India’s leading botanical extract manufacturer and exporter Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd has announced a surge in demand for its range of key botanicals – especially its flagship BCM-95® turmeric extract – as consumers globally express a greatly increased interest in consuming natural solutions as a preventative healthcare measure.

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India’s leading botanical extract manufacturer and exporter Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd has announced a surge in demand for its range of key botanicals – especially its flagship BCM-95® turmeric extract – as consumers globally express a greatly increased interest in consuming natural solutions as a preventative healthcare measure.

 

“We have noted an upsurge in demand across the board for all of our products in recent weeks,” reports Benny Antony, Joint Managing Director for Arjuna, adding that the firm’s BCM-95 — Curcugreen turmeric has achieved “extraordinary popularity” over this time.

 

BCM-95’s unique composition of curcumin and essential oil of turmeric has the backing of 68 scientific studies to date for its superior bioactivity and proven efficacy in alleviating numerous inflammatory conditions. It is now considered a leading industry standard for high-purity, organic, bioavailable curcumin.

 

Boosting natural resilience

 

“Immunity and well-being are broad concepts,” continues Mr Antony. “There is no one magic elixir for achieving optimal health. Nevertheless, consumers are going back to traditional medical roots and seeking foods and dietary supplements that can boost natural resilience, and help mitigate certain conditions they might already be suffering.”

 

“In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, turmeric is highly valued for its reputation for alleviating various respiratory problems, such as asthma, allergy, colds, sinus infection, and inflammatory issues,” explained P. J. Kunjachan, Chairman and Managing Director of Arjuna. “Modern research has reinforced turmeric’s antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its all-encompassing attributes, plus centuries of safe use, are factors that resonate with consumers and explain the ingredient’s popularity in these trying times.”

 

Demand for Arjuna’s potent ashwagandha extract SHODEN® also has taken a recent upturn. Shoden is recognised for its positive effect on mental well-being and is clinically proven to support restorative sleep. Shoden fits into another category of natural aids that consumers are seeking to help them cope with the stress aroused by social isolation and uncertainties for the future.

 

Working full force and in full compliance

 

“We always maintain reserve capacities as part of standard procedure to deal with surges,” advises Mr Antony. And while he admits that the lockdown led to some “brief backlogs”, Arjuna was able to rush through production orders and swiftly move product to distributors before the onslaught of the worldwide transportation disruptions. At the same time, the company maintained its high standards and full traceability across the supply chain.

 

“As platforms for physical interactions and trade shows grind to a halt, we are reinforcing our digital presence and reinvigorating our marketing and communications plan,” informs the Joint MD. “Our customer service team is in constant contact with our clients and suppliers to overcome the logistical bottlenecks, to ensure stocks are adequately replenished, and to provide a safety net.” The company faced only minor hurdles in sourcing raw materials, as its principal suppliers are local farmers and agro traders in Kerala. Moreover, Arjuna’s R&D team has been working full force and in full compliance with all safety directives throughout the pandemic.

 

Social responsibility – in good times and bad

 

Beyond continuing with its core operations, Arjuna also has been actively contributing to the effort to flatten the COVID-19 curve. It donated 2,000 litres of hand sanitiser – manufactured in its own facility – to frontline pandemic forces. The company has retained its entire workforce, and salaries have been paid in full even during the full-phase lockdowns. The company also joins in government efforts to offer disaster relief. Currently, Arjuna is supporting the co-ordination of community kitchens, to protect migrant labourers and those financially challenged. It has distributed masks as well as BCM-95 capsules to its employees and their families. 

 

However, even in good times, Arjuna is attuned to its sense of responsibility towards the community of which it forms a part, as Mr Antony attests: “Arjuna has assisted in the construction of more than a dozen homes for underprivileged communities as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. The company partners with tribal communities across India in acquiring high-quality herbs and botanicals, helping them become self-sustaining.”