Dr Debjani Roy, Executive Director, SHEFEXIL in an exclusive interaction with Viveka Roychowdhury dissects export trends in the nutraceutical segment, the challenges and opportunities of ongoing geopolitical shifts like bilateral FTAs, regional trade pacts, and tariff revisions by major markets like the US, and why the upcoming Bharat Nutraverse Expo 2025 will signal India’s serious intent to lead the global wellness economy, rooted in science, sustainability, and Ayurveda-inspired innovation
Dr Roy, as Executive Director, SHEFEXIL, what is the mission of your organisation?
SHEFEXIL (Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is mandated to promote exports of niche, nature-derived value-added products, including nutraceuticals and allied products, botanicals, plant-based ingredients and forest products like shellac, guar gum, and essential oils. As the designated Export Promotion Council for Nutraceuticals, our mission is to build global competitiveness, foster sustainable sourcing, support regulatory alignment, and create strategic platforms that connect Indian exporters with international markets.
What have been the cumulative export trends of your member companies, and category-wise, which are the segments showing an upward trajectory for the next few years?
Exports from SHEFEXIL’s member base have shown steady growth, with cumulative exports crossing ₹9,000 crore annually across categories.
The nutraceutical segment, particularly plant-based extracts, dietary supplements, functional foods, prebiotics, and adaptogens, has shown a sharp upward trajectory post-COVID. Guar gum (food-grade and emerging pharma-grade) also continues to be a significant contributor, while botanicals like ashwagandha, giloy, moringa, and curcumin are witnessing increasing global traction.
Segments such as FSMP/FSDU, fermented probiotics, and Ayurveda-inspired innovations are expected to accelerate further in the next 3–5 years.
What has been the impact of recent geopolitical moves like FTAs, tariffs, etc., on exports of your member companies?
Geopolitical shifts—including bilateral FTAs, regional trade pacts, and more recently, tariff revisions by major markets like the US—are exerting both challenges and opportunities.
While FTAs with the UAE, Australia, and ASEAN have helped reduce tariff barriers and improve access, the proposed increase in US tariffs on certain Indian products (if not addressed by August 2025) may impact our competitiveness in select segments. We are in continuous dialogue with the Department of Commerce to ensure our sectors are protected and new growth corridors are pursued strategically.
How are these companies part of the nutraceutical ecosystem in India and globally?
Many of SHEFEXIL’s member companies are leading players in the global wellness supply chain — supplying herbal extracts, functional ingredients, fermentation inputs, and finished nutraceuticals to global brands.
Domestically, they form the foundation of India’s evidence-based nutraceutical ecosystem, aligned with Ayush, food safety, and international quality norms. They contribute not just as exporters, but as R&D partners, contract manufacturers, and knowledge creators, deeply embedded in the evolving India-for-Global Health narrative.
Any policy suggestions from SHEFEXIL?
Yes. Some key policy suggestions we have advocated for include:
- Rationalisation of regulatory frameworks between FSSAI, CDSCO, and Ayush for clarity on product classification
- Dedicated R&D and export incentive schemes for nutraceuticals, especially under RoDTEP
- Support for harmonisation with global standards, particularly in labelling and safety dossiers
- Fast-track IP and innovation pathways for nutraceutical patents and clinical validation
- Inclusion of nutraceuticals in trade negotiations with strategic markets
Why is the upcoming Bharat Nutraverse Expo 2025 crucial to India’s nutraceutical ecosystem?
The Bharat Nutraverse Expo 2025, organised by SHEFEXIL under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is India’s first Government-led platform exclusively dedicated to the nutraceutical sector.
It brings together industry, global buyers, regulators, research institutions, and startups on one stage to shape a cohesive roadmap for India’s projected $100 billion nutraceutical economy by 2047.
This Expo is not just an exhibition—it is a strategic convening point to signal India’s serious intent to lead the global wellness economy, rooted in science, sustainability, and Ayurveda-inspired innovation.
