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 Volume 10  |  Issue 6  |  February 2023 www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

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NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023
Ravindra Boratkar
Publisher &
Managing Editor,
MD, MM Activ Sci-Tech
Communications Pvt. Ltd.
| www.nuffoodsspectrum.in 5
Letter from Publisher
Dear Readers,
By the time this issue lands on your table, we all would have known our
country’s financial position and the government’s plans and estimates for raising
financial resources as well as for expenditures. As the country’s budget for 2023-24
is presented on February 1, it is the most important news for the business community.
As February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day, we have dealt with the topic
from the food and nutrition perspective. Cancer has become a crucial issue for India
as incidences of cancer in India are adding to the already overburdened Indian
healthcare system. The National Cancer Registry Programme of the Indian Council
of Medical Research (ICMR) estimated that cancer incidences were 13,92,179 in
2020, which rose to 14,61,427 in 2022. The estimated mortality caused by cancer
increased from 7,70,230 in 2020 to 8,08,558 in 2022. It is estimated that the number
of patients will grow in the coming years.
You will find several websites and articles online informing about foods that can
cause cancer or increase the risk of cancer, dubbed carcinogenic foods. They include
red meat and processed meat. At the same time, there are some foods which directly
do not cause cancer but their effects on the body increase the risk of cancer. Take for
instance sugar. Excess sugar consumption not only makes us overweight, but also
adds to risk of cancer. About 8 types of cancers are linked to obesity alone. In this
issue, our editorial team has explored the link between processed foods and cancers.
The cover topic of this issue deals with packaging which has become a
sensitive issue considering the wastage involved in it after unwrapping a package
and the consequent environmental impact. With various new types of services, the
packaging requirements, too, are changing. For instance, online food delivery or
online buying of groceries demand different, innovative packaging solutions. The
growing awareness among consumers about the adverse effects of the material of
the packaging on the human body is also pushing the packaging industry to look for
innovative, safe and acceptable packaging material. The days of wrapping everything
in old newspapers and delivering them are no longer acceptable. Whatever may be
the type of packaging, it ought to be eco-friendly and recyclable.
Considering that, eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging is the need of the
hour. The industry and the innovators are also constantly looking for new solutions.
As a result, a lot of innovations are happening in this area. Our editorial team has
looked into the innovations in eco-friendly and recyclable packaging for food and
beverages and presented them to you. I am sure that many of our readers may find
some required solutions for new types of packaging solutions and materials to adopt
eco-friendly operations.
Enjoy reading the new issue and continue to share your feedback.
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
Ravindra Boratkar
Publisher & Managing Editor
6 Inside Inside NuFFooDS
NuFFooDSSpectrum
Spectrum | | February
March 2023
2020 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

cover story 21

Going Green
with
Eco-friendly
Packaging
Sustainable packaging has been consistently gaining acceptance in the packaging industry for
quite a long time now, becoming quite a buzzword in the sector. Historically, actions by fast-moving
consumer goods (FMCG) companies and retailers have mostly focused on quick wins such as reducing
weight and materials usage, to enable them to lower their packaging costs. Curbing the use of plastic
packaging and changing packaging materials comes at a cost in terms of additional complexities and
trade-offs. Not all types of actions have the same impact on the different aspects of the sustainability
footprint. Technical and economic feasibility varies by plastic type and application, as well as by
geographic region, and cost implications go beyond just packaging material prices and conversion
costs. Shipment of packaged food containers from Maharashtra to Gujarat, for instance, is more
economical if the current traditional packaging is considered. Swapping it with the new alternatives
to plastic is a bold move as it greatly impacts costs. Here’s a look at how the Food & Beverage (F&B)
industry has been driving innovations in the sustainable packaging space in India and globally.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Inside 7

Cancer Speaking with

28 34
Ultra-processed Foods “The Indian market is dynamic
Raise Cancer Risks and evolving and we are
looking at our next phase of
investment in India”
Siddharth Rastogi, General Manager, Indian
Subcontinent/South-West Asia, Kerry

Nutraceuticals

36
The evolving landscape
Low-Unit-Packs of evidence-based
nutraceuticals
31 Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, Nutriconnect

How inflation is shrinking

Low-Unit-Packs Infant feeding

39
Milk polar lipids for improving
infant feeding formula –
a promising area for research
Arun Kedia, Managing Director, VAV Life Sciences

Tribal Foods

40
Regulars Why Adopting Tribal Food
Habits Makes Sense
Video Snippets 08
Pritee Chaudhary, Director – Western
Editorial 09 Region, Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI)
Regulatory News 10
Finance News 12
Event report
Company News 15
Karnataka turns enabler of Next Gen Smart
Start-Up News 18 42 Food, New Businesses & Technology
World News 45
People News 46
R&D News 47
Ingredients News 48
Supplier News 49
Let’s Talk Food 50
8 Video Snippets NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Acknowledgements/ Feedback
Thank you for taking forward the interaction with
Tarun Arora, Director- Single Family Office, IG
International in your esteemed publication. We
appreciated it a lot. 
Maushmi Chawda, Kolkata

Thank you nuFFooDS Spectrum for starting Good

Food Institute’s new year with this fantastic article!
Everything covered in the article (and the one before
this) is a critical piece of the puzzle and integral to
our work here at GFI India, but doesn't always get
highlighted in the media. We really appreciate your
interest in the larger ecosystem-building work we do
as part of our National Mission. Thank you, again.
Mansi Virmani, Mumbai
Thank you nuFFooDS Spectrum for all the support
your publication is providing.
Amod Ashok Salgaonkar, Mumbai
Thanks for your feedback. We have taken note of
your suggestions and will surely try to incorporate
the content accordingly in coming issues. Please
keep sending us your feedback and updating us
on your views about the issue and keep giving
your opinions on the content.
– Editor
Please send your feedback to
feedback@nuffoodsspectrum.in
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Securing the Pristine
‘Scented Pearl’
Dr Milind Kokje
Chief Editor
T
he new year augurs well for the rice sector
with the Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI) releasing the regulatory
standards for Basmati rice in January. The standards
will come into effect and will be enforced from
August 1, 2023. This is a significant development as
this is the first regulatory standard set for Basmati
rice.
Known as ‘The Scented Pearl' due to its aroma,
Basmati is an important variety among the numerous
types of rice grown in India. This long grain aromatic
rice attracts the consumers with its shape and smell. So
far, its 34 varieties have been notified. It is grown in the
Himalayan foothills in the states of Punjab, Himachal,
Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi and
western Uttar Pradesh.
Setting quality standards for Basmati rice is crucial
due to its unique status among rice varieties and its
commanding demand in the export market. Its export
potential continues to soar high and India remains its
leading exporter. In 2021-22 India exported 39.48 lakh
MT of the fragrant rice worth Rs 26,400 crore. It is much
sought-after and exported to 132 countries including
Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE and Yemen. But, almost 75
per cent of the Indian export is to the Middle East and
the Persian Gulf, where Basmati rice is a staple food.
In the first eight months of the current financial
year, the export value increased by 39 per cent to
$2.8 billion from $2 billion for the same period in
the previous year. India’s share in the global trade
of Basmati rice is 80 per cent. The new standard is
expected to ensure quality and boost exports further.
The FSSAI has set the standards as ‘Basmati rice
is prone to various types of adulteration which may
include, among others, undeclared blending of other
non-basmati varieties of rice’. The standards would
ensure availability of only standardised, genuine
variety in the market. That is expected to help increase
the business around the crop in exports as well as in
the domestic market.
EDIT 9
The standards are applicable for four types of sub-
varieties. The standards on parameters include average
size of grain and their elongation ratio after cooking
and set the maximum limits for moisture, amylose
content, uric acid, damaged rice and presence of
non-Basmati rice. Retaining its aroma has been made
mandatory as per the standards. All kinds of artificial
colours, polish are prohibited.
This will ensure that only specified quality of
Basmati will reach the importing countries, protecting
the ‘fetching qualities’ of the commodity. Maintaining
standards is essential since there are people who
wish to replicate the rice so to speak, and exploit its
popularity. In 1997 a Texas-based company developed
American Basmati varieties and patented them under
the brand name ‘Kasmati’ and ‘Texmati’. The patent
was contested by India through its main science and
industry institute, Centre for Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR). It claimed that the name Basmati
could be used only for Basmati rice from India and
Pakistan. The landmark decision was in favour of India,
prohibiting the American company from using the
name ‘Basmati’.
In a similar vein, Pakistan had opposed India’s
application in 2020 for a geographical indication (GI)
tag which was accepted in the European market.
The decision is still pending. But, such developments
clearly highlight the popularity of the variety and
the ceaseless endeavours to either copy the name or
claim ownership. All these concerns will, hopefully, be
addressed, once and for all, by the FSSAI regulatory
standards.
While the new regulatory standards might be
a thorn in the side of the unscrupulous entities,
the honest and genuine ones in the sector will not
only welcome this move, but also hail FSSAI’s stand
regarding the aromatic treasure of India.
10 Regulatory
CompanyNews
News
Centre names new
integrated food
security scheme
as Pradhan Mantri
Garib Kalyan Ann
Yojana
The Union cabinet led by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi had
approved the new integrated
food security scheme to provide
free food grains to Antodaya
Ann Yojna (AAY) & Primary
Household (PHH) beneficiaries,
to be rolled out from January 1,
2023. The new scheme has been
named Pradhan Mantri Garib
Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY).
Implementation of this scheme
started from January 1, 2023,
benefitting more than 80 crore
poor and poorest of poor people.
The central government plans to
spend more than Rs 2 lakh crore
in 2023 on food subsidies under
the National Food Security Act
(NFSA) 2013, and other welfare
schemes. Keeping in view the
welfare of the beneficiaries and
in order to maintain uniformity
across the States, free food grains
will be provided under PMGKAY
for the year 2023 to all PHH
and AAY beneficiaries, as per
entitlement under the NFSA. The
integrated scheme will strengthen
the provisions of NFSA, 2013 in
terms of accessibility, affordability
and availability of food grains for
the poor. For the effective and
uniform implementation of NFSA
2013, PMGKAY will subsume
the two subsidy schemes of the
Department of Food & Public
Distribution (a) Food Subsidy to
Food Corporation of India (FCI) (b)
Food Subsidy for decentralised
procurement states dealing with
procurement, allocation and
delivery of free food grains to the
states under NFSA.
NuFFooDS
NuFFooDS
Spectrum
Spectrum
| February
| April 2021
2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Centre releases endorsement
guidelines for Celebs and
Social Media Influencers
The Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released a guide ‘Endorsements Know-
hows!’ for celebrities, influencers and virtual influencers on social media
platforms on January 20. The guide aims to ensure that individuals do not
mislead their audiences when endorsing products or services and that they
are in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and any associated
rules or guidelines. Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary Department of Consumer
Affairs released the "Endorsement Know-hows!"
in response to the rapidly growing digital world,
where advertisements are no longer limited to
traditional media like print, television, or radio. With
the increasing reach of digital platforms and social
media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,
there has been a rise in the influence of virtual
influencers, in addition to celebrities and social
media influencers. This has led to an increased risk
of consumers being misled by advertisements and unfair trade practices by
these individuals on social media platforms. The guide is released in alignment
with the guidelines set by the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. The Act
established guidelines for protecting consumers from unfair trade practices
and misleading advertisements. The industry appreciated and supported the
release of these guidelines. They stated that this will further strengthen the
industry and protect consumer interests.
FSSAI assigns probe of baseline
nutrition of packed foods to LabelBlind
Looking at the importance and increased need for front-of-pack-labelling
(FoPL) of packaged food products  in the country,  the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the apex food regulator in the
country, has assigned Food Label Solutions (FoLSol)  by LabelBlind, India’s first
food labelling and regulatory compliance digital food rating platform to study
the baseline nutrition values of packed food products. The statistical findings
of the study done by LabelBlind would go on to provide  data intelligence
and insights for the draft regulation  on  India’s first FoPL of packaged food
products with Nutrition Star Ratings. The regulation, as it comes into force, will
guide consumers to choose healthier food options, besides creating nutrition
literacy amongst them. Their food rating system established ratings for 8000
high-consumption packaged food products, across 140 food categories, on
a nutrition score of 1 (least healthy) to 5 (healthiest). In 2020-21, the company
created  FoLSol  to strengthen  food regulation compliances  with a  digital
labelling model that is accurate, fast and economical, to benefit packed foods
in hotels, restaurants and QSR businesses. In 2022, FoLSol by LabelBlind was
taken to the market and went on to create labelling software for leading
players in the food industry. They have gone on to establish partnerships in
the food space to extend  labelling compliance services  in the areas of  lab
tests, quality compliance and food standard certifications.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023
Agri & processed food
exports rose to $17.43 B in
April-Nov FY 22-23
The exports of agricultural and
processed food products rose by 16
per cent in the eight months (April-
November) of the current Financial
Year (FY) 2022-23 in comparison to the
corresponding period of FY 2021-22.
According to the provisional data by
the Directorate General of Commercial
Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S),
the overall export of Agricultural
and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA)
products increased by 16 per cent
growth during April-November 2022
to $17.43 billion from $15.07 billion
over the same period of the last fiscal.
Varanasi Cantt Railway Station gets
5 star rating from FSSAI
Indian Railways Varanasi Cantt Railway
Station has been awarded a 5- star
‘Eat Right Station’ certification for
providing high-quality, nutritious
food to passengers. This certification
is granted by the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
to railway stations adhering to
standard food storage and hygiene
practices. The ‘Eat Right Station’
certification is awarded by FSSAI to
railway stations that set benchmarks
in providing safe and wholesome
food to passengers. The station is
awarded a certificate upon conclusion
of an FSSAI-empanelled third-party
audit agency with ratings from 1
to 5. The 5-star rating indicates full
compliance by the station to ensure
| www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
The initiatives taken by the APEDA
which works under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry have helped
the country in achieving 74 per cent of
its total export target for the year
2022-23 in eight months of the current
fiscal. For the year 2022-23, an export
target of $23.56 billion has been fixed
for the agricultural and processed
food products basket and an export
of $17.435 billion has already been
achieved in eight months of the
current fiscal. As per the DGCI&S
provisional data, processed fruits and
vegetables (F&V) recorded a growth
of 32.60 per cent (April-November
2022), while fresh fruits registered four
per cent growth in comparison to the
corresponding months of the previous
year. Also, processed food products
like cereals and miscellaneous
processed items reported a growth of
28.29 per cent in comparison to the
first eight months of the previous year.
safe and hygienic food is available
to passengers. The other railway
stations with Star certification include
Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station
(Delhi); Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
(Mumbai); Mumbai Central Railway
Station, (Mumbai); Vadodara Railway
Station, Chandigarh Railway Station
and Bhopal Railway Station.
Regulatory News 11
FSSAI notifies
comprehensive
regulatory
standards for
Basmati Rice
For the first time in the country,
the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI)
has specified the identity
standards for Basmati Rice
(including Brown Basmati Rice,
Milled Basmati Rice, Parboiled
Brown Basmati Rice and Milled
Parboiled Basmati Rice) vide
Food Safety and Standards (Food
Products Standards and Food
Additives) First Amendment
Regulations, 2023 notified in the
Gazette of India. As per these
standards, Basmati rice shall
possess the natural fragrance
characteristic of basmati rice and
be free from artificial colouring,
polishing agents and artificial
fragrances. These standards
also specify various identity and
quality parameters for basmati
rice such as the average size of
grains and their elongation ratio
after cooking; maximum limits of
moisture, amylose content, uric
acid, defective/damaged grains
and incidental presence of other
non-basmati rice etc.
The standards are aimed at
establishing fair practices in
the trade of Basmati rice and
protecting consumer interest,
both domestically and globally.
These standards will be enforced
from August 1, 2023.
12 Finance News
Lotte Confectionery pours
in $56.6 M to expand ice
cream biz in India
South Korean firm Lotte Confectionery is investing
70 billion won ($56.6 million) in its ice cream-
making affiliate in India, Havmor Ice Cream,
over the next five years as the confectionery
maker plans to strengthen its rapidly growing
Indian business. Lotte Confectionery will build
a new 60,000-square-metre ice cream factory in
Pune. The envisioned factory will be the first for
Havmor Ice Cream in India after the South Korean
confectionery maker acquired the company in
2017 for 167.2 billion won. Havmor Ice Cream
operates 216 stores in India and distributes two
ice cream brands made by Lotte Confectionery
— Snow Ice and World Cone. The Pune factory
will become the third manufacturing plant for
Lotte Confectionery in India. Last year, Lotte
Confectionery merged with Lotte Foods, a food
and dairy products maker of Lotte Group, to
improve profitability and streamline overlapping
business areas.
D2C dairy brand Sid’s Farm raises $1 M
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) dairy brand, Sid’s Farm has
raised $1 million in a bridge round from its customers and
their referrals. Being a bootstrapped enterprise driven by
organic growth so far, this first fundraising from its high
net-worth customers and their referrals is testimony to
its brand credibility, superior quality, and unparalleled
customer experience.  The company plans to use
this fund for new product development,
infrastructure upgrades, deeper retail
penetration, and digital transformation in
order to gear up for its future trajectory.
Founded in 2016 by Dr Kishore Indukuri, Sid’s
Farm has now become synonymous with
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
ITC to buy out Sproutlife
Foods ‘Yoga Bar’
ITC has announced that the company plans to acquire 100 per
cent of the share capital (on a fully diluted basis) of Sproutlife
Foods, a Bengaluru-based startup primarily engaged in the
business of manufacture and sale of food products under
the trademark ‘Yoga Bar’. ITC is fortifying its presence in the
Rs 45,000 crore, fast-growing, nutrition-led healthy foods
space, with a proposed strategic investment in Sproutlife
Foods. The acquisition will enable ITC to augment its future-
ready portfolio and enhance market presence in the ‘Good
for You’ space which currently includes Aashirvaad Multi-
Grain Atta, Aashirvaad Nature’s Super Foods, Farmlite range
of biscuits, Sunfeast Protein Shake, B Natural Nutrilite ABC
Beverage among others. Yoga Bar is expected to be rapidly
scaled up, leveraging ITC’s enterprise strengths in areas such
as sales & distribution, sourcing, product development, and
digital. Yoga Bar currently has a high salience of online sales
(D2C, e-commerce platforms etc.) with a growing presence
in offline stores. In a relatively short span of time, Yoga Bar
has established itself as a leader in the bars segment and has
built a strong market position in the muesli segment.
pure milk and clean production. As a brand promise, Sid’s
Farm is trying to revolutionise the testing of milk ensuring
no traces of antibiotics, hormones, or preservatives in the
milk and dairy products. With a model farm, state-of-the-
art laboratory, and modern production facility at Chevella
near Hyderabad, Sid’s Farm has more than 15,000
customers in the area. The revenue of India’s organised
dairy industry is expected to rebound a good
12 per cent year-on-year this fiscal to Rs 1.6
lakh crore. As per a report from Statista, the
online sale of milk has grown to 2.1 per cent
of organised milk sales in India, from 0.5 per
cent in 2017.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Finance News 13

D2C brand The Whole

Truth bags $15M in
Series B funding
Mumbai-based D2C food brand The Whole Truth
(TWT) has secured about $15 million in its Series B
funding round led by Sequoia Capital India. Existing
investors Matrix Partners India, Sauce.Vc and angel
investors including Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath,
Swiggy’s Sriharsha Majety and Jaydeep Burman of
Rebel Foods also participated in the funding round.  GCL acquires health snack
The startup will use the fresh capital to scale its
manufacturing capacity, hire talent, and expand its
retail distribution. TWT offers healthy food snacks
such as protein bars, peanut butter and muesli,
among others to consumers via its website and
e-commerce platforms. The startup manages an
online community of more than 300K users and
also has grown 7X since its last fundraising, which
was held in July 2021. It has an offline presence in
10 Indian cities. Founded in 2019 by ex-Unilever
marketing executive Shashank Mehta, the D2C
startup was earlier named ‘And Nothing Else’ but
later got rebranded to ‘The Whole Truth’.
startup ‘To Be Honest’ 
In a major move to expand its product line, Ghodawat
Consumer Limited (GCL), the FMCG division of Sanjay
Ghodawat Group (SGG), has acquired Delhi-based startup
“To Be Honest” (TBH), a market leader in India for nutritious
and distinctive fruit and vegetable snacks. The acquisition
will allow GCL to enter the health-conscious snacking
market, a move that is particularly timely given the increased
focus on fitness and wellness. The startup currently offers
ten different varieties of snacks, including ripe jackfruit, taro,
purple sweet potatoes, golden sweet potatoes, beetroot,
mixed sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and tomatoes. In addition
to its existing line of products, TBH recently expanded its
“Ready-to-Cook” product line with the introduction of solar-
dehydrated sprouts made with lentils and superfoods. These
sprouts can be rehydrated in just five minutes, making them
a convenient and healthy snack option. The entire TBH team
will join GCL and will be a part of GCL’s Impulse business. With
a revenue of Rs 1,400 crore in FY22, the company is on track
to reach Rs 2000 crore by FY23.

Hamdard to invest Rs 100-150 Cr in Haryana

cluster food park
The Hamdard Group has signed a definitive agreement
with the Reliance Model Economic Township (MET) City
to build the Hamdard Food Park Cluster (HFPC) at Jhajjar
in Haryana. MET City, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is developing a world-
class greenfield Smart City near Gurugram, Haryana.
According to Reliance, Hamdard plans to develop HFPC
to manufacture some of its core food categories on
approximately 10 acres of land at MET City. They are brand of “Hamdard Khaalis” spices; edible oil processing
planning to spend about Rs 100 to 150 crore in the first and filling facilities for oils like Mustard Oil, Olive Oil, Rice
phase of setting up manufacturing facilities. The project Bran Oil & Soya Oil; extruded products processing and
includes a honey processing plant and similar product manufacturing facilities for Vermicelli, Soya Chunks; and
manufacturing facilities; a spices manufacturing plant beverages filling and packing for the products like dairy
for various pure, whole and blended spices under the drinks, still juices and carbonated drinks.
14 Finance News
Reliance to invest
in Sosyo Hajoori
Beverages
Reliance Consumer Products, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures, is
acquiring 50 per cent equity in Surat-based
Sosyo Hajoori Beverages, which owns and
operates a beverage business under the flagship
brand ‘Sosyo’. The existing promoters, Hajoori
family, will continue to own the remaining stake
in the company. Established in 1923 by Abbas
Abdulrahim Hajoori, the company is one of
the leading players in the domestic soft drinks
market. Its portfolio includes Sosyo, Kashmira,
Lemee, Ginlim, Runner, Opener, Hajoori Soda
and S’eau. The company has 18 manufacturing
units and 16 franchises across India. It exports
to countries like UAE, Zambia, Switzerland, USA,
UK, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Australia
and New Zealand. According to Reliance, this
investment will help take forward the company’s
vision of empowering local heritage brands and
presenting them with new growth opportunities.
TCP Overseas buys additional stake in
Joekels Tea Packers
Tata Consumer Products Overseas Holdings (TCP
Overseas), a subsidiary of the company through its UK arm
is set to buy 23.3 per cent of the share capital of
Joekels Tea Packers, Republic of South Africa,
from its Joint-Venture (JV) partners. This is as
per the transaction agreements between TCP
Overseas, Joekels and the JV Partners. The
acquisition of the stake by TCP Overseas from
the JV partners is for a consideration value of
around Rs 43.65 crore plus the adjustment
amount (which will be payable later, based on
the conditions mentioned in the Transaction
Agreements). The said transaction is subject
to the fulfilment of various terms and
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Bajo Foods gets $2M
funding for its diabetes,
protein brands
Bajo Foods, the parent
company of Bengaluru-
based Keto Brand
– Lo! Foods has
raised funding of
$2 million for its
two new first-of-their-
kind product ranges in
India –   DiabeSmart and
Protein Chef.   Mount Judi
Ventures is the lead anchor in this
funding round, its first investment
in the FMCG space.  Strong
investors participated in this
fundraiser, including S Ramadorai
(Former VC, TCS), KP Balaraj, founder of KPB
Trust (Former co-founder of Sequoia Capital
India and WestBridge Capital). With this funding,
the FMCG startup expects to grow by 3.5 times in the next
18 months.  Bajo Foods plans to use the fundraising for
brand building of its new product ranges and expanding
its channels to offline retail, B2B, and hospitals.  It will also
look to bolster its leadership team in branding and revenue
generation to drive its growth ambitions. Aiming to impact
health at scale, the mission of Bajo Foods is to reduce the
number of carbohydrates that India consumes to 50 per cent
(from 75 to 85 per cent). With their new product lines, they
intend to serve 100 million Indians by making scientifically
backed and tested low-carb products. 
conditions. As a result of the acquisition, the holding of
TCP Overseas in Joekels will increase from 51.7 per cent
to 75 per cent of the equity share capital
and the remaining 25 per cent is held by
the joint venture partners. Under Joekels,
Tata’s Tetley has made inroads in South
Africa, with Tetley Green tea becoming
the leading green tea in the local market
just six  months into its launch in 2017.
Joekels also owns the leading kid's tea
brand on the market, Tea4Kidz. Joekels
offers seven renowned brands, and Laager
Rooibos is now the second largest Rooibos
(red tea/redbush tea) brand in the world.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Company News 15

P&G Health introduces

sleep supplement Vicks
ZzzQuil NATURA
Procter & Gamble (P&G) India has introduced the latest addition to the
House of Vicks in India – the new Vicks ZzzQuil NATURA, a melatonin sleep
supplement. It is marketed as a non-addictive sleep supplement in gummy
form, suitable for occasional sleeplessness with no next-day drowsiness. It
also has Vitamin B6. Sleep is essential for a person’s health and well-being,
yet millions of people in India do not get enough sleep. The ZzzQuil India

Nestlé launches
National Sleep Survey by Kantar in association with P&G Health reveals that
only 15 per cent of Indians on average get good sleep at night, with almost
60 per cent of Indians facing occasional sleeplessness. More than 40 per
cent sleep less than 7 hours on workdays, with a large part of the population
food & beverage
unaware of the impact of sleeplessness on daily life. According to the ZzzQuil thickener for
Dysphagia
India National Sleep Survey report India is the second most sleep deprived
country with 6 out of 10 Indians facing occasional
sleeplessness. Consumers will begin to see ZzzQuil
NATURA on shelves of major chemist, mass, and
patients
modern retail stores across the country as early as Strengthening the commitment
January 2023. The gummy is blended with natural to enable people to live
chamomile and lavender. It will be available for healthier lives, Nestlé India has
a maximum retail price of Rs 199 for 10 chewable launched ThickenUp Clear, a food
gummies and Rs 449 for 24 gummies. and beverage thickener that can
be used to help patients with
swallowing difficulties, especially
Heritage Foods launches in oropharyngeal dysphagia. It

instant energy drink GlucoShakti can be administered to those

experiencing challenges in
Hyderabad-based dairy player Heritage Foods has announced the launch of swallowing, clinically known as
GlucoShakti, a whey-based instant energy drink. Primarily in the business of dysphagia due to conditions
milk and dairy products, renewable energy, and cattle feed, this product is the such as head and neck cancer,
company’s entry into the fast-growing energy drink segment. GlucoShakti stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease
has the goodness of whey, fortified with glucose. It has naturally occurring among others. Dysphagia
minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which is a major yet understated
help replenish the essential body salts. Heritage Foods claims it has  ~1.5 health condition that leads
times more potassium  than to dehydration, malnutrition
other competing products, a led infections and impaired
natural source of energy with quality of life. ThickenUp Clear
no gas. GlucoShakti is a natural, is clinically proven to improve
non-carbonated & affordable swallowing safety and efficacy.
energy drink for people on The product is scientifically
the go.  Available in a 200 ml designed and is manufactured
pouch-pack priced at Rs 10, it is by a unique technology at
a pocket-friendly & convenient Osthofen, Germany, exclusively
source of energy without fizz. for Nestlé Health Science. It is
It is currently being launched in a tangy orange flavour across Telangana, xanthan gum-based, tasteless,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The company has also unveiled colourless, odourless and
its premium ‘Creamilicious Curd’, with 4.5% fat made with a unique curd- amylase resistant. The product
culture recipe. Initially rolled out in Delhi NCR, this new Creamilicious Curd can be added to various liquids
has now been launched across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil to enhance swallowing safety
Nadu, and Maharashtra. and efficacy.
16 Company News
Pharmaceuticals
& Medical Devices
Bureau of India
launches Special
Chyawanprash
A new product Jan Aushadhi
Special Chyawanprash under
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya
Janaushadhi Pariyojana
(PMBJP) has been launched
by the Chief Executive Officer
of Pharmaceuticals & Medical
Devices Bureau of India
(PMBI) Ravi Dadhich. This
Chwanprash Special will now
be available at all Jan Aushadhi
Kendras across the country at a
reasonable price. Chyawanprash
Special is a potent antioxidant
paste, prepared through the
synergistic blending of around
50 herbs and spices. With an
objective of making quality
generic medicines available at
affordable prices to all, PMBJP
was launched in 2008 by the
Department of Pharmaceuticals,
Ministry of Chemicals &
Fertilisers, Government of India,
by the implementing agency
PMBI. Currently, there are
more than 9000 Janaushadhi
Kendras in India. The successful
implementation of the scheme
has already earned Rs 869.12
crore in sales in the current
financial year, and is targeting
a revenue of Rs 1200 crore next
year.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Hunch Ventures to build
India’s first net-zero food tech
innovation project
Hunch Ventures, a New Delhi-based Investment fund, has announced a
global partnership with  Earth First Food Ventures  (EFFV) to build  India’s
first  Net-Zero Food Tech Innovation project.  Catalysed by the  Global
Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP), this Net-Zero Food Tech Innovation
project will be the first of its kind in India. It is focused on smart proteins
and innovative technologies in food production for lower carbon emissions
as well as cleaner and healthier
production of proteins with lower
GHG emissions. The goal is to move
towards a net-zero society over
the coming decades. The partners
envisage strong growth for the
enterprise as well as for the country
as a whole.    The proposed states
and localities are now being defined
for the first site. With the capacity to
meet future demand over the next decade, the Net-Zero Food Technology
Innovation Project will encompass plant-based assets, precision and
biomass fermentation production and eventually cultivated (i.e., Cel-Ag)
technologies, to strengthen local food supply chains and address the need
to alleviate hunger and the burgeoning (and international) markets. Over
time, there will be multiple Net-Zero Food Technology Innovation projects
that will also serve as a social enterprise for the increase in quality of life for
everyone from producers to consumers in the ecosystem.  
Tata’s premium instant coffee
travels North
In line with its focus on innovation, Tata Consumer Products has announced
the launch of its premium instant coffee ‘Tata Coffee Grand Premium’ a 100
per cent coffee blend with flavour-locked decoction crystals. The product
has been launched keeping in mind the taste preference of consumers in
non-South markets who tend to prefer a 100 per cent coffee blend over a
coffee:chicory blend (which is preferred in the South). Tata Coffee Grand
Premium, while being a 100 per cent coffee blend, also has
unique flavour-locked decoction crystals which lock in taste
and aroma. This is the key differentiator for the brand as it
is a unique product offering over its key competitors.  The
new launch is supported by a captivating film, using ASMR
(Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) that showcases
the sensory journey of Tata Coffee Grand Premium from
bean to cup.  In 2015, Tata Consumer Products made its entry
into the branded instant coffee business in India under the
brand name Tata Coffee Grand. After leading the Indian tea
market under its iconic Tata Tea brand, the company took
the strategic step to leverage its product, marketing, and
retail expertise to enter the branded coffee space in India.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Company News 17

Modicare expands ‘Well

range’ with gummies
New Delhi-based D2C company Modicare has expanded its wellness range
with the launch of ‘Well Gummies’. The ‘Well Gummy’ range offers five
different variants namely Well Hair, Skin & Nail Gummy, Well Perfect Body
Gummy, Well Detox Gummy, Well Sharp Eye Gummy and Well Yummy-
Marico launches
tamin Gummy. These gummies are 100 per cent natural, devoid  of any ragi & makhana
artificial colours, and rich in flavours. These nutrient-rich gummies also aim
to increase energy, strengthen  immunity, improve metabolism, and boost
RTE snacks
overall well-being.   According to Samir Kumaar Modi, Founder and Managing Mumbai-based FMCG firm
Director, Modicare, the growing awareness about nutrition and a positive Marico has launched Saffola
shift towards healthier and active lifestyles have increased the demand Munchiez – a new range of
for nutrient-rich consumables. Consumers healthy snacking options. Made
today are looking for simple solutions that from super grains like Ragi and
go well with their fast-paced lifestyles, to Makhana, Saffola Munchiez aims
help them maintain a healthy body. Well at making snacking better for
Gummies claim to address these gaps and you. Marico, under their Saffola
fulfil nutritional needs on the go. A result portfolio, has been consistently
of extensive research and development innovating to curate healthier
shows that Well Gummies are purely vegan, food options while catering
gelatin-free, soy-free and nut-free, with to the taste preferences of a
expertise from Europe and USA. They eliminate the modern Indian consumer. The
hassles of swallowing pills and support active living company has rolled out its latest
with edibles which are nutritional. Their extensive range strives to ensure innovation in the ready-to-eat
that modern-day consumers enjoy a natural and nutritious experience at Rs (RTE) snacks category – Saffola
699 for 30 pieces of each variant. Munchiez Ragi Chips and Saffola
Munchiez Roasted Makhana
in various flavours. Saffola
India’s Zeon Lifesciences & UK’s Munchiez Ragi Chips have 50

Vitonnix make sublingual nutrient spray
New Delhi-based nutraceutical and herbal product manufacturer Zeon
Lifesciences has collaborated with Vitonnix to launch a sublingual spray
to meet one’s daily nutrient requirement. Given that nutraceuticals are
a current trend, industry collaboration within the nutraceutical sector is
essential to fostering technological growth and innovation that benefits
both parties. Sublingual Sprays, a patented product
created by doctors and pharmacy professionals
after years of thorough research and development,
are the product of the UK-based company,
Vitonnix. While expressing his views on the
development, Suresh Garg, MD, and Founder, Zeon
Lifesciences, said they are forming joint ventures
with different businesses to produce cutting-edge
products. In an effort to revolutionise  medical
innovation and research in India, Zeon continually
supports creative and translational research. The
spokesperson from Vitonnix said his company
has made game-changing innovations redefining
nutrition. It has brought its technology to India,
to help achieve a Kuposhan Mukt India just like a
polio-free India.
per cent less saturated fat than
chips fried in palm oil. Currently,
the product has been launched
in two flavours -Masala Twist and
Takatak Tomato. Saffola Munchiez
Roasted Makhana comes in two
flavours – Cheezy Onion and
Masala Twist. Saffola Munchiez
aims to address the rising
trend of conscious indulgence
among today’s consumers. It
was observed by the brands
that an increasing number of
consumers prefer branded snacks
over unpackaged snacks and
the company recognised a rising
demand for healthier snacking
options in the packaged snacks
segment. The company’s entry
into the RTE snack category will
further strengthen its foothold in
the healthy and premium foods
segment.
18 startups News
ProV Foods launches
mini snack-pack of nuts
ProV foods, a brand
owned by Mumbai-
based startup
Proventus Agrocom, has
announced the launch
of a new line of products
called ProV Minis.
Designed specifically for
the Indian market, ProV
Minis are small snack
packs of flavoured dry fruits, nuts and seeds that are
ideal for healthy on-the-go nutrition, priced at Rs 30 per
pack. ProV Minis are currently available in flavours such
as Cashew Roasted & Salted, Nut & Seed Mix, Cashew
Creamy Cheese, Cashew Cracked Pepper, Almonds
Roasted & Salted and Almonds Piri Piri. The company
will launch additional flavours and variants over the
coming months.   Commenting on the launch of ProV
Minis, Shalin Khanna, Co-Founder and CMO, ProV Foods
said that Indian consumers often struggle with finding
healthy snacking options for themselves and their
families and often end up snacking on unhealthy snacks
like chips and namkeens. The few healthy alternatives
that exist tend to have higher price points not suitable
for impulse purchases or to stock at local kiranas, or lack
in flavour and taste. Over the past three years, ProV has
steadily gained popularity as a smart choice for a healthy
lifestyle. By next year ProV is targeting a revenue of Rs
500 crore run rate and aims to achieve a 20x growth by
the year 2026.
D WA Herbals launches wellness drinks range
Delhi-based startup D WA Herbals has forayed into a
range of herbal wellness drinks under the functional water
category. This move comes in the wake of the company’s
concerted plans to tap the growing popularity of
herbal drinks with their health benefits. This was
disclosed by Dr Sushil Kumar, Founder Director, D
WA Herbals during the launch, which makes the
brand the first in India, to venture into this category.
The company offers a range of herbal drinks with
added functional value in the form of oxygen,
minerals, vitamins, botanicals, etc. With a highly
research-based product range, the company has
successfully optimised the effect of well-known
herbs using innovative technology. All these products are
tested at an NABL-approved lab and certified safe to drink.
Currently, D WA Herbals offers four variants, Daily Wellness
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Mallipathra Nutraceutical
& Fruvetech among
winners of NSA 2022
Startup India Innovation week culminated on January
16, 2023 with the felicitation of winners of the National
Startup Awards (NSA) 2022 on National Startup Day.
The awards were presented by the Union Minister of
Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and
Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal in New
Delhi. Multiple startups were recognised across various
sectors such as agriculture, fintech, health &
wellness, environment, construction, education
& skill development, energy etc. To mention a
few, New Delhi-based startup Fruvetech was
one of the winners in the Agriculture sector.
Founded in 2021, the startup has developed
a novel technology to enhance the shelf life of
fruits and vegetables. Dr Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti,
Founder, Fruvetech said that with extensive research they
have developed safe, self-sustainable systems for the safe
storage of fruits, vegetables and other perishable items
like fresh mushrooms. On the other hand, Bengaluru-
based food startup Mallipathra Nutraceutical was one
of the winners in the Health & Wellness sector. Founded
in 2016, the startup is cultivating the world’s costliest,
high medicinal value instilled Cordyceps mushrooms,
to develop nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products.
National Startup Awards 2022 acknowledges startups and
enablers who have been instrumental in revolutionising
the development story of India and in demonstrating
exceptional capabilities not just in terms of financial gains
but also for the measurable impact on society.
drink, Detox drink, Skin radiant drink, and Calm drink in 300
ml packaging. These are priced at Rs 65 for daily wellness
and for others it is Rs 45. Presently, these are being retailed in
leading hospitality segments and wellness centres
in Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Chandigarh. Dr Sushil
Kumar said that currently, in Pune, Delhi NCR alone,
the startup has placed products in over 150 outlets
in a short period and hopes to increase its reach in
the coming days. They plan to retail in all modern
retail formats including e-comm platforms like
Amazon, Flipkart, etc. Besides the domestic market,
the startup’s international research network from
the USA, Russia, Germany, and Dubai enables them
to customise its products and expand its global reach. The
startup is gearing up for a major expansion and will have its
pilot plant beside its current plants in Pune and Dehradun.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Rage Coffee presents
sachets with
concentrated caffeine
Rage Coffee, a Delhi-based caffeine innovation FMCG
startup that manufactures, markets, and distributes
packaged caffeine-related products, has announced the
launch of its 20 ml coffee sachets. The innovative mobile
packaging offers a cup of filter coffee laced with 200 mg
of caffeine. Rage Coffee is India’s first 100 per cent plant-
powered coffee
infused with six
plant vitamins.
Made using
100 per cent
Arabica beans
sourced from
some of India’s
most renowned
plantations,
Rage Coffee
comes in nine
flavours and
caffeine-based
bars and
cookies. The startup has also entered into the healthy
snacking segment recently with the launch of three
new snacks – Coffee Peanut Bars, Caffeine Almond Bars,
and Chocolate Oats Cookies. These products provide
consumers with options in the healthy snacking category
as all of them are gluten-free, crafted with natural
premium ingredients, and contain no preservatives or
colourants.
HempStreet inks collaboration with MGC
Pharma to launch nutra mouth spray
New Delhi-based startup HempStreet, India’s first
research-to-retail medicinal cannabis venture,
has launched ArtemiC, a nutraceutical mouth
spray  to speed up recovery for patients with
severe COVID-19 symptoms. ArtemiC has been
launched in collaboration with MGC Pharma, a
company with which HempStreet announced
a partnership earlier this year. Headquartered
in the UK, MGC Pharma is a pharmaceutical
company working on polyherbal
formulations based on cannabis and
other phytopharmaceuticals. HempStreet,
through its collaboration with MGC
Pharma, aims to create and bring to market
startups News 19
Superfoods Valley
unveils one-of-a-kind
nutrition mix​​
Superfoods Valley, a nutrition and food-tech startup
based in Bengaluru, has launched its flagship product
Good Monk, a one-of-a-kind nutrition mix. The company
has also unveiled a new app that helps educate users
and creates transparency about the nutritive value of
the food we consume.  The launch was attended by
Dr B Sesikeran, former Director, National Institute of
Nutrition (NIN) and Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR), Sheela Krishnaswamy, renowned nutrition and
wellness expert, Dr Shovan Ganguli, Food Researcher
& Scientist, and Dr P R Krishnaswamy, Ex-Director &
Founder, Protein Foods and Nutrition Development
Association of India, who highlighted the importance
and need of such products in the Indian market. Good
Monk is a unique mix of highly bio-available ingredients
such as Probiotics & Fibre, Lysine (Protein building
block), Vit A, B6, B9, B12, C, D, Iron, Zinc, Ashwagandha
and Brahmi. The power of 13 nutri-herbs helps improve
gut health, support immunity, unlock energy and aid
mental development. The recommended dosage varies
for adults and children – 1 sachet a day for children
aged 7 to 12 years and 2 sachets per day for adults (1
sachet per meal). 
phytopharma products to tackle mass ailments. With
ArtemiC, the companies expect to reduce the
symptoms of long COVID-19, which still affects
more than 15 million people in India.  ArtemiC,
includes four natural-based ingredients
consisting of Curcumin, Boswellia serrata,
Artemisinin and Vitamin C. ArtemiC Rescue
and ArtemiC Support are the two variations of
this product that will be available via medical
practitioners and leading pharmacies. ArtemiC
Rescue is an adjunctive treatment for the
symptoms of COVID-19, whereas ArtemiC
Support is a daily supplement that does not
contain artemisinin.
20 startups News NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Seven Spring introduces WOW Life Science

India’s first 100%
compostable tea sachets
Aiming to curtail one of the world’s largest environmental
problems of global plastic pollution, Seven Spring, the
premium tea brand from Gujarat, has introduced India’s
first-ever 100 per cent compostable tea bag sachets with
zero plastic and aluminium foils. This new packaging is
environment-friendly and focuses to cut back on waste,
zero plastic consumption, and carbon emissions. After
extensive research for around nine months, the Seven
Spring team came up with the 100 per cent compostable
tea bag sachets that are completely plant-based and can
dissolve in water or mud. As of now, the startup Seven
Spring has introduced this compostable packaging in
its economical range, which is available on Amazon,
Big Basket and the company’s website. These are also
available in the B2B segment – in the hotels that the
brand has tie-ups with. Seven Spring was launched in
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2020. The brand, which brews
teas from tea leaves sourced throughout the world, has
grown considerably over the past two years, both in terms
of varieties and reach, currently offering 30 varieties.
launches India’s first
peanut butter infused
with superfoods
Bengaluru-based startup WOW Life Science has
launched its new peanut butter range, with a twist. For
almost a year, WOW Life Science has been developing
a unique peanut butter that offers consumers
unmatched health benefits. The internal innovation
team has developed the first peanut butter with
superfoods in India after doing significant customer
research and seeking advice from experts. The brand
has introduced two variants- one  with super seeds
(chia, pumpkin, watermelon, sunflower)  and the
other with Sattu (roasted chana powder). Loaded with
these superfoods, the peanut butter contains protein
& nutrients like Omega 3, Vitamin E, and Magnesium.
They are 100 per cent natural and have no added
sugar, palm oil, preservatives, or emulsifiers. Moreover,
pure jaggery is used to sweeten them. The startup
will be soon collaborating
with health experts and
key opinion leaders for
an experiential campaign
and further its vision to
provide nutrition-
rich alternatives
and motivate the
adoption of a
healthy lifestyle.

Mama Mia launches first-ever gelato

macarons in India
Mama Mia,  India’s  oldest gelato
brand, is shaking things up in
the dessert segment with the
launch of their new product:
Gelato  Macarons. This unique
fusion of French macarons and
Italian-style gelato is a first of its
kind in  India. Founded by Adhiraj
Thirani and Akshat Singhania, Mama
Mia  has registered close to 90 per
cent year-over-year growth in the
online delivery segment and has
saturated the  Kolkata  market with
over 93 per cent pin code coverage
and an average delivery time of 8
to 20 minutes, with many orders
being delivered within 15 minutes
of pickup. According to a report by
IMARC Group, the ice cream market
in India reached a value of Rs 194.1
billion in 2022. With a compound
annual growth rate forecast of 17.5
per cent during the period 2023-
2028, the market is expected to reach
a value of Rs 508.4 billion by 2028.
During the same time, the desserts
market in India is expected to grow
at a CAGR of 19 per cent. According
to  Thirani, the market is driven by
changing consumer habits and rising
disposable incomes, as well as heavy
investment in product innovation
and promotional campaigns by key
players. In addition, the expansion
of the food and beverage sector
and the rise of online food delivery
models along with e-FMCG are also
contributing to the growth of the
market.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in cover 21

Going Green
w i t h
Eco-friendly
Packaging
Sustainable packaging has been consistently gaining acceptance in the packaging industry for
quite a long time now, becoming quite a buzzword in the sector. Historically, actions by fast-moving
consumer goods (FMCG) companies and retailers have mostly focused on quick wins such as reducing
weight and materials usage, to enable them to lower their packaging costs. Curbing the use of plastic
packaging and changing packaging materials comes at a cost in terms of additional complexities and
trade-offs. Not all types of actions have the same impact on the different aspects of the sustainability
footprint. Technical and economic feasibility varies by plastic type and application, as well as by
geographic region, and cost implications go beyond just packaging material prices and conversion
costs. Shipment of packaged food containers from Maharashtra to Gujarat, for instance, is more
economical if the current traditional packaging is considered. Swapping it with the new alternatives
to plastic is a bold move as it greatly impacts costs. Here’s a look at how the Food & Beverage (F&B)
industry has been driving innovations in the sustainable packaging space in India and globally.
22 cover NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

N
ew data by Trivium Packaging in its 2022 Global
Buying Green Report reveals that consumer
demand for eco-friendly and sustainable product
packaging has proven remarkably stable and
robust despite the upheaval of societal changes in recent
years. 
The study shows a steady climb in the dedication of
younger consumers to sustainable living. Around 86 per
cent of those 45 and under said they would be willing to
pay more for sustainable packaging. This is up from 83 per
cent, comparing the same data set in Trivium's 2021 report.
Plastics are still in rampant circulation across India,
despite the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs). Although the
government is rather ambitious about this ban, efforts and
investments need to be increased to develop alternatives
to SUPs. Creating an organised plastic waste management
system and developing an economic and environmental
cost-benefit analysis are crucial.
Indians are motivated to make more mindful choices
which has increased the demand for eco-friendly and
sustainable packaging in the Indian F&B market. The big
names in the industry such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestle,
Kellogg’s, Danone, etc. have been actively eliminating
plastic waste at the source and working towards 100 per core of this innovation, Corona works with Barley farmers
cent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging for in India to buy leftover straw that is often the cause of crop
their food products. burning, a critical issue in North India, to manufacture
A lot of sustainability initiatives are being employed these 100 per cent biodegradable compostable six-
by these companies for their Indian consumers too. The packs. By commercialising barley straw, farmers receive
announcement of the successful production of the world’s an income for crop waste that otherwise has limited
first food-grade Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic marketable benefits. Corona has worked with Craste,
bottles produced entirely from enzymatically recycled a Pune-headquartered green, sustainable packaging
plastic by the Consortium – Carbios, L’Oréal, Nestlé Waters, company, to develop this circular and scalable technology.
PepsiCo, and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe has pushed AB InBev and Craste have been working towards
the companies even closer to their sustainability goals. developing this technology for more than three years. 
Developed by Carbios, a France-based green chemistry Speaking at the launch, Vineet Sharma, Vice President
company that focuses on discovering and developing – Marketing, South Asia, AB InBev said, “Ever since
enzymatic bioprocesses applied to plastic and textile its inception, Corona has been synonymous with the
polymers, the patented enzymatic PET recycling process outdoors and has had a deep connection with nature. We
enables a wide variety of PET plastics to be recycled into believe it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it.
virgin quality, food-grade rPET. Together, these brands are After in-depth assessments across our supply chain, we
working to scale this innovation to help meet the global wanted to first start by revamping our packaging and
demand for sustainable packaging solutions. making it sustainable. We are proud to launch the future of
Apart from these names, there are plenty of small and packaging which is made from 100 per cent barley waste.
medium-sized players making efforts to create sustainable This intervention speaks to Corona's mission of protecting
packaging for the F&B industry in India. A variety of the environment by reducing waste and truly being a
new materials have been employed in the space and globally responsible brand.”
innovations abound in the industry. A division of the US-based packaging solutions
company TricorBraun, TricorBraun Flex has launched a
New materials entering the space new fully-compostable, plant-based packaging bag. The
In June 2022, Corona India, a brand of beer produced high-barrier packaging solution, Biotré 3.0, has been
by Anheuser Busch InBev launched a new 100 per cent awarded the BPI Certification Mark from the Biodegradable
biodegradable and compostable six-pack made from Products Institute and is available for specialty food
100 per cent barley straw in India. With circularity at the and snacks, coffee, pet treats, and nutraceuticals. It
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in cover 23

“
“After in-depth
assessments across
our supply chain,
we wanted to first
start by revamping
our packaging and making it
sustainable.”
Vineet Sharma,
Vice President – Marketing, South Asia, AB InBev

“
“Nandu’s goal now is to
make 100 per cent of our
packaging plastic-free
by 2023.”
Narendra Pasuparthy,
Chief Farmer, Founder
and CEO, Nandu’s

is made from high-barrier materials that prevent the
penetration of water, oil, oxygen, gas, and light. The
packaging can also be disposed off in composting bins for
industrial composting, which contributes to TricorBraun’s
sustainability goals.
The scope of research for sustainable technologies
is vast, and scientists around the globe have been
exploring the research possibilities. Such efforts are not
only material-centric but also involve new technologies,
designs, manufacturing practices, etc. for incorporating
sustainability in the packaging. Indian research institutes
and scientists are also part of such studies and routinely
present innovative solutions to the F&B industry in India.
A team of scientists at the Institute of Advanced
Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati
has developed an environmentally friendly, non-toxic,
biodegradable polymer using guar gum and chitosan,
both of which are polysaccharides extracted from guar
beans and shells of crab and shrimps. Polysaccharide is a
biopolymer with high potential for use in the synthesis of
packaging material. However, drawbacks related to high
water-solubility and permeability have impacted their
popularity in the past. Researchers have now developed a
cross linked film that does not dissolve in water even after
240 hours.
Another research group from the same institute
developed a biodegradable, biopolymer nanocomposite
that can detect relative humidity and can find application
as smart packaging materials, especially for the food
industry. In this, two biopolymers, Guar and Alginate
“The evolution of
secondary transport
packaging is just
what the global
drinks industry needs
as it looks to the future.”
Tarik Aniba, Sales & Marketing
Director, Mondi Group
were blended with carbon dots (nanomaterial) to make a
nanocomposite film that was successfully used to detect
relative humidity.
Apart from IASST, researchers at the National
Institute of Technology (NIT) Andhra Pradesh developed
nanotechnology-based food packaging materials that
offer a greater advantage over conventional and non-
biodegradable packing materials by enhancing the
functional properties of foods such as bio-availability,
taste, and texture. The team emphasised the role of
nanoparticles to provide mechanical stability to packing
material. It showed how nano-sensors can be developed
to detect pathogens, contamination, pesticides, and
allergens and to enhance the antimicrobial properties
of packing material to prevent food spoilage and
contamination.
Recyclable is a new sustainable
For years, converting a high percentage of post-
consumer recycled (PCR) content into film and having
it meet food contact certification standards has
been thought to be unachievable - particularly while
maintaining quality and cost. Many packaging firms
24 cover
around the globe have been working with their partners to
control sourcing, material sortation, and blending within
their PCR material, to achieve a higher quality product fit
for food contact within all their products. Here are a few
such companies:
Australia-based Grounded Packaging, an end-to-end
packaging supplier launched RE: MONO, a new recyclable,
flexible packaging solution made of 83 per cent recycled
materials. The new product contains the highest volume
of PCR content currently available in the world for food
contact pouches and other flexible packaging formats.
This film laminate is made from disposed plastic sourced
from recycling streams such as milk bottles and plastic
bags. Grounded’s RE: MONO offers an alternative to reduce
their environmental footprint by 57 per cent compared
to virgin plastic packaging. RE: MONO is a mono-material,
recyclable #4 (Low-density Polyethylene) soft and flexible
material that can be recycled into the same thing at end-
of-life.
“RE: MONO is an alternative to plastic that is an
indispensable packaging material for most food producers
and retailers,” said Benjamin Grant, co-founder of
Grounded Packaging. “The packaging we’re launching has
been deemed unattainable by other flexible packaging
manufacturers, and we look forward to bringing to market
more sustainable products like RE: MONO that are helping
consumers and brands join the fight against the climate
crisis.”
Sweden-headquartered firms Lidl Sweden, a grocery
retailer, and Trioworld, a sustainable polyethylene film
solutions provider for agriculture, launched the first PCR
plastic film, approved for frozen food packaging. This
solution is powered by an innovative 5-layer concept that
has met all the required tests and simulations as required
by the European Regulations for Food Contact Material.
The packaging is made of 30 per cent recycled PCR and is
100 per cent recyclable.
“Trioworld’s multi-layer
Loop offers Lidl a packaging
solution that is not only
fully recyclable but made
from 30 per cent post-
consumer recycled
material and reduces
its carbon footprint.
Trioworld has a target to
increase the percentage
of recycled plastics in
their products to 50
per cent by 2030 and
is now continuing to
develop thinner multi-
layer Loop film for more
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
food application areas.”, says Evert Paardekooper, President
Consumer Packaging Division, Trioworld.
SABIC, a Singapore-headquartered global leader in
the chemical industry, and Scientex, a manufacturer in
flexible plastic packaging have developed the world’s first
polypropylene (PP) flexible food packaging using PCR
ocean-bound plastic (OBP). The material is being used in
a premium brand of noodles packaging sold in Malaysia.
OBP is abandoned plastic waste found in areas up to 50
km inland from waterways that may eventually be washed
into the ocean by rainfall, rivers, or tides. The OBP used in
the project is recovered and converted to pyrolysis oil in
an advanced recycling process. This successful initiative
demonstrates the feasibility of tackling the plastic waste
issue through dedicated value chain collaborations and
sets a milestone in shaping a circular plastics economy in
Malaysia and across South East Asia.
Paper-based packaging is burgeoning
Paper packaging is amongst the most eco-friendly
and economic forms of packaging. The global push for
recyclability in the paper packaging market will create
enormous opportunities for food companies globally. It
is also observed that recycled paper packaging offers a
distinct cost advantage for the production of corrugated
boxes and cartons and other paper packaging solutions.
Here are a few firms innovating in the paper packaging
space:
Switzerland-headquartered Amcor, a global leader
in developing and producing responsible packaging
solutions has introduced a high-barrier, recyclable paper-
based packaging- LifeSpan Performance Paper for snacks
and confectionery in Europe. The new high-barrier, grease-
resistant, FSC-certified paper-based solution has over 80
per cent paper fibre content, as well as being PVDC-free
and recyclable across most European countries. The
company plans to expand LifeSpan Performance Paper
into coffee and culinary sectors.
Tetra Pak, one of the leading food processing and
packaging solutions companies, unveiled a paper-based
and recyclable packaging- Tetra Stelo Aseptic for Minute
Maid, a leading nutrition brand under The Coca-Cola
Company’s portfolio in India. This is the first ever Tetra
Stelo Aseptic package for The Coca-Cola Company in the
world, and the first time the package
is being launched by Tetra Pak in
the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. 
“The Tetra Stelo Aseptic
is paper-based, recyclable,
Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) certified and offers the
environmental advantages that
are unique to Tetra Pak packages.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in cover 25

“
Sustainable packaging materials ““Our RE: MONO is an
alternative to the plastic
Barley straw
 
  that is an indispensable
Guar gum and Chitosan
 
  packaging material for
Nanocomposites (a fusion of traditional food
 
  most food producers
packaging material with nanoparticles) and retailers.”
Paper fibres
 
  Benjamin Grant, Co-Founder,
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content
 
  Grounded Packaging

“
Ocean-bound plastic (OBP)
 
 

“Trioworld has a target to

Guidelines and indications for increase the percentage
sustainable packaging design of recycled plastics in
their products to 50
Although many efforts have been made by per cent by 2030 and
scholars, business organisations and institutions is now continuing to develop
to clearly define “sustainable food packaging”, thinner multi-layer Loop film
fragmentation persists. Different organisations for more food application areas.”
have published definitions and guidelines that Evert Paardekooper, President, Consumer Packaging
could lead to the development of sustainable Division, Trioworld

“
packaging (not in all cases framed only on the food
sector). As can be seen in Table, the macro-themes
covered and expanded in each publication with SIG’s paper straws are
clear design directions are varied, often leaving a great alternative in
aside issues such as prevention of food losses line with our ongoing
and social aspects by going more in-depth on efforts to reduce our
environmental strategies. carbon footprint and
environmental impact.”
Vandana Tandan, Country
Manager, SIG India

The package meets the needs of not just the consumer
looking for nutritional, safe food, but also one who is
environmentally conscious” says Ashutosh Manohar,
Managing Director, Tetra Pak, South Asia.
By launching innovative eco-friendly packaging
for all its home delivery orders, Bengaluru-based
omnichannel meat brand Nandu’s became India’s first
meat-based startup to use sustainable packaging for its
food. As part of its new green packaging, the primary
packaging (which is in direct contact with hygienically
processed meat) is made of non-plastic virgin food-grade
material that is fully recyclable. Similarly, the secondary
packaging (the outer box which contains the primary
packaging) is made of a blend of recycled and virgin
paper material that is fully recyclable, ensuring both
sustainability and presentability.
Commenting on this initiative, Narendra Pasuparthy,
Chief Farmer, Founder and CEO, Nandu’s, said, “We have a
strong commitment to the environment, which ensures
that we make conscious efforts to reduce our carbon
footprint. As far as our innovative packaging is concerned,
after a lot of deliberation and researching materials,
powered by the firm trust and loyalty of our consumers,
“
A study could further be
conducted to explore
the different alternative
materials, their cost,
and their effect on the
environment.”
Dr Manoj Hudnurkar, Professor,
Symbiosis Center for Management and
Human Resource Development, Pune
we decided on a solution that is a win-win for us and the
environment. While creating this innovation we took all
measures to ensure that the product quality and safety are
not compromised in any way. Nandu’s goal now is to make
100 per cent of our packaging plastic-free by 2023.”
Austria-based Mondi, a global leader in packaging
and paper, has launched Hug&Hold, a recyclable, paper-
based solution to replace plastic shrink wrap for PET
beverage bottle bundle packs. Hug&Hold comprises two
elements that provide secure and safe transportation as
26 cover NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Guidelines and indications for sustainable packaging design

Guideline Name Author Macrothemes
The responsible Incpen The functions of packaging through the supply chain;
packaging code Honesty in presentation; Convenience in use; Instructions,
of practice guidance & information; Legal requirements; Health,
safety & consumer protection; Environmental aspects
Packaging FDF and Functionality, Re-use, recovery & recycling, Transport
Sustainability INCPEN
Checklist
Definition of Sustainable Is beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and
Sustainable Packaging communities throughout its life cycle; Meets market
Packaging Coalition criteria for performance and cost; Is sourced,
manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable
energy; Optimizes the use of renewable or recycled
source materials; Is manufactured using clean production
technologies and best practices; Is made from materials
healthy throughout the life cycle; Is physically designed to
optimize materials and energy; Is effectively recovered and
utilized in biological and/or industrial closed loop cycles.
Sustainable Australian Design for recovery; Optimise material efficiency; Design
Packaging packaging to reduce product waste; Eliminate hazardous materials;
Guidelines covenant Use recycled materials; Use renewable materials; Design
(SPGs) organisation to minimise litter; Design for transport efficiency; Design
for accessibility; Provide consumer information on
environmental sustainability
Packguide Incpen Design for minimization; design for re-use, recycling and
A guide to recovery; design for compostability; communicating with
packaging eco- stakeholders.
design
Source- www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

well as stacking of bundles of bottled drinks. The first
element is a patent-pending sleeve made of 100 per cent
kraft paper that wraps around the bottles to hold them
securely. Made from Advantage SpringPack Plus, it offers
high tensile strength and can withstand enough weight to
strap and stabilise the bottles during transportation. The
second element is a corrugated clip that holds the bottles
around the neck.
“The evolution of secondary transport packaging is
just what the global drinks industry needs as it looks
to the future. A sustainable, functional and fully
automated alternative to plastic shrink wrap means
that brand owners can safely switch to a recyclable
paper-based packaging solution, without any risk to their
product or logistics,” says Tarik Aniba, Sales & Marketing
Director, Mondi Group.
SIG India, an aseptic carton packaging solutions
provider has launched a wide range of recyclable paper
straws in India with a variety of dimensions, shapes,
and utilities. As a potential solution to the massive
environmental damage caused by plastic straws, and
in line with the plastic ban in India, SIG’s paper straws
offer the best biodegradable non-plastic alternative,
focused on both functionality and sustainability. SIG’s
paper straws are made using paper obtained from
FSC-certified sources, similar to its forest-based cartons,
which are also made using renewable paperboard.  “In
recent years, India’s plastic waste output has exploded,
with the country producing as much as 34 lakh tonnes
of plastic waste in 2019-20! A significant part of this
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in cover 27

Brief background of sustainable packaging materials

Barley straw Guar gum-Chitosan Nanocomposites

They have been reported to
contain valuable compounds
such as hemicelluloses,
cellulose, lignin, etc. that
can be used as both food
packaging and edible film.
Guar gum-Chitosan composite
film has high mechanical
strength, lower water
solubility, and hydrophobic
nature; therefore, it can
potentially be used in
packaging applications.
Fabricated nanocomposite
film can find application as
smart packaging materials,
especially for the food
industry as they can monitor
the packed food freshness
using just a UV light source

Post-consumer recycled Ocean-bound plastic (OBP)

(PCR) content
They close the loop on
sustainable packaging by
reducing virgin material
consumption and end-
consumer waste
A type of PCR that is at risk of
ending up in the ocean can
be used to produce flexible
packaging and is a critical
element in the fight against
oceanic plastic pollution

waste is caused by plastic straws, which clog up drainage
systems, pollute water bodies, and cause irreparable, and
even fatal damage to aquatic life. In line with this, India
has announced a ban on the manufacture, sale, and use
of several SUP products, including plates, cups, straws,
trays, and polystyrene, from July 1, 2022. This makes SIG’s
paper straws a great alternative, with the added benefit
of convenience for both brands and consumers, in line
with our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint
and environmental impact,” said Vandana Tandan,
Country Manager, SIG India.
The correlation between increased awareness
about the environment and consumer choices related
to purchasing products is fairly obvious. But there is
a considerable research gap in developing better and
economical sustainable packaging materials, as the safety
requirements are much higher for the F&B industry.
While discussing his study related to sustainable
packaging materials in the Indian F&B industry, Dr
Manoj Hudnurkar, Professor at Symbiosis Centre for
Management and Human Resource Development, Pune
said, “While exploring consumer behaviour towards
sustainable packaging, this study fails to explore
viable alternatives to the current packaging materials.
We believe further research could be conducted
to understand better the alternative economical
packaging materials available in the market. A study
could further be conducted to explore the different
alternative materials, their cost, and their effect on the
environment. Another interesting study, we believe,
would be to understand customer behaviour towards
change in packaging. Customers are often used to
seeing their frequent purchases in a certain package
or colour combination. It would be interesting to study
their behaviour and purchase decisions when the said
packaging is changed.”
A successful sustainability innovation will need to be at
a neutral or affordable cost trade-off to gain scale. Equally,
many application innovations seem to be difficult to
scale up beyond the smaller initiatives currently in place.
This is partly because they are often at an early stage in
the research process and use costly materials. However,
as FMCG companies and retailers discover the need to
move from an arm’s length relationship with suppliers to
more of a partnership and collaborative approach, new
opportunities could emerge for packaging innovators—
particularly for agile innovators that are able to quickly
expand their innovation capabilities.
Developing sustainable packaging is no longer new,
but making it affordable and safe remains challenging. In
2023, we need more innovations in the market that are
not only advanced but should be compliant with all the
parameters for better acceptance and sustainability in
consumer behaviour.
Mansi Jamsudkar
(mansi.jamsudkar@mmactiv.com)
28 Cancer NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Ultra-processed Foods
Raise Cancer Risks
The total daily calories consumed by people globally, which mainly come from ultra-processed foods,
has been continuously increasing in the past two decades. Ultra-processed foods are industrial
ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat formulations made of little or no whole foods. These foods are usually
high in added sugar, oils/fats, and refined starch, altering gut microbiota composition unfavorably
and contributing to increased risk of weight gain and obesity -- an established risk factor for
colorectal and many other cancers. Beyond poor nutrition profiles, ultra-processed foods commonly
contain food additives such as dietary emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners, some types of which
have been suggested to increase the pro-inflammatory potential of the gut microbiome, promoting
carcinogenesis (when normal cells are transformed into cancer cells). Potential carcinogens may also
be formed during the processing of meats containing sodium nitrates (for example, nitrosamines)
or heat treatment (for example, acrylamide) or may migrate from the packaging of ultra-processed
foods. Let’s get a better sense of why this food category, which has become the most preferred type
of food today, invites different types of cancers.

A
ccording to the National Cancer Registry
Programme India report 2022, the estimated
number of incident cases of cancer in India for the
year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427 (crude rate:100.4
per 100,000). In India, one in nine people is likely to
develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Lung and breast cancers
were the leading sites of cancer in males and females,
respectively. Among the childhood (0-14 yr) cancers,
lymphoid leukaemia (boys: 29.2 per cent and girls: 24.2 per
cent) was the leading site. The Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) studies predicted that the incidence of
cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in
2025 as compared to 2020.
The report further says that the rise in urban pollution
has led to an increased rate of obesity, tobacco and
alcohol consumption. As a result, the rate of cancer is
growing in India. Lifestyle-related factors are the most
important and preventable among environmental
exposures. Dietary practices, reproductive and sexual
practices, etc. account for a significant percentage of cent of respondents were regular consumers of fast food,
cancers. making the population more vulnerable.
A study conducted by researchers at George “Industrially processed foods are laden
Washington University found the presence of Phthalates- a with hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial
compound that helps to make plastic pliable, in 70 per sweeteners, flavour enhancers, and thickeners. And
cent of collected samples of junk food. This chemical has consuming such products frequently can considerably
been linked with several health problems including being raise the chance of developing certain malignancies
wildly carcinogenic, causing liver damage, infertility, and like cancer. The increased risk of cancer associated with
even asthma. In India, the junk food consumption pattern eating processed foods may also be influenced by some
has been quite significant in the last few years, making the food additives and chemical contamination from food
population more prone to the risk of lifestyle diseases and packaging. Hence, in order to lower the likelihood of
even cancer. In a study conducted in South India, 73 per developing such health problems, it’s critical to make an
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Annual number and proportion of new cancer cases attributed to
suboptimal intakes of 7 dietary factors among US adults
Source: saludamerica.org
effort to reduce the intake of these processed foods,” said
Dr Vivek Srivastav, Senior Vice President, Zeon Lifesciences.
Why junk food should be junked
A new study by researchers at Tufts University and
Harvard University found that men who consumed high
rates of ultra-processed junk foods were at 29 per cent
higher risk for developing colorectal cancer than men who
consumed much smaller amounts. Men consuming ultra-
processed foods like meat, poultry, or fish-based, ready-
to-eat products and also sugar-sweetened beverages,
like soda, fruit-based beverages, and sugary milk-based
beverages were found to be strongly associated with
colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer — sometimes also
called colon cancer or rectal cancer — is the third-leading
cause of cancer death in both men and women in the
United States, according to the American Cancer Society.
"We started out thinking that colorectal cancer could
be cancer most impacted by diet compared to other
cancer types," said Lu Wang, the study's lead author and
a postdoctoral fellow at the Friedman School of Nutrition
Science and Policy at Tufts. "Processed meats, most of
which fall into the category of ultra-processed foods, are
a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer. Ultra-processed
foods are also high in added sugars and low in fibre, which
contribute to weight gain and obesity, and obesity is an
established risk factor for colorectal cancer."
Moreover, two studies published by the British medical
journal found links between high consumption of ultra-
processed foods and increased risks of bowel (colorectal)
cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death.
Cancer 29
Even women were not free from the risk of processed
food-driven colorectal cancer. A study led by the
Washington University School of Medicine in the US, found
a link between consuming sugary drinks and an increased
risk of colorectal cancer among women under 50. The
researchers calculated a 16 per cent increase in risk for
each 8-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage served per day.
Even milk is not safe, if processed
Limiting energy-dense foods, fast foods, and sugary
drinks that promote weight gain is a cancer prevention
recommendation, but no recent studies have evaluated
intake in relation to breast cancer risk. However, according
to Marisa C. Weiss, MD, chief medical officer and founder,
Breastcancer.org (the world's most utilised online resource
for expert medical and personal information on breast
health and breast cancer), although more research is
needed to better understand the effect of diet on breast
cancer risk, it is clear that calories do count — and fat is a
major source of calories. High-fat diets can lead to being
overweight or obese, which is a breast cancer risk factor.
Overweight women are thought to be at higher risk for
breast cancer because the extra fat cells make estrogen,
which can cause extra breast cell growth. This extra growth
increases the risk of breast cancer.
A study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda
University Health, California revealed that even relatively
moderate amounts of dairy (milk) consumption can
increase women's risk of breast cancer -- up to 80 per cent
depending on the amount consumed. In the United States,
and in many industrialised countries, raw cow's milk is
30 Career NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“
processed before it is consumed. During processing, the “Industrially processed
fat content of the milk is adjusted, and various vitamins foods are laden
are added. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend three with hydrogenated
cups of milk per day, however, evidence from this study oils, high-fructose
suggested that people should view that recommendation corn syrup, artificial
with caution. sweeteners, flavor
enhancers, and thickeners.
The controversy over fibre And consuming such products
Many people commonly consume fibre-enriched frequently can considerably raise the chance of
foods to promote weight loss and prevent chronic developing certain malignancies like cancer.”
diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Dr Ajaikumar B. Dr Vivek Srivastav,
Kunnumakkara, Professor, Cancer Biology Laboratory Senior Vice President, Zeon Lifesciences.

“
& DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and
Environmental Research, Department of Biosciences
and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ultra-processed foods are
Guwahati said, “Growing lines of experimental evidence also high in added sugars
have proved that a diet comprising various bioactive and low in fibre, which
compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids, contribute to weight
vitamin C, and dietary fibres have a beneficial effect on gain and obesity, and
different types of cancers.  According to joint research obesity is an established risk
by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American factor for colorectal cancer."
Institute for Cancer Research, a high-fruit and vegetable Lu Wang, postdoctoral fellow,
diet can lower the risk of malignancies of the mouth and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy,
throat, esophagus, lung, stomach, colon, and rectum.” Tufts University
However, researchers from the University of Toledo,

US have a different opinion on the fibres. They recently
found that diets rich in highly refined fibre like inulin
may increase the risk of liver cancer, particularly in
individuals who have a vascular deformity in which
blood from the intestines bypasses the liver. Fibre is
formally classified into two main types, dietary fibre
which is found naturally in foods, and functional fibre
which is extracted and isolated from whole foods, then
added to processed foods. While the researchers did not
argue broadly against the health-promoting benefits
of fibre, they urged attention on what kind of fibre
certain individuals eat, underscoring the importance of
personalised nutrition.
Cancer raises an urgent need to develop a dietary
intervention to provide treatment and preventive
strategies to individuals. Like this dietary fibre controversy,
there are many other food ingredients that require a
thorough examination and analysis to develop dietary
recommendations. An alliance between academia and
industry is crucial to achieve this.
Various studies have confirmed that a dietary change
could be key to enhancing cancer treatment, especially
colorectal cancer. Cancer cells need nutrients to survive
and grow. According to the University of Michigan Rogel
Cancer Center, when nutrients are limited, cancer cells dial
down the nutrient-sensing cascade which leads to massive
cell death. Hence this study suggested a low-protein
diet for colon cancer.
“
A high-fruit and
vegetable diet can lower
the risk of malignancies
of the mouth and
throat, esophagus, lung,
stomach, colon, and rectum.”
Dr Ajaikumar B.
Kunnumakkara, Professor, Cancer Biology
Laboratory & DBT-AIST International Centre for
Translational and Environmental Research, Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT, Guwahati
Likewise, various other nutrients like licorice, curcumin
from turmeric, Vitamin D, etc. were found to be beneficial
in the prevention and treatment of various types of
cancers. Although the studies are small, they provide a
strong impetus for research in the field. There is a dire need
to initiate global-level studies to unlock the links between
various processed foods and cancers. A lack of India-
centric efforts and data on this subject is problematic.
For developing appropriate dietary recommendation
guidelines, such studies are the need of the hour in 2023
and beyond.
Mansi Jamsudkar
(mansi.jamsudkar@mmactiv.com)
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Low-Unit-Packs 31

How inflation is shrinking

Low-Unit-Packs
The Indian economy has been severely affected by geopolitical crises such as the Russia-Ukraine
War and also the palm oil export ban from Indonesia. In such a scenario, FMCG firms have been
betting high on their Low Unit Packs (LUPs). For most F&B companies, there is no scope to further
reduce the pack sizes of LUPs. This scenario has resulted in supporting the companies to look at
Bridge packs. Will the bridge pack become the new LUP?

T
he low-income segment makes up a huge
percentage of the Indian population. A report
published by People Research on India’s
Consumer Economy (PRICE); a Mumbai-based
think-tank, revealed that the share of the middle class
in the total population of India rose from 14 per cent in
2004-05 to 31 per cent in 2021-22. For such a population,
a big commodity pack is not only unaffordable there
always is a risk of wastage too, with bulk packs. Instead of
buying a big batch of Nestle’s Munch chocolate worth Rs
200, a daily labourer in India prefers a small size packet
of the same chocolate for his children which costs him
barely Rs 5 or Rs 10. Similarly, a middle-class woman in
India prefers buying a small sachet of Ginger Garlic Paste
or Garam Masala for Rs 5 to prepare a daily meal instead
of buying a huge pack that might expire if not used in
time. Similarly, a small packet of Haldiram namkeen
seems ideal even for office-goers during their tea breaks.
In a low penetration market like India, such small
packets also known as Low Unit Packs (LUPs) are in
high demand as compared to the slower-moving large
packs. Hence, for almost all fast-moving consumer goods
(FMCG) brands, LUPs have become a lever of their growth
strategy. LUPs help to increase market penetration, and
distribution, while protecting market share. However, for
companies, there is more to LUPs than meets the eye.
Why LUPs are proving to be a double-edged sword
Although LUPs contribute a significant percentage
of the total sale, they remain controversial for most
FMCG brands. As compared to the bigger packs, the
per unit production cost of LUPs is relatively high as
they involve a bigger packaging cost. But even though
the production cost is high, it’s almost impossible to
increase the price of LUPs, unless every other competitor
in the market agrees. And considering the established
consumer behaviour toward LUPs, a consensus amongst
competitors to hike rates is unlikely. Thus, despite very
high volumes, the margin on LUPs is very low.
Horlicks Health & Nutrition Drink (Classic Malt) could
32 Low-Unit-Packs
LUP CAGR index with FMCG
Source- Nielsen featured insights
be an interesting case study to justify the lower margin
scenario. The 450 gm big pack of Horlicks Health &
Nutrition Drink (Classic Malt) costs Rs 199, which works
out to Rs 0.44 per gram of the product. On the other
hand, the Rs 5 LUP of the same drink contains 20 gm of
product, at Rs 0.25 per gram. That costs Horlicks approx.
43 per cent margin loss on LUPs.
The Kellogg’s Chocos 1.15 kg Super Saver pack costs
Rs 515 (Rs 0.44 per gm), whereas a mini version of the
same product costs Rs 10 for 26 gm (Rs 0.38/ per gm),
with a 14 per cent less margin. In the case of Amul Ice
cream (Vanilla), a 1 L family pack is priced at Rs 195
(Rs 0.19 per ml), giving a 21 per cent extra margin as
compared to the same ice cream cup which is priced at
Rs 10 for 65 ml.
In the case of Haldiram’s Namkeen Aloo Bhujiya,
although the profit margin is the same in terms of both
LUPs (Rs 5 for 20 gm) and larger packs (Rs 255 for 1
kg), there will always be an extra expenditure on the
production of LUPs, decreasing the overall profit margin.
Hence, although LUPs do contribute overall to total sales,
the margins are markedly lower. This not only erodes the
brand’s profitability but also prevents consumers from
turning towards bigger packs, resulting in long-term
effects.
For the bigger brands like those mentioned here,
this margin loss might be nominal, however, the smaller
brands and new entrants are pressurised to start on
the lower profit margins with LUPs because of the
competition from big players.
An inflation-induced shrinkage
The Indian economy has been severely affected
by geopolitical crises such as the Russia-Ukraine War
and also the palm oil export ban from Indonesia. In
such a scenario, LUPs have been thriving in the market
for Indian consumers. FMCG firms have been betting
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
high on their LUPs. Rising input costs and the pressure
in terms of maintaining the same price point of the
product have been challenging Indian FMCG players. A
decrease in grammage (quantity per pack) has been the
go-to strategy for almost all FMCG companies during
inflation in addition to opting for lighter, cheaper, and
recycled packaging and spending less on operations
like marketing. Increasing the price would not be a great
strategy as even a small price hike adversely affects
the sales volume, particularly in a country like India.
However, there are companies like Nestle and Hindustan
Unilever that have increased the prices of their noodles,
coffee, tea, etc. Although FMCG companies are cutting
down on their grammage, this might hardly add to their
profit margin as the move is part of their strategy to cope
with inflation. Consumers are surely paying more for less,
but brands are hardly gaining any benefit from it.
Parle-G biscuits, one of the famous Indian glucose
biscuits manufactured by Parle Products, is a well-known
example of inflation-induced grammage reduction.
According to Saptarshi Prakash, Swiggy’s Director of
Design, until 2021, an LUP of Parle-G biscuit was priced
at Rs 4 while the company started with almost 100 gm
in 1994. As the years passed by, the brand slowly but
steadily reduced the grammage of the product to 92.5
gm, then 88 gm and finally we have a 55 gm biscuit pack
which costs Rs 5. A significant 45 per cent reduction in
the grammage since 1994 is what inflation did to Parle-G.
Many other food and beverages (F&B) brands
manufacturing potato chips, chocolates, etc. have been
using this strategy to not only gather a bit more profit
but also to tackle increasing material and input costs.
Launched in 2017, the Punjab-based Lahori Zeera brand
cut down its quantity per bottle by almost 20 per cent
(200 ml to 160 ml). Even big brands like Coca-Cola and
Thums Up have reduced their quantity per bottle from
250 ml to 200 ml. The price of Nestle’s Maggi Noodles
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Low-Unit-Packs 33

Different F&B categories with key price points

Category Sub Rs 10 Salience Within Category Key Price Points (in Rs)
Instant noodles 75% 10-12
Western salty snacks 87% 5
10
Traditional salty snacks 66% 5
10
Biscuits 69% 5
10
Tea 20% 5
10
Coffee 42% 2
4
Milk food drink 7% 5
Source- Nielsen

LUP increased from Rs 10, to Rs 12, and now it costs Rs 14
for almost 30 per cent less product. Haldiram’s have also
been following this trend by reducing the weight of their
Aloo Bhujia from 55 gm to 42 gm.
Could bridge packs be the new LUP?
LUPs of Rs 1, Rs 5, and Rs 10 have their own market
at different societal levels (mainly in rural areas. Bridge
packs – a middle category between the low and large
unit packs that cost mostly in the range of Rs 10 to Rs
20 (or a little more in some cases) have been becoming
popular. Bridge packs might help in the customer
conversion process of upgrading from extreme LUPs to
larger packs. For instance, Parle-G’s Rs 2 pack is already
out of the market. The brand is also going beyond the Rs
5 LUP. The company recently introduced a Rs 15 bridge
pack of Nutricrunch crackers to the market. New-Delhi-
based Greendot Health Foods has also launched a bridge
pack of Cornitos at Rs 35. Hindustan Unilever has also
been actively working on the bridge pack strategy in its
FMCG business.
For most F&B companies in India, there is no scope
to further reduce the pack sizes of LUPs. But LUPs
drive significant sales in the rural parts of India, where
consumers have lower purchasing power as compared to
their urban counterparts. Bridge packs would be much
more suitable in urban areas. In such a scenario, it would
be interesting to see what Indian FMCGs have planned
for consumers in FY 2023. Will LUPs become extinct in
2023? Will the bridge pack become the new LUP? Would
price-correction be the way forward? Or would bulk
packages become the only selling items? The answers
would be interesting and game-changing at the same
time.
Mansi Jamsudkar
(mansi.jamsudkar@mmactiv.com)
34 Speaking with NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“The Indian market is dynamic and

evolving and we are looking at our
next phase of investment in India”
Siddharth Rastogi, General
Manager, Indian Subcontinent/
South-West Asia, Kerry
Kerry Group is an international leader in taste & nutrition
innovation headquartered in Ireland. The company is an
ingredients supplier in the taste, functional and nutrition
categories. It also provides food and beverage solutions as
well as food service. Kerry owns technology and innovation
centres across Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Latin
America, and North America, along with a global manufacturing
network. Kerry brings big ideas to life with insights, research,
execution, and thought-leadership for customers around the
world. Following a decade-long presence in India, Kerry plans to
further expand the food business in the country. In conversation
with nuFFooDS Spectrum, Siddharth Rastogi, General Manager,
Indian Subcontinent/South-West Asia, Kerry, sheds light on the
company’s recent developments. Edited excerpts:

What are the recent India-centric developments of

Kerry in terms of the food business?
Kerry supplies ingredient solutions to brands that
are used in their products. For example, flavours and
seasonings in snacks. We invest in localising our global
technologies and concepts, customising them for the
India market and producing everything here.
We work with major brands across all categories and
have more than 600 customers in India. The unique thing
about the Indian market is that even smaller local players
in tier two or three cities have the potential to become
big brands with the right product. This is what we’ve
seen with many of our existing customers who started
off five years ago as small brands.
The India market is dynamic and evolving and we
are looking at our next phase of investment in India. What was the food business revenue of the company
Kerry has been in India since 2011, and it’s been more in FY 21-22? How much growth do you expect in FY
than 10 years since our first facility in the country was 22-23? How much does the Indian food business
established, a manufacturing facility, which was followed contribute to this revenue?
by another in 2019. Kerry achieved excellent growth across Q3 2022
2022 marks our 50th anniversary and our plans through a combination of strong business volumes and
are to expand our manufacturing facilities in both the pricing, despite an unprecedented inflationary pricing
north and south of India. We have also opened a new environment. In Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, we
development and application centre in Delhi. We expect saw overall volume growth of 9 per cent with continued
to see growth in this region over the next 5-10 years. strong Q3 growth of 8.6 per cent. Volume growth was led
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
by Snacks, Meat and Bakery markets.
India is a market that Kerry’s invested in for a decade,
and we've been part of the growth story globally. From
a demographic and economic perspective, we believe
there is a unique opportunity in India. With a population
of 1.4 billion people, India is a big market, economically,
with consumers of different preferences and tastes.
The Indian consumer has the advantage of being able
to demand the best possible product at the lowest
possible price. We are a value-seeking market but with
rising commodity prices and supply chain concerns, it
is challenging to continue to provide the best possible
solutions to customers.
Kerry has recently launched a new tool to access the
front-of-pack nutrition labels. How would that help
the FoPL regulations in India?
KerryNutri Guide has been launched in response
to the need to promote healthier diets globally amid a
changing regulatory environment. Governments across
the world are introducing taxes and restrictions on
products that are high in fat, sugar and salt to combat
health issues which put a huge burden on public
resources, while manufacturers have the challenge of
creating great tasting products that still meet these
guidelines. Today, more than 40 countries worldwide
use a front-of-pack nutrition label and this can be
challenging for companies who have products sold
in multiple markets to understand exactly how these
labelling systems will appear on their product.
Using KerryNutri Guide, we can innovate with
customers to create products that meet challenges
such as sugar taxes, sodium reduction targets, and
comprehensive nutritional profile models. Using data
entered by the user, the tool measures the impact
of a product that is packaged and ready for the end
consumer, calculating energy as well as saturated
fat, sugar, fibre, protein and salt content. KerryNutri
Guide then displays the nutrient score of each input,
showing areas that are close to or exceeding a regulatory
or dietary threshold.
At Kerry, we have a broad range of technologies that
can support reformulation as well as leading insights to
support manufacturers in a challenging environment. We
need to work together to create a world of sustainable
nutrition, that is better for people and the planet
– KerryNutri Guide is one way that we can support
customers in our joint goals.”
What are the challenges in terms of supply chain
and exports of food ingredients and how is Kerry
overcoming them?
The challenge for us is how do we make our
Speaking with 35
diverse portfolio relevant for our Indian customers
and their consumers. Our local consumer insights
and manufacturing facilities help us create appealing,
localised products in a more cost-effective manner,
which then help our customers’ business be more
profitable, and the advantages are passed on to
consumers.
The last couple of years have been extremely strong
for us here in India. We have grown more than two, three
times more than what the market has grown. We see that
as a continuing opportunity to improve our footprint
and offer better solutions to our customers. Going local
is our business strategy so that we can make it easy for
our customers to work with us. Our leading consumer
insights, global RD&A team of 1,100+ food scientists
and extensive global footprint enable us to solve our
customers’ complex challenges with differentiated
solutions, while offering the speed to market in helping
them create the right products.
What are your most recent food business-related
acquisitions? What are you expecting from them?
In April 2022, we completed the acquisition of the
U.S.-based Natreon, Inc., which supplies branded and
scientifically studied and tested Ayurvedic extracts
to the dietary supplement and functional food and
beverage industries across the globe. This follows Kerry’s
acquisition of Biosearch Life in 2021. Based in Grenada,
Spain, Biosearch Life innovates, manufactures and
distributes functional ingredients including probiotics,
where it is a recognised leader in premium probiotics
obtained from human breast milk, along with an
extensive portfolio of science-backed botanical extracts
and ultra-purified omega-3 oils. 
Both acquisitions significantly expand Kerry’s
leadership position and ProActive Health portfolio of
science-backed branded ingredients, furthering the
company’s technology growth.
Consumers today are increasingly looking for
nutritional benefits when purchasing food and beverage
products. The growth of our ProActive Health portfolio
allows us to address a wider range of health needs,
including healthy aging, cognitive, joint and digestive
health and reflects the growing number of consumers
becoming more proactive in their approach to managing
their health.
These acquisitions allow us to deliver health benefits
substantiated by clinical research to a greater number
of consumers, ultimately supporting Kerry’s ambition to
reach over two billion people with sustainable nutrition
solutions by 2030.
Mansi Jamsudkar
(mansi.jamsudkar@mmactiv.com)
36 Nutraceuticals
The evolving
landscape of
evidence-based
Dr Dilip Ghosh,
Director, Nutriconnect nutraceuticals
O
ver the last few decades, a new health
paradigm has emerged that places an emphasis
on diet, nutrition and health maintenance.
Nutraceuticals are an innovative concept and
an umbrella term for nutritive supplement-like products
with health benefits beyond their basic nutritional value.
Nutraceuticals is a broad umbrella term used to label any
product acquired from food origin with additional health
advantages over and above the basic nutritious value
available in foods. Nutraceuticals can be regarded as non-
precise biological remedies used to boost general health,
regulate indications and avert malignant developments.
The explanation of nutraceuticals and allied output
generally relies on the origin. Nutraceuticals can be
segmented on the foundation of their natural basis,
pharmacological circumstances, as well as the chemical
structure of the products. Over the past few decades,
several bioactive constituents including food extracts
or phytochemical-enriched extracts were developed
and marketed as pharmaceutical formulations, such as
capsules, solutions, powders, gels, etc.
Defining nutraceuticals
Defining nutraceuticals is always challenging because
there is no acceptable global definition despite the
proposals for a framework to do so. This complication is
largely due to differences in legislation around the world
for governing the sales, marketing, safety, and efficacy of
such products.
Another big challenge is to differentiate between
nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional
foods because in most cases, they are discussed together.
Nutraceuticals contain nutrients or extracts that are
generally derived from foods or sources of natural
origin that are intended for prophylactic or therapeutic
applications. On the other hand, dietary supplements
are nutrients or compounds that are intended to support
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
nutrient intake, prevent deficiencies, and may occasionally
exhibit therapeutic benefits even if that is not their
intended function. Despite their common appearance as
tablets, capsules, gels, syrups or extracts, nutraceuticals
and dietary supplements are generally considered non
pharmaceutical and non medicinal products.
Global market insights
The nutraceutical industry is flourishing and
diversifying rapidly. The current market trends in
healthcare are inclined towards preventive healthcare
strategies, rather than treatment and disease
management. This trend is anticipated to grow as
healthcare costs increase in both developing and
developed countries. The value of the nutraceuticals
industry is already more than 25 per cent of the value
of the pharmaceutical industry, and in some countries
like Australia that is very close to prescription medicines.
Although the U.S., Japan, and Germany are currently the
key drivers for this growth, over the coming decades
three emerging economies -- China, India, and Brazil are
projected to show the fastest compound annual growth
rate (CAGR). There is a distinct paradigm shift in consumer
preference from synthetic pharmaceutical preparations
to natural and organic nutraceutical ingredients (Ghosh
& Smarta, Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals-A shift in
disease prevention, CRC Press, 2017).
Several market research agencies predicted this
growth, based on different parameters, but all of them
predicted somewhere between 9 and 12 per cent CAGR
in the next decade. Straits Research in their report
(May 30, 2022) predicted that the growth of the global
nutraceutical products market would be at a CAGR of
9 per cent over the forecast period 2022-2030 from
$475,850 million in 2021 and is expected to reach
$1,033,520 million by 2030.
The global nutraceuticals market size was valued
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
at $454.55 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand
at a CAGR of 9 per cent from 2021 to 2030. The
growing demand for evidence-based products for
the management of illness is expected to be a key
driving factor for the market over the forecast period.
A favourable outlook towards medical nutrition
considering the increasing application for the treatment
of cardiovascular disorders and malnutrition is likely to
stimulate the growth of dietary supplements (Grand View
Research, 2021).
The demand for dietary supplements has reached new
highs across the value chain, including among suppliers,
manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Even though the
sales surge began with immunity products, the halo effect
will likely spread for nutritional and health outcomes
across the entire market.
What’s driving exponential growth in the global
nutraceutical market
The nutraceutical industry is largely consumer-driven
and will continue to grow because it fits perfectly into
the changing lifestyles of people in both developing and
developed countries. All market research organisations
demonstrated the following factors for market growth,
expansion, and segmentation:
 Increasing investment through M&A
 Development of function-specific antioxidants
 Increasing disposable income
 Increasing need for preventive healthcare
 Growing awareness regarding health and well-being
 Constant evidence-based innovations
 Increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders
 Increasing number of fitness/wellness centres in
developing regions
 Rise of e-commerce industry
Increasing ageing population
The healthcare systems are continuously struggling
to maintain a healthy lifespan for their elderly citizens,
which is growing at a very high rate. However, healthy
ageing can be attained mainly by consuming a healthy
and nutritious diet, along with an active and appropriate
lifestyle. Evidence-based nutraceuticals have the
potential to protect against ageing and have been shown
to prevent age-related chronic conditions, thereby
promoting longevity and overall well-being for the elderly
population.
Increasing cost of healthcare system
Changes in the healthcare industry, along with
increasing healthcare and drug costs are also triggering
the growth of the nutraceuticals market. Consumers
are increasingly inclined to look towards nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals 37
not only to improve their health but also to save money
on expensive over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes have increased
due to changing lifestyle habits, and treatment for such
diseases is generally expensive. The growing trend
among consumers to change their eating habits is
projected to increase nutraceutical demand. The belief
among consumers that a poor diet leads to increased
pharmaceutical spending is expected to boost demand for
nutraceutical products, which will benefit governments by
lowering healthcare and social security costs.
Increasing healthcare awareness
Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes have all increased
in various segments of the population due to accelerated
socioeconomic advancement that leads to lifestyle
changes over time. Nutraceuticals have become more
popular due to increasing health consciousness and
changing consumer preferences that encourage on-the-
go eating and the rising prevalence of replacing meals
with relatively small nutritional snacks.
Nutraceuticals are expected to play a significant role
in personalised nutrition, encouraging people of all ages
and demographics to choose products that meet their
nutritional needs. Consumer awareness is expected to
rise due to education and clear messages to the target
population about various health concerns, resulting in
increased product demand.
Increasing number and nature of distribution channels
Different distribution channels currently being used
include online selling, direct marketing, business-to-
business (B2B) channels and business-to-consumer (B2C)
channels. The growth of online sales of nutraceutical
products can be attributed to the growing number of
internet users and the growing interest of many of them
in online shopping. This applies even in the case of health
products, due to convenience. Based on the Euromonitor
International Research report, the global vitamin and
supplement market accounted for about € 60.2 billion
in internet sales, contributing a substantial share in the
growth of demand for supplements.
About 44 per cent of consumers purchase
nutraceuticals online globally. Similar sales trends online
are anticipated for India, being the second-largest
growing online population. Digital marketing such as
email marketing, social media, mobile applications (Apps),
e-marketing, websites, virtual sales representatives,
and closed platforms are becoming powerful tools for
marketing nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements.
In recent years, multi-level marketing of supplements
and nutraceuticals has dramatically increased. Multi-level
marketing is a strategy whereby independent distributors
38 Nutraceuticals
sell products directly to the consumer from their own
homes, online, or via telecommunications.
Impact of COVID-19 on the global nutraceutical
market
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
demand for nutraceuticals has skyrocketed. Initially, the
nutraceutical supply chains were struggling on a global
scale to keep pace with the rapid spread of the COVID-19
virus. Now, this crisis is settling down and production has
gradually resumed. Immunity-boosting supplements have
become mainstream over the past year and this has led
to a significant change in buying patterns and consumer
behaviour. Moreover, after the COVID-19 pandemic,
preventive healthcare measures such as dietary
supplements will become a part of people’s everyday
lives. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe
has paved the way for nutraceuticals to build a strong
presence in the global market.
Product insights and dominant market trends
The recent Consumer Survey by Washington-based
Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) showed that
four in five (79 per cent) U.S. adults now take dietary
supplements, an all-time high. A similar trend was
experienced in the Australian market as well. The
post-pandemic consumers have reprioritised the list
of nutritional ingredients such as immunity boosting
probiotics, vitamin B12, collagen, vitamin D, and
antioxidants.
Year-end 2020 sales of nutraceuticals including
functional foods and beverages promoting immunity,
antioxidants, or botanicals were significantly high,
particularly aligned to hydration, gut health, general
immunity, long-lasting energy, and enhanced everyday
performance. Weight loss products are still the fastest
growing segment, whereas the prebiotics and probiotics
segment is anticipated to register the highest growth rate
in the coming decade. This sector had a promising role in
supporting the immune system with preventive health
supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The increasing number of consumers that are
adopting organic and vegan diets are propelling the
engaged stakeholders in the nutraceutical market to
focus on using organic and herbal ingredients for the
production of their nutraceuticals. This is especially so, in
the Asia-Pacific region which has a culture of herbal and
Ayurvedic medicine.
The exponential growth of the global functional
beverages market is due to a rapid increase in the number
of fitness & sports enthusiasts and their inclination
towards healthy lifestyles. Most of the innovations are in
the low calorie and low fat categories along with added
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
fruit and vegetable flavour additives to increase appeal to
a larger consumer base.
Traditional formats such as tablets, hard capsules and
soft gel capsules still dominate the mainstream dietary
supplements industry, but this is changing. “Pill fatigue”
results in poor compliance, and a demand for single daily
doses, lower dosages (smaller capsules), or novel formats.
The industry experiences many challenges, particularly in
heat-sensitive ingredients. To overcome this, we can see
some leading innovations such as Soft Gums, which use
proprietary low temperature mogul (LTM) technology.
Pharmaceutical companies have used drug or nutrient
delivery systems (DDS) for many years, and the dietary
supplements industry is now catching up. New format
development and adoption of new delivery technology
have shown tremendous development particularly
in ubiquinone (CoQ10), Omega-3 PUFA, curcumin,
resveratrol, palmitoylethanolamide and Boswellia in
recent years.
Future of overall nutraceutical industries
Nutraceuticals offer potential preventive care and in
some cases treatment for diseases at a low cost and with
faster development time. Their health impacts can be
conveniently determined because historical exposure and
epidemiological studies can establish their safety profiles,
cutting down the time and cost for expensive phase III
clinical trials. Nutraceuticals can be applicable for several
different indications due to their multi-targeted actions.
The best example is curcumin from turmeric, which has
lipid-lowering, blood pressure reducing, antioxidative,
and anti-inflammatory properties along with the capacity
to improve insulin sensitivity. But unfortunately, not all
nutraceuticals are developed using extensive safety,
pre-clinical and clinical parameters. Clinical assessment
will also provide a paradigm shift in nutraceutical
classification as drugs/pro-drug/phytopharmaceuticals
rather than just as supplements.
Uniform regulatory systems across the world should
allow identification and classification of these products
and would provide clarity for quality, efficacy, mechanism
of action, and safety to potential consumers. But
unfortunately, the current regulatory regimen, particularly
in Europe, may prevent small innovative companies from
applying for novel food status or health claims on their
products.
Considering the current regulatory frameworks, there
is a need to identify and systematically summarise existing
literature on the benefits and safety of nutraceuticals.
Epidemiological/observational studies can be a
useful tool along with meta-analysis to shed light on the
effectiveness of these products as well as to develop a
safety profile for further clinical assessments.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Milk polar lipids for
improving infant feeding
formula – a promising
Arun Kedia, Managing
Director, VAV Life Sciences
area for research
H
uman breast milk is the gold standard when
it comes to the early nutrition of neonates.
However, breastfeeding may not always be
possible for some mothers for various reasons.
This is when most people turn to infant feeding formulas
as an alternative. Some young mothers may also opt for
infant formulas over breastfeeding simply due to anxiety.
Whatever may be the reason, one cannot ignore the
growing demand for such products and the impact on the
lives of infants that depend on them. For this reason, the
onus lies on the manufacturers of infant feeding formulas
to pursue newer ways of improving the nutritional and
immunity benefits of their products.
It may seem on one hand that formula feeding provides
a convenient alternative to breast milk, for the flexibility it
offers in terms of time, and frequency of feeding. However,
on the other hand, it loses out on important antibodies,
which are normally found in mother’s milk. As a result,
infants may risk developing a weak immune system and
being exposed to infections and chronic diseases.
The only way to improve an infant feeding formula
would be to replicate the composition and structure of
human breast milk, in the best way possible. Interestingly,
feeding formula supplemented with a particular
component of bovine milk has been gaining a lot of
importance as a hot topic for research lately, and.with good
reason.
MFGM – a potion to improve infant nutrition formula?
The Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) is a
component of milk comprising a tri-layer cocktail of polar
lipids, glycolipids, and proteins. It has been at the centre
of nutrition research, studied primarily to enhance the
efficacy of infant nutrition formula.
Going by some of these studies, scientists are
starting to see promising results with infant formulas
supplemented with bovine MFGM. They have observed
better neurodevelopment and higher levels of defence
against infections – both bacteria and viruses. Some
Infant feeding 39
of these also recorded a reduction in the incidence of
diarrhoea. Additionally, certain components like polar
lipids and membrane proteins have been shown to present
several health benefits.
Can dairy milk lipids come close to human breast milk?
The development of a lipid that closely resembles
human milk fat would mark a turning point in the infant
formula industry. Going by the encouraging results
reported by various studies, it may seem that milk polar
lipids are getting closer to that mark.
Polar lipids like sphingolipids are present in high
concentrations in MFGM and help in the neuronal
development of infants and the protection of neonates
from infection. They are also known to impact various
aspects of lipid metabolism and gut physiology. These are
important factors for the overall development of neonates
and infants during the growth stage. Sphingolipids like
sphingomyelin are found in the myelin sheath covering
axons of animal cells, thus, its supplementation greatly
contributes to healthy cognitive development.
Other polar lipids are important for brain functioning
and immunity development. Gangliosides can inhibit
potentially pathogenic micro-organisms in the intestine
of premature babies and stimulate the growth of good
bacteria. Also, ceramides are identical to skin lipids
and their supplementation can improve disturbed skin
conditions.
An infant formula composition is designed to provide
sufficient nutritional benefits. Unfortunately, some of
the components of human breast milk cannot be fully
replicated in these formulas.
Unlocking the potential of milk polar lipids
Lipids in human breast milk are extremely complex
and diverse and the health outcomes are not yet fully
understood. Introducing milk polar lipids may be an
important way of improving the quality of infant formulas
going forward but it will require more research.
40 Tribal Foods
Why Adopting
Pritee Chaudhary,
Director – Western Region,
Food Safety and Standards
Tribal Food Habits
Authority of India (FSSAI)
Makes Sense
T
ribes are the first sons and daughters of Mother
Nature. Their instinct to survive and wisdom to
live life had built over the eras and continued.
Unlike the practices of the modern world, they
are more persistent in what they follow. Many of the
good practices that we have forgotten with the ever-
evolving modern world, are preserved by them. So, it’s a
living reference book that can be read and seen in action,
enabling us to form views through more empirical
understandings.
In contrast, the urban population always considers
our practices more scientific and intelligent. However,
growing lifestyle disease and ever-increasing expenses
to control them have put a question mark on our
intelligence.
Thus, in actual terms this is a time for synthesis
after thesis and antithesis of our old and new world
order. However, after losing the old-world order in our
surroundings we have only a window to peek at that
system in tribal culture. And there are so many things
that modern man can learn.
The first and foremost thing that we can pick from
tribal life is the use of millets. The same is being referred
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
to now as Superfood and Nutri-cereal. Even the year
2023 has been declared as the International Year of
Millets by the UN General Assembly. The buzz word of
2023 is the regular act of the tribal world. These are the
grains which are rich in dietary fibres. They are not just
easy to digest but they help in digestion. The pattern
of slow release of energy in the body keeps you going
for a longer time with a stuffed belly and less crave for
frequent eating. At the same time keeping a Glycaemic
Index on the lower side.
These are the crops which are suitable for all
landforms, resistant to insects’ attacks, resilient to climatic
conditions and rich in nutrition. As a common feature
these crops are less dependent on regular irrigation unlike
wheat and rice, thus more sustainable to the environment.
In addition to use as a single ingredient to prepare rotis
(Indian Breads) any of this common millet can be easily
ground to mix with the regular wheat flour. There are as
many as 10 plus varieties of millets and pseudo millets,
identified by various forums, however some of the
commonly known and available millets can immediately
be introduced in our food such as Pearl Millets, Sorghum,
Finger Millets, Little Millets, Foxtail Millets.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
The second good practice that we see in tribes is that
they eat their food for a much smaller number of times
as compared to urban populations. We call it intermittent
fasting now, which is painful with the kind of diet we
prefer. However, if the diet is full of fibres it's easy to
sustain with intermittent fasting also. Fibres with the
addition of water gives fullness and also creates gel kind
consistency for easy absorption and excretion from the
body. And millets support this pattern.
We see consumption of many forest products,
mushrooms etc. which are rich in minerals and proteins.
Vegetable plate is very diverse with the tribes as
compared to what we eat. Almost every plant, with the
range of fibres eatworthy for humans, is a vegetable
for tribes. Powdered Moringa leaf, Guar Gum through
Chorafalli and Powdered Mahua Flowers, delicacies for
us are part traditional tribal recipe in some form or other.
Variety of vegetables are brought into the market by the
vegetable vendors, but only some popular ones reach
our plate, thus wiping out the other forests produced
from the market. As an intelligent human being we
must keep on shuffling our platter of vegetables. Mother
nature has something good to offer in every single
produce. So, diversifying our food plate is one important
learning.
In this larger synthesis of a new set of mutual
learning we too need to transfer technology to make
the millets and the forest produce more marketable
with their sustainable availability. It will also ensure
employment for the tribes. Innovation and popularising
these traditional foods in today’s convenience-based
formats can also offer exciting opportunities for startups
and entrepreneurs. At the same time, the Government
of India is also providing the necessary linkages through
the TRIFOOD Scheme which is a joint initiative of the
Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal
Affairs and TRIFED. The Implementation of TRIFOOD,
Tribal Foods 41
We see consumption of many forest
products, mushrooms etc. which
are rich in minerals and proteins.
Vegetable plate is very diverse with
the tribes as compared to what we eat.
Almost every plant, with the range
of fibres eatworthy for humans, is a
vegetable for tribes. Powdered Moringa
leaf, Guar Gum through Chorafalli and
Powdered Mahua Flowers, delicacies
for us are part traditional tribal recipe
in some form or other. Variety of
vegetables are brought into the market
by the vegetable vendors, but only
some popular ones reach our plate,
thus wiping out the other forests
produced from the market. As an
intelligent human being we must keep
on shuffling our platter of vegetables.
in the backdrop of VanDhan Yojana will promote value
addition to Minor Forest Produce (MFP) too. Thus,
bridging the gap is one fundamental requirement in
order to make best use of this knowledge set.
Finally, we need to scale up and integrate the efforts
being taken by various stakeholders to reap the desired
benefit of learnings from the Tribal Culture and Food.
Our notion of favourite food and less favourite food also
needs to go, be it a grain or vegetable. Diversification
of food articles is the key to a healthy lifestyle. And
traditional wisdom and modern science must have
meeting points where they regularly interact.
42 Event report
Millets & Organics – International Trade Fair 2023
Karnataka turns enabler of Next Gen Smart
Food, New Businesses & Technology
T
he fourth edition of 'Millets & Organics –
International Trade Fair 2023' organised by
the Department of Agriculture, Government
of Karnataka started on January 20, 2023 in
Bengaluru. The three day event was held in collaboration
with Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing
and Export Corporation Ltd. (KAPPEC) and International
Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) as
the Knowledge Partner.
The trade fair is a platform for farmers, farmer
groups, domestic and international companies, central
and state institutions in the organic and millet sector
to connect and explore opportunities in agriculture,
horticulture, processing, machinery and agri-technology.
The Government of Karnataka has been a leader in
promotion of millets. The first Organics and Millets Fair
was held in 2017, the second and third editions in 2018
and 2019 in Bengaluru respectively.
Inaugurating the international conference Shobha
Karandlaje, Union Minister of State, Ministry of
Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (centre) along with the
dignitaries at the launch of fourth edition of 'Millets & Organics – International Trade Fair 2023', January 20,
Bengaluru.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, exhorted farmers and
other participants to cultivate quality millets with
optimal use of pesticides that can be taken to the
international platform which would help them garner
competitive prices for their produce. The government’s
commitment to increase farmers’ income can be
witnessed in the uptick of agriculture exports.
In his address Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of
State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare stated
that the budget allocation towards farmers has increased
six times under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.
Additionally, he also said that the country is focussed on
developing 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
and aiding farmers in setting up sorting and grading
units, along with production of value-added products
which are export ready. He emphasised the consumption
of millet as the solution to address malnutrition, which
will also benefit farmers in terms of better livelihood and
increased income.
Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary (Crops), Ministry of
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
Farmers will benefit from increase in production,
consumption and export of millets: Tomar
Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare speaking at the closing ceremony
of the International Trade Fair on Millets and Organic Products 2023 in Bengaluru on January 22.
“M illet crops can be grown in less water and also
help in increasing the income of farmers. With the
increase in the production and consumption of millets in
the country, its export will also increase, which will benefit
a large number of farmers,” said Narendra Singh Tomar,
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International
Trade Fair on Millets and Organic Products 2023 on January
22, he lauded the efforts of Karnataka Government to
increase the production and consumption of millets
and termed the signing of MoUs worth Rs 201 crore as
an important milestone. He also praised the incentives
provided to the farmers of the state.
Tomar further said that the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi is very sensitive towards the small farmers of the
country. Modi, with foresight, raised the issue of millets
in the United Nations, where the resolution of the
Government of India was adopted with the support of 72
countries and as per the United Nations declaration, the
year 2023 is now being celebrated under the leadership
of India as the International Year of Millets. Behind this,
the main objective of the government is to increase the
production and productivity, processing and exports
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, appreciated the model
of Karnataka state government in millets promotion.
She said, “Karnataka has been distributing millet grains
through the Public Distribution System (PDS), organising
district-wise Kisan Melas. Moreover, farmers of Karnataka
have helped boost food production, especially during
Event report 43
of millets, which will ultimately help the farmers of
the country. Tomar said that the Centre and the State
Governments are running many important schemes for the
welfare of the farmers including increasing their income.
Farmers are being given an annual income aid of Rs 6,000
through the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan)
Scheme. Besides, farmers in Karnataka are being given an
additional annual income support of Rs 4,000 each. With
the aim of increasing the potential of the majority of small
farmers, Prime Minister Modi has initiated setting up of
FPOs in the country, on which the Government of India is
spending Rs 6,865 crore. He appreciated the enthusiastic
contribution in formation of new FPOs across the country
as well as in Karnataka. He said that many programmes
have been launched by the Centre to make agriculture
advanced and the farmers prosperous.
On the occasion, Tomar gave away awards in various
categories. The Union Minister of State for Chemicals &
Fertilizers and New and Renewable Energy, Bhagwanth
Khuba, Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Surya Pratap
Singh Shahi and state Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap
Singh, besides Agriculture Minister of Karnataka, B C Patil
were present at the function.
the pandemic, by cultivating millets.” She also added
that, in the coming year, the National Food Security
Mission (NFSM) programme will be reconstituted to the
National Food and Nutrition Security Mission, paving the
way for millets to reach the global forum.
Followed by the inaugural ceremony, Basavaraj
44 Event report
“Karnataka has been organising highest number of
organic and millet melas”
“Karnataka has been organising highest number of
organic/millet melas or Santhe at state/ district/ taluk
levels and organic/ millet pavilions in all Krushi Melas
of the State University of Agricultural Sciences,” said
Shivayogi C Kalasad, Secretary Agriculture, Government
of Karnataka.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the
conference on a topic ‘Overview of Organics and
Millet Promotion in Karnataka’ he said “The State has
also launched its own brand ‘Shrestha Karnataka‘
for organic produces and ‘Siri Karnataka‘ for millets.
Karnataka Milk Federation has come out with two
millet products namely millet malt and laddoo under
their brand name ‘Nandini‘. Efforts are on to introduce
Bommai, Chief Ministerof Karnataka, inaugurated the
exhibition and Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary
Affairs, Coal & Mines, inaugurated the Karnataka Pavilion.
The Karnataka Pavilion showcased 30 millet startups, 15
Regional Organic Federations, five agriculture related
departments, 14 Universities of Agricultural Sciences and
20 FPOs. Through its smart agricultural policies, practices
and technology utilisation, Karnataka has emerged, not
just as a millet producer, but also as an enabler of Next
Gen Smart Food, new businesses, technology, producer
and consumer of millets.
To increase the area under millet cultivation in
the state, the Department of Agriculture, Karnataka is
offering an incentive of Rs 10,000 per hectare under a
scheme called Raitha Siri Yojane. This amount was directly
transferred to the bank account of beneficiaries through
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers growing minor
millets. The scheme is being continued during 2022-23
with an incentive of Rs 6,000 per hectare (maximum of 2
Ha).
During 2022-23 the state has also initiated ‘Chief
Ministers Natural Farming’ Scheme through state’s Agri/
Horticultural Universities as farmers participatory research
in 1000 acres farmer’s fields under each of the five Agri/
Horticultural Universities. The best practices of earlier
Natural Farming experiments are integrated with the best
practices of the organic farming system and replicated at
farmers’ fields. A protocol for Natural Farming practices
may emerge as a sustainable model for the future.
Some of the key highlights of the fair include
participation of over 250 exhibitors, millet and organic
food court, buyer seller meets, international expo and
conference, consumer connect, farmers workshop,
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
millets in the midday meal scheme in schools and also
nutri cereals into the Public Distribution System (PDS).”
At the conference on the theme “Millets, Organics
and Naturals: Opportunities Amidst Challenges” experts,
policy makers, researchers and scientists shared their
views on topics in different sessions that include Millets
the Smart Food - Growth through Development &
Training, Millets, Value Chain, Processing, Marketing,
Millets: Higher Value add through Certified Organic
Millets, Organics- Production and Certification, Organics
and Millets- Marketing and Value Addition, Natural
Farming: Strategic Focus and Research Outlook, Forging
Collaborations and Partnerships in the market related
initiatives in Natural Farming.
cooking, drawing and quiz competitions, demonstration
of millet recipes, among others. The key products on
display during the fair were millets, organic and natural
range, certified wild harvest produce, millet processing
machinery, organic cereals and pulses, biodegradable
packaging, eco-friendly products, etc.
More than 200 wholesale and bulk buyers meetings
were registered during the three days wherein farmers/
producers/buyers from across India and overseas,
directly connected with each other for trade deals and
new market opportunities, including exports.
The star attraction of the trade fair was millet and
organic food court wherein 15 food stalls presented millet
delicacies, traditional foods using organic ingredients,
freshly prepared dishes, sweets, snacks, savouries, pizza,
pasta and burger made with millets for a healthy twist.
The trade fair started with a welcome address
by Shivayogi C Kalasad, Secretary, Department of
Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, followed by an
introductory speech by B C Patil, Minister for Agriculture,
Government of Karnataka. Dr Ashwatha Narayana C N,
Minister for Higher Education, IT & BT and Science &
Technology, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and
Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, launched the SEEMI
Brand Products and Millets Calendar 2023 developed by
Sahaja Samrudha Organisation. The event that concluded
on January 22 brought together stakeholders from across
the world seeking organic networks, besides being a
platform to share expertise, knowledge and best business
practices. For Karnataka, it offered an apt opportunity
for stakeholders to showcase their millets and organic
produce, the diversity and the overall competence of
farmers and farming groups.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
UN calls for urgent action to tackle acute malnutrition
Currently, more than 30 million children in the 15 worst-
affected countries suffer from wasting or acute malnutrition
and 8 million of these children are severely wasted, the
deadliest form of undernutrition. This is a major threat to
children’s lives and to their long-term health
and development, the impacts of which are
felt by individuals, their communities and
their countries.    In response, five UN agencies
– the Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the
World Food Programme (WFP) and the World
Health Organisation (WHO) – are calling for
accelerated progress on the Global Action Plan
on Child Wasting. It aims to prevent, detect
and treat acute malnutrition among children in the worst-
affected countries, which are Afghanistan, Burkina Faso,
Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti,
Tajikistan gets $50M WB
aid to address food and
nutrition insecurity
The World Bank’s Board
of Executive Directors
has approved
additional grant
financing of $50
million from the
Crisis Response
window for
the Strengthening
Resilience of the
Agriculture Sector
Project in Tajikistan. This is to support the efforts
of Tajikistan’s government to mitigate food and
nutrition insecurity impacts on households and
enhance the overall resilience of the agriculture
sector. According to the World Food Programme, by
the end of the year, 30 per cent of the population
in Tajikistan will be classified as moderately food-
insecure, up from 20 per cent in 2021, while those
acutely affected by food insecurity could more
than double to 8.6 per cent of the population.
Despite significant progress over the last decade,
malnutrition among children and women continues
to remain a major challenge for the country. With
18 per cent of children under the age of five being
stunted, Tajikistan has the highest rate of stunting in
Europe and Central Asia.
world-row News 45
Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, the Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South
Sudan, Sudan and Yemen. The Global Action Plan addresses
the need for a multi-sectoral approach and highlights
priority actions in maternal and child nutrition through the
food, health, water and sanitation, and social
protection systems. In response to increasing
needs, the UN agencies identified  five priority
actions that will be effective in addressing acute
malnutrition in countries affected by conflict
and natural disasters and in humanitarian
emergencies. The priority actions include:
enhancing analysis of the determinants of
child wasting; ensuring essential maternal
and child nutrition interventions; increasing
availability, affordability and access to healthy
diets; introducing specialised nutritious food products;
and fostering a protective environment by ensuring joint
nutrition.
Healthy diet most expensive
in Latin America and the
Caribbean: UN
A new United Nations report finds that 22.5 per cent of the
people in Latin America and the Caribbean cannot afford a
healthy diet. In the Caribbean this figure reaches 52 per cent;
in Mesoamerica, 27.8 per cent; and in South America, 18.4 per
cent. The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition
in Latin America and the Caribbean reports that 131.3 million
people in the region could not afford a healthy diet in 2020.
This represents an increase of 8 million compared to 2019
and is due to the higher average daily cost of healthy diets
in Latin America and the Caribbean compared to the rest of
the world’s regions – an average of $3.89 per person per day,
compared to the global average of $3.54. In the Caribbean
this reaches a value of $4.23, followed by South America and
Mesoamerica with $3.61 and $3.47, respectively.  The report
presents a clear relationship between the inability to afford
a healthy diet and such variables as a country’s income level,
the incidence of poverty, and the level of inequality.  The
report also reveals that the rise in international food prices
experienced since 2020, exacerbated after the start of the
war in Ukraine, and a regional increase in food inflation
above the general level, have increased the difficulties for
people to access a healthy diet. 
46 People
Academic
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G Kamala Vardhana Rao is the new FSSAI CEO

G Kamala Vardhana Rao (IAS) has taken
charge as the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Food Safety & Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI), a statutory
body established under the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare, Government
of India on December 29, 2022. Prior
to this, he served as the Managing
Director of Indian Tourism Development
Corporation Ltd (ITDC), a Miniratna PSU
under the Ministry of Tourism. Rao is
an IAS officer of the 1990 batch from
the Kerala cadre. He has earlier served
as Principal Secretary, Public Works
Department, and as Principal Secretary,
Finance and Expenditure, Government
of Kerala. He has also served as Secretary,
Kerala Tourism and as Director Culture,
Government of India. Arun Singhal is
the outgoing CEO of FSSAI, appointed
in June 2020. He currently works as
the Secretary at the Department of
Fertilisers, Ministry of Chemicals &
Fertilisers, Government of India.

Association of Amul MD Dr R S Sodhi

Food Scientists &
Technologists elects
Nilesh Lele as VP  Dr Rupinder Singh S Sodhi, Managing Director (MD)
Nilesh Lele, President of the Chamber for
Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses,
has been elected as the Vice President
of the Association of Food Scientists &
Technologists (INDIA) or AFST(I). Lele has a
varied experience in the field of engineering,
finance, strategy and marketing. He is a serial
entrepreneur with a successful track record
of starting and managing businesses. Prior
to becoming an entrepreneur, Lele worked
with various MNCs in India and the US. He
is also a mentor with Startup India, is on the
mentorship board of 4 incubation centres
across India and is associated directly or
indirectly with 50+ startups across industries.
Serving as the Director of Exelon Foodbio
Advisors, Lele advises small and medium
enterprise-level clients and assists them with
strategy and fund raising, including mergers &
acquisitions.
resigns, Jayen Mehta
steps in
at Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd
(GCMMF), has stepped down after having served the
company for more than four decades. Jayen Mehta has
been appointed as the new managing director at Amul
for an interim period. Mehta who has been associated
with Amul for more than 31 years is the chief operating
officer (COO) at  Amul. Earlier, he had served as the
company’s brand manager, group product manager and
general manager in the marketing function. Dr Sodhi
has been with Amul since 1982. He has 40 years of rich
experience in leading & developing the cooperative
sector within the Indian dairy industry, having served
dairy farmers in several capacities.  For almost three
decades, Dr Sodhi worked under the direct guidance &
mentorship of the legendary Dr Verghese Kurien (father
of the dairy cooperative movement in India) and ensured
that values cherished by Dr Kurien, such as integrity,
dedication, courage, honesty, commitment to farmers
and to consumers, remained deeply ingrained in the
culture of Amul.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
IIT Roorkee develops
edible ink for food safety
Researchers at the Department of Paper
Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Roorkee, have developed a water-based edible
ink for printing and packaging applications
that is manufactured from 100 per cent plant-
based material i.e. “catechu” without using any
chemicals. This ink is a substitute for synthetic
ink, which is environmentally friendly, non-toxic,
and suitable for different packaging and printing
applications. The ink, developed by Professor
Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad and his M.Tech. student
Lokman Hakim, has been developed to address
the challenge of finding an environmentally
friendly substitute for food printing. In the
recycling of packages, synthetic ink is difficult to
separate from printed packages, and the results
can contribute to worsening environmental
conditions. This is especially true in a country
like India, where the consumption of packaging
is estimated to be nearly 373.6 billion units
in 2021. Furthermore, solvents and chemical
components
present in
synthetic ink
can lead to
skin irritation
and dermatitis
upon skin
contact.
ICAR-NRCC transfers camel milk powder
tech to industry
The Indian Council of Agricultural
Research’s (ICAR) National Research
Centre on Camel (NRCC), Bikaner
has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Pearl
Lacto (Hanumangarh), Rajasthan.
This MoU transfers the innovative
Camel Milk Powder (CMP)
Technology, so that camel milk
will be available across India. Dr
Artabandhu Sahoo, Director, ICAR- Dr Sahoo described camel milk
NRCC and Aman Dhill, Founder, as “a medicinal storehouse or
Pearl Lacto Company signed the superfood due to its therapeutic
MoU on behalf of the respective and
organisations. On the occasion, Camel milk is rich in vitamin C
R&D News 47
CMFRI to commercialise
seaweed-extract cure for
non-alcoholic fatty liver
The Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR)-Central
Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI) has announced
that Cadalmin LivCure extract, a
patent-protected nutraceutical
product developed by the
researchers at CMFRI from
seaweeds, against non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease, will hit the
market soon. A Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) has
been signed between CMFRI
and Kerala-based company
Emineotech for the commercial
production and marketing of
the product. A unique blend
of 100 per cent natural bioactive
ingredients extracted from select seaweeds, the product
is made of an eco-friendly green technology to improve
liver health and is the ninth nutraceutical developed by the
CMFRI. According to CMFRI director, Dr A Gopalakrishnan,
commercialisation of the product will be greatly beneficial
to a large number of people suffering from non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease as it helps improve liver health, reduce
disposition of fatty substances and maintain other liver/lipid
parameters within the clinically acceptable limits.
and protective proteins such
as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase,
immunoglobulins, and lysozyme.
Also, this milk is a substitute for
lactose-intolerant people, who
cannot consume cow’s milk. In
pursuit of transforming the camel
into a milch animal and in view of
the beneficial properties of camel
milk for human health, the Indian
government has made several
efforts to promote and popularise
camel milk as a health drink. A
nutraceutical properties”. range of value-added camel milk
products has also been developed.
48 Ingredient
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In sweet deal, IRCA to buy

Kerry portfolio for €500 M
Kerry Group, headquartered in Ireland, has entered into exclusive negotiations
to sell the trade and assets of its Sweet Ingredients Portfolio to Italy’s IRCA,
an international leader in chocolate, creams, and other high-quality semi-
finished food ingredients, for a consideration of €500 million. Kerry’s Sweet
Ingredients Portfolio is a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products
with a broad range of technological capabilities, primarily serving the end
markets of bakery, cereal, confectionery, dairy and ice cream in Europe and
the US. Its operational footprint covers four manufacturing facilities in the
US  (in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and
PAI Partners
California), and six facilities across the buys IFF’s Savory
UK, the Netherlands, Germany and
France. The portfolio incorporates a Solutions Group
range of products spanning sweet
particulates, chocolate confections,
for $900M
baked inclusions, variegates and fruit US-headquartered International
purées. The combination of IRCA and Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has
Kerry’s Sweet Ingredients Portfolio is entered into an agreement to sell
expected to create a global leader in semi-finished food ingredients with its Savory Solutions Group to PAI
around €1 billion in revenues, a truly international footprint and a significant Partners, a leading global private
presence in the US. It would further strengthen IRCA’s leadership positioning equity firm with a strong focus on
and expand its broad assortment of high-value-added ingredients. This the food and consumer industry.
would represent IRCA’s third acquisition since it was acquired by Advent The transaction values the business
International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity at approximately $900 million and
investors, in July 2022. This follows the recent acquisitions of Anastasi cash proceeds net of taxes and
Group, a leading Italian pistachio ingredients company, and of Cesarin SpA, expenses will be primarily used
a leading artisanal fruit-based ingredients company. to reduce outstanding debt.
IFF’s Savory Solutions Group focuses
primarily on ingredients for
Probiotic breakthrough from prepared foods and food service,
Lallemand: Unveils organic yeast strain including products for butchers, and
plant-based solutions for the vegan
Lallemand Health Solutions is launching the first and unique organic and vegetarian markets. It includes
version of the probiotic yeast  Saccharomyces boulardii  to mark the several business units operating
hundredth anniversary of its discovery. This innovative positioning out of Austria, Germany, Italy,
for  S. boulardii  creates new opportunities for Ireland, Poland, Canada, Mexico and
consumers looking to make conscious buying Thailand. With approximately 1,800
choices. Consumers take pride in participating employees, IFF’s Savory Solutions
in sustainable development and this can be served more than 11,000 customers
expressed in the responsible purchases they and generated approximately $475
make, showing a strong preference for brands million in revenue over the last 12
that align with their own beliefs. Research shows months. The transaction values the
that 48 per cent of global consumers are willing business at approximately 14x the
to spend more money for an organic product last 12-month EBITDA. IFF and PAI
most, or even all of the time. S. boulardii gives a competitive edge when Partners expect to close the
compared to probiotic bacteria in the organic market space. Throughout transaction in the second quarter of
the whole certification process, supply-chain transparency, and consumer 2023, subject to customary closing
confidence are ensured by a rigorous third-party verification programme, conditions, including satisfaction
following European organic regulations. As a living microorganism, of applicable consultation
organic  S. boulardii  is produced with carefully selected organic raw requirements, and regulatory
ingredients in optimised manufacturing conditions. clearances.
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in Supplier News 49

Danish Tefcold commercial refrigeration

now in India
New Delhi-based
HILKNIGHTLY  INDIA  has signed up
with Denmark-based firm Tefcold A/s
to promote and distribute Tefcold
commercial refrigeration solutions
for the Indian Subcontinent region.
The segments serviced are hospitality,
restaurant, super mart, quick service
restaurants (QSR), and self-service
kiosks. Tefcold is known worldwide
to provide the latest European
technology in cooling, international
design, and immediate deliveries
with little to no lead time, at highly
affordable rates. The refrigeration
solutions are made for kitchens in
SS 304 stainless, bars, and retailing
food and beverage packaged goods
at super marts, convenience and
department stores. HILKNIGHTLY
will provide the entire catalogue of
Tefcold Commercial Refrigeration for
the Indian market in Hospitality, Food
Service, and Retail. It includes display
freezers for frozen packaged goods
and ice creams, reach-in refrigerators,
self-service can coolers, bottle coolers,
commercial walk-in coolers and walk-
in freezers, back-bar coolers, glass
frosters, wine coolers, wine bottle
displays for wine stores, delicatessen
displays, ice cream freezers, dessert
and food displays for coffee shops,
countertop display merchandisers,
medical freezers and coolers, blast
chillers, and a full line of gastro
refrigeration for bakery, butchery,
kitchen, pizzeria, and salad bars.

Carbios and Novozymes Maspex offers tethered

partner for world’s first
biorecycling of PET
Carbios  and Novozymes have announced an exclusive long-
term global strategic partnership. This major agreement ensures
the long-term production and supply of Carbios’ proprietary
polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-degrading enzymes at an
industrial scale for the world’s first biological PET-recycling plant
due to start production in 2025 in Longlaville (France), as well as
Carbios’ future licensee customers. Construction will begin later
this year. Both building and
operating permits have been
filed with local authorities.
Production at the plant is
set to start in 2025 and the
processing capacity will be
50,000 tonnes of waste per
year. Carbios and Novozymes
have had a partnership since
2019 to develop enzyme-
based solutions and address
the sustainability challenge of plastic pollution, both within
PET-recycling  and PLA-biodegradation. Building on the current
Joint Development Agreement (JDA), under the new agreement,
Carbios and Novozymes will extend their collaboration to
develop, optimise and produce enzymes that will subsequently
be supplied by Novozymes to all licensees of Carbios’ technology.
The new agreement grants both parties exclusivity in the field
of the partnership. ​​They aim to achieve a truly circular economy
for plastics and textiles, beneficial to the environment and
economically viable for all business partners.
cap for SIG’s carton
bottle combidome
Poland’s Maspex Wadowice Group, one of
the largest food manufacturers in Central
and Eastern Europe, continues its close
partnership with packaging firm SIG as it
debuts the domeTwist closure with tethered
cap (domeTwist TC) for SIG’s unique carton
bottle combidome. This is an important step
forward on Maspex’ sustainability roadmap,
as it leads the way in adding innovative
solutions to its juice ranges. The retail launch
by Maspex comes well ahead of the EU’s
Single-Use Plastics Directive, which states
that all single-use beverage containers
must come with caps that stay attached to
the pack by July 2024, so they can be easily
disposed of and recycled with the rest of
the pack. The company recently launched
its Tymbark Vega juices in combidome 500
ml with domeTwist TC, followed by Tymbark
juice in 1,000 ml combidome with tethered
cap. Switzerland-based SIG’s domeTwist
closure with tethered cap does not
compromise on convenience for consumers
and is compatible with SIG’s existing filling
lines and closure applicators, demonstrating
the flexibility and adaptability of SIG’s
packaging and filling solutions for customers
at minimum cost.
50 Let’s talk food
Year of ‘Miracle Millets’
A
s proposed by India, the world is
celebrating 2023 as the International
Year of Millets 2023 (IYM-2023).
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister,
while presenting the last full Budget of the
government, as the country will be going for
polls next year, pointed out that India is at the
forefront of popularising millets to enhance
nutrition, food security and welfare of farmers.
India is the largest producer and second largest
exporter of ‘Shree Anna’ (millets) in the world. Indian
farmers grow several types of 'Shree Anna' such
as jowar, ragi, bajra, kuttu, ramdana, kangni, kutki,
kodo, cheena, and sama. These ancient grains have
numerous health benefits and have been an integral
part of our food for centuries.
Acknowledging the huge service done by small
farmers in contributing to the health of fellow
citizens by growing these ‘Shree Anna’, the Union
Finance Minister wanted to make India a global
hub for 'Shree Anna'. To achieve this objective, the
Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will
be supported as the Centre of Excellence for sharing
best practices, research and technologies at the
international level.
As part of the yearlong celebrations of IYM
2023, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries
(MoFPI) will be organising a three-day Mega Food
Event from November 3, 2023 in New Delhi. In
this regard, the MoFPI has started interacting with
all stakeholders including all ministries, industry
leaders, Foreign Missions. On January 20, at a
roundtable meeting, representatives of 19 Foreign
Missions in India which included Ambassadors
of Serbia, Myanmar, and senior officials from
New Zealand, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia,
Cambodia, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy,
Denmark, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Canada,
Netherlands and Mexico expressed their interest to
take part in the Mega Event in November this year.
To make the IYM 2023 a success, the MoFPI has
taken up many activities since last year. The ministry
is supporting post-harvest value addition, enhanced
domestic consumption, branding millet products
nationally and internationally through its Production
Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing
Industry and PM Formalisation of Micro Food
Processing Enterprises (PMFME). The MoFPI has
added a new component for millet-based products
NuFFooDS Spectrum | February 2023 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in
with an outlay of Rs 800 crore in PLI Scheme and 30
applications for millet-based products have been
approved for assistance under the scheme during
2022.
During 2022, the MoFPI selected millet and its
products as One District One Product (ODOP) in
19 districts of 10 States under the PMFME scheme.
Loans/ subsidies have been sanctioned to 458
millet–based micro enterprises and nine incubation
centres have been approved with millet processing
lines under the scheme till December 15, 2022. The
ministry has launched three millet brands (Somdana
brand for Millet Flour, Bhimtadi brand for Ragi,
Sorghum and Jowar and Seemi Brand for Millet-
based products).
Besides MoFPI, the Department of Agriculture
& Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has also implemented
many programmes in 2022 as part of its promotional
activities namely developing and sharing millets
recipe book with Ministries/Departments, Embassies
and States; signing MoU between DA&FW and
NAFED for installing of vending machines of millets
based products at various locations of nodal
Ministries/ Departments; showcasing showcased
millets products in Dubai Expo 2020, Surajkund
Mela, IITF, AAHAR, Millets Culinary carnival at Delhi
Haat, ITPGRFA, etc. The DA&FW has contributed
$500,000 to Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) for IYM-2023.
The MoFPI has started organising Millets
Mahotsav across 20 States and 30 Districts in the
country to create awareness about the nutritional
benefits, value addition, consumption and export
potential of millets. In January, the MoFPI hosted
Millets Mahotsavs in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh and
at Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh.
Grown in more than 130 countries currently,
millets are considered traditional food for more
than half a billion people across Asia and Africa.
Towards this endeavour, let’s all, including the Indian
embassies, International Organisations, Academia,
Chefs, Media, Indian Diaspora, Startup communities,
Civil Society and others in the Millets value-chain
join hands to revive the forgotten glory of the
‘Miracle Millets’ through the grand celebration of
International Year of Millets - 2023.
Narayan Kulkarni
Editor
narayan.kulkarni@mmactiv.com
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RNI TC No.: MAHENG14627 RNI NO.: KARENG/2013/54271
Date of Publication: 30.1.2023 Date of Posting: 1.2.2023

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