Speaker Profile

Dr Viju Jacob is Executive Chairman of Synthite Industries Limited, global leader in Spice Oleoresins and other plant-derived natural product solutions. Synthite transforms a multitude of pure plant spices into much sought-after flavor & fragrance ingredients, colourants and nutraceuticals as per the requirements of customers world over at its five eco-friendly locations spread over Southern India. Its modern plants and equipment, precision instruments and passionate people ensure value delivery and are the strength behind this USD 300 million company contributing to over 50% of exports of spice oleoresins from India.

Professional Achievements: Under Dr Jacob's leadership, in 1981, Synthite entered into Indian market and has established itself as a preferred ingredient supplier. Synthite is set to venture into the OTC nutraceuticals market with an array of natural health supplements. With the guidance of Dr Jacob, Synthite witnessed steady business growth. In 1986, with his initiation, Synthite set up its Fragrance division in Maradur, Tamil Nadu for extraction of floral concretes and absolutes. Attached to this unit, new system of floriculture nursery was launched to distribute saplings to farmers. This enabled generation of employment to 1000 villagers in the vicinity. Marigold cultivation was introduced in India by Synthite in a systematic way on a commercial scale resulting in employment for over 14000 farmers cultivating in 15000 acres of land which also enables indirect labour to 250000 workers. Besides the co-generation of electricity and steam by its own agro-waste as fuel, he established wind farms in Tamil Nadu for exploiting non-conventional wind energy for power generation.

Dr Jacob is also the Director of Herbal Isolates Pvt Ltd, Synthite Exports Pvt Ltd and Synthite Properties & Investments Ltd. With his initiatives, the company has today joint venture partnership with Aromco UK, a leading sweet and confectionery flavor manufacturer.