What Is the Partnership?
Fermenta Biotech has entered into a formal exclusive Licence Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with VIT Vellore to commercialise a proprietary technology for natural in-situ Vitamin B12 fortification. Unlike conventional methods where nutrients are added to finished products, this technology leverages selected nutrients and cofactors to stimulate Vitamin B12 synthesis directly within the food matrix during fermentation. The agreement marks a shift for Fermenta from providing external premixes to integrating nutritional enrichment into the core manufacturing processes of traditional fermented foods used daily across Indian households.
Partner Profile
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a premier private university in India, ranked 14th in the Universities category and 16th in Engineering as per NIRF 2025. The technology was developed at its Centre for BioSeparation Technology (CBST) by a team led by Dr. Krishnan Venkataraman.
VIT’s research focus on practical solutions for micronutrient deficiency aligns with Fermenta’s industrial scale. The institute provides the scientific depth and patented innovation, while Fermenta offers the global distribution network and manufacturing expertise required to bring this academic research to the commercial FMCG and healthcare markets.
What It Unlocks
- Enables Vitamin B12 enrichment during natural fermentation across products like curd, idli/dosa batters, appam, and breads
- Provides a stable nutritional solution with 80% retention of enhanced Vitamin B12 levels following cooking
- Integrates with existing food fermentation processes without requiring substantial alterations to conventional production
- Addresses nutritional challenges for vegetarian and vegan populations with limited natural dietary sources of Vitamin B12
- Positions Fermenta to scale-up technology into accessible pre-mixes and fortified food solutions globally
Financial Context
Fermenta Biotech maintains a market capitalisation of ₹1,409.74 crore, operating within the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sector. The company reported a TTM operating revenue of ₹510.99 crore and a net profit of ₹60.49 crore. While its TTM P/E ratio of 23.31 is lower than the sector average of 48.79, the stock has delivered a 43.16% return over the past year.
With manufacturing facilities in Kullu, Dahej, and Tirupati, the company serves over 400 customers across 60 countries, positioning it to effectively commercialise the VIT technology across FMCG and nutraceutical segments.
