Fermenta Biotech, India's leading manufacturer of premium-grade nutritional ingredients, intermediates, nutritional premixes and green chemistry for the global markets, is investing Rs. 110 crore (approximately US$ 13.2 million)in its Dahej plant to boost production of Plant-Based Vitamin D3, Green Chemistry Enzymes (CAL-B, PGA), and D3 Derivatives, leveraging tech for global nutrition demand. This strategic investment aims to bolster the company's position as a global leader in Vitamin D3 manufacturing and advance its green chemistry initiatives.

The multi-phase expansion, scheduled across the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years, will leverage Fermenta's proprietary technology and decades of expertise to capitalize on emerging global market opportunities. The funding will come from a mix of internal funds and borrowed capital.

Key areas of investment and expansion at the Dahej plant include:

Plant-Based Vitamin D3: The investment will facilitate the commercial-scale manufacturing of plant-based Vitamin D3. Fermenta recently secured a process patent for this breakthrough innovation in India and aims to be among the first companies globally to commercialize sustainable, plant-derived Vitamin D3. This development caters to the rapidly increasing demand for vegan-compliant nutritional ingredients in pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, and food fortification applications.

Green Chemistry Enzymes: The company plans a significant capacity expansion for industrial enzymes, specifically CAL-B Lipase and Penicillin G Acylase (PGA). These enzymes function as critical biocatalysts, reinforcing Fermenta's commitment to sustainable green chemistry solutions.

Vitamin D3 Derivatives: Establishment of commercial-scale manufacturing for Vitamin D3 derivatives, including Calcifediol-a novel Vitamin D3 analog representing the next generation of Vitamin D metabolites with enhanced clinical relevance for bone health and therapeutic applications.

Commenting on the development, Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, said: "The continued growth in Vitamin D3 is structurally driven by the widespread global prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and a sustained increase in awareness across all demographics. Importantly, while Vitamin D3 usage has historically been concentrated in skeletal health, recent scientific evidence is accelerating adoption across non-skeletal applications. This expanding therapeutic relevance strengthens demand fundamentals and underpins our long-term growth outlook for the Vitamin D3 segment.

As one of the first companies globally to commercialize plant-derived Vitamin D3, we are addressing the fast-growing vegan and sustainable nutrition megatrend. Adding highpotency Vitamin D3 derivatives also expands Fermenta's Vitamin D3 offerings.

Our enzyme platform, particularly CAL-B Lipase and Penicillin G Acylase, address the pharmaceutical industry's urgent need for sustainable biocatalytic processes. With nearly four decades of pioneering expertise since we became India's first PGA manufacturer in 1986, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this transformational shift towards green chemistry.

The Rs. 110 crore investment represents a decisive step in Fermenta's strategic evolution as we strengthen our proposition of delivering complex, science-validated manufacturing at scale. The investment aligns perfectly with our vision to deliver sustainable solutions that create value for customers while addressing critical societal needs.

With our DBT-approved R&D Excellence Centre and global-scale manufacturing capabilities, we are confident these expanded capacities will drive meaningful growth and profitability in the coming years."