An exclusive interview with Mr. Suresh Garg, the Founder & CMD of Zeon Lifesciences
By D.Raghavendra for ET TECH X, June 6, 2024
In an exclusive interview with ET TECH X, Mr. Suresh Garg, the visionary Founder & CMD of Zeon Lifesciences shares insights into the dynamic world of nutraceuticals and the innovative strides of his company. In this in-depth discussion, Mr. Garg delves into Zeon Lifesciences' extensive product offerings, unparalleled commitment to quality and research, and its steadfast dedication to corporate social responsibility.
Can you provide a brief overview of the products offered by Zeon Lifesciences?
We offer an extensive array of Nutraceutical products catering to various health needs. Our product line encompasses a broad spectrum including General Health & Wellness, Medical Nutrition, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Kids’ Health, Sublingual Sprays, Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, Pet Care, and Probiotics.
What sets us apart is not only the diversity of our offerings but also the versatility in dosage forms. Our products are available in 9 dosage forms, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for our consumers. These forms include Tablets, Caplets, Capsules, Powders (Spray Dried & Dry Blended), Diskettes, Syrups, Sublingual Sprays, Drops, and Herbal Juices.
In addition to our extensive product range, we provide comprehensive services such as Private Labeling, Product Development, Regulatory Compliance, CRAMS, and Packaging. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just manufacturing products; we strive to be a trusted partner in providing end-to-end solutions for our clients and customers.
At Zeon, our mission is to “Nurturing Life with Well Researched Health and Wellness Products” and becoming “A Globally Trusted and Preferred Brand for all Customers, Partners, and Employees”. With several major players in the industry, what unique selling propositions (USPs) does Zeon Lifesciences offer that differentiate its products from competitors?
Zeon Lifesciences sets itself apart in the industry through several USPs that distinguish our products from competitors.
Comprehensive Range: We offer an extensive and diverse range of Nutraceutical products covering various health needs. This breadth allows us to cater to a wide spectrum of consumer preferences and requirements.
Versatile Dosage Forms: Our products are available in 9 different dosage forms, providing versatility and convenience for consumers. We ensure accessibility and ease of use for all.
Customization and Private Labeling: We offer personalized solutions through Private Labeling services, allowing clients to customize products according to their brand identity and target market. This flexibility empowers businesses to create unique offerings tailored to their specific needs.
Focus on Quality and Research: We prioritize quality and efficacy in product development, backed by rigorous research and adherence to regulatory standards. Our commitment to excellence ensures that consumers receive safe, effective, and reliable products they can trust.
Our in-house DSIR Certified R&D center & NABL accredited lab, which has the strength of 40+ scientists, plays an important role in driving innovation and product development. It is located in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, and serves as the backbone of our growth strategy by continuously researching and formulating new products, improving existing ones, and ensuring regulatory compliance. We have patented products for Cardiovascular and Neurologic disorders, Immuno-modulatory effect, Cancer, Neurologic Disorders & Memory Enhancer.
Moreover, we have forged significant associations with esteemed academic institutions such as CSIR- IIM, National Institute of Immunology, SRM University, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, NIPER, DPSRU, UPES, among others. These collaborations further augment our research capabilities and reinforce our commitment to innovation and excellence.
End-to-End Solutions: Zeon Lifesciences provides comprehensive services beyond just product manufacturing, including Product Development, Regulatory Compliance, CRAMS, and Packaging. This holistic approach enables us to serve as a one-stop solution for our clients, streamlining the entire process from concept to market.
Global Reach and Reputation: With our dedication to quality and innovation, Zeon Lifesciences has established itself as a globally trusted brand. Our products are recognized and preferred by customers, partners, and employees worldwide, reflecting our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Currently, our presence extends to 15 countries across the globe.
What is your opinion on the current state of regulations set forth by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)? Do you believe they are adequately addressing the needs of the industry, or do you see areas for improvement?
In the current landscape, the regulations set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are progressively evolving towards enhancing consumer safety and addressing industry needs. However, specific aspects within the FSSAI Nutraceutical regulations point to areas that necessitate improvement:
1- Compliance Challenges: The licensing authority requires Food Business Operators (FBOs) to comply with drafted regulations. However, this poses challenges for existing licensed products in the market, as many additives are absent or restricted, impacting product formulation. Handling these existing marketed licensed products becomes a critical issue.
2- Limitations on Additives: Another concern revolves around the limitations imposed on additives for formulation. The Additive GMP list and other additives permitted in previous regulations have been significantly reduced without clear rationale. This reduction restricts the formulation options available to FBOs, potentially impacting product innovation and diversity.
3- Interpretation and Implementation Discrepancies: Discrepancies in the interpretation and implementation of regulations across FSSAI Regional Offices pose challenges. Varying interpretations within different regions raise questions about consistency and standardization in regulatory enforcement. Recent directives from FSSAI to streamline Manufacturer and Relabeller licenses, while addressing queries related to Relabeller licenses in connection with products, aim to address some of these concerns.
4- Delayed License Modification Responses: Delays in FSSAI's response to license modification requests represent another area for improvement. Timely and efficient processing of license modifications is critical for businesses to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and market demands. Delays in this process can impede business operations and hinder responsiveness to market dynamics.
While the FSSAI regulations demonstrate progress towards enhancing food safety and standards, there are notable areas within the Nutraceutical regulations that require attention and refinement. These challenges are essential steps towards fostering a more conducive regulatory environment for the nutraceutical industry in India.
How does Zeon Lifesciences incorporate corporate social responsibility into its operational decisions and activities?
Zeon Lifesciences integrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) into its operational decisions and activities with a firm commitment to positively impact the communities where we operate. Our CSR initiatives, volunteering efforts, and philanthropic endeavors are deeply rooted in our values and mission.
We actively engage in various initiatives aimed at uplifting society and preserving the environment. Our monthly Bhandara events bring together communities to share meals and foster a sense of unity. Additionally, we are dedicated to Gau Seva, supporting education through school adoption programs, providing scholarships, and facilitating educational facilities for students.
Furthermore, we prioritize health and hygiene by distributing Health & Hygiene Kits to underprivileged communities. We also contribute to efforts focused on providing clean water and refreshing drinks in summer. Our commitment extends to supporting orphanages through healthy Protein powder, food donations and participating in a range of other community-driven initiatives.
At Zeon Lifesciences, giving back is ingrained in our culture, driving our success and enabling us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We recognize the importance of corporate social responsibility in creating a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
What measures does Zeon Lifesciences take to ensure consumer trust and safety within the nutraceutical industry?
Zeon Lifesciences places paramount importance on ensuring consumer trust and safety within the nutraceutical industry. Our approach encompasses rigorous quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, from meticulous sourcing of high-quality raw materials to comprehensive testing of final products. We strictly adhere to regulatory standards and guidelines, staying abreast of industry developments to ensure compliance and accountability. We hold 16 accreditations from organizations like NSF, FSSAI, AYUSH, AYUSH GMP, Sedex SMETA, FDA, FSSC 22000 and more, ensuring that we meet all necessary requirements.
Transparent communication is fundamental to our operations, with clear and accurate labelling providing consumers with essential information about our products. Our robust traceability systems enable us to track the journey of our products, ensuring accountability and facilitating swift resolution of any issues. We actively seek and value customer feedback, utilizing insights to continuously improve our products and services. Through these measures, Zeon Lifesciences demonstrates a steadfast commitment to consumer trust and safety, upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in the nutraceutical industry.
Can you discuss Zeon Lifesciences’ future goals and prospects for growth and development?
Zeon Lifesciences envisions a future marked by continued growth, innovation, and sustainable development. As a leading player in the nutraceutical industry, we are committed to expanding our reach and enhancing our offerings to meet evolving consumer needs and market demands.
Our primary goal is to solidify our position as a leader in Contract Research And Manufacturing Services (CRAMS), leveraging our expertise and capabilities to serve clients across diverse industries and geographies. We aim to further strengthen our presence in existing markets while exploring new opportunities for expansion in emerging regions.
In terms of product development, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and delivering high- quality, science-backed nutraceutical solutions that address a wide range of health and wellness concerns. Through ongoing research and development efforts, we seek to introduce new formulations and dosage forms that cater to evolving consumer preferences and emerging health trends.
Additionally, Zeon Lifesciences is committed to embracing sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations. From sourcing raw materials responsibly to minimizing our environmental footprint through efficient manufacturing processes and packaging solutions, sustainability is integral to our long-term growth strategy.
Overall, Zeon Lifesciences is poised for dynamic growth and development in the years ahead. With a clear vision, strategic focus, and unwavering commitment to excellence, we are confident in our ability to achieve our goals and drive sustainable success in the nutraceutical industry.
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