Nitta Gelatin India Ltd (NGIL), a joint venture of Nitta Gelatin Inc. of Japan and the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (KSIDC) has initiated a collagen peptide expansion project in Kerala. The ground breaking ceremony (Bhumi Pooja) of the project was held on April 30 at its factory located in Kakkanad near Kochi.
“The project is envisaged with an investment of Rs. 460-mn and expected to commission in July 2025. On completion of the project, the collagen peptide production capacity will be increased from 600-mt per year to 1,150-mt per year,” the company informed.
This project is a part of the announcement made by the Japanese MNC to invest Rs. 200-crore in Kerala, during the visit of the Kerala Chief Minister to Japan. The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a message said Kerala has had a very strong relationship with this Japanese Group and expressed happiness that the company has honoured the commitment that was made to him when he visited Japan.
“The industry friendly policies of successive governments in Kerala have given the company the confidence to make further investments in the State. The availability of skilled labour in Kerala has been a critical factor for the success of our operations here,” Mr. Koichi Ogata, President of Nitta Gelatin worldwide and a Director of NGIL said in a statement.
The Nitta Gelatin group is among the largest gelatin producers in the world, catering to the food and pharma industry. The company was founded 103 years ago in Osaka, Japan and its operations in Kerala will complete 50 years in 2025.
Collagen peptides are highly purified proteins that are used in dietary supplements, healthcare products, and pharmaceuticals. The demand for collagen peptide is growing worldwide as it significantly helps in promoting joint health and also beauty from within. A variant that helps in the management of diabetes is also expected to be launched shortly.
The expanded capacity will be able to successfully cater to this requirement, said Mr. Sajiv Menon, the Managing Director of NGIL.