Deal spans fortified rice, coffee crema stabilisation and low-sodium salt research initiatives
Tata Consumer Products Limited has formalised the transfer of select food and nutrition technologies from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), the company said in an issued statement.
The agreement includes technology for nutritionally enhanced rice, indigenous coffee crema stabilisation and sponsored research on low-sodium salt formulations, as the company looks to translate laboratory-developed innovations into consumer applications.
CSIR-NIIST has developed a formulation platform for “Smarter Rice” designed to increase protein content, lower the glycaemic index and improve micronutrient availability while retaining the properties of conventional rice. Tata Consumer said it will explore large-scale deployment and future product applications based on the technology.
The partnership also includes the transfer of a coffee crema stabilisation process aimed at improving crema stability and enhancing sensory attributes such as texture and aroma retention in brewed coffee. The company said the technology could be integrated into its coffee portfolio across formats.
In addition, Tata Consumer and CSIR-NIIST will jointly undertake sponsored research to develop application pathways for low-sodium salt formulations intended to reduce sodium intake without compromising flavour.
Vikas Gupta, Global Head of R&D at Tata Consumer, said the collaboration reflects a focus on “responsible innovation that can improve everyday nutrition at scale” and on translating research into practical solutions.
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, said, “CSIR–NIIST is pleased to collaborate with Tata Consumer Products in advancing the societal impact of indigenous technologies. This partnership underscores the Institute’s mandate to translate laboratory output into solutions that contribute to national priorities in nutrition, wellness, and industrial competitiveness.”
Tata Consumer, part of the Tata Group, operates across beverages and packaged foods in India and international markets. The company reported a consolidated annual turnover of Rs. 17,618 crore and a reach of more than 275 million households in India.
