Mane Kancor

Mane Kancor Ingredients Ltd., a pioneer in the field of global spice extracts, has embarked on a major expansion spree in its golden jubilee year. Established in 1969, the company has already drawn up a three-year-long expansion plan. Mane Kancor Ingredients, now part of France-based Mane Group, one of the largest flavour and fragrance companies in the world, has already invested over Rs 125 cr in the last four years and will invest over Rs 150 crores in the next 36 months for the expansion of existing manufacturing facilities and setting up new facilities and incorporating new technologies.

As per the plan, Kochi-headquartered Mane Kancor Ingredients will continue the expansion of its facilities located in Kerala, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. In Karnataka, the company is planning to set up an additional facility adjacent to the existing facility at Byadgi. The company is currently in the process of acquiring around 50 acres of land for setting up a new processing centre. It will act as the major processing centre of Mane Kancor for the next 25-30 years. The company, which has two facilities in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has also started the process of expanding both facilities. In the home state, the facility at Angamaly is all set to undergo a major revamp with focus on R&D and new products. It will take three years for the completion of the projects.

Addressing a media conference, Geemon Korah, CEO and Director, Mane Kancor Ingredients Ltd., said, “We carry out major expansion activities in every 10-12 years with a vision for the next 20 years. The last time we carried out a major expansion was in 2004-2005. However, this time we have planned it with a vision for the next 25 years and made it part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. It is our gift to our employees, stake holders and business partners. At present, all our facilities are operating at their fullest capacities.”

Every decade, Geemon Korah said, “New challenges emerge in terms of emerging technology, business outlook, consumer behaviours and crop outputs. In every phase, Mane Kancor has led the way by doing things differently. In 1969-70, Mane Kancor was the first company to set up a spice extraction unit in India. It brought out a sea of changes in the spice industry and motivated the industry to focus more on value addition. When it comes to food safety, we were among the first to obtain ISO certification in 1994. At every stage, we have increased our capabilities in terms of technology and products to keep up with the times. We will continue to do so in future,” he said.

“The company’s success lies in the unyielding commitment to excellence. Right from the global sourcing programmes, we ensure that they work closely with the farmers to enrich their work and livelihoods. The initiatives of backward integration for specific crops and community development have already provided very positive responses,” said Geemon Korah. He added that “The sense of commitment continues in the facilities, where state-of-the-art plants deal with the delicate and intricate processes of extraction, distillation and the purification of actives. Our R&D division tirelessly innovates to fulfill complex orders from varied industry segments. We are pioneers in the development of several products, be it the isolation of Curcumin from turmeric in 1978, product advancements made in the field of natural colours and natural antioxidants. Mane Kancor has contributed significantly to the industry,” he said. “The acclaims and awards won by Mane Kancor is a testimony to our commitment and spirit to bring the best to the world” Geemon added.