The average growth of spice products in the organized sector in India is 12-15 percent per annum, said Sanjay Sharma, director of Orkla’s India operations. The Indian market is characterized by very different local characteristics and brands need to be fully aware of such preferences to succeed sustainably. Sharma was in Kochi for the inauguration of the ME Meera Innovation Center at Oriental Spices in Kochi.
Orkla, the Norwegian industrial investment company and holding company of Oriental Spices, has opened the ME Meerani Innovation Center in Kochi. Orkla ASA Chairman Stein Erik Hagen and Meeran Group Chairman Nafeesa Meeran inaugurated the center in the presence of Sanjay Sharma and Eastern Condiments CEO Navas Meeran.
Modern facility
This state-of-the-art facility is a melting pot of innovation. Here, the heritage of Kerala cuisine blends with modern culinary excellence. It embodies four decades of local authentic kitchen knowledge that is translated into endless culinary possibilities. The Innovation Center consists of two strong verticals – Center of Excellence and RandD Center which is emerging as a strong food R&D center in Kerala. It is a vibrant food knowledge center with a modern kitchen, innovative laboratories and a center of excellence that promotes culinary understanding, food prototyping and product innovation. Sharma said, “Orkla is fully committed to the Oriental brand and through our partnership we want to unleash its full potential with a synergy that is truly inspiring. The ME Meeran Innovation Center harmonizes tradition with innovation, local essence with global standards and heritage with progress. This inaugural testament is not only a testimony of Orkla’s strong connection with the Meeran family, but also allows us to strategically transform Orient into a huge food company.
Navas Meeran, Managing Director, Oriental Spices said, “The ME Meeran Innovation Center has the potential to transform the food industry in Kerala and strengthen our consumer centricity. With the new innovation center, recipes will now be extensively developed with consumer immersion and a deep understanding of the culinary culture of Kerala in which they are deeply rooted. My father’s vision of making Eastern a holistic food brand that comes true will be a truly happy moment for our entire family”.