In line with its ideology of Nation First – Sab Saath Badhein, the multi-business conglomerate ITC Limited has pledged to make a significant contribution to the PM’s “Poshan Abhiyaan” by using a framework called “Help India Eat Better” that emphasizes nutrition first.
To highlight the value of nutrition and well-being among its employee, customers, civic society, and other stakeholders, the company is celebrating the “Poshan Maah” (National Nutrition Month) during September as part of its ongoing and committed efforts in this area.
The ITC Next strategy has recognized nutrition as a key focus area, as ITC chairman Sanjiv Puri noted in his AGM address this year. ITC Foods’ “Help India Eat Better” framework, which is a component of this strategy, has been designed with a 4-pillar strategic model that emphasizes: 1) Development of a ‘good-for-you’ value-added product portfolio, 2) Developing Sustainable Food Systems, 3) Supporting Healthy Communities, and 4) Enhancing Consumer & Employee Awareness.
Hemant Malik, divisional chief executive, foods at ITC, said, “Given the changing lifestyle habits and nutritional preference of consumers, ITC’s Foods Division has undertaken efforts to deliver healthier value-added food offerings by leveraging the company’s deep R&D capabilities as well as its institutional synergies. We believe that given our strengths in science-based, consumer led product development, sustainable agri value chains and a strong community-based ecosystem, we can contribute meaningfully in supporting the Government’s initiative of a ‘Suposhit Bharat’.”
A “Good for You” portfolio has been developed using ITC’s agri-sourcing capabilities, the culinary skills of ITC’s hotel chefs, and the nutrition and wellness platforms at ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre (LSTC). This portfolio aims to improve the nutritional value of products to address issues with anaemia, digestive health, diabetes, immunity, lactose and gluten intolerance.
