Marico partners to develop sustainable bioactives extraction technologies for edible oils – Milling Middle East & Africa Magazine – No.1 Grains Industry Magazine & Website for Africa & the Middle East
Published January 12, 2026
India’s leading FMCG powerhouse, Marico Limited, has forged a strategic research collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati. This partnership aims to pioneer sustainable extraction technologies for bioactive compounds derived from natural plant sources, targeting transformative upgrades to edible oils.
Objective of the Collaboration
The primary objective of this initiative is to create healthier cooking oil options for consumers. By leveraging green technologies for extraction and purification, the collaboration focuses on comprehensive characterization, shelf-life studies, and efficacy testing of the bioactive compounds.
Green Chemistry Methods
The partnership utilizes green chemistry methods, such as aqueous two-phase systems, which enhance the efficiency of purification processes. This environmentally friendly approach significantly reduces solvent use by 80% compared to traditional extraction methods.
Market Context
Marico’s flagship Saffola oils are positioned at the forefront of heart-healthy innovation, addressing consumer demands for science-backed nutrition. The Indian cooking oil market, valued at approximately US$15 billion, is dominated by health-conscious urban households. Marico commands a 20% share in branded oils through Saffola’s clinically proven cholesterol-lowering blends.
Research Contributions
The Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati contributes cutting-edge analytical infrastructure and a doctoral researcher under the CII-ANRF Prime Minister’s Fellowship. This researcher is jointly mentored by academic faculty and Marico’s R&D specialists, ensuring a robust research environment.
Early Achievements
Early milestones of the collaboration include:
- A landmark review paper on binodal curve generation for bio-separation.
- An impending experimental manuscript.
- Plans for joint patents to safeguard breakthroughs in bioactive extraction technologies.
Quotes 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 Needs
The collaboration integrates Marico’s market insights, derived from over 100 million consumers, with IIT’s research ecosystem. This synergy accelerates the commercialization of value-added oils fortified with antioxidants, which offer oxidative stability and metabolic benefits without synthetic additives.
This move also addresses India’s dependence on edible oil imports, with 60% of the 22 million tons of annual consumption being imported. The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) highlights the need for functional oils, which can command a 10-15% premium in the market.
Sustainability Goals
Sustainable extraction methods minimize environmental impact and support Marico’s net-zero ambitions. The initiative aligns with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clean-label mandates, ensuring that products are not only healthy but also environmentally responsible.
Focus on Local Botanicals
The initial focus of the partnership is on sourcing Indian botanicals, such as curry leaves and sesame, to ensure localized authenticity in the products. This approach not only supports local agriculture but also enhances the nutritional profile of the oils produced.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
This partnership exemplifies the fusion of industry and academia under national innovation missions. It mirrors Marico’s prior agritech ventures, showcasing a commitment to research and development that benefits both the company and the broader community.
Competitive Advantage
By embedding verifiable bioactives into its products, Marico differentiates itself from competitors such as Adani Wilmar and Patanjali. This strategy reinforces Marico’s leadership in a market where 70% of shoppers prioritize heart-health claims, according to Nielsen.
Conclusion
This collaboration not only elevates the quality of edible oils but also pioneers scalable green technology for India’s nutrition revolution. By focusing on sustainable practices and innovative extraction methods, Marico is set to lead the charge in creating healthier cooking oil options for consumers.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates as of January 2026 and reflects the ongoing efforts of Marico and IIT Tirupati in the field of sustainable bioactive extraction technologies.
