FFOODSSpectrum August 2023

Taste the Quality at Asia’s Premier Specialty Food and Drinks Show 26 - 28 September 2023 Sands Expo & Convention Centre Marina Bay Sands Singapore www.sfdasia.com What’s more, catch the live actions at the Singapore National Coffee Championships, ASEAN Butchery Competition and Big Idea Food Competition Showcase your brand, discover your next bestseller, spot the latest trends and connect with new business partners at Specialty Food & Drinks Asia 2023 featuring Speciality Food & Drinks Restaurant, Pub & Bar Speciality Coffee & Tea Meat & Poultry Scan to Visit Scan to Exhibit Organised by Co-located Event @Speciality_Asia @SpecialityAsia @Speciality_Asia # #SFDA2023 Specialty Food & Drinks Asia

100000 VISITORS 150 EXHIBITORS 300 B2B MEETINGS 80 COUNTRIES 50 SPEAKERS 2000 DELEGATES 100000 VISITORS 150 EXHIBITORS 300 B2B MEETINGS 80 COUNTRIES 100 SPEAKERS 2000 DELEGATES 100000 VISITORS 150 EXHIBITORS 300 B2B MEETINGS 80 COUNTRIES 50 SPEAKERS 2000 DELEGATES 100000 VISITORS 150 EXHIBITORS 300 B2B MEETINGS 80 COUNTRIES 100 SPEAKERS 2000 DELEGATES TH TH SEPTEMBER 25 - 28, 2023 BENGALURU - INDIA FFEE CONFER O E C NC D E L & RO E X W P h O t 5 TH TH SEPTEMBER 25 - 28, 2023 BENGALURU - INDIA FFEE CONFER O E C NC D E L & RO E X W P h O t 5 World Coffee Conference & Expo arrives for the first time in Asia at Bengaluru, India in September 2023. The 5th edition of this global congregation, scheduled from September 25th-28th, 2023, will pull together the leading minds of the Coffee fraternity for a 4-day intensive programme. WCC2023 will bring together leaders and decision-makers from more than 80 countries to discuss, debate and collaborate towards building a sustainable coffee industry, right from bean to cup. Sustainability through circular economy and regenerative agriculture is the underlying theme for the week-long event which will include Conference, Exhibition, Skill-building workshops, Growers Conclave and a plethora of networking events. REGISTER TODAY and explore the rich and diverse world of coffee at this exclusive event! •International Conference •World Coffee Exhibition•Skill Building Workshops • B2B Meetings •Competitions & Awards • Buyer Seller Meet •Growers Conclave •Cultural Evenings •Plantation Tour •CEOs & Global Leaders Forum (CGLF) Register today • For Registration and sponsorship enquries contact: Shyam BR | +919886098544 | [email protected] Indulge in the Enchanting Shades of Indian Coffee EVENT SPECTRUM WCC2023 HIGHLIGHTS MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Government of Karnataka Coffee Board of India

Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Scan the QR Code Australia’s donor breast milk trial shares $73 M in funding USDA and cooperators boost reduction and re-utilisation of food waste in Asia Hong Kong develops herbal medicine for treating chronic constipation Food Frontier Report unveils growth of Asia’s alternative protein market 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 10 | Issue 12 | August 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] Assistant Editor ( Digital) - Sanjiv Das, [email protected] Content Team Singapore: Hithaishi C. Bhaskar [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 Vipan Kumar Relationship Executive - Media Ashirwad, 36/A/2, S.No. 270, Pallod Farms, Baner Road, Pune-411045 Mobile: +91-98347 45564 [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 DY. General Manager - Digital Strategy & Programmes #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 Social Media Communications: Poonam Bhosale [email protected] Production & Design MEDIA VISION, Pune Cover Design Dominix Strategic Design Pvt. Ltd. Business CFO & Special Correspondent Manasee Kurlekar [email protected] Dy. General Manager Digital Intell & Growth 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, The Indian food sweetener market stands at $3.11 billion in 2023. In the next five years, it is expected to grow at 3.01 per cent reaching $3.61 billion by 2028. The market growth is related to a rise in health awareness as people prefer non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) to control their weight and reduce the risk of dietrelated non-communicable diseases. However, now the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said exactly the opposite. In its recent guidelines related to NSS, it has said that they do not help weight loss but in fact, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Hence the guidelines advise against the use of NSS as an alternative to sugar to control weight or to reduce diet-related non-communicable diseases. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, 10th Edition, in India, approximately 74.194 million individuals aged between 20 and 79 had diabetes in 2021; diabetes also caused 0.647 million deaths that year. The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise to 92.973 million by 2030 and 124.874 million by 2045. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is studying the WHO guidelines. But there seems to be a lot of confusion in the industry about the guidelines. Our content team has talked to dieticians and food industry players on the same to seek their views. Although, as per the guidelines, NSS needs to be avoided in food products, Indian food players are quite reluctant to accept it due to possible sale loss. It is suggested that country-wise analysis and clinical studies are mandatory to implement the guidelines. It is interesting to note that when the guidelines of WHO are caught in the rough wind and the food regulator is examining them, the FSSAI organised a Global Food Regulatory Summit 2023 in New Delhi last month. It was an important global meet in the food sector. The summit has pledged to strengthen the global food safety systems. We have a detailed report of the summit. About 80 per cent of Indians are protein deficient when the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends one gm of protein consumption per kg of weight per day among adults. Soyabean is a rich source of protein. There has been a discussion on how soyabean can bridge the protein gap. We have an article from an expert in the field expressing views on the same topic. In addition, there are insightful interviews and news. I am sure your interest has been piqued enough to read the interesting content put together by our team. Thanks & Regards, Yours Sincerely, Ravindra Boratkar Publisher & Managing Editor NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 5

It's official, India has become the Diabetes Capital of the World. A June 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMRINDIAB) study reveals that India is home to 101 million diabetics. With the increase in diabetics, the demand and use of food products, beverages, and health supplements using nonsugar sweeteners (NSS) or sugar substitutes is equally flourishing in India and worldwide. However, the WHO's guidelines on the use of NSS is worrying the F&B sector and prompting the latter to counter it. Let's explore further. Demonising Synthetic Sugars INSIDE 6 NUFFOODSSPECTRUM | March 2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 20

INSIDE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 7 Editorial 09 Regulatory News 10 Finance News 12 Start-Up News 14 Company News 16 People News 19 REGULARS 28 34 30 32 37 “In our efforts to innovate in the Ayurveda and Nutraceutical segments, technology has played a pivotal role” Overview of Health Foods Regulation in China “The organisation is transforming into a multibrand FMCG company in the F & B space” “Future of CRAMS market of nutrition, wellness and Ayurveda looks bright in India” Combatting Age-related Cognitive Decline Speaking with Health Foods Brain Health Dr Amit Deshpande, Founder, Agnivesh Health Care Yu Jing, Manager, Regulatory Affairs and Manager, Freyr Solutions Meher Bhattiprolu, Manager, Global Regulatory Services, Food Products, Freyr Solutions Akshay Modi, Joint Managing Director, Modi Naturals Suresh Garg, CMD and Founder, Zeon Life Sciences Dilip Ghosh, PhD, FACN Nutriconnect, Sydney, Australia 25 AI Takes Front Seat in F&B Industry Artificial Intelligence 39 “Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 pledges to strengthen global food safety systems” Event Report World RAW News 42 World News 44 R & D News 45 Ingredients News 46 Supplier News 48 Let’s Talk Food 50

8 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 Acknowledgements/ Feedback The article on “Why Botanical Integrity in Herbal Products is Crucial” looks great. Thank you for sharing. Mriganka Sen, Delhi  Thank you so much for the coverage of Merck Life Sciences in the July edition of nuFFOODS Spectrum. Sourav Chowdhury, Mumbai  Thanks a lot for sharing the July edition of FFS! The article featuring Bhookha Hathi looks great. Kusum Bhandari, Bengaluru  Thank you so much FFS team. Delighted to see both the features on food safety and labelling. We look forward to contributing more content to nuFFOODS Spectrum in the area of Food Labelling and Regulatory Affairs using AI.  Rashida Vapiwala, Mumbai NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

EDIT 9 T hailand is eyeing India as a promising destination for business expansion in processed food production and food processing technology sectors. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has signed an MoU with the Department of Industry and Commerce of Telangana state with focused areas including agro-based food processing, food-based industries, food-grade tapioca and modified starch. Similar MoUs were signed earlier by the Thai Chamber of Commerce with the Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) and the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI). Thailand’s vibrant food industry contributes 23 per cent to the country's GDP while the processed food industry accounts for half of its exports. Despite being the second largest producer of food after China, India has a very low level of food processing. India has an 11 per cent share of the global agriculture production, but processed food export is only 1 to 2 per cent. It is merely 10 per cent of the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the food processing industry in the country. Though the situation is improving with more food processing units getting set up, still there is tremendous scope for setting up more industries producing more diverse products. Though the food sector in India is small, the government has given a boost to this sector by helping to set up food processing parks and offering other concessions to the companies. As a result, over 40 mega food parks, about 375 cold chain projects, and 80 agro-processing clusters are at various stages of completion. In addition, 180 food testing labs and 60 backward and forward linkages projects are also at different stages of completion, with some of them completed and operational. This has started showing results. India’s food processing sector, though still small, is one of the largest in the world and its output is expected to reach $535 billion by 2025-26. All these figures show clearly what kind of immense business development opportunities are available in the food processing sector. No wonder Food Business Operators (FBOs) from other countries are interested in setting up processing plants in collaboration with their Indian counterparts. In order to attract more investments by showcasing investment opportunities in the food processing sector, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is organising 'World Food India 2023' in November. About a year back, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced plans to invest $2 billion to set up food parks across the country. This is part of efforts by the four-nation I2U2 Group comprising India, UAE, the US and Israel to help tackle food insecurity in South Asia and the Middle East by creating an India-Middle East Food Corridor or the India-UAE Food Corridor, a supply network for food relying on new inventions and investments. One element of the plan was to reduce food waste and spoilage, conserve fresh water and engage renewable energy sources at the food parks. The growth of the food processing sector is attributable to its employment generation capacity, opening up job avenues on a large scale. A study by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) showed that for Rs 1 crore of fixed-cost investment, the food processing sector creates eight jobs. Already 16 per cent of the total workforce in the organised sector and 32 per cent in the unorganised sector are employed in the food processing industries, which employ over 15 million people directly and 37 million indirectly. By next year, it is expected to generate 8,000 direct and 80,000 indirect jobs. While there are several positive developments and steps by the government to attract more investments in the food processing sector, it is necessary to acknowledge that there are also several challenges hindering the development of the sector. One of the major challenges is on the storage front. Such challenges will have to be addressed by the government to optimally leverage the opportunities. Dr Milind Kokje Chief Editor Gearing up Processed Food Export NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

10 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS FSSAI mulls revision of labelling for fermented milk products In a significant step towards promoting the use of millet and healthy eating practices among the armed forces and ensuring the availability of safe and nutritious food, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on July 13. Both Ministers also unveiled a book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’ to promote the consumption of Shree Anna (millets) and its health benefits. The MoU aims to create awareness about the nutritional benefits of diet diversity and millet-based food products among the personnel. The MoU will also pave the way for the introduction of millet-based menus in messes, canteens, and other food outlets under the MoD. The Delhi High Court passed an order on July 24, 2023, directing the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) to pay Rs 1,00,000 each as costs for complete noncompliance with the directions as per its order dated April 12, 2023. The Court has directed that the expenses shall be paid to the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. The Court noted that the clear impression that it gets is that the restaurant associations need to be in compliance with the orders dated April 12, 2023, and had filed the affidavits without serving the respondents properly so as to ensure that the hearing does not proceed before the Court. The NRAI can file these affidavits within four days subject to payment of Rs 1,00,000, while non-compliance with this direction will result in the affidavits not being taken on record. Delhi High Court penalises restaurant and hotel associations The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on July 12, 2023, issued a notification regarding direction under section 16(5) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 with regard to the abeyance of enforcement of provisions related to labelling requirements for fermented milk products. The Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 specifies the labelling requirement for standards of fermented milk products. The enforcement of these provisions of the amendment regulations is w.e.f August 01, 2023. The representations which have been received from various stakeholders on the provision of the amendment regulations relating to the use of the term dahi primarily in the nomenclature of the fermented milk products and optionally together with any other designation on the label. Based on these representations it is being reviewed by FSSAI for appropriate revision. Ministry of Defence & FSSAI to promote millet use among Armed Forces NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

REGULATORY NEWS 11 The Government of India is closely monitoring the domestic retail prices of edible oils to ensure that the full benefits of a decrease in international prices are passed on to the end consumers. Regular meetings are being held with leading Edible Oil Associations and industry wherein they are being advised to decrease the retail prices. As on July 20, 2023, the international prices of major Edible oils such as Crude Soyabean Oil, Crude Sunflower Oil, Crude Palm Oil and Refined Palm Oils have decreased drastically since last year. The retail prices of Refined Sunflower Oil, Refined Soyabean Oil and RBD Palmolien have now decreased by 29.04 per cent, 18.98 per cent and 25.43 per cent respectively over a year. The import duty on Refined Sunflower Oil and Refined Soybean Oil has been reduced from 17.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent with effect from June 15, 2023. To ensure adequate availability of Non-Basmati White Rice in the Indian market, the Government of India has amended the Export Policy of the above variety from ‘Free with export duty of 20 per cent’ to ‘Prohibited’ with immediate effect on July 20. Retail prices of rice have increased by 11.5 per cent over a year and 3 per cent over the past month. An export duty of 20 per cent on non-basmati white rice was imposed on September 8, 2022, to lower the price as well as ensure availability in the domestic market. However, the export of this variety increased from 33.66 LMT (Sept-March 2021-22) to 42.12 LMT (Sept-March 2022-23) even after the imposition of a 20 per cent export duty. In the current FY 2023-24 (April-June), about 15.54 LMT of this variety of rice was exported against only 11.55 LMT during FY 2022-23 (April-June). GoI prohibits non-basmati white rice export Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industry, recently launched the sale of subsidised Chana Dal under the brand name ‘Bharat Dal’ at the rate of Rs 60 per kg for one kg pack and Rs 55 per kg for 30 kg pack. The retail outlets of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) in Delhi-NCR are selling the chana dal. ‘Bharat Dal’ will make pulses available at affordable prices by converting the chana stock of the government into chana dal. The milling and packaging of the Chana Dal are undertaken by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) for distribution through its retail outlets in Delhi-NCR and also through the outlets of NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar, and Safal. The chana dal, under this arrangement, is also made available to state governments for supplies under their welfare schemes, police and jails, and also for distribution through their Consumer Cooperative outlets. Centre lowers edible oil price Centre commences sale of subsidised chana dal NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

12 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FINANCE NEWS With the help of Equity 360, a prominent advisory firm, Kerala-based banana chips startup Beyond Snack announced raising $ 3.5 million from NAB Ventures Fund, a well-known venture capital firm. Beyond Snack, a pioneering startup in the healthy snack industry has been rapidly gaining recognition for its innovative range of nutritious and delicious snacks. Their dedication to providing consumers with healthier snacking options has struck a chord with health-conscious individuals, making them a compelling investment opportunity in the market. The infusion of $3.5 million from the NAB Ventures Fund will fuel Beyond Snack's growth and expansion initiatives. The capital injection will be utilised to scale up production capacities, strengthen distribution networks, and invest in research and development for new product lines. This funding round will enable Beyond Snack to capitalise on emerging opportunities, driving its mission to make healthy snacks accessible to consumers worldwide. The Coca-Cola Company has announced the closing of a new, $137.7 million venture capital fund focusing on sustainability investments. Greycroft, a seed-togrowth venture capital firm, will manage the Greycroft Coca-Cola System Sustainability Fund. The fund is the first of its kind for Greycroft, which invests in enterprise and consumer solutions across life cycles and industries. The Coca-Cola system’s carbon footprint is a major priority for the fund, so it will focus on five key areas with the most potential impact to start: Packaging, Heating and cooling, Facility decarbonisation, Distribution, and Supply chain. The fund will seek to invest in companies at the point of commercialization. For Greycroft, a seed-to-growth venture capital firm, partnering with the Coca-Cola system presents an attractive opportunity to help scale innovations alongside some of the top bottling operations in the world. Coca-Cola launches sustainabilityfocused venture capital fund Beyond Snack raises $3.5M from NAB Ventures Fund Nutrizoe eyes export markets Nutrizoe, a Mumbai-based women’s nourishment brand raised Rs 3 Cr in a Bridge round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be utilised for the expansion and enhancement of Nutrizoe’s Lactobite portfolio following the completion of clinical trials. The focus will be on further developing the product line to cater to a wider range of needs and preferences. Additionally, the company aims to export its products to international markets, expanding its reach beyond India including UAE. Funds will also be allocated towards research and development to create new product formulations that align with Nutrizoe’s mission of providing innovative and effective solutions in the health and wellness domain. Nutrizoe excels as a pioneering brand in the domains of pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation, introducing new and distinct categories. Industry data indicates that the global market for women’s nutrition is projected to reach a value of $43 billion by 2025. Mintel reports suggest that the Indian dietary supplement industry is estimated to reach Rs 10.19 billion by FY 2026. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

FINANCE NEWS 13 Hyderabad-headquartered Troo Good, a millet snacking brand, has unveiled its fifth manufacturing facility in the country at Durg in Chhattisgarh. This new facility is spread across 6000 sq. ft of floor area and supplements other allied facilities of the enterprise in the state. The new facility will help scale Troo Good's revenue of Rs 53 crore in FY 22-23 to meet the brand's revenue target of Rs 100 crore for FY 23-24. The brand's millet chikkis are now present in over 30,000 outlets that range from Kirana stores to modern trade across the country. The company has invested upwards of Rs 1 crore to set up the facility at Durg. Troo Good's manufacturing facilities are spread across three states, with one each located in Hyderabad, Telangana, and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh and three other facilities in Chhattisgarh's Awari, Bijapur, and now Durg. Located close to the enterprise's raw material sources, the factory at Durg will also help bring in monetary opportunities to the local economy, enabling Troo Good to leave a measurable economic impact. It has a production capacity of 7,20,000 millet-based snack bars a year and employs more women while engaging with women's self-help groups. Ahmedabad-based cloud kitchen startup, Terra Food Co (TFC) has raised $800000 in Pre-Series A Funding Round from ah! Ventures Angel Platform and Others. Other esteemed investors participating in the round include Zero to One Fund, Twin & Bull Fund, and several other international angel investors. Existing investors like Lets Venture, Faad Network, and The Chennai Angels also participated in this round, demonstrating their continued confidence in TFC's growth and potential. This Pre-Series A funding round will empower TFC to fuel its business expansion, increase its brand portfolio, invest in innovative food technology and product development, and expand its talented team. The company is now gearing up for its Series A funding, expected to be completed by the end of the financial year, further bolstering its growth trajectory. TFC operates as a multichannel food company, leveraging both online and offline platforms to cater to the rising aspirations and expendable income of consumers in Tier 2 cities. Its portfolio of brands, including Terra Gourmet, Sushito, Zeus Burger, Noodle Van, Aho Punjab, Pickup Meals, Jaani Maani Biryani, Papadum, and Hiit Meals, has been well-received in markets with limited gourmet cuisine options. TFC aims to establish itself as a pioneer in accessible and convenient gourmet dining through unique pickup and cloud kitchen models, redefining how Indians order and enjoy food online. Marico, one of the leading FMCG players, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a majority stake in Satiya Nutraceuticals. Co-founded by Rishubh Satiya and Akash Zaveri, Satiya Nutraceuticals owns "The Plant Fix- Plix", a digital-first, clean-label, plant-based nutrition brand with a strong presence in the rapidly growing health and wellness segments in India. Founded in 2018,' Plix' is committed to "Making Nutrition Fun". The brand aims to change how the world consumes plant-based superfoods by making it an enjoyable experience with its nonGMO, Vegan, Gluten-free, and Crueltyfree offerings, which use reusable & recyclable packaging. With an extensive product range spanning the Weight Management, Hair & Beauty, Sleep, and Lifestyle Nutrition categories, Plix has established itself as one of the leading players in the online plant-based nutrition segment. While Plix thrives on D2C and third-party eCommerce marketplaces, it plans to ramp up its offline presence over the next few years. Marico acquires majority stakes in Satiya Nutraceuticals Terra Food Co raises $800K Troo Good aims Rs 100 Cr from new facility NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

14 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS NEWS With the objective of providing a better culinary experience to prospective F&B business entrepreneurs and aspirants, Gurugrambased F&B consultancy firm, CYK Hospitalities recently launched an R&D kitchen in Udyog Vihar in Gurugram. The state-of-the-art R&D kitchen will enable both existing and prospective clients by offering a space where they can experiment, refine, and perfect their creations. The kitchen has five chefs who have expertise in all the hospitality segments and cuisines, including Indian, Continental, PAN Asian, Desserts, Bakery, and other global cuisines. Also, the kitchen has chefs specialising in FMCG products. The kitchen will also provide opportunities for budding culinary talent to explore and create out-of-the-box culinary delights. Focusing on high nutritional value, the kitchen will also be curating the millet-based innovative menu, which will also focus on multi-dimensional culinary cuisines. Some of the new innovations in the R&D kitchen include Rainbow Millet Salad, Kuttu Ragi Puri, Samak ki Kheer, and the like. The kitchen spreads over a total area of 600 square feet and is located on the rooftop for proper ventilation. Moreover, it is equipped with advanced technology focused on fulfilling essential requirements. CYK Hospitalities launches R&D Kitchen in Gurugram Chennai-based startup Kocoatrait has been awarded a Silver in the Asia Pacific competition of the International Chocolate Awards (ICA) held recently in Hong Kong. This makes Kocoatrait the only award-winning chocolate in the Asia Pacific to have sustainability at the core of its product offering. With this award/recognition consumers can be sure that sustainable chocolates can also win awards focussed on taste and flavour. The silver award-winning chocolate from Kocoatrait (Masala Chai) has been crafted from bean to bar by Poonam Chordia in Chennai using Indian cacao, non-refined sugar (muscovado), and real flavour ingredients. What makes this chocolate special is the delicate balance of flavours of all the spices used (Ginger, Cardamom & Black Pepper), in a well-balanced 64 per cent dark chocolate with low to medium acidity, controlled astringency, and limited bitterness matching the experience of Indian masala chai. Mumbai-based Ayurveda and holistic wellness startup, LYEF Wellness has achieved remarkable success within a short span since its launch in August 2022. In partnership with Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam, LYEF Wellness has experienced exponential sales growth, expanded market presence, and established key partnerships. The brand has witnessed 50% month-on-month growth. To fuel its growth, LYEF Wellness successfully raised $100,000 in seed funding, enabling the company to expand. This remarkable achievement underscores the strong demand for Ayurvedic products and LYEF Wellness; ability to meet health-conscious consumers’ evolving needs. Recognizing the immense potential of the global wellness market, LYEF Wellness has opened up its US operations, positioning itself to tap into the $450 billion industry. With the Ayurveda market in the US alone valued at $14.9 billion, LYEF Wellness is poised to make a significant impact and capture a share of this rapidly growing sector. LYEF Wellness expands market presence in Ayurveda industry Kocoatrait bags silver at International Chocolate Awards NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

STARTUPS NEWS 15 FarMart, India’s fastest-growing intelligent food supply network, is proud to announce the launch of its tech platform, Saudabook. In a bold step towards the modernisation of the country’s food sector, FarMart is opening its own ERP (FarMartOS) to all food processors and manufacturers in India. Saudabook is India’s first and only technology solution that caters specifically to the food processing and manufacturing sector. India’s food manufacturing sector has faced persistent challenges such as limited automation, complex supply chains, and distribution issues. With over 3 million food processing businesses, many of which are multigenerational family-owned enterprises, this sector contributes significantly to a $500 billion market. Despite the industry’s growth driven by rising domestic consumption and expanding export opportunities, there has been limited tech adoption and automation. FarMart’s Saudabook aims to transform this scenario by offering its easy-to-use platform, facilitating the digitization of the entire workflow for food processors. As an industry leader, FarMart has built data and commerce products to establish a direct farm-to-business supply chain of high-quality and verified agri-produce. It boasts a robust network of 3.2 million farmers, 250,000 villagelevel aggregators who sell produce on the platform, and 2000+ processors and large food businesses that purchase from the platform. With Saudabook these linkages between India’s food manufacturing industry and India’s farming communities become even stronger. FarMart launches tech solution for food processors Mumbai-based Ayurveda and holistic wellness startup, LYEF Wellness has achieved remarkable success within a short span since its launch in August 2022. In partnership with Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam, LYEF Wellness has experienced exponential sales growth, expanded market presence, and established key partnerships. The brand has witnessed 50% month-on-month growth. To fuel its growth, LYEF Wellness successfully raised $100,000 in seed funding, enabling the company to expand. This remarkable achievement underscores the strong demand for Ayurvedic products and LYEF Wellness; the ability to meet health-conscious consumers and evolving needs. Recognising the immense potential of the global wellness market, LYEF Wellness has opened up its US operations, positioning itself to tap into the $450 billion industry. With the Ayurveda market in the US alone valued at $14.9 billion, LYEF Wellness is poised to make a significant impact and capture a share of this rapidly growing sector. Bengaluru-based Akshayakalpa Organic, India’s first certified organic dairy company has expanded its market to 42 cities in the country to play a bigger role in the Indian dairy sector. Akshayakalpa ventures into new markets across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala with its all-new Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk pack. Akshayakalpa Organic’s expansion comes with the shift observed in consumer preferences and the increasing awareness and demand for organic dairy. The new UHT pack combines organic benefits and a promise to deliver nutritious milk to consumers. With UHT milk pack consumers can now enjoy the immense health benefits of organic milk without compromising on convenience. With innovations in the organic dairy market, Akshayakalpa is now focusing on foray into new markets and product categories. Akshayakalpa Organic expands presence in 42 Indian cities LYEF Wellness registers phenomenal growth in Ayurveda industry NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

16 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | April 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurated Godrej Agrovet's (GAVL) edible oil refinery at Chintalapudi, Eluru district. Set up at an estimated investment of Rs 100 crore and with a capacity of 400 tonnes per day, this is GAVL's first downstream project for valueadded products in oil and fats. The facility near the company's Crude Palm Oil Mills will help cater to captive needs originating from the company's oil palm work in the southern states along with demand from other crude palm oil players in the region. Godrej Agrovet is a Mumbai-headquartered food and agri-business conglomerate that has 45,000 hectares of oil palm plantation area in Andhra Pradesh, and this new plant will have an extraction capacity of 400 tonnes per day. With the focus to provide knowledge and access to contemporary technologies, in January this year, GAVL introduced a ground-breaking initiative called Samadhan, a one-stop solution centre that would provide a comprehensive package of knowledge, tools, services, and solutions to oil palm farmers. Godrej Agrovet sets up maiden downstream project in AP Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. has recently launched CeleHealth Kidz Immuno Plus Gummies in India. The immunity-supporting gummies are fortified by a scientifically formulated combination of ingredients such as Wellmune®, prebiotics, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Wellmune® is a form of clinically studied beta-glucan and a proven ingredient to help reduce sick days in children by enhancing their innate immunity. The gummies launch marks Dr. Reddy’s’ entry into the child nutrition space strengthening its position in the nutraceutical segment. Its nutrition portfolio includes products in adult nutrition, child nutrition, hospital and clinical nutrition, and general health and wellness. Dr. Reddy’s flagship nutraceutical offering is the nutrition product Celevida for the dietary management of diabetes. The nutrition team of Dr. Reddy’s studied consumer needs and developed a unique formulation with high science to help improve innate immunity or the first line of defence in a child’s body via scientifically designed gummies with Wellmune®. The product contains prebiotics to help support gut health and is a plant-based source of Vitamin D3. Alongside, it also has other essential vitamins and minerals, making it a scientifically-backed choice in immunity nutrition supplements for kids. PepsiCo India, a leading global consumer packaged goods company, reinforced its commitment towards sustainability and plastic circularity by introducing 100% rPET (recycled plastic) bottles in the carbonated beverage category with Pepsi Black. This launch is part of PepsiCo India’s mission to build a positive value chain through a circular, inclusive economy where packaging never becomes a waste. The Pepsi Black rPET bottles are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and are manufactured in India in partnership with Srichakra Polyplast (India) Private Limited with the bottling partner, Varun Beverages. Driven by its ‘Winning with pep+’ philosophy, the company recognizes the importance of taking comprehensive efforts to reduce, recycle and reinvent its packaging. PepsiCo India is dedicated to developing innovative solutions, reducing its carbon footprint, and embracing sustainable practices like reuse and refill, that will inspire consumers, aligning with its long-term commitments to protect the environment. PepsiCo India introduces new 100% rPET Pepsi Black bottles Dr. Reddy’s forays into child nutrition space NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

COMPANY NEWS 17 Myprotein, one of the leading online sports nutrition brands, announced the launch of three new products for its Indian consumers. Targeting the nutrition needs of the subcontinent, the new products sit under the Clear Whey, Pre-workout, and Keventers verticals, and will allow the fitness community in India to achieve their personal goals while enjoying a breadth of new flavours. Committed to the nutrition needs of the Indian consumer, the three new additions will enable fitness enthusiasts the ability to supplement their energy, nutrient & workout demands. Through the Pre-workout & Clear Whey product range, consumers will have the opportunity to revitalise their energy 30-60 minutes before a workout, and supplement/support the growth and maintenance of their muscle development respectively. Additionally, to ensure the taste profiles of each consumer are met, the low-sugar Clear Whey, which delivers 20 gms of protein per serving, will also be made available in flavours such as Pineapple, Blood Orange, Mango, Coconut, Cranberry Raspberry, & Peach tea. Similarly, The Keventers butterscotch flavour will also be launched and made available for Indian consumers. Myprotein launches three new products for fitness enthusiasts Seagram’s Blenders Pride Reserve Collection, an exquisite offering from the house of the iconic Blenders Pride, a brand of Indian whisky owned by Pernod Ricard has achieved a remarkable milestone of selling over 1 million cases in a year (July 2022 to June 2023). It is the 1st brand in its price segment at the top-end of the Indian whiskies category to sell over a million cases (becoming the 3rd largest brand in the category), with an impressive growth of 30 per cent (CAGR) in annual sales over the last three years. Today’s young consumers have become increasingly discerning in nature and seek more refined experiences, leading to rising premiumization in whiskies. Blenders Pride Reserve Collection is the hallmark of this premiumisation trend, as it continues to grow much faster than the ‘Indian Premium whisky’ category as well as other brands in its price segment, as indicated in the IWSR 2022 report. Contributing more than 11 per cent volume to Blenders Pride portfolio, it has become the destination Indian whisky brand for those seeking an elevated taste profile. This is a testament to discerning young consumers gravitating towards this delectable whisky and being willing to pay a higher price for its luxuriously indulgent taste. Tata Soulfull, one of India’s fastest-growing millet-based packaged foods brands from Tata Consumer Soulfull Pvt Ltd, announced its lead sponsor partnership with Reliance Retail for the upcoming Maha Millet Mela. Tata Soulfull is dedicated to bringing ‘Desh ke Millets’ like Ragi, Jowar & Bajra in modern formats to every Indian household through its wide range of products like Millet Muesli, Ragi Bites breakfast cereals, and Masala Oats+. Maha Millet Mela is a first-of-its-kind millet festival spread over the months of July and August in leading Reliance Retail stores across the country, dedicated to promoting the goodness of millets and bringing them to many more households across the country. This initiative aims to make millets mainstream and a part of every shopper’s basket at Reliance stores across India. The UN General Assembly resolution declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ in an attempt to increase public awareness of the health benefits of millets and their sustainability credentials. Known to be gluten-free and nutrition-dense as well as rich in iron, protein, dietary fibre, and calcium these grains are making a comeback to modern Indian kitchens. Tata and Reliance join hands to take Indian millet forward Blenders Pride annual whisky sales hits 1 Mn cases NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

18 COMPANY NEWS Oriflame India, a holistic beauty and wellbeing company, recently launched two new health supplements under its Wellosophy range – Iron Complex, developed especially for women, and Calcium fortified with Vitamin D and Magnesium. These everyday supplements provide an extra boost to support busy routines and help maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. The products are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gluten with no artificial colours or preservatives. The pricing is Rs 699 for Iron Complex and Rs 799 for Calcium health supplements respectively. Both supplements have been developed after extensive R&D by Oriflame’s Nutrition Council in Sweden. The products are eco-ethically screened and follow the highest European quality standards for maximum customer safety and efficacy. Wellosophy vegan Iron Complex has been introduced in India to tackle excessive iron deficiency, especially prevalent amongst women after the age of 40 and post-menopause. Wellosophy vegetarian Calcium fortified with Vitamin D and Magnesium is a facilitator for maximum bone density. Oriflame India launches Iron & Calcium health supplements New Delhi-based food and beverage company, Modi Naturals has launched a new product category of Junior Peanut Butter under its brand Oleev Kitchen. The product is specifically designed for children aged 4-12 years old and is fortified with GrowX formula containing essential vitamins and minerals making it the only peanut butter brand in the country which is exclusive for children. With the primary target audience being children and their parents -Oleev Kitchen entered into a strategic partnership with Chota Bheem - the very popular Indian cartoon character - to establish a stronger appeal among children. The GrowX formula in Oleev Kitchen Junior Peanut Butter contains vitamins - A, E, D, and minerals -iron and calcium. Vitamins A, and E, along with Iron strengthen the body’s immunity. Whereas calcium and vitamin D improve bone density and make muscles stronger. Oleev Kitchen Junior Peanut Butter is available in three variants - Crunchy, Creamy, and Choco Hazelnut. The Choco Hazelnut flavoured peanut butter has 75 per cent lower sugar levels than other chocolate spreads in the market, making it particularly healthy for children. The product is priced at Rs 249 for a jar of 350 gms and is currently available on Amazon and nearby grocery stores. Sunpure recently announced the expansion of its product portfolio with the launch of Sunpure Mustard Oil. The physically pressed oil is chemicalfree and processed at low temperatures to retain its natural nutritional and antioxidant properties. MK Agrotech, Sunpure’s Karnataka-based parent organisation, plans to set up an edible oil refinery in Mumbai to cater to its growing pan-India consumer base. The newly-launched Mustard Oil segment is expected to clock Rs 25 crore in revenues in FY 2023-24. Sunpure has the distinction of being India’s first chemical-free, processed, and physically refined oil, with government-patented technology. Recently, Sunpure also acquired Riso, a leading edible oil brand from Maharashtra, in a bid to further strengthen its presence in key markets. In FY 2022-23, Sunpure registered 15 per cent growth, while expanding its footprints across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, and Tamil Nadu. Sunpure forays into Mustard Oil segment Modi Naturals launches peanut butter for children NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

PEOPLE NEWS 19 Shamalbhai Patel, Chairman of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation and also serving as chairman of the Sabarkantha District Milk Producers Union was appointed unanimously as a board member of the newly formed national-level multi-state cooperative. The first Annual General Board meeting of National Cooperative Exports was conducted at GCMMF Zonal Office in Janakpuri, New Delhi. Earlier, in January 2023, The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a historic decision of setting up and promoting a nationallevel cooperative society to support exports of small cooperative societies under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. The new nationallevel multi-state cooperative is set up to provide thrust to export from the cooperative sector by acting as the umbrella organisation for managing various activities related to exports. NCEL will manage various activities related to the export of any products produced by any co-operatives / FPO etc. It will help in unlocking the demand and consumption potential of the export of various products in global markets. This society will also help cooperatives and ultimately their farmer members in getting benefits of the high price of their products through aggregation, branding, and marketing on a large scale. National Cooperative Exports onboards Shamalbhai Patel Coca-Cola India appoints Ajay Vijay Bathija as Southwest Asia VP Coca-Cola India announced the appointment of Ajay Vijay Bathija, as Vice President of Franchise Operations for Southwest Asia (SWA). Bathija’s extensive career journey with The Coca-Cola Company spans nearly 24 years and encompasses a distinct combination of marketing and franchise expertise. In 1999, Bathija embarked on his professional journey with the Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCBPL) Front Line Sales team. In 2005, he was the Region Manager for the Mekong Delta Region at SabCo Vietnam. He returned to India as Director of Marketing for Colas and spearheaded the ground-breaking "Share a Coke" campaign. He successfully introduced Coca-Cola Zero Sugar for the first time in the INSWA (India and Southwest Asia) markets. He was also instrumental in rejuvenating ThumsUp through integrated marketing campaigns. As the Country Manager for Bangladesh from 2018-2020, Ajay worked closely with the Bottling Partners to bring Bangladesh among the top 3 markets in Coca-Cola TM, within The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) globally. In 2020, he transitioned to Senior Director of Front Line Marketing and successfully launched the most celebrated musical franchise of the Company, 'Coke Studio' in Bangladesh. Arya.ag appoints new CTO Arya.ag, one of the largest profitable grain commerce platforms, continues to solidify its leadership team with the appointment of Jatinder Alagh as the new Chief Technology Officer. Arya.ag has been revolutionising the agriculture ecosystem through its digitally integrated model that offers over 650,000 farmers, 600 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and more than 10,000 other agri-stakeholders advisory solutions, farmgate-level storage, financing, and market linkages. It connects sellers and buyers of agriproducts across 21 states in India offering complete assurance on quantity, quality, and payments. The appointment of Jatinder Alagh as the chief technology officer comes at a crucial juncture in Arya.ag's journey to enhance user experience, optimise processes and drive innovation for leveraging advanced technologies, furthering the organisational aim to empower all stakeholders in the ecosystem. Alagh comes with over two decades of experience with expertise in product engineering, design thinking, architecture, and delivery of large-scale systems that process millions of transactions. He has knowledge of diverse business domains ranging from e-commerce, retail, travel, procurement, transportation, customer relationship management (CRM), back office applications, and chat applications, as per his LinkedIn profile. Prior to Flipkart, Alagh worked as director of engineering at American Express and as software development manager at Amazon India. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

20 COVER It's official, India has become the Diabetes Capital of the World. A June 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMRINDIAB) study reveals that India is home to 101 million diabetics. With the increase in diabetics, the demand and use of food products, beverages, and health supplements using nonsugar sweeteners (NSS) or sugar substitutes is equally flourishing in India and worldwide. However, the WHO's guidelines on the use of NSS is worrying the F&B sector and prompting the latter to counter it. Let's explore further. Demonising Synthetic Sugars NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

COVER 21 According to Fortune Business Insights, the global sugar substitutes market was valued at $7.50 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from $7.91 billion in 2022 to $12.86 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.20 per cent in the forecast period, 2022-2029. This growth is not only driven by the diabetic population but increased demand for health-enhancing products including low-calorie, sugar-free, and nutritious food products have also been some of the leading drivers for the sugar substitute market. Sugar alternatives are commonly used in beverages, ice creams, powdered drink mixes, sauces, jellies, puddings, candies, dairy products, and many other F&B products that consumers are obsessed with. In such a scenario, where many big F&B brands strongly rely on NSS, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has come up with a guideline on NSS that might shake the F&B industry, quite adversely. What does the guideline say? In May 2023, WHO released a new guideline on NSS, which recommends against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that the use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. Results of the review also suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults. "Replacing free sugars with NSS does not help with weight control in the long term. People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugars intake, such as consuming food with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit, or unsweetened food and beverages,” says Francesco Branca, WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety. "NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People should reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve their health." The recommendation applies to all except individuals with pre-existing diabetes and includes all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners that are not classified as sugars found in manufactured foods and beverages, or sold on their own to be added to foods and beverages by consumers. Common NSS include acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives. With the issuance of the said guidelines, there exists a state of confusion and a number of concerns among F&B players, in India and globally. End of Aspartame Era? Aspartame, an artificial NSS, is widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products such as yoghurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste, S. No. Low-Calorie Sweetener Brand Names† Sweetness as compared with sugar Acceptable Daily Intake* (maximum number of tabletop sweetener packets per day) 1 Aspartame Equal, NutraSweet, Sugar Twin 200 times sweeter than sugar 75** 2 Acesulfame-K Sunett, Sweet One 200 times sweeter than sugar 23 3 Saccharin Sweet’N Low, Sweet Twin, Necta Sweet 200-700 times sweeter than sugar 45 4 Sucralose Splenda 600 times sweeter than sugar 23 5 Neotame Newtame 7,000-13,000 times sweeter than sugar 23 6 Advantame No brand names 20,000 times sweeter than sugar 4,920 *An Acceptable Daily Intake is the maximum amount of a substance that can be consumed daily over the course of a person’s lifetime with no appreciable health risk, and is based on the highest intake that does not lead to observable adverse effects. Calculations are based on a 132 pound individual. **People with a rare hereditary disease known as phenylketonuria (PKU) have difficulty breaking down phenylalanine, a component of aspartame, and should limit their intake of phenylalanine from all sources, including aspartame. †The inclusion of brand-names on this list is for reference only and does not constitute an endorsement. The Nutrition Source does not endorse specific brands. US FDA approved Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) as food additives Source: www.hsph.harvard.edu NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

22 COVER “ NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People should reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve their health." Francesco Branca, Director for Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO “ Aspartame is one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply. FDA scientists do not have safety concerns when aspartame is used under the approved conditions.” Dr Robert M Califf, Commissioner, US FDA “ Prediabetes, Insulin resistance is striking sub-clinically across young adults today both in overweight and lean obese. It is evident that the key determinants are total empty calories and the quality of food in the diet.” Dr Jagmeet Madan, Principal, Professor, Director (Research and Consultancy), Sir Vithal Das Thackersey College of Home Science, SNDTWU, Mumbai, and National President, Indian Dietetic Association and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins. It has a huge market and is used by almost all the big and small players manufacturing these aforementioned F&B products. However, on July 14, 2023, the WHO’s cancer arm, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) deemed aspartame a 'possible carcinogen'. This declaration has been even more concerning for the F&B industry worldwide. Controversies associated with sugar substitutes and contradictory opinions about the same have affected consumers’ perceptions for ages. However, looking at the market, there are no signs of reduced use of Aspartame among F&B products. Moreover, the willingness of consumers toward switching to unsweetened drinks is significantly low hence F&B players are even more reluctant toward letting go of Aspartame. In 2016, PepsiCo removed the aspartame-based diet cola products from the market. However, as the sales dropped markedly, the company had to bring back aspartame in its Diet Pepsi. Aspartame is one of the least-expensive sugar alternatives to use, its combination with various beverages and powder mixes has always been popular among consumers. Not only diet sodas but sugar-free gums, diet teas, diet lemonade drink mix, sugar-free energy drinks, and thousands of products have aspartame on their labels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disagrees with IARC’s conclusion that these studies support classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans. FDA scientists reviewed the scientific information included in IARC’s review in 2021 when it was first made available and identified significant shortcomings in the studies on which IARC relied. Dr Robert M Califf, Commissioner of US FDA said, “We note that JECFA did not raise safety concerns for aspartame under the current levels of use and did not NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

COVER 23 “ Sweeteners can promote diet healthfulness by increasing the palatability of nutrient foods and beverages. NSS consumption may be a marker for other positive health behaviours and lifestyles. As far as the BMI is concerned, all the non-nutritional sweeteners are either weight neutral or sometimes help you to sustain lost weight.” Dr Mangesh Tiwaskar, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Shilpa Medical Research Centre, Mumbai “ There is a need for more data to understand the consumption of NSS and their effect on health. These studies need to have a well-defined study design, with larger sample size, more homogenous samples, and monitoring the overall diet.” Dr Pulkit Mathur, Professor and Head of the Department of Food and Nutrition and Food Technology at Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi “ The discussion among the experts in India clearly indicates that the status quo on sweeteners is to be maintained, and long-term studies in the country are necessary.” Tarun Arora, CEO, Zydus Wellness Limited change the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Aspartame is one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply. FDA scientists do not have safety concerns when aspartame is used under the approved conditions. The sweetener is approved in many countries. Regulatory and scientific authorities, such as Health Canada and the European Food Safety Authority have evaluated aspartame and also consider it safe at current permitted use levels. Some consumers may rely on products with aspartame and other sweeteners to help reduce their sugar consumption. We recognise that navigating different information from health organisations is challenging. We will continue to provide reliable, sciencebased information on aspartame and other sweeteners on the FDA’s website to help consumers make informed choices.” In this scenario where two big names in global organisations have mixed opinions, the issue is becoming even more complex for F&B players. The Indian counterview The WHO’s guidelines on NSS are challenging for most of the countries worldwide and India is not an exception. However, India is looking for the reasoning behind these guidelines. Various health and nutrition experts and F&B players from India are emphasising the crucial role that low/no-calorie sweeteners play in decreasing sugar and calorie consumption, assisting in weight management, and enabling product reformulation in accordance with public health recommendations. In short, the experts and stakeholders are challenging the WHO’s precept. While sharing her thoughts on the Diabetes scenario in India, Dr Jagmeet Madan, Principal, Professor, Director (Research and Consultancy), Sir Vithal Das Thackersey College of Home Science, SNDTWU, Mumbai, and National President, Indian Dietetic Association, said, “Prediabetes, Insulin resistance is striking sub-clinically across young adults today both in overweight and lean obese. It is evident that the key determinants are total empty calories and the quality of food in the diet. Priming the taste buds to get acquainted with less sweet tastes right from childhood is crucial. While following a healthy diet, these sugar swaps with sweeteners can be a stepping stone which can help in reducing the added sugar intake.” A lot of health experts, mainly Diabetologists have been positive toward the moderate use of NSS and their need in the F&B products. “Sweeteners can promote diet healthfulness by increasing the palatability of nutrient foods and beverages. NSS consumption may be a marker for other positive health behaviours and lifestyles. As far as the BMI is concerned, all the non-nutritional sweeteners are either weight neutral or sometimes help you to sustain lost weight. Evidence reveals that the use of NSS influences the microbial composition of the oral mucosa,” said Dr Mangesh Tiwaskar, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at Shilpa Medical Research Centre, Mumbai. He further added, "Numerous human studies and clinical reviews have unanimously concluded that lowcalorie sweeteners (LCS) have no impact on appetite, hunger, or the desire for sweetness. It is now wellestablished that LCS consumption does not affect the normal physiological mechanisms related to hunger and appetite, as affirmed by scientific research.” NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

24 COVER Source- Reuters.com Name of product Parent Company Aspartame mentioned in ingredient list Warning label for Phenylketonurics Diet Coke Coca-Cola (KO.N) Yes Yes Diet Fanta Coca-Cola Yes Yes Diet Sprite Coca-Cola Yes No Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry PepsiCo (PEP.O) Yes Yes Diet Mountain Dew PepsiCo Yes Yes Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi PepsiCo Yes No Diet Mug Root beer PepsiCo Yes Yes Halls sugar free drops Mondelez International (MDLZ.O) Yes Yes Mrs. Butterworth's sugar free syrup Conagra Brands (CAG.N) Yes No Snapple zero sugar tea and juice drinks Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP.O) Yes No Jell-O sugar free gelatin dessert mix Kraft Heinz (KHC.O) Yes Yes Mentos Pure Fresh Gum in fresh mint, spearmint, sweet mint flavors Perfetti Van Melle Yes Yes Equal zero calorie sweetener Whole Earth Brand (FREE.O) Yes Yes Trident sugar free peppermint gum Mondelez International Yes Yes Extra Spearmint sugarfree chewing gum Mars Yes Yes Sugar Twin 2 sweetener packets B&G Foods (BGS.N) Yes Yes Cary's sugar free low calorie syrup B&G Foods Yes Yes Food and beverage products that mention aspartame on their labels The alarming rise in type-II diabetes and the staggering number of individuals with pre-diabetes necessitates urgent action and awareness. There is a need to advocate for the use of non-nutritive sweeteners, approved by global regulatory bodies, to provide sweetness to foods without compromising the management of diabetes. Decoding the NSS The WHO guideline on NSS has a number of questions and gaps in the current evidence that should be addressed by future research were identified. There is no data available on the factors such as robust exposure assessment of NSS, more precise evaluations of NSS intake, patterns of NSS use, reverse causation, etc. Research and development efforts are also necessary in identifying potential differences in short-term and long-term responses to NSS based on sex, age, ethnicity, genotype, body weight status and risk for relevant NCDs, with sensitive methods to detect short-term changes, particularly in assessing insulin resistance. Dr Pulkit Mathur, professor and the head of the Department of Food and Nutrition and Food Technology at Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, emphasised, “There is a need for more data to understand the consumption of NSS and their effect on health. These studies need to have a well-defined study design, with a larger sample size, more homogenous samples, and monitoring the overall diet esp. mapping the total energy intake. The portion size intake is very crucial to manage the issues of overweight/ obesity today.” While adding to Dr Mathur’s thoughts, Tarun Arora, CEO, Zydus Wellness Limited said, “The WHO guidelines say substantive discussions and country-specific policy is required. The discussion among the experts in India clearly indicates that the status quo on sweeteners is to be maintained, and long-term studies in the country are necessary. Further research and data generation to manage risks effectively is the need of the hour in such circumstances.” Such expert views signal that policy decisions based on WHO’s recommendation may require substantive discussion in specific country contexts, linked for example, to the extent of consumption in different age groups. Hence, further studies might explain the NSS concerns in a constructive manner which will smoothen the policyframing procedure for NSS. Till then, NSS are expected to enjoy its presence in the F&B industry, without impacting the F&B stakeholders. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected] NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 25 T he ramp-up in productivity, efficient cleaning management, removal of poor quality products and avoidance of wastage as well as deployment of a foolproof supply chain can go a long way in revamping the food tech arena. Innovation is the key as cutting-edge technology can revolutionise the entire food processing system to ensure superior quality and enlarged traffic as intended. Going by the 2019 stats, the food tech market expanse in India was valued at Rs 289.36 billion and is expected to reach Rs 1,868.19 billion by 2025. The graph is further anticipated to witness a CAGR of approximately 25-30 per cent over the next five years. The pace at which AI can spread its wings in the Indian F&B industry is indeed a point to ponder over as AI adoption requires heavy investment. To foster creativity is one of AI’s most intriguing features. This may lead to experiments with unusual flavour combos, evaluation of ingredient characteristics and stirring up individualised meals catered across a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements by applying AI algorithms. This opens a window of AI Takes Front Seat in F&B Industry Robotic waiters, drone deliveries, machine chefs, cloud or ghost kitchens, the impact of artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the face of the F & B industry for business owners and customers alike worldwide. AI also eases industrial procedures, driving accuracy and efficiency. We can automate monotonous processes, reduce human errors and assure consistent quality in bulk output by deploying AI-navigated robotics and intelligent kitchen equipment, yet retaining top-notch standards of flavour and appearance at the same time. Food safety is another critical area where AI can play a major role. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

26 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE opportunities, enabling the industry participants to serve a diverse consumer fabric with an array of lipsmacking culinary delights. “The application of AI technology may substantially improve and streamline processes in busy bakeries, pastry kitchens and confectionery factories. By examining recipe data, ingredient measurements and production schedules, AI systems may optimise industrial processes. Robotic and AI-powered equipment can perform repetitive operations like batter mixing and pastry decorating, thereby increasing productivity and product quality. AI may also help with quality control by spotting irregularities in texture, colour or shape using sensor data and images, thus preventing waste and guaranteeing high-quality goods,” said Bakery Chef Gauri Verma, Founder, G’s Patisserie and Confect. On the other hand, Sanandan Sudhir, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of On2Cook, notifies that the world's fastest cooking device is disrupting the culinary industry. The Ahmedabad-based startup On2Cook is presently in partnership with food-tech brands like Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto Café and Rebel Foods, of which the first two are aggregators to multiple restaurants. Currently, On2Cook is integrated with an application that makes it an app-based cooking device. “An AI-based combination-cooking device is the best bet to match our swift modern lifestyle and urgencies since it does not complicate the process and need not require additional know-how in commercial and domestic kitchens. Besides, it helps save nearly 70 per cent of cooking time and above 50 per cent of energy normally consumed,” states Sudhir. According to Dhaval Udeshi, Co-Founder, Chrome Hospitality, “I believe, AI integration is an exciting approach in the industry. These advancements have the potential to transform the way we regulate our ventures and interact with the clientele. While AI is taking giant strides in various spheres, its application in the eatery business holds immense promise.” Food Deliveries & Services Food delivery players like Swiggy, Zomato and Uber Eats are already at an inflection point to embrace AI capabilities for quicker delivery of food, segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare, and serving ovenfresh hot entrée on the customers’ platter. Eatery heads and online food aggregators are understandably adopting AI to clock higher revenues and enhance customer relations. From virtual order placement to last-mile delivery, stock supervision to running smart kitchens and supplying tailor-made nutritious supplements, voice-activated technology to mechanised delivery, plus personalised marketing to incorporating eco-friendly solutions, hi-tech startups both on the global plane and closer home are unfurling a slew of AI-generated services to woo guests and expand their footfall at public grub hubs. But then the question also arises will ever AI-based robots and drones completely takeover humans to deliver food at restaurants, trains etc.? To this query, Puneet Sharma, Founder of Zoop, a leading nationwide online food aggregator, says, “We don’t foresee drones or robots coming in to deliver food on trains in the near future because of some valid reasons. First of all, railway stations are public places and are shared properties unlike our homes and offices, which are privately owned. Therefore, drones might interrupt free and comfortable passenger movement on railway platforms. The second point is the security issue. On security grounds, delivery boys are today mandatorily made to carry authorised ID cards issued as part of proper due diligence. But this again might not be possible with drones. So chances are slim for machines to substitute for men.” The same goes for food tech hubs and factory floors where it is not easy to replace manual labour with AI intervention or AI-propelled robots. While AI-driven robots and machines have the potential to rev up production and efficiency at food tech plants, they cannot totally replace the able work hands. AI, after all, cannot replace the artistry, creativity and the oh-so-important human touch that chefs and other culinary specialists bring to their job. Human ingenuity, craftsmanship and know-how are what enable us to develop, experiment with flavours, adjust to shifting consumer likes and dislikes, and produce exceptional dining experiences. “Human servers can create a warm, gentle and inviting atmosphere, interacting with patrons and attending to their individual needs, thereby creating an awesome dining experience that transcends the mere indulgence in cuisine,” notes Gauri. Food Safety Measures AI tools have immense potential to identify and mitigate foodborne pathogens, which in turn, could positively impact the methods of food production and consumers’ safety concerns. The common factor linking most food safety incidents and recalls across the industry today is people. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), consuming contaminated food induces an estimated 600 million people to fall ill every year, consequently causing 420,000 deaths. That’s why the topic of food safety culture is always so imperative. “If we consider the opportunities that AI can breed NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 27 by building and supporting a robust food safety management system, we can surely then dream of an exciting transformative future for the food industry. AI can provide innovative approaches to limit the likelihood of a food safety issue. It’s still in the early days but with the inclusion of image recognition, AI could definitely detect any possible signs of contamination, such as discolouration or mould via sensors at critical control points. This is an exciting area of innovation for the industry, where AI could analyse information comprising temperature, humidity or other environment-monitoring conditions to identify any visual variances to indicate the presence of a pathogen,” enlightens Neil Coole, Director of food and retail supply chains at British Standards Institution (BSI). The organised body of late introduced a global guidance, termed PAS 320. It is a food safety culture that prioritises people and supports collaboration in manufacturing facilities, food service businesses, restaurants or in retail stores. Some commonly adulterated foods are olive oil, honey, spices, milk, wine, coffee and fruit juices (apple, orange, etc). The significant question that crops up here is how AI can detect defects in food items that result in recall. Similar to food fraud and food safety, knowing which food products (leafy greens, cheeses and dairy products, ground beef, processed meats and some fruits, such as melons and peaches, are usually complained to be withdrawn from the market) are at high risks of a recall beforehand makes way for a golden chance to use AI in the prevention of food recalls. This could only happen through improvements in the existing food safety and quality control measures and systems. “AI has the capability to use a humongous and complex variety of data to learn from with innovative solutions, such as sensors at critical control points. It could also be used someday to flag up anomalies in real-time, giving food manufacturers the advantage to proactively hinder unsafe products from entering into the supply chain minus the complicated, timeconsuming and high-risk process of conducting a food recall,” shares Coole. Cushion to Supply-Chain Hazards Perishable food items like vegetables, fruits, spices, grains, dairy foods, meat and poultry, plus pharmaceuticals with a shorter shelf life form a part of the cold chain system for storage and quality preservation. It is difficult to transmit these delicate goods through the supply chain to reach customers before they start rotting and getting spoiled. In emergency situations like wars (food transportation was disrupted during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war), natural calamities and pandemic lockdowns, the food supply chain takes a beating to the extent of depriving the indigent people of their staple food grains. Generative AI can take care of this. AI in supply chains will be able to foresee demand, fathom when trucks require servicing and look for seamless shipping routes. Thus, AI looks promising to erase all human touchpoints in the supply chain including backoffice tasks. Key Indicators of Customer Choices AI is effective in 'knowing' customers’ taste buds and understanding their preferences. A host of machine-learning modules and algorithms is used in estimating customer choices and improving their dining experience. “This is achievable by analysing past consumer behaviour, their preferences and feedback. Some commonly used technologies to this end are recommendation systems, predictive analytics, reinforcement learning, natural language processing and so on,” declares Udeshi. Global player Coca-Cola also aggressively embraces AI amalgamation to analyse consumer behaviour and responses towards its products in terms of quality and taste. It also integrated AI into its marketing campaigns via ad commercials. The recent art museum ad is proof of this. Earlier too, this drink industry giant had applied AI technology to its vending machines. It developed AI algorithms that promote popular soft, cold drinks and beverages, plus make suggestions to users based on the location of the machine. AI tools play a pivotal role in boosting the customer experience in food delivery too, Sharma agrees. “In the competitive landscape, companies worldwide are leveraging technology to capture customer attention and explore novel approaches like certain X factors to stand out of the crowd. AI-led enhancements are being implemented across various variables, including customer support, service interaction, returns management, issue troubleshooting, website optimisation, messaging and custom-made offerings. Comprehensive AI enforcement galvanises companies to deliver excellent customer experiences and remain ahead of the curve,” he observes. It is vital that organisations, individuals and society repose adequate trust in the manner of installing AI arms to achieve the coveted success. Confidence and faith will allow the food sector to make the most of the opportunities engendered by hi-tech breakthroughs to shape our future and accelerate progress on pressing issues. Pramita Bose NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Dr Amit Deshpande, Founder, Agnivesh Health Care “In our efforts to innovate in the Ayurveda and Nutraceutical segments, technology has played a pivotal role” How are you exploring the Vitamins and Dietary supplements market in India? With the rising awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and nutritional supplementation, the market for nutraceutical products has witnessed a surge. As a company operating in this dynamic industry, Activist has been actively exploring and tapping into the potential of the Indian market. We have developed a wide range of high-quality vitamins and dietary supplements to meet the diverse needs of consumers. By conducting in-depth market research and staying updated with the latest health trends, we aim to provide innovative and effective products that cater to the evolving demands of our customers. How did the company fare in FY 2022 and what’s the projection for FY 2023? In the fiscal year 2022, our company achieved a commendable Indian revenue of Rs 5.5 crore. This success has been the result of our commitment to producing premium-grade supplements that align with the health needs of our target audience. Looking ahead The market for Vitamins and Dietary supplements in India has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2022, the Vitamin & Supplement Manufacturing industry recorded a robust revenue of $39.4 billion, highlighting the increasing demand for such products among consumers. People have become more health-conscious and are seeking ways to boost their immunity and overall well-being. A wide array of brands have emerged in a short span of time in this segment, Aurangabad-based Activist Health Care, a subsidiary of Agnivesh Health Care is one of them. Dr Amit Deshpande, Founder of Activist and Agnivesh Health Care Pvt Ltd interacted with nuFFooDS Spectrum and spoke at length about the company’s recent advancements and future plans. Edited excerpts: to FY 2023, we have ambitious plans for expansion and product diversification, which we expect to contribute to a substantial increase in revenue. With our strategic approach to marketing, distribution, and product development, we are optimistic about reaching a revenue milestone of Rs 10 crore in FY 2023. What are the challenges in the Indian Vitamins and Dietary supplement market? The market in India, although lucrative, does come with its share of challenges. One of the key hurdles we face is gaining the trust of our customers. With a plethora of supplement options available in the market, consumers are becoming increasingly cautious about the authenticity and effectiveness of the products they choose. As a responsible and customer-centric company, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality in our supplements and providing transparent information about our ingredients and manufacturing processes. By educating consumers about the benefits and science behind our products, we aim to build a strong and reliable reputation in the market. 28 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

What are the recent developments in the company and how technology contributes to the innovations in Ayurveda and nutraceuticals? In line with our commitment to innovation, we have recently introduced a range of ayurvedic supplements. These supplements incorporate time-tested herbal ingredients and formulations to enhance their effectiveness and health benefits. Additionally, we are on the verge of launching external application products, such as creams and face wash, which harness the power of natural ingredients to promote skin and hair health. Technology has played a pivotal role in our efforts to innovate in the Ayurveda and nutraceutical segments. Through extensive research and development, we have leveraged technological advancements to create unique formulations, such as liquid-filled capsules like a capsule in a capsule and tablet in a capsule. These novel delivery systems have improved the absorption and bioavailability of our supplements, maximising their potential to benefit the health of our consumers. What are the key challenges in managing the supply chain of herbal ingredients? Managing the supply chain of herbal ingredients is a critical aspect of our operations. The sourcing of authentic and high-quality herbal ingredients is of utmost importance to ensure the potency and efficacy of our supplements. However, it is not always easy to procure these herbal ingredients, as their availability can be limited. Moreover, the identification and verification of herbal ingredients require specialised lab facilities, which are not always readily accessible. Despite these challenges, we have established strong partnerships with trusted suppliers and herbal experts, allowing us to source the finest herbal ingredients and rigorously test their authenticity and quality. Which category of supplements is the most promising and valuable to the revenue stream? Our company takes pride in catering to a wide range of health conditions through our diverse portfolio of supplements. From general health and well-being to specific dietary needs and lifestyle requirements, our products address various health concerns. Among the category of supplements we offer, Protein supplements have emerged as the most promising in terms of demand and contribution to revenue. These supplements, which constitute 60 per cent of our total sales, cater to fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and healthconscious individuals seeking to meet their protein intake requirements for muscle building, recovery, and overall health support. The remaining 40 per cent of our revenue comes from a variety of other supplement categories, including vitamins, minerals, and specialised formulations. What are the future plans of the company in terms of new product development, manufacturing facilities and business expansion? Looking ahead to the future, our company has an exciting roadmap that includes new product development, expanding manufacturing facilities, and business expansion into related sectors. As mentioned earlier, our recent introduction of ayurvedic supplements and upcoming external application products mark just the beginning of our commitment to diversify and strengthen our product portfolio. In terms of new product development, we are constantly exploring emerging health trends, consumer needs, and scientific research to identify gaps in the market that our supplements can address. To support our growth and ensure the highest quality standards, we are also planning to expand our manufacturing facilities. This expansion will enable us to scale up our production capacity and meet the increasing demand for our supplements, both domestically and internationally. We are committed to maintaining the utmost quality in our manufacturing processes, adhering to global standards, and obtaining necessary certifications to reassure our consumers of our dedication to excellence. Additionally, we see tremendous potential in the cosmetic line, which aligns with our focus on wellness and holistic health. By leveraging our expertise in herbal formulations and natural ingredients, we plan to venture into the cosmetic industry with products that promote healthy skin and hair. Our vision is to offer consumers a comprehensive range of wellness solutions, encompassing both internal and external health needs. In conclusion, as a leading player in the Vitamins and Dietary supplement market in India, we are committed to delivering high-quality products that enhance the health and well-being of our customers. By addressing the challenges of gaining consumer trust and leveraging technology-driven innovations, we continue to solidify our position in the market. With a strong emphasis on research and development, we remain at the forefront of the industry, introducing groundbreaking products that cater to diverse health conditions. Looking ahead, our future plans include expanding our product range, manufacturing facilities, and business reach, reinforcing our commitment to enriching lives through optimal health and wellness solutions. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected] NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 29

Akshay Modi, Joint Managing Director, Modi Naturals “The organisation is transforming into a multi-brand FMCG company in the F & B space” The edible oil market in India is estimated to display revenue and volume growth at a CAGR of 16.80 per cent and 3.92 per cent, respectively. Shifting dietary preferences and increased penetration of processed goods have been some of the main driving forces for this growth. Customers are inclined towards premium edible oils as they become more health conscious. Additionally, the demand for value-added edible oils like rice bran oil, canola oil, and olive oil has soared. New Delhi-based Modi Naturals Ltd, one of the leading players of the edible oil industry in India has been actively exploring this market. Modi Natural’s Oleev is among the top two brands in the olive pomace oil category and is the third-largest super premium edible oil brand in India. The brand is the only one in India to offer a multi-source oil variant with the goodness of olive oil while being the largest importer of olive oil, which makes Modi Naturals stand out from its competitors. nuFFOODS Spectrum interacted with Akshay Modi, Jt. Managing Director, Modi Naturals Ltd, to find out more about the edible oil business and the company’s future plans in terms of FMCG business. Edited excerpts: What is the current status of the pomace oil market in India? Olive Pomace oil has been a growing category in India in the last decade. Among all the various grades of olive oil in India, olive pomace oil is the largest-selling olive oil, with almost 60% share among the various forms such as extra-virgin, extra-light, etc. What do you think are the roadblocks in this category? Consumer awareness about the various grades of olive oil is the biggest category roadblock. The lack of 30 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

clarity among the different kinds of olive oil and their proper usage. Olive pomace oil - derived from the pulp of olives, with its high-smoke point, is suitable for all types of cooking, especially deep-frying, and all Indian cooking. Whereas extra-light is suitable for sauteing and shallow-frying and extra-virgin is particularly used for garnishing and dressing. This half information or misinformation about various grades of olive oil and their usage has led to a lot of myths and wrong info doing rounds where people consider olive pomace oil not suitable for Indian cooking. However, the truth is that olive pomace oil contains 80 per cent monounsaturated fat which can potentially lower cholesterol levels. It is also rich in antioxidants that promote heart health and prevents many lifestyle diseases making it a healthy alternative to many regular edible oils. Olive pomace oil has a fairly neutral taste. It will not change the flavour of the dish just like other neutral-flavoured oils, making it perfect for everyday Indian cooking. How does Modi Natural ensure the quality and authenticity of its olive pomace oil? Modi Naturals has been the oil manufacturer for the last 45+ years, with an in-house lab and R&D centre. Olive pomace oil by Modi Naturals Ltd. is made from the finest olive oils sourced from Spain, Italy, and other Mediterranean countries, which ensures the absolute authenticity of the product. While the sourcing is done from the Mediterranean region, the refining, fortification, and packaging take place in Modi Naturals’ own facility. In-house refining & packaging ensures the utmost quality control for olive pomace oil. Since, Modi Naturals has the refining and packaging facility of olive oil in India, the product that reaches the shelf of the retailer or the consumers is much more freshly packed as compared to other imported olive oil brands. Additionally, Modi Naturals Ltd. is an ISO & HACCP certified company, ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance. How is the company transforming into a multi-brand FMCG company? Modi Naturals Ltd is a homegrown FMCG company, which has a strong presence in the edible oil space. Our Flagship brand ‘Oleev’ comprises multisource edible oil (Oleev Active) and pure range olive oil products like Pomace olive oil, Extra light olive oil, and Extra virgin olive oil. However, in the last few years, the organisation is transforming into a multi-brand FMCG company in the F & B space. In 2018, The company forayed into the packaged food business and has brands like PIPO (Instant Popcorn, Roasted Peanuts), Oleev Kitchen (Peanut Butter, Pasta), Olivana Wellness (Multipurpose Pure Olive Oil), and JYNX (Iced Tea, Mojito). What was the FY 2022 revenue of the company? Modi Naturals is a publicly listed company. The company’s turnover in the fiscal year of 2022-23 was Rs 419 crore. How does Modi Naturals incorporate olive pomace oil into their product portfolio and what offerings do they have in the wellness and food segments using this ingredient? Olive Pomace Oil is part of our pure olive oil portfolio (other than Extra Virgin olive oil and Extra Light Olive Oil). It is our highest-selling pure olive oil SKU and the second-best cooking oil in our portfolio. Other than edible oil, Modi Naturals also operates in other product categories like pasta, peanut butter, popcorn, roasted peanuts, drink mixes, etc through brands like Olive-Kitchen, PIPO, and JYNX. What recent research and development initiatives have Modi Naturals undertaken to enhance the utilisation and benefits of olive pomace oil in their product offerings? Olive Pomace oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins E & K which makes it one of the best cooking oils. Oleev’s olive Pomace oil was the first Olive Pomace oil fortified with Vitamin A, D. Processed with an extremely high-quality refining technique, high-smoke point, and antioxidants make it suitable and stable while frying. Oleev Pomace Oil has a neutral flavour and is the perfect choice for all types of cooking. What is the international market presence of Modi Naturals with regard to olive pomace oil? We are expanding our international presence. Right now, we are present in Nepal and Bhutan and have plans to expand into a few more South-Asian countries. Are there any plans to expand the product line or introduce new variants within the Modi Natural category of edible oil, healthy foods, snacks, etc? Yes, we are expanding our product portfolio under our brands Oleev Kitchen, PIPO, and JYNX. Under Oleev Kitchen we would be launching multigrain pasta, a firstof-its-kind pasta made with the goodness of 4 grains. We are also expanding our portfolio with the launch of spaghetti pasta. PIPO and JYNX also see have plans to launch new products in the snacks and instant drink mix categories respectively. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected] NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 31

What is the status of Contract Research and Manufacturing (CRAMS) in the Nutrition wellness and Ayurvedic product space in India? The contract research and manufacturing (CRAMS) market in the nutrition wellness and Ayurvedic product space in India is growing rapidly. This is due to the increasing demand for these products from both domestic and international markets. The growth of this market is being driven by several factors, including: With a growing emphasis on leading healthier lifestyles, consumers are increasingly seeking nutrition and wellness products to enhance their well-being. This trend has driven the demand for supplements, organic foods, and functional beverages that offer various health benefits. Ayurvedic products, based on traditional Indian medicine principles, have gained significant traction worldwide due to their perceived natural and holistic approach to health. Consumers are gravitating towards Ayurvedic remedies, including herbal supplements, skincare, and wellness treatments, to address various health concerns. As economies grow and standards of living improve, consumers have more disposable income at their disposal. This increased spending power allows them to invest in premium nutrition and wellness products, making healthier choices and fueling the expansion of the wellness industry The government's backing and incentives to the Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS) industry have encouraged pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to outsource their research and manufacturing processes. This support fosters innovation, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency in the pharmaceutical sector, boosting overall growth in the industry. The future of the CRAMS market in India looks bright. The growing demand for nutrition wellness and Ayurvedic products is expected to drive the growth of this market in the coming years. What are the recent developments in the company’s CRAMS in the Nutrition wellness and Ayurvedic product space? Here are some of the most notable recent developments in the Nutrition wellness and Ayurvedic product space of Zeon Lifesciences- The company has expanded its presence to 13+ countries in the FY 2023-24. This is a key strategic move for the company, as the global market for Suresh Garg, CMD and Founder, Zeon Life Sciences “Future of CRAMS market of nutrition, wellness and Ayurveda looks bright in India” Globally, the Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS) market has been proliferating. According to the reports, the global CRAMS market grew from $120.23 billion in 2022 to $129.97 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 8.1 per cent. A lot of Pharma players make a huge part of these CRAMS, and various companies in the nutrition and ayurvedic product space are also contributing to this market. Zeon Lifesciences, India’s one of the leading CRAMS organisations in the Nutrition and Ayurveda space is one such player. Shedding light on the company's future plans and the current status of the company’s CRAMS, Suresh Garg, CMD and Founder of Zeon Life Sciences, shares his insights in an exclusive interview with nuFFooDS Spectrum. Edited excerpts: 32 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

nutraceuticals and Ayurvedic products is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Considering the diverse requirements in the market, we have launched several new products, including sublingual sprays, Liquid filled capsules, and pet nutrition. In response to the growing need for probiotics, we have recently ventured into manufacturing using intelicaps technology to overcome the probiotic viability challenge, ensuring that they address the current market demands effectively . What are your views on ‘Made in India’ developments in Ayurveda and nutraceuticals? India has a long and rich history of traditional medicine, and there is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the efficacy of many Ayurvedic and nutraceutical products. Made in India developments in Ayurveda and nutraceuticals are very promising. By combining traditional knowledge with modern science, Indian companies are developing innovative products that can help people to live healthier lives. There are several Indian companies that are developing and marketing herbal supplements based on traditional Ayurvedic principles. These supplements are used to treat a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and heart disease. Indian companies are also developing functional foods that are enriched with natural ingredients that have health benefits. These foods are designed to improve gut health, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. India's remarkable progress in Ayurveda and nutraceuticals positions it as an important global hub for traditional and natural healthcare solutions. As the scientific community continues to explore and validate the efficacy of these products, "Made in India" developments are expected to contribute significantly to the well-being of people worldwide What are the key supply chain challenges faced by the company in terms of nutraceutical and ayurvedic ingredients? Considering the nature of the market, Zeon Lifesciences Ltd faces a number of key supply chain challenges in terms of nutraceutical and Ayurvedic ingredients. These challenges include volatile raw material prices, limited availability of quality ingredients, complex regulatory requirements, and long lead times. However, we are addressing these challenges by working with suppliers, developing new sources of ingredients, investing in research and development, and improving its supply chain management. The supply chain challenges faced are significant, but the company is taking steps to mitigate these challenges and ensure that it can continue to grow its business. What was the revenue of the company in FY 2022 and what do you expect in FY 2023? Which product category in Nutraceuticals and Ayurveda space contributes the most to the annual revenue? During the last five years, Zeon has exhibited an increasing trend with a CAGR of 27.88 per cent and improved profitability at all levels indicated by Gross Profit, Operating Profit, and Net Profit improved to 24.68 per cent, 17.80 per cent, and 13.22 per cent respectively. The company's impressive growth was evident as its revenue went up by a large amount, setting us up for even more success in FY 2023. Among various products, Zeon is a pioneer in protein powders and it contributes a significant part to the company’s revenue. What is the status of the company's global business? How much does international business contribute to the total annual revenue of the company? Zeon Lifesciences Ltd. has successfully expanded its reach across the globe, operating in more than 13 countries, including Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, USA, Sudan, UAE, Kenya, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and Yemen and is in the process of getting through in seven more countries. With a strong commitment to becoming a prominent player in the global natural health market, we are confident to have strong footage in international business and a significant contribution to the overall annual revenue in FY 2024. The company's focus on emerging markets is paying off, as these markets are seeing a growing demand for natural health products. What are the future plans of the company in terms of product development and expansion? The company has ambitious plans for product development and expansion in the coming years. To ensure the highest quality of products, we have built associations with more than 500 suppliers for raw materials and packaging materials. This allows us to maintain a diverse and reliable supply chain. At Zeon, we have an ambitious expansion plan laid ahead. It includes diversifying its product portfolio and venturing into new markets, paving the way for exponential revenue growth in the upcoming fiscal year. The company remains committed to its vision of continued progress and prosperity, driven by innovation and strategic decision-making. As a company aiming for good innovation, we are also investing in research and development to develop new products that meet the needs of consumers in emerging markets as well as address new health challenges. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SPEAKING WITH 33

Any manufacturer interested in developing a health foods business in China must know the Chinese market and regulations. This article provides a comprehensive insight into the management and registration of health foods in China. Food and dietary supplements, such as beverages, candy, vitamins and minerals, sports nutrition, nutrition supplement beverage, probiotics and prebiotics product, and health functional claim product, are very popular worldwide. According to the “Food Safety Law of P.R.C,” Yu Jing, Manager, Regulatory Affairs and Manager, Freyr Solutions Meher Bhattiprolu, Manager, Global Regulatory Services, Food Products, Freyr Solutions Overview of Health Foods Regulation in China In China, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is responsible for health food registration and notification of first-time imported health food that belongs to the vitamin and mineral supplement category. Provincial departments for market regulation are working with the SAMR to perform on-site audits of health foods applying for registration. In contrast, municipalitylevel and county-level departments supervise market regulation and manage health foods that have achieved registration and notification status within their administrative region. 34 HEALTH FOODS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

the food is classified into general food and special food depending on the product format, ingredients and dosage, target population, and product claim. There are thirty-two (32) categories, including twenty-nine (29) categories of general food and three (03) categories of special food. Although there was no category for dietary supplements under China’s food framework, they could be categorised as general foods (especially special dietary food). Especially when there is no claim function, no special target population, no special format, and use of general food ingredients. Also, dietary supplements could be categorised as health foods for the target population, special format, function claim, functional/ special ingredients, and dosage. Definition of Health Foods Health food is defined as food with specified health functions suitable for the specified group(s) of people, which helps regulate the functional state of the human body and is not used for treating any disease. They include vitamin and mineral supplements that may not be used for disease treatment. Classification of Health Foods Health foods in China are divided into the following two (02) categories: Functional Health Food: Health Foods with specific health functions (27 approved health claims), such as immunity development and memory improvement, must be registered with the SAMR before importing to China. Besides, raw materials present in the health food that are beyond the scope of the permitted raw material catalog must be registered as well. Nutritional Supplement: Health Foods that supplement vitamins or minerals must be filed with the SAMR. Besides, raw materials present in the health food that are beyond the scope of the permitted raw material catalog must be filed Approved Health Claims for Functional Foods Enhancing Immune Systems Eliminating Skin Pigmentation Assisting Blood Pressure Reduction Sleep Improvement Improving Skin Ability to Retain Moisture Facilitating Milk Secretion Alleviating Physical Fatigue Improving Skin Oil Content Function Assisting Weigh Control Enhancing Anoxia Endurance Assisting Blood Lipids Reduction Improving Child Growth Irradiation Hazard Protection Function Assisting Blood Sugar Reduction Improving Nutritional Anaemia Increasing Bone Density Anti-oxidative Function Regulating Gastrointestinal Flora Assisting Liver Protection Against Injury Assisting Memory Improvement Facilitating Digestion (Regularity) Alleviating Eye Fatigue Alleviating Lead Excretion Facilitating Bowel Movement Eliminating Acne Improving Throat Function Protection of Gastric Mucosa as well. Any manufacturer who wishes to sell health food products in the Chinese market must either apply for health food registration or filing/notification. The application dossiers must be submitted to the competent Chinese authority (SAMR) for review. Companies manufacturing/importing the products mentioned below must be filed with the SAMR Health food containing raw materials listed in the Health Food Raw Material List Mineral and vitamin supplements are imported for the first time. In this case, the nutrients must be listed in the Health Food Raw Material List. Companies manufacturing/importing health products other than those mentioned above must be registered with the SAMR. Qualification of the Health Food Registration/ Notification Applicant The applicant for the registration/notification of imported health food shall be an overseas manufacturer of health food, which refers to legal persons or other organisations whose products meet the listing requirements of the country (region) where they are located. Health Food Labels and Specifications Health food labels and specifications should not involve any statement related to disease prevention and treatment. The phrase - “This product cannot replace a drug” – must be provided on the label. Health food names must not contain the following: Words that express/imply prevention or treatment of diseases False, exaggerated, or absolute words Vulgar or superstitious words Words that describe human tissues and organs NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in HEALTH FOODS 35

Current Laws and Regulations Mainly Related to Food and Dietary Supplements Laws Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China Product Quality Law Advertisement Law Laws on Import and Export Commodity Inspection Administrative Regulations Regulations on the Implementation of Food Safety Law Administrative Measures on Safety of Import and Export Food of the People’s Republic of China (N0.249 of 2021) Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Registration Administration of Overseas Production Enterprises of Imported Foods (N0.248 of 2021) Administrative Measures for Registration and Notification of Health Food Health Food Labeling Management Regulations (1996 Edition) (current under modification) Administrative Measures on Health Food Raw Material Directory and Health Function Directory (SAMR 2019 Order No. 13) Announcements Health Food Naming Guidelines (2019 Edition) Announcement of the General Administration on Regulating the Labeling of Health Food Function Claims (No. 23 of 2018) Guidelines for Labeling Warning Words for Health Foods (Announcement No 29, 2019) Announcement of the General Administration on Regulating the Labeling of Health Food Function Claims (No. 23 of 2018) Technical Guidelines for the Inspection and Evaluation of Physical, Chemical, and Health Indicators of Health Foods (2020 Edition) Technical Guidelines for Toxicological Testing and Evaluation of Safety of Health Foods and their Raw Materials (2020 Edition) Catalogue of Health Food Notification Raw Materials (2020 Edition Health Food Notification Auxiliary Materials and Usage List (2021 Edition) Technical Standards GB 16740-2014 National Food Safety Standard Health Food GB 22570-2014 National Food Safety Standard Complementary Food Supplement GB 24154-2015 National Food Safety Standard for Food Safety General Rules for Sports Nutrition Food GB 31601-2015 National Food Safety Standard Nutritional Supplements for Pregnant and Lactating Women GB 7101-2015 National Food Safety Standard Drinks GB 15266-2009 Sports Beverage GB 7718-2011 National Food Safety Standard General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (currently under modification) GB 28050 -2011 National Food Safety Standard for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods GB 13432-2013 National Food Safety Standard Labeling of Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses GB 14880-2012 National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Nutritional Fortification Substances in Foods Symbols except for quotation marks (“) Other misleading words In a nutshell, the focus on health and an active lifestyle is on the rise in China, providing numerous opportunities for health food manufacturers. However, the market is fast-moving and complex, with an everchanging landscape of consumer preferences and channels. By 2050, it is expected that almost 30 per cent of China’s population will be 60 years and older, resulting in the increased consumption of health food products. Therefore, companies willing to expand their footprint in China must understand the implications to align with the health authority regulations to meet the consumer demand and succeed in the market. 36 HEALTH FOODS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

T he brain is a complex organ that neuroscientists are still attempting to understand. This is unique because of its high metabolism and high turnover of nutrients, and this makes it a high-maintenance organ in terms of optimal nutrient intake. Moreover, the brain is highly prone to oxidative stress owing to high fatty acid content (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contributes to 10 per cent of total dry brain weight), high oxygen consumption and redox signalling (about 20 per cent basal oxygen for ATP production), low antioxidant content with higher neurotransmitter autooxidation. Due to the multifactorial nature, the role of nutrition and nutritional products in cognitive neuroscience is complex. In addition, a myriad of nutrient-specific transport systems and physiological mechanisms add more complexities in the nutrient-gut-brain interaction. As people live longer, dysfunction of the brain is becoming a predominant issue for the healthcare system. Cognitive decline, particularly in elderly people, Dilip Ghosh, PhD, FACN Nutriconnect, Sydney, Australia Combatting Age-related Cognitive Decline Senior citizens old people with higher Cyclic glycine-proline (cGP) in circulation show better cognitive retention. When the body’s self-made response becomes insufficient people can develop mild cognitive impairment and the decline of cGP is associated with vascular diseases, like hypertension, stroke and dementia. These observations are supported by experimental tests, in which cGP administration improves cognitive function, reduces blood pressure and improves stroke recovery. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in BRAIN HEALTH 37

often derives from the interaction between age-related changes and age-related diseases, and covers a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from intact cognition through mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Age-related changes in cognitive function vary considerably across individuals and lifecycle stages, with some cognitive functions appearing to be more susceptible than others to the effects of ageing. The brain undergoes tremendous age-associated structural and functional changes. Like age-related changes in brain structure and function, age-related changes in cognition are not uniform across all cognitive domains, or across all older individuals. The basic cognitive functions most affected by age are attention and memory. Older adults show significant impairments in attention tasks, particularly on multitasking platforms. General knowledge, vocabulary and verbal ability do not significantly decline throughout the lifecycle. Vascular health is critical for maintaining normal cognition in humans. Poor cerebral vascular function contributes to age-related cognitive impairment. Vascular degeneration has been reported in the brain regions of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative cases. The decline of Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) with age contributes to vascular degeneration and cognitive impairment associated with neurodegeneration. Cyclic glycine-proline (cGP) Cyclic glycine-proline (cGP) is a cyclic form of dipeptide that is found in foods and also in several matrices of foods including various plants, fungi, marine and animal products. Research shows that cGP is endogenous to the human body and has been detected in human plasma, breast milk and brain tissue. Clinical observations show that endogenous cGP increases to promote Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) function only when IGF-1 function is insufficient. For example, old people with higher cGP in circulation show better cognitive retention. When the body’s self-made response becomes insufficient people can develop mild cognitive impairment and the decline of cGP is associated with vascular diseases, like hypertension, stroke and dementia. These observations are supported by experimental tests, in which cGP administration improves cognitive function, reduces blood pressure and improves stroke recovery. The research outcome reveals the role of cGP in regulating the function of IGF-1. Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) As a double-edged sword, IGF-1 is an endogenous growth factor and plays an important role in development, wound healing, metabolism, cognition, and tumour growth. Free and bioavailable IGF-1 is not enzymatically stable and forms a linear tripeptide, Glycine-Proline-Glutamate (GPE) in plasma and brain tissue which further gets metabolized into cGP. Collective data from experimental studies demonstrate that cGP can alter IGF-1 binding to its binding protein and increase the amount of unbound/bioavailable IGF-1 in the system. Use of cGP-IGF-1 axis in pharmaceuticals Structural analogues of cGP and cGP-related peptides (such as trofinetide, Noopept) have been used for pharmaceutical developments, and some of them have been approved by the FDA and EMA, as orphan drugs for treating developmental neurological conditions. These outcomes of clinical observations and clinical trials support that cGP is safe and efficacious to use for supporting human health. Additionally, research over the years has demonstrated the efficacy of cGP in facilitating vascularisation and microcirculation in vascular diseases through normalisation of IGF-1 function. The body’s demand for cGP increases with age, during recovery from stroke injuries and when people suffer from suboptimal health conditions. cGP-PRO: A natural alternative of cGP supplementation The health effects of cGP-PRO (a combination of blackcurrant powder and hydrolysed bovine collagen) focuses on supporting cognitive function of the ageing brain and vascular health. Several human studies demonstrated that supplementation with cGP-PRO increases cGP concentration in circulation and supports the health and function of our body and mind by maintaining the homeostasis of the IGF-1 function. Research into the pharmacology of cGP, clinical observational studies and open label human trials collectively suggest that cGP-supplementation increases cGP levels in the circulation and supports the health and function of the body. Supplementation with cGP-PRO can be beneficial in reversing symptoms of age-related cognitive decline and supporting the management of symptoms in patients with vascular diseases, like stroke, hypertension and dementia, potentially slowing its progress. These studies collectively demonstrated the efficacy of cGP in facilitating vascularisation and microcirculation in vascular diseases through normalisation of IGF-1 function. The health effects of cGP-PRO described here have a focus of supporting cognitive function of ageing brain, vascular brain diseases and during brain development. 38 BRAIN HEALTH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

F or the first time in India, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) organised the two-day G20 Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) on July 20 2023 in New Delhi. The two-day Summit aimed to create a global platform for regulators on enhancing food safety systems and regulatory frameworks across the food value chain through collaboration. The Summit witnessed the presence of leading experts, regulators, and industry professionals from around the world. Considering the evolving landscape of emerging food hazards, new technologies, and changing consumer needs, the Summit envisaged developing a cohesive approach to the food safety policy framework. Moreover, the exhibition demonstrated cutting-edge solutions, technologies, and products that contribute to advancements in food safety and regulation. The summit was inaugurated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of MoHFW in the presence of Narendra Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr Bedu Ram Bhusal, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal, Prof S P Singh Baghel and Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare. Underlining the importance of food safety during the summit, Dr Mandaviya said, “Safe food and good health are complementary to each other. Balanced, safe, and nutritious food acts as preventive care and ensures our health and wellness. It is critically important to deep dive into issues of food grains, food safety, and food security for global sustainable development. Food regulators have a highly responsible job to create an ecosystem under the One Health approach which provides an integrated platform to collectively look at the health of climate, human, animal, and plant.” “This conference perfectly aligns with and complements the theme of this year's India's G20 Presidency: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Nation”. We need to explore how regional diversities can be factored into global best practices,” Dr Mandaviya added further while emphasising on the fact that different geographical regions are characterised by agroclimatic diversities, no one standard could be applicable to food safety protocols. Unveiling new digital platforms The Summit witnessed the launch of several groundbreaking initiatives that will revolutionise the accessibility and sharing of food safety information. Among these initiatives is the release of Food-o-Copoeia, a comprehensive collection of food category-wise monographs, serving as a single-point reference for all applicable standards for specific product categories. “Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 pledges to strengthen global food safety systems” EVENT REPORT 39 The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (centre) inaugurating the Food-o-Copoeia monographs at the inauguration of first-ever Global Food Regulators Summit 2023, in New Delhi on July 20, 2023 in presence of (L-R) Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bedu Ram Bhusal, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal, Narendra Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Prof. S P Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Another remarkable initiative launched was the common regulator's platform 'SaNGRAH' (Safe Food for Nations: Global Food Regulatory Authorities Handbook). It is a comprehensive database of Food Regulatory Authorities from 76 countries worldwide, presenting their mandates, food safety ecosystems, food testing facilities, contact details for food authorities, and information related to SPS/TBT/Codex/ WAHO. SaNGRAH is available in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. A Common Digital Dashboard- a unified IT portal providing comprehensive information on standards, regulations, notifications, advisories, guidelines, contamination limits, and the latest developments by Food Regulators in India, was also launched during the Summit. A two-day exhibition was also held at the GFRS 2023 summit. This exhibition provided an avenue for the exchange of ideas and information on food safety, food standards, food testing capabilities, product reformulation, and advancement in food technologies. A total of 35 exhibitors including Food Business Operators (FBOs), Rapid Analytical Food Testing (RAFT) manufacturers and esteemed organisations like the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Export Inspection Council (EIC), Spice Board, Tea Board and Coffee Board showcased their expertise and contributions to the field during the two days. During the summit, G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI said, “Safe and nutritious food is key to good health, while unsafe food causes 600 million infections and 4.2 lakh deaths every year. I hope that this gathering will brainstorm on the critical aspects of food safety and bring out innovative solutions to ensure a safe food supply.” Insightful technical sessions on food safety The conclave had a number of technical sessions led by prestigious dignitaries from government bodies, industry, and academia. The opening session was followed by the first technical session on ‘Global Regulatory Framework’, with Panelists from eight different countries including Brazil, Bhutan, Chile, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Mozambique, the US, and New Zealand. The discussions revolved around the importance of collaboration and cooperation among global food regulators to maximise regulatory effectiveness and efficiency. Notably, the emphasis on harmonising regulatory standards was highlighted as a key measure to ensure consumer safety and facilitate international trade. The best practices and success stories were shared by different countries which have the potential to be adopted by other countries in strengthening their food regulatory system. The Panel also suggested strategies for collaboration among multiple agencies/ stakeholders to develop a robust national food control system with a strong emphasis on safety parameters. The deliberations also focused on the involvement of all the stakeholders while developing any new or amending any existing food regulations. Day two of the conclave witnessed a technical session emphasising best practices on the robust standards-setting framework. Important aspects for robust standards setting including an articulated operational regulation management, well-documented food safety management, and effective quality control were discussed during this session. Continuing the deliberation on the importance of establishing robust regulatory standards, a session on 'Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals' delved into the escalating global demand for these products. During the session, experts highlighted the necessity of strong regulatory frameworks, scientific research, and product quality assurance to ensure the responsible and safe use of health supplements and nutraceuticals. The discussions also focussed on the guidelines being prepared by Codex on Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) and their applicability to health supplements. The Panel also deliberated on the adverse effect of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), risk assessment of emerging new strains of probiotics, and rediscovering and repurposing the rich traditional heritage of Ayurveda for developing new food products. Another session titled ‘Contaminants and Residues - Risk Mitigation - Regulatory Intervention’ highlighted the importance of harmonising food safety standards with international agencies to effectively address chemical contaminants and pesticide residues in food. The focus was on establishing safety limits for contaminants and residues, ensuring compliance, and employing mitigation strategies to prevent biological hazards. The panel suggested the best possible use of the National Reference 40 EVENT REPORT The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya addressing at the inauguration of first-ever Global Food Regulators Summit 2023, in New Delhi on July 20, 2023. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Laboratories for data collection to plan the strategies for emerging contaminants and residues. The panel discussion on ‘Organic Foods’ focused on strengthening the organic food sector and adopting sustainable farming systems based on organic principles. The importance of integrity and authenticity in organic food and the development of analytical parameters for rapid authenticity testing were the key points of discussion. The session on ‘Impact of Animal Feed on Food Safety and Human Health’, emphasised the need to ensure the availability of good quality feed and robust regulation for animal feed. Experts discussed the need for mandatory regulations and national policy on effective traceability mechanisms for animal feed. The panellists focused on the need for exploring innovative approaches to monitor feed safety. The session aimed to develop insights into risk assessment strategies and formulate policies to enhance food safety through animal feed and its raw ingredients. Further, the summit progressed with a session on ‘ Innovation in Food Emergency Response, Recall, and Analysis’. This session underscored the revolutionary impact of innovation in food analysis and techniques in response to growing consumer concerns about food safety. One of the key highlights was the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain to establish robust traceability systems. The panellists discussed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with instrumental analysis in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of food safety assessments. The deliberations also emphasised the use of rapid analytical kits and the use of Big data analytics to identify patterns and detect potential risks for establishing a robust decision-making platform for food emergency response. The discussion and outcomes of the sessions have laid a strong foundation for collective action in tackling regulatory challenges and ensuring the well-being of consumers worldwide. Toward a safer and more sustainable global food system By bringing together regulators and experts from various countries, the GFRS 2023 has laid a solid foundation for coordinated efforts in enhancing food safety and tackling challenges like AMR, antibiotic residues, regulating animal feed, analysis of food products, etc. GFRS 2023 reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and cross-learning, as well as promoting a safer and more sustainable global food system. Addressing the Valedictory Session of the GFRS 2023, Suman Berry, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog said “This “ It is critically important to deep dive into issues of food grains, food safety, and food security for global sustainable development.” Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and family welfare “ I hope that this gathering will brainstorm on the critical aspects of food safety and bring out innovative solutions to ensure a safe food supply.” G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI “ The complexity of India’s food landscape poses significant challenges which need to be addressed. Collaborative work between the government, industries, and other stakeholders is crucial to realise this endeavour.” Suman Berry, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog summit has been a pivotal platform for international cooperation in addressing food safety challenges. Strengthening food safety scientific standards and enforcing regulations to prevent adulteration and counterfeiting of food is important. The complexity of India’s food landscape poses significant challenges which need to be addressed. Collaborative work between the government, industries, and other stakeholders is crucial to realise this endeavour.” The Summit marked a significant step forward in promoting international cooperation, knowledge sharing and cross-learning to create a safer and more sustainable global food system. The shared commitment and expertise exhibited during the summit will undoubtedly drive positive change and safeguard the well-being of consumers worldwide. The Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 concluded with a pledge to strengthen food safety systems across the globe. Mansi Jamsudkar [email protected] NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in EVENT REPORT 41

42 WORLD ROW NEWS WHO draws focus to rising global malnutrition The organises leadership dialogue on food systems for people’s nutrition and health The WHO, in collaboration with UNICEF, FAO and WFP recently organised the Leadership Dialogue on Food Systems for People’s Nutrition and Health at the first United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) that took place from the 24-26th July 2023 in Rome, Italy. With just seven years remaining to achieve the SDGs, the dialogue emphasised the world is off track to meet the global nutrition targets as the pervasive status of all forms of malnutrition persist. Alarmingly, 2.4 billion people suffer from food insecurity, while 670 million adults live with overweight or obesity. Already the double burden of malnutrition is negatively impacting the health and prosperity of future generations, with 478 million children aged under 5 impacted by stunting, while 145 million 5-9-year-olds live with overweight/obesity. Food systems that fail to serve people and the planet are a key driver of this burden. UN agencies express concern over looming food crisis in South Sudan The cost of inaction in addressing South Sudan’s complex food, climate, and insecurity crises will be felt in the loss of lives, livelihoods and futures for millions of people across the young nation, the heads of three United Nations agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned as they wrapped up a threeday visit to the country. The visit comes after the joint UN report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023 found that 122 million more people are suffering chronic malnourishment since 2019 and follows just days after world leaders gathered in Rome for the UNFSS+2 summit to take stock of progress made to create more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. During the visit, the leaders of the UN agencies also met with the President of South Sudan to discuss continued collaboration. The World Health Organisation has updated its guidance on total fat, saturated and trans-fat and carbohydrates, based on the latest scientific evidence. The three new guidelines, Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children, Total fat intake for the prevention of unhealthy weight gain in adults and children, and Carbohydrate intake for adults and children, contain recommendations that aim to reduce the risk of unhealthy weight gain and diet-related noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. With its guidance on dietary fat, WHO notes that both quantity and quality are important for good health. WHO reaffirms that adults should limit total fat intake to 30 per cent of total energy intake or less. Fat consumed by everyone 2 years of age and older should be primarily unsaturated fatty acids, with no more than 10 per cent of total energy intake coming from saturated fatty acids and no more than 1 per cent of total energy intake from trans-fatty acids from both industrially produced and ruminant animal sources. Both quantity and quality of fats are important for good health: WHO NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

WORLD ROW NEWS 43 FDA dismisses petition to ban Phthalates in food packaging The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied a petition requesting that the agency reconsider its denial of a citizen petition issued on May 19, 2022. The citizen petition requested a ban on the use of eight ortho-phthalates and revocation of the prior sanctioned uses for five ortho-phthalates in food based on alleged safety concerns. Orthophthalates, often referred to as ‘phthalates’, are chemicals used in plastic products (most commonly in the specific type of plastic named polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC or vinyl) to make the material soft and less brittle. FDA evaluated the reconsideration petition and concluded that it does not provide a basis for modifying the FDA’s response to the original citizen petition. Administration adequately considered relevant information and views contained in the administrative record when responding to the original citizen petition. The FDA’s decision to deny the original petition remained unchanged. FDA notified that it will continue to keep the food industry and the public informed of updates related to its activities on phthalates in food packaging and food contact applications. US Congress introduces PLANT Act to boost plantbased food industry James P McGovern, US Representative (D-MA) has introduced a bill to support American farmers and rural communities through plant-based food production on July 28, 2023. The Peas, Legumes, and Nuts Today Act, or PLANT Act, provides a blueprint for maintaining America’s leadership in plant-based food production, while empowering farmers and rural communities and producing delicious, affordable food options for all Americans. The PLANT Act would enable the U.S. to maintain a leadership role in plant-based food production by supporting farmers, food manufacturing workers, and rural communities. Specifically, the PLANT Act would provide support for American farmers who grow the ingredients used in plant-based foods; ensure that food companies who turn those ingredients into plant-based foods are eligible for USDA producer programs; and make targeted R&D investments at USDA to foster American innovation. The PLANT Act is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders who recognise that the success of the U.S. plant-based sector presents an unprecedented opportunity to support American agriculture and rural communities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its review of the health impacts of aspartame, declaring the non-sugar sweetener as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ but safe to consume in moderation. The assessments were conducted by the WHO’s cancer research arm International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). JECFA has reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight. The IARC and JECFA conducted independent reviews to assess the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks associated with aspartame consumption. Both evaluations noted limitations in the available evidence for cancer and other health effects. IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans, specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. This was the first time that IARC has evaluated aspartame and the third time for JECFA. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in a variety of food and beverage products such as diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins. JECFA concluded that the findings indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake of 0–40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. WHO labels Aspartame ‘possibly carcinogenic’ NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

44 WORLD NEWS The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) congratulates the Government of Bangladesh on joining the Global School Meals Coalition and promoting child education and nutrition in the country. The announcement was made on July 25, 2023 by Dr A K Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and Farid Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, on the opening day of the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome. Since 2010, the Government of Bangladesh has been investing in the national school feeding programme, with WFP as a key partner. By 2022, more than 3 million children in 104 sub-districts had been reached with fortified biscuits, and in some locations, hot meals. A study conducted by WFP in 2018 shows that the programme resulted in a 4.2 per cent increase in school enrolment and a 7.5 per cent reduction in dropouts. Building on the success of the past programmes which ended in June 2022, the new school feeding programme aims to reach 3.5 million students of 20,000 government primary schools over the next three years. The School Meals Coalition is an emerging initiative of governments and a wide range of partners to drive actions that can urgently re-establish, improve and scale up food and education systems, support pandemic recovery, and drive actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, more than 80 countries are members of the coalition. Bangladesh joins Global School Meals Coalition As Afghanistan continues to grapple with the extreme food crisss, India has donated 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the landlocked country. The 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat reached the Herat city of Afghanistan. Last month, the Indian government sent another 20,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan amid a humanitarian crisis in the country using Iran's Chabahar port. Earlier, another wheat assistance delivery of 40,000 tonnes was carried out through Pakistan's land border India shows its dedication to promoting the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan by widening the channels for aid distribution. Afghanistan, under the Taliban, is facing its worst humanitarian crisis and the women of the country are denied fundamental rights. According to a World Food Programme assessment, Afghanistan is one of the nations with extreme food insecurity, with nine million people affected by severe economic difficulties and hunger. India donates 10,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Mahaweli Authority in Sri Lanka (MASL), is taking crucial steps, supported by funding from the European Union (EU), to address the threat to food security caused by two consecutive seasons of poor harvests in 2021-2022. With a nearly 40 per cent drop in paddy production in 2022, Sri Lanka's rice ecosystem is vulnerable and requires immediate attention. To combat this, FAO has initiated an innovative project titled RiceUP, with funding of €4 million from the European Union (EU). As part of this project, FAO and its partners are conducting training programmes for Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) on Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM) in four districts: Ampara, Badulla, Hambantota, and Polonnaruwa. The training will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide paddy farmers on soil management and the optimal use of organic and chemical fertilisers to enhance crop yield while reducing chemical dependency. FAO launches project RiceUP to boost Sri Lanka's rice sector NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

R&D NEWS 45 Two final year B Sc (Hons) Agriculture students at NMIMS School of Agricultural Science & Technology (SAST), Pawan Rajput and Manoj Mali, have published a patent titled ‘Chemical-Free Storage-cum-Selling Device for Enhanced Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables’. This groundbreaking invention showcases the innovative capabilities and practical knowledge of the students, highlighting the success of the systematic programme structure at SAST. SAST follows a comprehensive approach, focusing on fundamental education in the first year, applied aspects in the second year, technology aspects in the third year, and field training throughout the final year. During their third year, Rajput and Mali studied courses on post-harvest technology and food processing, where they identified the gaps in the storage, packaging, and processing of perishable fruits and vegetables. Their realisation of the challenges faced by resourcepoor small and marginal farmers, including price fluctuations and postharvest wastage, during their village attachment program in rural areas of Dhule and Jalgaon, became the driving force behind their innovative idea. After extensive research and analysis of current practices, storage structures, and packaging materials, they developed a vacuum storage device design equipped with accessories that regulate temperature, inhibit microbial growth, and absorb undesirable gases. NMIMS students publish patent for shelf life enhancing device for fruits and vegetables Turmeric–Frankincense botanical blend relieves menstrual pain: Study A novel botanical formula powered by turmeric (Curcuma longa L), and frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has demonstrated abilities to alleviate menstrual cramps in a new clinical study. Rhuleave-K, a breakthrough blend composed by the renowned nutraceutical company Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd., is poised to offer a natural holistic solution to manage menstrual discomfort, allowing women to enjoy their daily activities without interruption. The burden of menstrual pain is the single most prevalent gynaecological complaint that affects over half of women in their reproductive age regardless of age or socioeconomic status. For many the pain is so debilitating that it disrupts their daily routine leading to diminished work productivity, missed days at work or study, and reduced sleep quality with knock-on effects on the overall quality of life for at least several days each month. The randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study led by Dr. Divya Agarwal was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in June 2023. The study which was conducted at the Smt Meva Chaudhary Hospital in Jhansi involved healthy women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea painful menstruation unrelated to any uterine pathology. Only women reporting moderate to severe menstrual cramping were qualified to participate. IISER researchers develop novel pc-LED device to detect freshness of produce A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune, India, has developed new LEDs which emit light simultaneously in two different wavelength ranges, for a simpler and more comprehensive way to monitor the freshness of fruit and vegetables. As the team writes in the journal Angewandte Chemie, modifying the LEDs with perovskite materials causes them to emit in both the near-infrared range and the visible range, a significant development in the contact-free monitoring of food. Using these modified phosphor-converted (pc)-LEDs to examine apples or strawberries, the team observed dark spots that were not visible in standard camera images. Illuminating the food with both white and NIR light revealed normal colouring that could be seen by the naked eye, as well as those parts which were starting to rot, but not yet visibly so. The researchers emphasise that the pc-LEDs are easy to produce without any chemical waste or solvents and short-term costs could be more than recovered by the long service life and scalability of this novel dual-emitting pc-LED device. NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

46 INGREDIENT NEWS Beneo, a global functional ingredients manufacturer, launched barley betaglucans that offer unique health benefits including positive impacts on heart health and blood sugar management. Beneo’s new product Orafti β-Fit, a natural and clean label wholegrain barley flour with 20 per cent betaglucans, is a significant extension of the company’s functional fibre product range. Orafti β-Fit is on-trend with consumer focus on sustainability with plant-based and wholegrain ingredients being preferences when making their food choices. Functional ingredients such as barley beta-glucans, with proven health benefits and approved health claims offer food manufacturers an easy way to create appealing products with convincing frontof-pack communication and a convenient way for consumers to choose nutritional products that positively impact heart health. BENEO’s Orafti β-Fit also allows for fibre enrichment, thus helping to bridge the fibre gap. It can be used in a wide range of applications including baked goods (such as cakes, muffins, bread, and biscuits), pasta, and cereals, as well as meal replacements. It can also positively impact texture by increasing viscosity, e.g., in dairy (alternatives). Synergy Flavours, a leading global flavour expert, launched a range of high-impact, concentrated flavours for protein bars, to expand its sports nutrition offering and target manufacturers innovating in the growing sports nutrition bar market. The range comprises eight new flavours, and is targeted at manufacturers looking to launch new products, or optimise existing products. The range includes flavours of chocolate, strawberry, vanilla bean, peanut, dark cookie crumbs, and coconut. The range also features natural versions of some of the flavour profiles, to offer flexibility to manufacturers in terms of labelling and positioning. The launch comes at a time when protein and energy bar sales are on the rise in Europe, particularly in the UK, where major retailers continue to expand their sports nutrition offerings. Chris Whiting, European Business Development Manager, comments, “The sports nutrition market is evolving at a rapid pace, and as protein bars become increasingly popular, there is a real opportunity for manufacturers to innovate in this space and attract new customers who may be interested in trying these products as part of an active lifestyle.” Beneo extends fibre portfolio Tate & Lyle launches TASTEVA SOL Stevia Sweetener A world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, Tate & Lyle announced a new addition to its sweetener portfolio – TASTEVA SOL Stevia Sweetener. An internationally patent-protected breakthrough in stevia technology, this addition expands Tate & Lyle’s ability to help customers solve stevia solubility issues in food and beverages and helps deliver on consumer demand for healthier and tastier, sugar and caloriereduced products. tarting from the leaf, TASTEVA SOL is a premium-tasting stevia that has over 200x the solubility of Reb M and D products on the market. TASTEVA SOL solves solubility challenges often found in beverage concentrates, dairy fruit preparations, and sweet syrups at high sugar replacement levels. It offers exceptionally good solubility, readily dissolving in concentrates, and remaining soluble at low pH. This innovation is aligned with growing customer and consumer demand as the market value of stevia is expected to increase by 13 per cent in 2026. In 2022, 32 per cent of US consumers were likely or very likely to buy a product that contains stevia leaf extract (up from 29 per cent in 2020). Synergy Flavours unveils 8 new protein bar flavours NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

INGREDIENT NEWS 47 For advanced hop ingredients in the United States, Univar Solutions Inc has expanded its distribution relationship with Kalsec Inc., a US-based provider of natural food and beverage ingredients. This latest agreement adds to the current partnership that includes the distribution of Kalsec's natural taste and sensory, colours, and food protection solutions in Mexico, Colombia, and Europe. Kalsec is recognised as a leader in hops innovation and has been providing the brewing and beverage industries with advanced hop solutions for more than 40 years. Kalsec's line of advanced hop ingredients now available through Univar Solutions includes hop acids, kettle aroma extracts, customised blends, neat hop oils, and hop flavouring. Their HopRival natural hop extracts uniquely craft blends of 100 per cent hop-derived oils to deliver hop flavour and aroma to brewed beverages reliably in every batch, every time. The groundbreaking Lupulock encapsulated hops oils are a natural alternative that enables brewers to accelerate production and reduce waste while delivering consistent, authentic flavours, and aromas. Döhler, a global producer, marketer, and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, announced the acquisition of SVZ, Netherlandbased fruit and vegetable ingredients provider. This strengthens Döhler's portfolio of natural red fruit and vegetable ingredients and its global market presence, expanding its operations in the USA and Japan. SVZ is known for its high-quality purees, concentrates, and ingredients of sustainably sourced vegetables and red berries. With production sites in the USA, Spain, Poland, and Belgium, SVZ has established a strong global presence and successfully built a base of premium customers in the food, beverage, and life science & nutrition industry. SVZ’s experience and operational excellence perfectly complement Döhler’s sourcing, production, and supply chain capabilities. With this acquisition, customers will benefit from an even broader ingredient portfolio and a larger raw material base. Consumers' interest in healthier nutrition creates a rising demand for ingredients that offer better nutritional value and superior sensory experiences from sustainable raw materials. SVZ’s portfolio contributes to this trend by offering a variety of low-calorie, high-fibre, and nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable ingredients that enhances the overall nutritional content of food and beverages. SVZ’s products seamlessly integrate with Döhler’s portfolio of natural ingredients and ingredient systems. German flavour and scent firm Symrise has signed a minority investment agreement with Bonumose, a US-based inventor of economic and innovative enzyme solutions. The early-stage food ingredient manufacturer specialises in the affordable production of delicious, good-for-you rare monosaccharides (alternatives to sucrose) such as tagatose and allulose. With this strategic transaction, Symrise will accelerate growth in its sugar reduction initiatives. The area represents a high-priority focus for the North American region within the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment. Bonumose opened a new R&D facility and manufacturing plant earlier this year. The facility allows for quality, consistent, and economic production of their growing portfolio of sugar alternatives. Bonumose was founded in 2016 as a startup. It continues to grow thanks to its patented enzymatic technology. This allows for the sustainable bulk production of healthy ingredients from globally-abundant plant material. The strength of Symrise as an augmented flavour house paired with Bonumose’s patented enzymatic technology will enable cutting-edge solutions to sugar reduction. Symrise invests in innovative enzymatic technology Döhler acquires Netherlandbased fruit and vegetable ingredients provider SVZ Univar Solutions expands distribution relationship with Kalsec NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Huhtamaki, a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, is making a significant investment in its Paris, Texas facility in the United States. The investment consists of an expansion of its manufacturing capacity as well as a consolidation of an external warehouse. The investment into production assets is approximately $30 million, and the warehouse and manufacturing facility will be leased. This will significantly increase the North American business segment’s capacity in folding cartons to support the growth of the Foodservice business. Production is expected to start ramping up in Q1 2025 and will be key to servicing the growth of existing customers and a growing list of up-and-coming customers throughout the Southern and Midwestern states. The Paris facility is uniquely positioned to meet the increased demand in the US for more innovative and sustainable folding cartons which provide convenient, safe, and hygienic food for busy consumers. The site is expected to employ up to 80 employees within the first three years. The decision to further invest in North America is in line with Huhtamaki’s 2030 strategy to deliver profitable growth by scaling its core business through three technologies, paperboard, flexibles, and fibre. Huhtamaki invests $30M to scale core business Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is investing €16 million in new state-of-the-art technology at its Solec (Poland) plant to produce a new packaging range called FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate. This ultra-high barrier paper-based solution for food meets growing customer demand for sustainable packaging that contributes to a circular economy. The new addition expands Mondi’s existing portfolio of FunctionalBarrier Papers providing highbarrier paper-based packaging for food products such as dried foods and powdered milk as well as for applications in the home and personal care industry. These products require packaging that offers protection from water vapour and oxygen and can ensure long shelf life. The current industry standards to achieve this level of barrier protection are unrecyclable solutions made of plastic or lined with aluminium. Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range is designed to be recyclable in paper waste streams across Europe while providing the necessary product protection. Mondi invests €16 million in novel paper-based packaging solution Fibre-based consumer packaging leader Graphic Packaging has partnered with food processor ABP Food Group (ABP) to develop two new lines of chilled meat packaging for UK supermarket giant Aldi. The pressed board trays, developed for Aldi’s core and premium steak lines, use around 90 per cent less plastic when compared to the previous packaging format and were developed to support Aldi’s goal of removing 2 billion pieces of plastic packaging from its supply chain by 2025. The vacuum skin packaging (VSP) pressed board trays have been designed with an easypeel film to promote the recycling of the paperboard tray at home by consumers. The hybrid design means plastic is reduced to a minimum while still offering equivalent barrier performance and shelf life to traditional plastic trays. The trays were designed to ensure smooth running on ABP’s packing lines, with no machinery investment or retooling required. The precision of the design process ensured operational efficiency and as a result, the ABP team described the whole project as one of the best launches they had seen on their production lines. Graphic Packaging, ABP to develop new fibre-based tray solutions for Aldi 48 ACADEMIC NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | March 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SUPPLIER NEWS | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

SUPPLIER NEWS 49 ALPLA Group has been investing in building up its own recycling capacities since 2005. The plastic packaging company now operates 13 plants, including four joint ventures with regional partners, and aims to be processing at least 25 per cent post-consumer material (PCR) by 2025. After investing millions in new sites in South Africa, Romania and Thailand as well as in a site expansion in Poland, ALPLA is now consolidating all of its activities under the new brand ALPLArecycling. ALPLA is focusing on mechanical recycling and has invested more than 50 million euros a year in the global expansion of its activities since 2021. The expansion of existing facilities, joint ventures and strategic acquisitions, the annual installed and projected output capacity has since doubled to 350,000 tonnes of PCR material. Together with the construction of a new facility in South Africa as recently announced and the site expansion in Poland, the annual capacity amounts to 266,000 tonnes of rPET (recycled PET) and 84,000 tonnes of rHDPE (recycled HDPE). ALPLA Group launches ALPLArecycling Sweden-based paper and packaging supplier, Billerud has agreed with the investment company Mimir Group about the divestment of Managed Packaging, which offers packaging solutions to global brand owners. The intention to divest the business unit Managed Packaging is a consequence of Billerud’s focus on packaging materials, which means reduced strategic importance of service offerings. The sale will reduce complexity and positively impact Billerud's EBITDA margin. The transaction is planned to be completed in August 2023 and is expected to result in a positive result effect for Billerud of approx. SEK 20 million, which will be reported as an item affecting comparability in the third quarter. The planned divestment’s impact on Billerud’s EBITDA and net debt will be immaterial. Billerud divests Managed Packaging to Mimir Group Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced its AmFiber Performance Paper packaging is now available to customers in Latin America seeking a high-barrier, recyclable paper-based packaging solution. Launched first for the confectionery market with the cold seal, it has been recently expanded to include heat seal sachets for dry culinary and beverage applications, such as instant coffee, drink powders, spices, seasonings, and dried soups. With more than 80 per cent paper fibre content and PVDC-free, this latest material innovation is recyclable, where a paper recycling stream exists. In addition to expanding its application to new product categories, Amcor has invested in manufacturing capacity to meet the growing global demand for this kind of paper packaging, including an integrated stateof-the-art production line in its Amcor Flexibles Alzira plant in Spain. Amcor launches AmFiber Performance Paper in Latin America NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

F ood and grocery is the largest segment of India's retail market with a market opportunity of $570 billion and 66 per cent of all retail spending. By 2025, the organised food and grocery retail business will be worth $60 billion. With the aid of macro-drivers including rising per capita income, urbanisation, and an increase in nuclear households, Invest India noted that the market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 8 per cent. Some of the main segment-level factors are premiumisation, the shift from unpackaged to packaged products, and the demand for convenience. A growing number of consumers are choosing to purchase at contemporary retail outlets and stock up on groceries rather than going to their local Kiranas frequently. In metropolitan clusters, convenience stores are starting to become more well-liked as a result of the growing busyness of society. Although basic and fresh products combined account for around 80 per cent of all food retail spending, emergent categories including packaged snacks, confectionery, and beverages are expanding quickly at a compounded pace of 15 per cent. Consumer preferences across categories are expected to change in pursuit of better health and wellbeing. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report pointed out that the food retail sector will continue its upward trajectory following a decade of market evolution and sustained growth. The sector contributes over 10 per cent of the country’s GDP and employs over 35 million. The increased purchasing power of Indian households, growing awareness and access to gourmet products, and consumer awareness toward international cuisines and food products have acted as primary growth catalysts in the sector. While traditional brick-andmortar retailers continue to lead sales, the growing e-grocery sector has distinguished itself by offering high-quality imported products at a good value, with the convenience of quick delivery. With the onset of the Indian e-commerce revolution, Invest India noted that online groceries have been gaining prominence. The Indian e-grocery market is set to reach $21-25 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 50-55 per cent. Additionally, total active users for the e-grocery segment have touched 23 million users, almost doubling from it stood at 12 million in 2019. India’s e-grocery market is well positioned to continue its upward trajectory in 2023. This growth is attributed to increasing demand for better-quality imported products, a shift toward healthy snacking, growing digital literacy among consumers, and convenience offered by the e-grocery platforms. These factors will not only contribute to the sustained expansion of the e-grocery sector in India's metropolitan cities but also in smaller regional cities. The Indian e-grocery market reached $6.8 billion in 2022. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach $37 billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 31.3 per cent during 2023- 2028. The rapid expansion of internet penetration and smartphone usage, increasing urbanisation and busy lifestyles of consumers, COVID-19, wide availability of products on e-commerce platforms, and competitive pricing are some of the major factors propelling the market. According to the report, South India accounted for the largest market share of the e-grocery market. South India has a high population density, urbanisation rate, and internet penetration, making it a fertile ground for online grocery platforms to thrive. South Indian consumers, known for their inclination toward technology adoption, have embraced the convenience of online shopping for groceries. The key players in the e-grocery market have implemented various efforts to drive its growth. To enhance customer experience, they have developed user-friendly mobile applications and websites with personalised recommendations. These players have also introduced attractive offers, discounts, and loyalty programmes to incentivise customers. The adoption of new technology, better supply chain partnerships and the mutual trust and cooperation between the big key players and the cost-effective new kirana stores will go a long way in determining whether India will become the second largest grocery market in the world by the year 2036. Narayan Kulkarni Editor [email protected] Digital Kirana Avtaar 50 LET’S TALK FOOD NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | August 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in