Tata Trusts and Mars Inc., makers of global chocolate brands like Snickers and M&M’s, have come together to address the nutritional gaps in India by launching protein-rich products for children. On Wednesday, the joint venture announced the launch of GoMo Dal Crunchies, a snack rich in protein and micro-nutrients. It would be produced at a Mars facility in Pune and made available in about 45,000 villages of Maharashtra and U.P.
The production will be done through the global major’s Mars Edge division.
Tata Trusts chairman Ratan Tata said that the trust was adopting a three-pronged strategy for this initiative.
“It helps government maximise usage of systems like integrated child development services... facilitating fortification of food and production & distribution of affordable, palatable, enjoyable food to improve strength of children,” said Mr. Tata of Tata Trusts, the knowledge partner in the initiative.
Incidentally, Mars Inc., has invested about $11 million for the snack targeted at children in the age group of six to 18 years.
“As a global business, we believe we have a responsibility and the capability to help address some of the critical challenges faced by society by creating commercially viable products that can make a difference,” said Stephen Badger, chairman of the board, Mars Incorporated.
“We are thrilled that the Tata Trusts’ strong commitment to improving quality of life and nutrition in India made them a natural partner for us,” he added.
Mars and Tata Trusts signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2016 to address the nutritional challenges in India among other things. GoMo snack is the first product of the partnership.
