Small Towns Can Be Ideal To Start Different Businesses: Suresh Garg
While small towns might not have the same foot traffic as big cities, they can still be bustling with activity and can be the ideal starting point for a myriad of different businesses, said Suresh Garg, MD and Founder, Zeon LifeSciences in an interview with BW Businessworld. Edited Excerpts:
Tell us about Zeon, especially for those who are not aware of it.
It is a research-based contract manufacturer of nutraceutical and herbal products have completed 33 successful years in this industry. The company deals with a wide range of science-based product categories such as general health and wellness, women’s health, kids' health, men’s health, weight management, sports nutrition, medical nutrition, immunity booster and more.
Do you find it difficult to conduct business in a small town?
While small towns might not have the same foot traffic as big cities, they can still be bustling with activity and can be the ideal starting point for a myriad of different businesses. We did the same and we made our facility in Paonta Sahib. Our company is successful because of the people and their emotions attached to work. So we have been fortunate enough to run our processes smoothly and efficiently without any difficulties as the Himachal Pradesh government has always been very supportive of businesses.
Can you shed light on the current status of the industry as far as the business/growth is concerned?
This industry has risen in the past few years and recently a boost due to the ongoing pandemic. The focus on preventive healthcare has contributed to the growth of this sector. The population across India has begun to believe in immunity-boosting supplements and has led to a significant shift in buying patterns and market behavior. India's nutraceutical market is poised to be a global leader at USD 4-5 billion. Experts and reports suggested that it will grow to approximately USD 18 billion by 2025.
What are the major changes you witnessed in the post-Covid-19 pandemic?
Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been an increased shift towards health and nutrition, and rightfully so. With stronger immunity and greater health, it becomes easier to ward off a host of illnesses and recover faster. Indian consumers are now willing to spend more on fitness, health, and nutrition with the Covid-19 creating “the biggest seismic shift” taking health and immunity to the centre stage.
What are the major opportunities your company provides to small-town communities?
We provide approximately 1,000 employment opportunities to the community directly and indirectly. We also provide medical facilities through our dispensary to society and also distribute medical kits to the communities residing close by. We always support society by all means. During the pandemic, we supported society by donating oxygen concentrators.
Tell us about the employee-friendly policies of your company?
We have many policies which are as follows: corporate with employees for their higher studies and growth. External training, leadership coaching and subject matter certifications for skill enhancement. Health and Covid insurance for every employee. Financial support to our members when in need. Vehicle provision for daily conveyance. Medical facility within the manufacturing premises. Sports Facility for health benefits. Provided free medical kits, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, Mental health sessions, and doctor consultations for all and their families during the pandemic.
How do you ensure the quality of your products amid the high demand?
We have always believed in the quality of the product, not the quantity. We follow stringent quality parameters in our facility from the time of sourcing of the Raw material till conversion into the Finished product. Our manufacturing unit has the resources to meet up with the high demand of our client.
What are the challenges you have faced in the last two years?
It is clearly evident that this Pandemic shuddered the whole economic system, based on different reports Covid-19 is the most horrible incident after World War II. As the market was volatile it created lots of uncertainty across every sector, Logistics, Manpower, Psychological etcetera, but through every up and down we managed to cope and run our operation smoothly.
What can be expected from Zeon in 2022?
Zeon is coming up with lots of science-based products, we have also started developing Phytopharm drugs, our agenda is to stay one step ahead with a futuristic thought process, so we keep on innovating and exploring new ideas with our research and development team of well-qualified scientists.
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