Nitta Gelatin Initiates ₹60 Crore Expansion Project in Kerala

Nitta Gelatin India Ltd, a joint venture between Japan's Nitta Gelatin Inc. and the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (KSIDC), has officially launched a ₹60 crore expansion project in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to growth in the region.

The expansion is part of a broader investment initiative announced by Nitta Gelatin, in which the Japanese multinational corporation pledged to invest ₹200 crore in Kerala. This commitment was made during Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's visit to Japan.

The groundbreaking ceremony, or "Bhumi Pooja," for Nitta Gelatin India's Collagen Peptide expansion project took place at the company's factory in Kakkanad, near Kochi. Chief Minister Vijayan expressed his satisfaction with the project's commencement, noting that Kerala has maintained a strong relationship with the Japanese group. He praised the partnership between the state and a global investor, reiterating the government's support for the company's further expansion in Kerala.

"The industry-friendly policies of successive governments in Kerala have given us the confidence to make additional investments in the state," said Koichi Ogata, President of Nitta Gelatin worldwide and a Director of Nitta Gelatin India Ltd. He added that Kerala's skilled labor force has been a critical factor in the company's success, and their employee-friendly policies have fostered a positive industrial relations environment in their units across the state.

Nitta Gelatin is one of the world's largest gelatin producers, serving both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Founded 103 years ago in Osaka, Japan, the company will celebrate 50 years of operations in Kerala in 2025.

The demand for collagen peptides is rising globally due to their benefits for joint health and other wellness applications, including beauty products. Additionally, the expanded capacity is expected to enable Nitta Gelatin to launch a new variant aimed at diabetes management. According to Sajiv K. Menon, the Managing Director of Nitta Gelatin India Ltd, the project is scheduled to be operational by mid-2025.

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