In a significant boost for India's food technology sector, a series of novel food products developed by startups incubated at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) were officially unveiled in Kochi on Monday. The launch event was graced by Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Ram Nath Thakur, who commended the innovative efforts.
Protein-Packed Spread Leads the Launch
The highlight of the launch was a unique Collagen Honey Peanut Butter, developed by the startup Parayil Biofarm Pvt Ltd. Founded by entrepreneur Hari Gopinath, the company created this product under the technical guidance and incubation support of ICAR-CIFT. This innovative spread merges premium peanuts with high-quality collagen, resulting in a protein-rich food item.
The product is specifically designed for health-conscious consumers, offering benefits for joint health, gut wellness, and muscle recovery. A key selling point is that it contains no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial additives, making it a clean-label option for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking nutritious alternatives.
Tech-Driven Ready-to-Eat Solutions
Alongside the novel peanut butter, the minister also launched a range of ready-to-eat food products from another incubatee firm, Fudcy Foods. This startup was founded by Antony P J and Jopaul Jose.
Fudcy Foods has leveraged advanced retort processing technology through a technical collaboration with ICAR-CIFT. This technology allows the company to produce shelf-stable meals that require no refrigeration. Crucially, the process preserves the nutritional value, ensures food safety, and maintains the authentic taste of the products even when stored at room temperature, all without using preservatives.
A Push for Entrepreneurship and Food Safety
Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur emphasized that the launch of these products underscores ICAR-CIFT's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the food sector. The institute's incubation program is aimed at delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative food solutions to the Indian market.
This initiative not only supports budding entrepreneurs but also addresses the growing consumer demand for convenient, healthy, and trustworthy food options. The success of these incubatees serves as a model for how research institutions can effectively bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial market success.
