Marico Partners to Develop Sustainable Bioactives Extraction Technologies for Edible Oils
Published January 12, 2026
Introduction
India’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) powerhouse, Marico Limited, has entered into a strategic research collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati. This partnership aims to pioneer sustainable extraction technologies for bioactive compounds derived from natural plant sources, focusing on enhancing the quality and health benefits of edible oils.
Objectives of the Partnership
The initiative seeks to create healthier cooking oil options for consumers by leveraging green technologies for extraction and purification. The collaboration will involve:
- Utilizing green chemistry methods, such as aqueous two-phase systems, for efficient purification.
- Conducting comprehensive characterization, shelf-life studies, and efficacy testing of the extracted bioactives.
- Positioning Marico’s flagship Saffola oils at the forefront of heart-healthy innovation.
Market Context
With a cooking oil market in India valued at approximately US$15 billion, there is a growing demand among health-conscious urban households for science-backed nutrition. Marico currently holds a 20% share in branded oils through its Saffola line, which is known for its clinically proven cholesterol-lowering blends. The company is now evolving towards next-generation bioactives, such as polyphenols and tocotrienols, extracted through eco-friendly processes that significantly reduce solvent use.
Collaboration Details
The partnership with IIT Tirupati brings cutting-edge analytical infrastructure and expertise. A doctoral researcher under the CII-ANRF Prime Minister’s Fellowship will be jointly mentored by academic faculty and Marico’s R&D specialists. Early milestones of this collaboration include:
- A landmark review paper on binodal curve generation for bio-separation.
- An impending experimental manuscript.
- Plans for joint patents to protect innovative breakthroughs.
Statements from Leadership
Dr. Shilpa Vora, Marico’s Chief R&D Officer, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating: “Innovation anchors Saffola’s legacy in heart health. Partnering with IIT Tirupati advances green bioactives extraction, unlocking advanced oils aligned with wellness trends and sustainable manufacturing.”
Consumer Insights and Market Trends
The collaboration integrates Marico’s market insights, derived from over 100 million consumers, with IIT’s research capabilities. This synergy aims to accelerate the commercialization of value-added oils fortified with antioxidants, oxidative stability, and metabolic benefits, all without synthetic additives. This initiative is particularly relevant given India’s dependence on edible oil imports, which account for 60% of the country’s 22 million tons of annual consumption. The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has created a demand for functional oils, which can command a premium of 10-15% in the market.
Sustainability Goals
Marico’s commitment to sustainable extraction methods aligns with its net-zero ambitions and compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clean-label mandates. The initial focus will be on sourcing Indian botanicals such as curry leaves and sesame, ensuring localized authenticity in the products.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
This partnership exemplifies the fusion of industry and academia under national innovation missions, reflecting Marico’s previous ventures in agritech. By embedding verifiable bioactives into its products, Marico aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Adani Wilmar and Patanjali. This strategy is crucial in a market where 70% of shoppers prioritize heart-health claims, according to Nielsen.
Conclusion
This collaboration not only aims to enhance the quality of edible oils but also pioneers scalable green technologies that contribute to India’s nutrition revolution. By focusing on sustainable practices and health-oriented products, Marico is set to lead the way in transforming the edible oils sector.
Note: This article is based on the latest developments in the FMCG sector and aims to provide insights into the innovative practices being adopted by Marico in collaboration with IIT Tirupati.
