Nutrition and Preventive Health has taken gigantic leaps over the last decade. Emphasizing on creating an environment-friendly, sustainable world, the global nutraceutical industry is set to be a $578.23 billion industry by 2025 as per a report by ASSOCHAM.
Conceptualized in 1986, Fermenta Biotech Ltd (FBL) is one of the leading entities within the Indian sub-continent that caters to this niche segment. This excerpt illustrates the successful voyage of FBL over the years, along with showcasing the unique products and services while giving a glimpse about an adroit leader – Prashant Nagre, the CEO.
Inception Saga – Going Down the Memory Lane!
FBL, incepted under the auspices of Duphar-Interfran Ltd (now known as DIL Ltd.), is the brainchild of late Mr. Vasant Kumar Datla. Starting the journey from 1986, FBL has stamped its presence across the globe and created countless milestones and continues to march forward. In 1987, FBL’s first manufacturing unit came up in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh and was followed by another in 2011 at Dahej, Gujarat. Both the units are certificated by global accreditations. Aligning with the world-class standards, a state-of-art R&D center is located at Thane that adds glory to FBL.
Today, it is the only manufacturer and supplier of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) in South-East Asia and shares the stage with a few manufacturers at the global platform. Having a dominant presence over fifty countries and 300 global customers, FBL exploits its experience to create a global distribution network for pharmaceuticals, dietary and nutritional supplements, food, veterinary and rodenticides.
Marquee Products & Services
Vitamin D3 is the flagship product of FBL and is also its largest portfolio in terms of business. Additionally, it has amassed acumen and expertizes in integrated biotechnology solutions viz. enzymes as well as an Environmental Solutions business vertical focusing on waste management through a blend of biotechnology and engineering acumen.
Vitamin D3
FBL pioneered the use of proprietary technology to manufacture Vitamin D3 in India. It addressed the growing need for its products across a wider range of applications in the food, pharmaceuticals, dietary & nutritional supplements, feed, veterinary and rodenticide segments.
Biotechnology
As a pioneer of Penicillin G Amidase (PGA), FBL has commercialized next generation PGA enzyme technologies for Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Cephalexin, and Cefadroxil. The company offers improved CAL B Lipase catalysts that can be used for a plethora of applications.
FBL has evolved as a dependable technology-driven partner enjoying customer trust irrespective of project size, phase, and complexity. Embracing innovative technologies have enabled FBL to incorporate the latest, eco-friendly manufacturing practices, along with addressing sectors comprising the pharmaceutical industry, fine chemicals, bio-plastics and cosmetics.
Environmental Solutions
FBL, a pioneer in enzyme technologies, offers integrated biotech as well as engineering solutions that address environmental issues. FBL’s tailor-made platform technologies provide unique waste water management and treatment advantages.
Apart from its proprietary bio-product, Fermsept, FBL also offers Engineering Procurement and Construction solutions for a range of applications: encompassing integrated solutions for sewage treatment plants and effluent treatment plants.
Steering the Ship Ahead
Prashant Nagre, CEO, has been associated with FBL for almost a decade, leading strategy and overseeing day to day operations of all three business verticals viz. Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals and Environmental Solutions. He also focuses on further building and developing the various strengths of FBL i.e. Manufacturing, R&D and allied activities. He forms a core member of the product development team and is also responsible for creating and nurturing large business account relationships. Known for his meticulous planning skills, Prashant adds impetus to timely deliveries of products, quality orientation and human resource development within the company.
Awards and Accolades
In its endeavor to deliver excellence in services, FBL has been bestowed with numerous awards and recognitions that exemplify its presence as a significant player in the industry. Few of the prized achievements are listed below:
- India Pharma Awards 2018
- Excellence in CSR for companies with turnover less than INR 500 Cr.
- Pharma International Excellence
- Excellence in Export Promotion
- Hindustan Times Thane Ratna Award 2019 – Healthcare, Pharma and Biotech Manufacturing
- World HRD Congress Awards 2018
- National Best Employer Brands
- Business Leader of the Year – Mr. Prashant Nagre
- Top 101 HR Minds – Mr. V.K. Raveendranath, General Manager – Human Resources
- Pride of Maharashtra Award 2019 for Best CEO of the Year in Manufacturing – Pharmaceuticals – Mr. Prashant Nagre
Roadmap to Future
As the global biotech industry is witnessing a surge in players, competitive markets, and technological advancements, FBL has identified the milestones that it intends to achieve over the next few years. It has broadly classified the goals in three directions:
Product Portfolio Expansion: FBL intends to diversify its portfolio to include a wide range of nutraceutical ingredients such as antioxidants and smart minerals that are microencapsulated for added benefits.
International Collaborations: It continues to make determined efforts to widen its footprint of Vitamin D3 across geographies through engagements established across six continents. To evolve as a key player in the nutraceuticals space, FBL has designed the roadmap to expand its portfolio through distribution agreements, joint ventures, and acquisitions.
Micronutrient Space: FBL has envisaged various synergistic opportunities to create a formidable range of value-added nutritional ingredients, thus widening overall product offerings to cater to the pressing issue of micronutrient deficiency across the globe.
FBL’s Associations
Vitamin D Guru: FBL’s public awareness initiative is a digital platform to enhance knowledge about the significance of Vitamin D for health and wellness.
Vitamin Angels: FBL contributes towards Vitamin Angels’ activities in the field of micronutrient deficiency in women and children in developing countries.
National Association for the Blind (NAB): FBL not only contributes towards corneal transplants, squint correction surgeries, educational Braille kits and grant for Diploma in Special Education course, but also integrates NAB’s members with its internal activities for employee engagement.
