Fermenta Biotech adds plant-based Vitamin D3 capacity at Dahej

Fermenta Biotech is investing ₹110 crore to expand plant-based Vitamin D3 and derivatives production in Dahej, targeting supplement, nutraceutical, fortified-food and beverage brands seeking vegetarian, clean-label inputs. Commercial production is expected in FY28.

— Source publishedTue, 28 Jul, 2026, 12:57 IST·First seen Tue, 28 Jul, 2026, 13:12 IST·Source Business Standard · Companies

What happened

Fermenta Biotech is investing ₹110 crore to expand plant-based Vitamin D3 and derivative production at Dahej, targeting Indian supplement, nutraceutical,

Key facts

  • ₹110 crore expansion programme
  • ₹60 crore for plant-based Vitamin D3 and derivatives capacity
  • Around 1 tonne annual plant-based Vitamin D3 capacity
  • 50 kg annual Vitamin D3 derivatives capacity
  • 75 kilolitres fermentation capacity
  • 53% of FY26 consolidated revenue from human nutrition
  • ₹551 crore FY26 consolidated revenue
  • ₹1,000-1,500 crore India plain Vitamin D3 60KIU market
  • ₹20,600 crore broader vitamins and minerals segment

Why this matters

Brands and ingredient partners seeking plant-based Vitamin D3 should view Fermenta’s Dahej build-out as an opportunity for early supply agreements, co-development and long-term sourcing partnerships.

What to watch

  • FY28 commissioning progress, regulatory clearances and customer-qualification milestones at Dahej.
  • Announced supply agreements or product launches by leading Indian supplement, gummies, fortified dairy-alternative and beverage brands.
  • Plant-based Vitamin D3 pricing versus conventional lanolin-derived Vitamin D3 and imported alternatives.
  • FSSAI rule changes or enforcement that increase vitamin-fortification adoption and claim scrutiny.
  • Competitive capacity additions from global fermentation, algae-derived or other non-animal Vitamin D suppliers.
  • Evidence of retailer assortment growth in vegan, vegetarian and clean-label bone-health, immunity and women's-health products.
  • Secure multi-year offtake agreements with Indian supplement, gummy and fortified-food manufacturers before commissioning.
  • Build application-development support for beverage, dairy-alternative and bakery fortification, where stability and dosage validation can slow adoption.
  • Pursue export customer approvals in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific markets with established vegan and clean-label supplement demand.
  • Develop derivative formats and premixes that reduce formulation complexity for consumer-brand customers.
  • Expect nutraceutical and functional-food brands to test vegetarian Vitamin D3 launches and reformulations ahead of FY28 supply availability.