings with new-age media like influencer marketing and digital marketing. We will also be focusing on point-of-sale marketing through retail merchandise and banners/offers on e-commerce partners. Could you shed light on your R&D efforts? Our R&D efforts are a testament to our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. We continually strive to elevate the quality and appeal of our current offerings by refining recipes, adopting cutting-edge techniques, and staying at the forefront of packaging technology. This dedication to excellence ensures that our customers consistently receive topnotch products. Simultaneously, our R&D team is actively engaged in identifying and capitalising on market opportunities that align with our company's long-term goals. By developing new products that fill gaps in the market, we aim to expand our reach and provide solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs and preferences. This dual-pronged approach not only fuels our growth but also reinforces our position as a dynamic and customercentric organisation committed to delivering highquality products and staying ahead of market trends. What are your suggestions for boosting the Indian Bakery industry? Considering that they are experts in this field, I believe it would be inappropriate for me to provide input in this area. However, it's worth mentioning that continuous dialogue and collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies can lead to beneficial outcomes for the Indian Bakery sector. This collaborative approach can help address industry challenges, foster innovation, and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety in bakery products. Which business practices have you adopted to be more eco-friendly? We have recognised the pressing need to proactively contribute to the well-being of our planet, and we sought to integrate this commitment into the very fabric of our identity. We initiated a comprehensive sustainability assessment. This assessment entailed a meticulous examination of the environmental and social implications stemming from our business operations. It encompassed an evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions across our entire supply chain, covering production, transportation, electricity consumption, water usage, gas consumption, and packaging materials. Subsequently, we established ambitious targets for the current financial year. Our primary objectives include achieving plastic neutrality and implementing ecofriendly delivery practices. It's important to note that we are still in the nascent stages of our sustainability journey, and tangible results may take some time to materialise. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected] NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 35

What has been the journey of Herbalife in the Indian health supplements market? Herbalife is a premium nutrition and wellness company paving the way for a healthy and active life among individuals. In the last two decades, Herbalife has entered a wide range of products that vary from weight management, targeted nutrition, and sports nutrition. As you know, the market is the driving force in our industry, we have been witnessing a growing demand for localised flavours in our Formula1 weight management category. In the last three years, we have launched three new flavours Rose Kheer, Kulfi, and recently the Paan flavours which complement the daily nutrition requirements of our consumers in a local flavour they enjoy the most. With an increasing focus on wellness and active lifestyle in India, we entered the sports nutrition category in 2018. Sports nutrition is another category gaining momentum amongst fitness enthusiasts to increase their performance. To address this growing demand, we launched the H24 Rebuild and Hydrate which helps individuals recover faster. Our Vritilife range of products is based on Ayurvedic principles and contains authentic Ayurvedic herbs for the specific health benefits mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts. While following the age-old principles the product is contemporised to meet modern-day lifestyles. This year Herbalife also entered the eye health segment with its new product, ‘Ocular Defense” which contains nutrients that help in the maintenance of normal vision and help in supporting macular health. What has been the status of sports nutrition health supplements in the Indian market and globally? Sports nutrition is one of the fastest-growing categories in India. The sports nutrition market is growing at a CAGR of 8.2 per cent and is expected to reach $8.13 billion in 2027. We have extended our product lines towards a wide range of sports nutrition products including protein, essential amino acids, healthy carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and hydration, the body requires. Sports is one of the major areas we are heavily investing in, as sports and well-being go hand in hand. By choosing Herbalife products, athletes can be sure they are getting Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife India “Over the next 10 years, we see FSSAI playing a key role in creating a regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation” Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company, making a mark globally for 40 years and in India for 21 years. The company offers a wide range of products that vary from weight management, target nutrition and sports nutrition. Speaking with nuFFOODS Spectrum, Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife India takes us through the recent developments in the company. Edited Excerpts: 36 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH

a quality product that is safe and effective. Herbalife sponsors more than 100 world-class athletes, teams, and events around the globe, which include sporting legends like Christiano Ronaldo, Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana. We are also sponsoring Manika Batra, Lakshya Sen, Palki Kohli and Mary Kom. What should be the agenda of FSSAI for the next 10 years to boost India's sports nutrition industry? Herbalife is currently in its second year of a multiyear partnership with FSSAI that is centred around promoting nutritional knowledge and ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food for individuals across India. Our collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of both organisations toward improving the health of the Indian population. In line with the Eat Right Campaign, FSSAI aims to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition, good food habits, and preventive healthcare. The mega movement is a collective endeavour with the Prime Minister’s flagship agenda of holistic nourishment and Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), to empower a healthier and nourished India with greater food security. Over the next 10 years, we see FSSAI playing a key role in creating a regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation – around such areas as research, ingredients, marketing, and labelling – allowing for greater collaboration between industry, academia, government and the scientific community to bring healthy nutrition to more and more people. What are the different health categories Herbalife is focusing on? Herbalife has a diverse portfolio of products that are aimed at supporting the health and wellness needs of its consumers, weight management, sports and fitness, targeted health, and skin. Our business has more than doubled in size in the last 5 years. The weight management category is our flagship product contributing more than 70 per cent to our overall sales. With a steep rise in sports nutrition as a category, Herbalife has targeted products that facilitate all those who exercise – from professional athletes to ‘weekend warriors’ - to meet their daily nutrition goals and enable them to reach their optimal performance levels. Herbalife’s portfolio of targetted nutrition products is the perfect supplement to bridge nutritional gaps, from vitamins and minerals to cardiovascular, women and men’s health, ocular support, and digestive wellness. For individuals seeking to take care of their health holistically, Herbalife has dedicated Ayurveda products, amalgamating the ancient science of living and contemporary needs. Could you share some revenue figures for FY 2022- 23 and projections for FY 2023-24? India stands as Herbalife's second-largest market globally, following the United States, and has consistently achieved double-digit growth over the past three years. According to our Q2 filings, India recorded a notable increase of 16.6 per cent in net sales during the first six months of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022. As a listed company, we are unable to make forward-looking statements but are confident we are well-placed to take advantage of growing segments within the nutrition space. Are there any new products in the pipeline? Herbalife has been operating in India for more than two decades. We have never stopped innovating our products and enhancing our distribution channel to provide our distributors and their customers with the highest quality service and products. When our brand was launched in India we focused on weight management products, but today our product portfolio crosses different categories to address the wellness requirements of our consumers. We constantly research and develop new products that suit the nutrient requirements of our consumers and promote health and well-being. In 2020 we introduced a range of Ayurveda products and in 2018 H24 was launched. Earlier this year, the company entered a new product segment – ‘Ocular Defense’ which is scientifically developed to support and nourish the eye’s macular health. Herbalife has also enhanced our existing portfolio, successfully launching India palate-friendly flavours like Rose Kheer, Kulfi, and most recently Paan flavours in our flagship product, Formula1 nutrition shake mix. Could you highlight the company's R&D efforts? We have made significant investments in our research and development facility in Bengaluru as part of our commitment to product excellence and quality. The lab facility recently received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for chemical and biological disciplines. We have introduced localised products for the Indian market, including specific flavours and an Ayurveda range. We have entered new product categories, such as sports and fitness and ocular health. The 155000 sq. ft. space in Bangalore also has sensory booths, stability chambers, and botanical herbariums to meet the demand with testing of new products, developing raw materials and testing finished products. It also houses an Ayurveda lab to innovate and develop new products in this category. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected] NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 37

Can you provide us with an overview of the importance of nutrition in an athlete's performance? Nutrition plays an important role in an athlete's onfield performance, aiding in both strength-building and injury recovery. It possesses the dual capability of healing and enhancing physical capabilities. The nutritional requirements of athletes vary depending on their age and the specific sport they engage in. What steps does the institute follow while prescribing players’ diet? Sports nutrition is a science, and we follow certain protocols while devising diet plans for our athletes. First, we conduct blood tests to assess their body composition. We also take into account their food preferences, food allergies, and any underlying medical conditions when designing their diet plans. How important are nutrition supplements for a player? Nutrition supplements are of utmost importance. They complement athletes' dietary requirements, especially in aiding recovery after intense training sessions. Many Indian athletes prefer vegetarian diets, relying on sources like paneer, tofu, and lentils for protein. However, some of the athletes who are largely vegetarians may consume limited amounts of meat, with individual preferences. Athletes such as wrestlers, long-distance runners, or weightlifters require red meat, which is not the meat of choice for everyone. In such cases, we provide protein supplements. What kind of collaboration does it take between different members of the athlete support team, including the coach, trainer, and nutritionist? In an athlete’s performance, collaboration among all stakeholders is important. This includes the athlete, trainer, coach, nutritionist, sports medicine specialist, and since we are an Army institute, an officer in charge of each sports discipline. The coach and athlete both provide their input, which the nutritionist uses to create a personalised plan. Then a sports medicine specialist guides the athlete to execute it. Are there any ethical considerations in sports nutrition, when it comes to dietary supplements? We source supplements only from internationally approved vendors, each endorsed by international doping agencies. We conduct regular awareness sessions for our athletes, advising them against using unapproved products. Representatives from organisations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and National AntiDoping Agency (NADA) routinely visit to test athletes' blood samples for banned substances. We also carry out internal random checks to ensure a clean and doping-free environment for competition. Some young athletes or those involved in highintensity sports tend to take banned performanceenhancing substances, risking their careers. What is your message for them? I firmly believe that success in sports requires dedication and hard work, with no shortcuts to excellence. Attempting to take shortcuts, such as using performance-enhancing substances, can lead to serious consequences, including the end of one's career. Impatience, often driven by athletes, parents, coaches, and trainers, can push individuals towards such drastic measures. In India, many athletes tend to play for a few years and then transition to other careers. To excel during this limited time frame, some resort to unapproved supplements. However, athletes must lead disciplined lives, strictly adhering to their diet, exercise, and sleep routines. Gunjan Sharma Col Devraj Gill, Commandant, Army Sports Institute, Pune ''Nutritional requirements of athletes are varied'' Ensuring a healthy diet that offers sufficient energy and essential nutrients is crucial for an athlete's performance on the field, as well as their ability to sustain rigorous training and recover from injuries. Colonel Devraj Gill, Commandant of the Army Sports Institute, talks to nuFFOODS Spectrum about how nutrition requirements vary for different sports and athletes. Edited excerpts: 38 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH

I ndia’s retail inflation moderated to 6.8 per cent yearon-year (y-o-y) in August from a high of 7.4 per cent in July. The sharp surge in food inflation in July, owing to skyrocketing prices of vegetables, witnessed some moderation in August owing to the government’s active intervention. However, the contribution of food and beverages to the overall inflation reached a high of 62 per cent in August. The positive consumption growth in the hinterland seen in the quarter is heartening, as more than 2/3rd of India’s population resides in rural areas of the country. Urban India continues to be the growth engine in terms of value growth, with organised retail seeing high double-digit growth in Modern Trade. “For the first time in the last year, we also see a turnaround in traditional trade - primarily driven by grocers,” Roosevelt D’Souza, India Customer Success Leader, NIQ said in a statement. The drop in the rate of inflation overall in the economy has also led to a decline in inflation for food categories and given an opportunity for consumers to be cautiously optimistic. This can be seen in the shifts in consumption patterns in the quarter gone by, and by Investors bet on brighter days ahead of festive season Stabilisation in retail inflation, coupled with volume growth in rural and urban India has given FMCG companies a boost in the June-ended quarter. With normal rainfall in the offing and a festive season ahead, the sector could look at steady growth going forward. consumers that are now willing to buy more. "The upward trends seen in rural markets are particularly encouraging, and maybe the turning point for the industry”, Satish Pillai, Managing Director – India, NIQ said in a statement. Food inflation eased from doubledigit growth of 10.6 per cent y-o-y in July, to 9.2 per cent y-o-y in August. The moderation was on account of softening vegetable inflation, which on a sequential basis registered contraction. Inflation in key items such as tomatoes, potatoes and onions eased on a sequential basis in August, according to brokerage houses. Industry watchers point out that food inflation continues to pose a threat to the headline inflation number. As of September 11, cumulative rainfall is at a deficit of 10 per cent. As a result, sowing patterns of kharif crops such as pulses, oilseeds and cotton remain lower than a year ago. More importantly, the threat of El Nino’s impact on inflation still lingers. Poor rainfall resulting in lower reservoir levels could in turn also hurt rabi output. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FOOD RETAIL 39

Pillai added that Grammage reduction and shift towards smaller packs has continued. As per the data, improvement in consumption growth is led by more number of units being consumed, however, shifts towards larger packs are awaited. Urban, rural and traditional trade see an upward movement in terms of average pack size growth but remain negative, while modern trade continues showing a further decline in average pack size growth, as per NIQ. FMCG quarterly performance FMCG biggies such as Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL), Marico, Dabur and Patanjali Foods have given out mixed signals with regard to their financial performance in the June quarter. Let’s start with the strong performers. GCPL said that consumer demand was steady in the June quarter, as inflation moderated during the period. “In India, the overall consumer demand remained steady as seen in the previous few quarters. Sales growth was marginally higher than mid-single digit as we passed on the benefits of lower input costs to our consumers,” GCPL said. At a consolidated level (organic), GCPL expects to deliver high-single-digit volume growth, and teen growth in constant currency terms translating into close to double-digit sales growth in rupee terms. Sales growth (including inorganic) is likely to be in double digits, the company said. “Our quality of profits has seen sustained improvement, led by robust gross margin expansion and ongoing category development investments. This should translate to strong EBITDA growth,” GCPL said in its quarterly update. Overall consumer demand rose in Q1 FY24 but revenue growth could moderate sequentially as companies made price cuts. Further, falling raw material prices will add to gross margins, opine analysts. “Slight green shoots are visible in rural demand aided by a softer base but still urban areas grow faster. With deflation in key raw materials, gross margins are expected to improve year on year for a majority of our coverage stocks”, analysts at Nuvama Institutional Equities said in a June report. For Dabur, one of the key contributing factors was the reduction in inflation. Sequential moderation in inflation has positively impacted consumer spending power and is resulting in gradual improvement in offtakes in the industry. Marico was less optimistic. Demand trends in the sector remained stable during the quarter, although signs of improvement on a sequential basis were not clearly visible, the company said. While urban markets were steady, the anticipated pickup in rural demand remained elusive. Moderating headline inflation, hike in MSPs, easing liquidity pressures and forecast of a near-normal monsoon continue to fuel hopes of a gradual recovery in rural demand in the course of the year, the company said. Brokerage houses have said that unseasonal rains may have a bearing on demand for beverages, cooling hair oil, ice cream and talcum powder segments. Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities forecast a strong margin recovery-led profit growth for the consumer goods sector with stable volume growth, moderation in pricing and revenue growth and strong EBITDA growth for staples. Rural demand remains soft but the divergence between urban and rural growth would narrow, they said. On its part, Patanjali Foods reported a 64 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs 87.75 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal year due to a fall in prices of cooking oils. Its net profit stood at Rs 241.25 crore in the year-ago period. Total income rose to Rs 7,810.50 crore in the April-June quarter of 2023-24 from Rs 7,370.07 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Demand trends across discretionary categories like quick service rest, apparel, footwear and retail remained weak. The last two years were also marked by stubbornly high raw material inflation boosting prices of daily essentials. This was especially true for categories such as edible oils, and biscuits. However, as commodity prices began easing, companies have been making direct price cuts and offering extra grammage. For instance, palm oil prices fell 39 per cent year-on-year. Price cuts were more pronounced in edible oil- while dairy companies hiked prices. The green shoots of growth seem evident. Investors are looking for more positive performance in the months ahead. Venkatesh Ganesh 40 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FOOD RETAIL

Shikha Dwivedi, Dietitian and Nutritionist, OZiva PCOS management dietary supplements market scenario Picture a world where women can naturally and holistically combat the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In India, a country grappling with lifestyle-related factors contributing to a surge in PCOS cases, this vision is gaining traction. PCOS, a prevalent hormonal disorder, presents a growing concern, and an intriguing trend has emerged as a potential solution: dietary supplements. These supplements offer a promising approach to managing PCOS symptoms and complications. I n India, the PCOS treatment market is rapidly expanding, with its value expected to rise from 3.53 billion in 2022 to an impressive 5.67 billion by 2031, driven by a robust 5.61 per cent annual growth rate projected between 2023 and 2031. This growth underscores the evolving landscape of PCOS management in the country. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, approximately 116 million women (3.4 per cent) are affected by PCOS globally. This condition affects an estimated 8–13 per cent of women of reproductive age, and up to 70 per cent of cases are undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness, highlighting the need to explore alternative solutions such as dietary supplements in PCOS management. This also impacts 1 in every 5 women in India. Thus, India's dietary supplements market has experienced significant changes, fueled by increasing health and wellness awareness and a growing interest in preventive healthcare. This market expansion encompasses a wide range of products, from vitamins and minerals to Ayurvedic herbal extracts and specialised clean and plant-based nutrition supplements, catering to diverse health needs. This shift aligns with changing lifestyles, urbanisation, rising incomes, and the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms for supplement purchases. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the dietary supplements market in India faces regulatory and quality challenges, emphasising the necessity of strict quality control measures and consumer education to ensure product safety and efficacy. In summary, India's dietary supplements market continues to adapt to meet the diverse health and wellness needs of its population, paralleling the growth observed in the PCOS treatment market. Risks Associated With PCOs Amid the immediate challenges posed by PCOS, it's essential to recognise the significant long-term health risks that underscore the importance of effective management. Beyond the evident symptoms, women with PCOS face an elevated risk of developing various serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg. If left untreated, PCOS can also lead to additional concerns such as obesity, skin issues, and unwanted hair growth, all of which can profoundly impact a woman's overall well-being. Furthermore, the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can contribute to fertility problems, making it one of the primary causes NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PCOS MANAGEMENT 41

of infertility among women. These substantial and potentially life-altering risks emphasise the critical need for holistic approaches to PCOS management, including dietary clean, plant-based PCOS supplements. Such an approach can address not only the immediate symptoms but also mitigate the long-term health implications of this complex hormonal disorder in India. A Guide To Managing PCOS Through Treatment & Education In the grand journey of life, where many women envision themselves as future mothers and nurturing figures, education and regular screening for PCOS are invaluable stepping stones. These proactive steps not only protect their health and fertility but also ensure a smoother path into motherhood. Moreover, given the potential long-term side effects linked to certain allopathic treatments, embracing healthier alternatives featuring a nutritional diet, healthier lifestyle, and clean, plant-based supplements whenever possible take centre stage. This forward-thinking approach not only reduces the risk of adverse effects on women's health but also offers a safer and more sustainable way to manage PCOS. In a world where women often wear multiple hats as caregivers and providers, safeguarding their wellbeing through informed choices and holistic strategies becomes paramount—a journey worth embarking on with enthusiasm and diligence. Most importantly, the importance of nutrition and having the right diet cannot be understated in managing PCOS. The Role Of Sensible Nutritional Practices When considering the PCOS management dietary supplements market in India, it's clear that your food choices are crucial. Begin by making smart decisions about carbohydrates and fats. PCOS often involves insulin resistance, which can worsen with excessive sugar and simple carbs. So, its beneficial to opt for a balanced diet with whole grains, healthy fats and Omega-3 sources such as walnuts, almonds and flax seeds to help stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of insulin spikes and acne breakouts, a common PCOS concern, with Vitamin E and C. Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, avocado, and rice bran oil contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that can reduce inflammation, improve fertility, and lower excessive testosterone levels—key factors in PCOS management. Equally important is cutting back on simple carbs like sugar, white rice, and refined flour, as they can worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Instead, include complex carbs like oats, quinoa, brown rice, and indigenous grains like Jowar and Bajra in your diet for sustained energy and better hormone regulation. Additionally, a diet rich in a lot of fruits, leafy greens & cruciferous vegetables, proteinrich foods and fibres like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beans, lentils, almonds, berries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin etc. can do wonders in PCOS management. The Significance Of Adding The Right Health Supplements Selecting the right nutrition supplements can be a game-changer in managing PCOS symptoms, and in some instances, it may even help reverse this life-altering condition. It's essential to recognise that addressing fundamental deficiencies, such as Vitamin D, plays a pivotal role in managing insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and fat processing. When seeking supplements, look for those that blend natural Ayurvedic herbs renowned for their effectiveness in addressing PCOS symptoms. These herbs, including Shatavari, Chasteberry, Gokhru, Flax Seeds, Ashoka, and Aloe Vera, collectively contribute to enhancing fertility, reducing stress, regulating ovulation, and maintaining hormonal balance. Consider adding a clean, plant-based PCOS supplement to your routine as an excellent option. It aids in hormone balance through ingredients like Chasteberry and Ashoka, supports regular menstrual cycles with Pomegranate, Fennel, Chasteberry, and Ashoka, promotes reproductive health with Shatavari, enhances digestion with digestive enzymes, and supports healthy skin with ingredients like Chasteberry and Aloe Vera. These PCOS supplements are also certified 100% clean and vegan, free from harmful elements like gluten, soy, and artificial sweeteners, ensuring the highest quality and purity for your well-being. In conclusion, the status of PCOS management dietary supplements in India presents a holistic and promising approach to addressing the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. With the PCOS treatment market on a rapid growth trajectory and a substantial portion of affected women remaining undiagnosed, dietary supplements offer an alternative solution. These supplements not only aid in managing immediate symptoms but also mitigate the long-term health risks associated with PCOS, such as diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. Furthermore, embracing informed dietary & lifestyle choices, regular physical activity for 30 minutes, meditation for stress management, 7-8 hours of sleep and 2 litres of water daily, play a crucial role in PCOS management. Coupled with the selection of the right health supplements that are certified clean and plantbased, women in India can embark on a journey towards holistic well-being and effective PCOS management, safeguarding their health, fertility, and overall quality of life. 42 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PCOS MANAGEMENT

Nature has provided us with a potent remedy in the form of millets, also known as "Nutricereal" grasses that have been farmed for thousands of years across various regions of India. These humble grains have remained overshadowed for far too long by most popular staple cereals like wheat and rice. However, it is high time that we recognise their incredible potential in addressing anaemia. These tiny grains are packed with an array of nutrients, making them an excellent dietary choice, especially for those battling anaemia as these grains are rich source of iron. Nutrition and Millets Millets are tiny grains that are rich in iron, which is an indispensable part of haemoglobin. Millets such as Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Pearl Millet), and Ragi (Finger Millet) have much greater iron content than rice and wheat. Millets are also high in folate, a B vitamin that is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells; folate insufficiency is another major cause of anaemia, particularly in young children and pregnant women. Although the amount of iron given varies depending on millet type and processing method, research clearly reveals that millet can play a promising role in preventing and lowering high levels of iron deficiency anaemia. Milled rice, wheat, and maize have replaced traditional nutritious crops in developing nations. Refined meals are packed with carbohydrates but low in minerals, especially micronutrients like iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). The fact that a large portion (>80 per cent) of the diet in underdeveloped countries comprises low-iron staple foods, attaining optimal iron intake through the remaining 20 per cent of the diet is impractical. As a result, it is critical to diversify the staple food by integrating naturally iron-rich food crops like millet. Furthermore, millets contain 2.3 to 4.0 times more dietary fibre (6.4 ± 0.6 to 11. 5 ± 0.6 gm /100 gm) than refined rice and refined wheat, which serve as food for healthy gut flora, increasing abundance and modifying gut composition. Folate, often known as vitamin B9, is required for the synthesis of red blood cells. Millets are highly flexible and may be used to make everything from porridge to rotis and even biryanis. They are also reasonably priced, making them accessible to a broad segment of the population. Furthermore, millets are highly resilient crops that require minimum water and are well suited to India’s diverse climatic conditions. Promoting millet cultivation can not only improve food security but also contribute to environmental sustainability. A multimodal approach to combat anaemia 1. Knowledge & Education: Raising awareness about the nutritional significance of millet grains and their associated benefits in combating several ailments. 2. Millet Farming Promotion: Encouraging farmers to cultivate millets as these grains increase their Dr Komal Chauhan, Head, Centre of Excellence for Food Fortification (CEFF) and Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, NIFTEM, Haryana How millets can help combat anaemia Anaemia is a widespread health disease that affects millions of individuals, primarily women and children, and can lead to a variety of health problems. To combat this widespread health issue, we need to acknowledge the importance of the National Health Mission (NHM) in the battle against anaemia. The National Health Mission is a key initiative rolled out by the government to enhance healthcare amenities and results across the country. It comprises a wide range of healthcare initiatives and interventions aiming at guaranteeing equal access to quality healthcare for all, with a particular emphasis on marginalised communities and vulnerable populations. Irrespective of all of the initiatives, a nutritionally balanced diet is critical in the prevention of anaemia. Here’s where the role of Millet becomes evident. Let’s explore further. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FIGHTING ANAEMIA 43

Initiatives taken by National Health Mission (NHM) S. No Initiatives Initiation Year Role 1. ASHA 2013 Increased institutional delivery, immunisation, an active role in disease control programmes (particularly Malaria, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic filariasis), and improved breastfeeding and nutrition practices. 2. Rogi Kalyan Samiti/ Hospital Management Society 2005 Financial help to carry out patient care activities in all District Hospitals (DHs), SubDistrict Hospitals (SDHs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs). 3. The Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC) 2005 An essential tool for grassroots community empowerment and engagement in addressing environmental and social concerns. 4. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) 2005 A critical tool for reducing maternal mortality among expectant women by encouraging them to give birth at government health facilities. 5. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) 2011 All pregnant women giving birth in public health institutions are entitled to fully free and no-cost delivery, including caesarean section. all pregnant women. Free drugs and consumables, free diagnostics, free diet during stay in health institutions, free provision of blood, free transportation from home to health institution 6. Facility-Based Newborn Care 2011 The launch of home-based and facility-based newborn care components to ensure that every infant receives necessary care from the time of birth and the first 48 hours at the health facility, and subsequently at home during the first 42 days of life. 7. National Mobile Medical Units 2017 The launch Support has been provided for 1107 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) under NHM in 333 of the country's 672 districts. All Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) charge to improve visibility, awareness, and accountability. 8. National Ambulance Services (NAS) 2013 The programme is intended to meet the needs of pregnant women and children. This service is available by making a toll-free call to a Call Centre. 9. Mainstreaming of AYUSH 2002 AYUSH has been mainstreamed by allocating AYUSH facilities in 10042 PHCs, 2732 CHCs, 501 DHs, and 5714 health facilities. 10. Launch of National Quality Assurance Framework for Health Facilities 2013 Quality Standards for District Hospitals (DHs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) under the National Quality Assurance Framework was set out in November 2014 to improve healthcare quality in over 31000 public facilities and provide a clear roadmap to States. 11. Launch of Kayakalp - an initiative for Award to Public Health Facilities 2015 Kayakalp is a campaign that promotes cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control techniques in public health facilities. Under this effort, public healthcare facilities will be evaluated, and those that demonstrate excellent performance in satisfying criteria of cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control will get rewards and appreciation. income and contribute to food security while also encouraging sustainable agriculture. 3. Government programmes: Millets should be included in national nutrition programmes that target the most vulnerable communities. 4. Innovative Processing Technologies: Processing of these grains using various novel technologies helps in the preparation of edible products with high nutritional significance. Chefs and dietitians may play an important role in generating delectable and inventive millet-based meals that appeal to a broad audience. Enhancing Awareness and Bioavailability Millets are a potent weapon in the fight against anaemia in India. Their nutritional value, resilience, and adaptability make them an essential component of our dietary strategy for addressing this prevalent health concern. By consuming millet, we can improve health and well-being, particularly among women and children who are predominantly affected by nutritional inadequacy. Policymakers should recognise the right varieties and types of millets rich in iron for use as supplement food to counter the high prevalence of anaemia in countries like India. Awareness should be raised further to improve iron bioavailability in millets which can be boosted through processing methods such as soaking, germination, decortication, and fermentation, which can be an effective technique for reducing iron deficiency anaemia. Hence inclusion of millet in our diet as a staple food will help in combating several ailments. Source- National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundli Research 44 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FIGHTING ANAEMIA

Sharda Launchpad Federation sets up global accelerator program for F&B startups Sharda Launchpad Federation, a business incubator and accelerator by an educational institution Sharda University announced a strategic partnership with FigFax (SnackFax), a capital platform for growthfocused food businesses and Sharda Global Food and Beverages Accelerator. The program is set to mentor and fast-track over 50 promising food brands in the next year’s period. The Shrada Launchpad commenced registrations inviting entrepreneurs and startups in the food sector to seize this opportunity. This program is open to a wide spectrum of businesses, including those in food processing, dairy and mechanisation, quick-service restaurants (QSR), dining establishments, poultry, logistics, warehousing, infrastructure and mechanisation, packaging, beverages, and more. The selection process is set to be highly competitive, with only 20 startups advancing to the next round in the first Cohort. The collaboration will provide financial support, access to seasoned mentors, and personalized acceleration programs tailored to address the unique challenges faced by food businesses in North India. Coca-Cola to upskill 10,000 college students in Telangana Ten thousand college students in Telangana will be upskilled in 2023-24 under the ‘Campus to Corporate’ programme involving State government’s Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB). Towards this, the bottling arm of beverage giant Coca-Cola in India has renewed an MoU with TASK. In 2022, which was the first year of their partnership, 10,196 students in the State were trained by them. The campus-to-corporate programme aims to upskill and make college students industryready. While TASK works on creating batches of students, identifying locations for the physical classroom sessions, and the calendar for these training sessions, HCCB works towards developing the content, identifying trainers, conducting the Train the Trainers program to create and expand a pool of expert trainers and conducting the virtual and physical classroom sessions. Each year annual counselling is conducted by various state governments for filling up admissions in courses of medical education such as BDS, MDS, MBBS, MD, and even for Ayurvedic medicine courses such as BAMS, BHMS, and BUMS. The counselling facilitates the admissions of NEET-qualified students to various streams of medicine across the country. Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College (DJAMC) stood first in Round 1 of Counselling conducted by UP AYUSH. 92 out of a total of 100 seats of DJAMC for BAMS course were allotted in the first round of admissions itself. A total of 57 institutions participated in the admission counselling conducted by the UP State government for BAMS courses. Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College is currently affiliated to the state government’s Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University and was earlier affiliated with CCS University, Meerut. DJAMC’s BAMS course, for an annual intake of 100 students, has been approved and recognised by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College was established in 2017 and is situated on Niwari Road, Modinagar, Ghaziabad, UP. It is one of UP’s premiere Ayurveda institutions and boasts a student strength of more than 500. Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College emerges as Most Preferred Institution NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in ACADEMICS NEWS 45

MK Agrotech, parent company of South India’s largest edible oil brand, Sunpure, announced the appointment of Sridhar Vaidyanathan as the Chief Operating Officer. Sridhar will be responsible for MK Agrotech’s top-line and bottom-line growth, with a sharp focus on new product launches and expansion to new markets. Prior to joining MK Agrotech, he was the National Sales Manager at Britannia Industries Limited, and earlier, the Unit Manager with PepsiCo, with a proven track record of driving growth. Sridhar Vaidyanathan, COO, of MK Agrotech, said, “In a competitive market like ours, which has in recent years witnessed greater and renewed emphasis on health, it is remarkable to see a company consistently deliver on the promise of quality and health for over three decades now. I'm excited to be a part of the MK Agrotech family, and look forward to the opportunity to further build India's most trusted and healthy food brand.” Sunpure appoints industry veteran Sridhar Vaidyanathan as COO ACG, a leading supplier of fully integrated manufacturing solutions to the global pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, has announced the appointment of Borja Guerra as the vice president for international sales. In his new role, Borja Guerra will be responsible for leading sales and business development in all international markets outside India. He will head up the commercial and customer service teams, helping to deliver on the company's continued path of growth, commitment to full customer focus, and thrive to create solid partnerships. With more than 20 years of experience working across the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors worldwide, Borja Guerra has led numerous teams to successful and solid profitable growth. Borja's experience includes working with leading companies such as Körber, Groninger, Romaco and I Holland. ACG appoints Borja Guerra as VP of international sales Deepak Bhatia has been named chief technology officer at the Hershey Co., one of the leading c h o c o l a t e manufac turers, effective October 2023. He has also been named to the company’s e x e c u t i v e committee. Prior to Hershey, Bhatia has been with Amazon for the past 12 years, most recently as vice president of supply chain optimization technologies since August 2021. Before Amazon, he was with Applied Materials in a variety of senior management positions. He began his career as an engineer and team lead with Daewoo Motors India Ltd.. Bhatia received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Punjab Engineering College, a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering at Purdue University and a master’s degree in operations research, management science and engineering at Stanford University. The company is investing in people and digital capabilities to strengthen its infrastructure and scale across its growing supply chain and business units. Hershey appoints Deepak Bhatia as CTO 46 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS

Tate & Lyle PLC (Tate & Lyle), a world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, has announced its first site powered entirely by renewable energy, alongside other energy transition milestones. Tate & Lyle’s manufacturing facility in Guarani, Brazil, became the first Company site to be powered entirely by renewable energy. Alongside electricity, site operations are powered using locally sourced biomass. Also in August 2023, Tate & Lyle’s manufacturing facilities in Ossona and Noto in Italy and Mold, UK, joined its facilities in Guarani and Koog aan de Zaan (Koog), the Netherlands, in purchasing 100 per cent renewable electricity. These actions are examples of Tate & Lyle delivering on its commitments to purchase 100% renewable electricity for its operations by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050. Within its taste, nutrition & health expertise, Symrise, a global supplier of fragrances, flavourings, cosmetic active ingredients and raw materials launched a range of Diana Food chickpea and aquafaba ingredients with multiple benefits. The range is backed by the expertise of Symrise in sourcing, quality, and food safety. The ingredients open opportunities for the development of plant-based food products with cleaner labels. Chickpea has become a food of choice for nutrition-conscious consumers who care about the impact of their diet on the planet. Symrise addresses this demand with its chickpea and aquafaba ingredients. The company produces chickpea flakes, a vegan protein option. Their high protein and fibre content make them a valuable nutritional ally for plantbased recipes. They bring texture and juiciness to a wide range of applications, including falafels, healthy snacks, and dips such as hummus. Aquafaba – describes the cooking water of chickpeas. Symrise has applied its technological skills to create aquafaba flakes. They act as a vegan alternative to egg yolk allowing clear labelling. They bring texture to products while offering water and oil retention properties. Aquafaba flakes guarantee a vegan option with comparable texture and taste to mayonnaise and salad dressings. Tate & Lyle unveils 100% renewable energy-powered site Nestle to transform cocoa husks into low-carbon fertiliser As part of Nestlé's 2050 net zero roadmap and its work to spark regenerative agriculture, the company tests many new, innovative ideas. Those that prove effective and scalable are rolled out more broadly. In the UK, Nestlé is launching a pilot to assess whether cocoa shells from a confectionery site in York can be used to create a lowcarbon fertiliser. The two-year trial is designed to evaluate the fertiliser's performance on crop production, soil health and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If successful, up to 7,000 tonnes of low-carbon fertiliser could be produced and offered to farmers in Nestlé's UK wheat supply chain. This amount of fertiliser equates to around 25 per cent of Nestlé UK's total fertiliser use for wheat. Recycling valuable nutrients from waste streams within the food system provides a promising opportunity to create a lower-emissions supply chain. The cocoa shells are supplied by Cargill, which processes the cocoa at the York facility to become key ingredients in iconic products like KitKat and Aero. A trial volume of cocoa shell has been processed and pelletised by Swindon-based CCm Technologies. This project is an example of the innovative solutions that Nestlé is investigating to help achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Nestlé has also committed to sourcing 50 per cent of its key ingredients from regenerative agricultural methods by 2030. Symrise unveils new ingredients for plant-based food industry NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENT NEWS 47

SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, has partnered with three specialists in the field of in-mold labelling (IML) to demonstrate the use of certified renewable polypropylene (PP) resins in high-quality mono-PP thin-wall container packaging without compromising quality, processability, safety or convenience. The single-step IML technology achieves a seamless part decoration right in the injection mold, where the label becomes an integral component of the packaging itself. Dedicated label film types and high-definition printing technology result in a very attractive and cost-effective decorative solution. The label material for the IML containers is a biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPP) film produced by Taghleef, a leading global supplier of film solutions to customers worldwide, using a SABIC certified renewable resin tailored to the BOPP process. BOPP films are widely used for in-mold labeled injection molding applications in food, dairy and beverages, home, beauty and personal care packaging. As part of the present collaboration, the final BOPP label film is supplied to Karydakis, a leading specialist in optimized printing techniques, ink formulations and conversion technologies tailored to PP-based in-mold labels. Cut to shape for stacking, the IML labels are finally supplied to Kotronis, a medium-sized family business specializing in injection-molded containers for food products. SABIC introduces in-mold labelling for food packaging containers Switzerland-headquartered firm SIG, a leading packaging solutions provider plans to develop a fullbarrier aluminium-free aseptic packaging structure with at least 90 per cent fibre content by 2030, with an interim target of at least 85 per cent by 2025. Increasing the FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) fibre content of its aseptic cartons and expanding its aluminium-free solutions are key to SIG’s strategy of achieving higher recyclability of carton packs. This supports SIG’s ultimate ambition to enable carton packs to be recycled anywhere in the world, which is especially true for markets that have little established infrastructure for recycling. The packaging industry and wider society need to transition to a circular economy, as our planet’s resources are finite and its capacity to absorb waste is limited. Growing consumer demand for more sustainable packaging is an important pull factor for food and beverage companies to transition to ever more sustainable packaging. SIG to develop 90% fibre aseptic cartons Swiss-based food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak has announced its first Custom Printing collaboration. The launch follows the successful validation of the Tetra Pak Custom Printing solution, encompassing over 100 million packages, and is set to unleash new business and marketing opportunities with increased flexibility and customisation. Flow Beverage Corp., distributing naturally alkaline spring water across the U.S. and Canada, is the first brand to leverage this unique technology to create one-ofa-kind designs, for a truly immersive and engaging consumer experience. Tetra Pak Custom Printing is the first and only premium inkjet-based carton package printing solution to offer brands an innovative, costeffective and customisable system while providing all the environmental benefits of paper-based beverage cartons. With this offering, companies can utilise promotional activations such as varied designs within a single case or limited-edition packaging collaborations to take their marketing and media mix to the next level. Tetra Pak announces first Custom Printing collaboration 48 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS

Swiss-headquartered packaging solutions provider SIG and Irelandbased AnaBio Technologies, a global leader in microencapsulation technology jointly presented the first global launch of a long-life probiotic yoghurt – a major breakthrough for probiotic beverages and aseptic packaging. This game-changing development creates a new product category; probiotic beverages packed in aseptic carton packs and spouted pouches which are shelf-stable for prolonged storage periods without refrigeration. Until now it has not been possible to incorporate probiotics into aseptic beverage packaging due to their inability to survive common heat treatments used in processing. Probiotics can also be unstable during storage, typically restricting their use to refrigerated beverages with a short shelf life. The combination of AnaBio’s encapsulation technology and SIG’s gentle aseptic filling technology overcomes these restrictions, enabling food and beverage companies to produce probiotic beverages containing live probiotics that are packed in carton packs and spouted pouches and can be kept at room temperature for extended periods without refrigeration. SIG & AnaBio launch long-life probiotic yoghurt in aseptic packaging Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, has announced the North American launch of curbside-recyclable AmFiberTM Performance Paper packaging, part of the company's AmFiber portfolio. Prequalified by How2Recycle, performance paper meets the repulpability standards for curbside recycling, allowing brands to provide consumers with more sustainable end-of-life outcomes for packaging. Paper-based packaging alternatives employ innovative technologies to deliver the right barrier, shelf-life, and machine performance to meet brand and product needs. AmFiber Performance Paper is a high-barrier laminated paper that is recyclable in most paper recycling waste streams, earning the How2Recycle prequalification of "widely recyclable." It provides improved barrier and packer efficiency compared to the existing coated papers and is PVdC-free. Amcor's product portfolio includes options for confectionery, bars, cookies, cereals, dry beverages, and dry mixes. Format applications are ideal for cold-seal flow wrap and three-side seal sachets. AmFiber Performance Paper runs on existing flexible packaging equipment, achieving machine speeds comparable to plastic-based packaging. Amcor launches highbarrier performance paper packaging in North America Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, launched a new more sustainable sleeve packaging, created to replace conventional plastic shrink wrap around 1.5-litre sparkling soft drink multipacks produced by Coca-Cola HBC in Austria and keep them secure. Mondi’s Hug-IT, which keeps six bottles together during transportation, is made of Mondi’s Advantage SpringPack Plus, crowned by Guinness World Records as the strongest paper in the world. The Hug-IT solution has taken three years to complete, from conception through to planning, trialling, and getting the product onto the shelf. Its development involved a number of Mondi’s divisions and cross-segment collaboration, making the most of the company’s expertise in paper packing and converting and creating more sustainable, technically advanced solutions. The sleeves are engineered on automated machinery provided by Krones, a technology group and service provider for the beverage & liquid food industry, whose swift installation and close collaboration with Mondi made the process smooth and efficient. Coca-Cola, Mondi to create innovative paper sleeves for bottle bundles NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS 49

S even years ago, on September 27, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new Guidance for the food industry on the use of the implied nutrient content claim 'healthy', which has exciting implications for almonds. This has helped the Almond Board of California, USA dedicated to promoting California almonds to a domestic and international audience both through marketing efforts and by funding and promoting studies about almonds' health benefits. Over 20 years of research shows almonds are one of the world’s most nutritious foods and eating almonds can offer an array of health benefits. The current body of almond nutrition research totals over 175 peer-reviewed publications on subjects such as heart health, weight management, diabetes and blood sugar regulation. In light of all these benefits, the Almond Board of California promoted consumption of almonds in India to a large extent in the last decade. According to the Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report from USDA, India’s projected almond consumption is 175,000 metric tonnes (MT) for the market year (MY) 2023-24 (August-July) as against the consumption estimate of 170,000 MT for the MY 2022-23. The outbreak of COVID-19 contributed to a sharp uptick in Indian demand for US almonds. With limited domestic almond production of its own, India turns to imports to satisfy its cravings for almonds. India’s in-shell almond imports over the last decade have grown with an astounding CAGR of 17.5 per cent. Market reports (from 2021) report that per capita consumption of almonds comes in at about 0.11 kg, which is a jump from the per capita figure of 0.08 kg being reported in 2019. This increase in per capita consumption is in tandem with consumers’ growing incomes, expanding consumer base’s perception of the almond’s positive health benefits and identifying it with a nutrient-rich crunchy nut, packed with protein, fibre, and vitamins. One can expect this growth in the coming months as well due to forthcoming festive seasons and also lifting of retaliatory tariffs on US-origin almonds on September 5, 2023 which was imposed by the Ministry of Finance in 2019. The reduction of duty is from Rs 41/kg to Rs 35/kg on the applied rate for in-shell almonds. The report expects the US almond exports to India could reach $1 billion in 2024. It may be noted that India’s non-tariff barriers include stringent almond kernel quality standards as prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). These standards are too strict to be widely applied across multiple commercial grades. These only create challenges, causing needless custom clearance delays. Traders sustain that there is a need for greater grading flexibility. Grading needs to account for varying commercial situations, including varietal differences, crop quality variability, and pricing differentials. It should not be largely premised on just physical parameters such as damage and the presence of foreign material. India’s almond imports for MY 2023-24 is expected at 170,000 MT, up by six per cent from the USDA official MY 2022-23 estimate of 160,000 MT. US origin almonds in MY 2022-23 account for roughly 90 per cent of India’s overall almond imports, while Australian-origin almond imports come in a distant second with five per cent market share. Almonds imports from US and Australia are typically the inshell nonpareil or Carmel varieties, which are shelled locally (i.e., machine-cracked and hand sorted). The shelling of the almonds locally contributes to expanded local employment opportunities and helps with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. Most other origins, however, supply shelled almonds. Though India is one of the largest importers of US-origin almonds, India’s almond exports for MY 2023-24 is expected to be about 170 MT. India, with limited domestic production of its own, will continue to have negligible exports for the foreseeable future. India’s exports will consist mainly of small quantities of branded almond snack food products being exported to neighbouring countries in South Asia. Despite being a major importer of almonds, India’s per capita consumption of almonds, due to its large population size, is lower than that of other markets but still has major potential for expansion as consumers shift from peanuts to greater almond consumption. Narayan Kulkarni Editor [email protected] Almonds Rule Indian Hearts 50 NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | October 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in LET’S TALK FOOD