New Delhi,  10th October 2024: The Soy Food Promotion and Welfare Association (SFPWA) is proud to announce the election of Dr. Suresh Itapu as the new Chairman at the  Annual General Meeting (AGM) here today. Dr. Itapu’s election marks a pivotal moment for the association, which represents over 3,000 small, medium, and large-scale soybean food processing units across India. The following team has been elected for a two-year term: Mr. Girish Matlani, Founder Chairman of SFPWA and Managing Director of Sonic Biochem Extractions Ltd., and Mr. Praneet Mutha, Director of Vippy Industries Ltd., will serve as patrons. Dr. Suresh Itapu has been appointed as Chairman, Dr. Ratan Sharma will serve as Secretary, and Mr. Jatin Girdhar from Savour India Pvt. Ltd. will be the Treasurer. Mr. Raj Kapoor takes on the role of National Convener. The Executive Members include Mr. Sarat Kumar from Riddhi Seedhi Marketing, Mr. Nishith Patel, Mr. Ravi S from R.K Soya, Mr. Swapnil Gandhi from Vippy Soya, and Mr. Girish Laad from Sonic Biochem. Mr. Sumit Agarwal is the Ex-Officio Member, while Mr. Subbaro Bulusu from Bliss Foods and a representative from Fytomax are included as Special Invitees.

Dr. Suresh Itapu stated, “The soy industry in India has seen remarkable growth over the past two decades, evolving from a niche market into one of the country’s leading sectors in the agricultural landscape.” With a predominantly vegetarian population, there is an increasing demand for affordable protein sources. Soybeans are rich in high-quality protein, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking nutrition at a lower cost. The Indian government has implemented various schemes to promote soybean cultivation, including subsidies for seeds and fertilizers. This support has helped farmers increase their yields and adopt better farming practices. Growing awareness of the health benefits of soy, including its role in cholesterol reduction and cancer prevention, has further driven consumer interest and demand for soy products.

Dr. Ratan Sharma, the newly appointed Secretary, added, “Dr. Itapu’s extensive experience and vision for the SFPWA will be instrumental in propelling our industry forward. Together, we can enhance the visibility of soy products and address the challenges we face.”

Dr. Itapu holds a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. He worked for five years at the Department of Food Science at Purdue University, USA, and recently completed professional baking training at the American Institute of Baking in Manhattan, KS, USA. Until 2009, Dr. Itapu served as Global Technical Director – Human Nutrition with ASA – International Marketing (ASA-IM) in New Delhi, where he assisted global offices in managing food programs to promote U.S. soy food products. During this time, he collaborated closely with the soy and food industries in Japan, Taiwan, China, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Hong Kong.

Dr. Itapu has authored several scientific and popular articles in reputable international journals and trade magazines. Over the past decade, he has significantly improved the consumption of soy foods in India across various segments of the population, with soybean food use rising more than tenfold during his nine years with ASA-IM. After leaving ASA-IM, Dr. Itapu established his own consultancy service while also serving part-time as the Executive Director for SFPWA, continuing his efforts to promote soy foods in India. Recently, he moved to Hyderabad and continues his consulting activities, assisting a local NGO (Society for Energy, Environment, and Development) with its R&D initiatives in food processing. Dr. Itapu brings a wealth of national and international experience and knowledge to his new role. As a recognized expert, he has played an instrumental role in various initiatives promoting the health benefits of soy and its products. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Itapu emphasized the importance of unity among SFPWA members during these challenging times. “The Soy Food Manufacturing Business is currently navigating financial pressures due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated. “Now, more than ever, we must stand together to advocate for our industry and support each other in overcoming these hurdles.”

As part of his agenda, Dr. Itapu plans to introduce several initiatives aimed at supporting SFPWA members. One key initiative includes organizing a series of webinars and soy conclave addressing the pressing challenges faced by the industry, focusing on essential topics such as marketing strategies, cost management, quality improvement, and dispelling myths surrounding soy products. Additionally, SFPWA will develop a dedicated platform to connect consumers with manufacturers and suppliers, streamlining access to soy products while providing educational resources about their health benefits. Dr. Itapu intends to assemble expert panels consisting of dieticians, nutrition consultants, and fitness trainers to guide consumers in making informed choices about soy-based products. Furthermore, a dedicated soy e-commerce store will be launched, featuring a wide range of soy products exclusively from SFPWA members, aimed at boosting sales and enhancing visibility for these products. Under Dr. Itapu’s leadership, SFPWA aims to foster innovation within the industry. He plans to focus on research and development, encouraging members to adopt sustainable practices that enhance the quality of soy products while minimizing environmental impact. “The future of the Soy Food Industry is bright, and together, we will work towards elevating our standards and practices,” he added. Dr. Itapu also expressed his commitment to enhancing collaboration among members. “Our strength lies in our unity. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can navigate the complexities of the market and position ourselves as leaders in the soy food sector,” he remarked.

Dr. Itapu highlighted the importance of SFPWA’s role as the voice of the soy industry in India, emphasizing that the association will continue to represent its members on the national stage, advocating for favorable regulations, innovation, and trade opportunities. “It is essential that we remain engaged with policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure our interests are well-represented,” he noted.

The SFPWA, under Dr. Itapu’s leadership, is poised to embark on a transformative journey. The association aims not only to navigate current challenges but also to seize opportunities for growth and innovation. “I am optimistic about the future of our industry. With the collective efforts of our members, we will overcome obstacles and pave the way for a prosperous soy food sector,” Dr. Itapu concluded. The SFPWA extends its gratitude to all members for their continued support and dedication. Together, we will strive for excellence in the soy food industry, ensuring that soy remains a staple for health-conscious consumers. The Soy Food Promotion & Welfare Association (SFPWA) is dedicated to uniting all firms, companies, associations, and individuals engaged in soy food manufacturing in India. With a membership of over 3,000 units, SFPWA advocates for the interests of the soy food industry, promotes research, and supports initiatives that contribute to health and wellness.

For media inquiries, please contact: 9818266704

—