Prophylaxis, sport nutrition, beauty products, and protein enrichment. Clinical studies indicate that Collagen Peptide stimulates Collagen synthesis in Chondrocytes. Hence it supports the joint cartilage. The product is widely established in the US, Europe and Japan and is gaining acceptance in India too as a functional food supplement for joint health. Collagen Peptide has no side effects, as it is a natural product. We are also looking at opportunities for exports of this great product and hence partnering with associates in various countries. Apart from this, we have also developed Collagen Peptide-based products, which can be used for Osteoporosis, skin care, pressure ulcers, and wounds. Clinical researches have been done, and we expect to launch it in 2013. What are the challenges of the allied healthcare industry today? We are facing acute shortage of Gelatin. The rapid growth of the global pharmaceutical and health and nutrition market has resulted in stable demand for Gelatin and Collagen Peptide. So, the government has to think about this matter. Though there is a huge potential for exports, the shortage (of Gelatin) affects growth. Now, we are importing Gelatin to meet the export needs, but it is not a viable option. The pharmaceutical association has requested the government to resolve this issue. We are also looking at alternate raw materials like fish skin, hide etc. to produce Gelatin, which is now a common practice in many countries.
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What’s your take on the growing concern over the use of Gelatin in food products? In Europe and the US, Gelatin is used as a daily food item. As Gelatin is a natural thing, there is nothing to worry about health issues. Gelatin is used to preserve food items, especially meat. Most commonly, it is used in the pharma sector and in cosmetic products. In India, Gelatin is not very widely used as a food item, but now, products like jelly sweets are being consumed by the younger generation. In future, Gelatin will be an inevitable food ingredient. What’s your market share in India and do you have any plan to expand production? Our market share in India is about 15 to 20 per cent. We have limited quality conscious, high value customers. Our main focus currently is on businessto-consumer mode of activity, in order to sustain the growth. We are also planning to produce Gelatin from alternate raw materials so that we can meet future needs. How has your parent company been supporting you? The quality assurance is always monitored by our parent company. They are giving us proper guidance and support on the technical development front. They are satisfied with our production. In certain areas like Europe and the Middle East, we are supplying on behalf of them. The quality of Nitta products all over the world is the same. In India, we are the only company of Nitta Gelatin Inc, Japan.