PepsiCo R&D delegation visits NIFTEM–K to explore innovations in food and allied sectors

The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening industry–academia collaboration

PepsiCo India recently took part in a discussion at NIFTEM–K. Led by Mijanur Rahman, Senior Director & R&D Head, PepsiCo, the delegation engaged in strategic discussions with Dr Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM–K, and senior faculty members including Deans and Heads at NIFTEM-K to explore opportunities for joint innovation in food science and technology.

The PepsiCo delegation had Dr R Miruganandam, Director, Shashi Prabha, Associate Director, Shalini Kesharwani, Associate Director, Gayatri Bhandari, Sr Manager, Hunny Girdhar, Senior Manager, Tripti Pandey, Senior Manager, Shishpal Ghotia, Manager, Manav Vinayak, Manager and Nidhi Rohar, Manager. The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening industry–academia collaboration.

During the visit, the delegation visited NIFTEM–K’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Centre of Excellence in Food Fortification (CEFF), the Centre for Food Research and Analysis (CFRA), and the pilot plants, gaining first-hand insights into the institute’s advanced capabilities in food processing, analytical testing, and product development.

Discussions were held on the development of rapid kits for detection of specific constituents in potatoes at the farm level as well as during storage and in the processed potato products. Also discussed were collaborative development of ready-to-eat snacks, leveraging NIFTEM–K’s infrastructure and expertise in food innovation, analysis of products developed by PepsiCo using the CFRA facilities to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with global standards etc.