Indian manufacturer launches first sports nutrition range to meet growing local demand

Indian manufacturer Paras Dairy has launched Proquest Nutrition, its first line of sports nutrition products.

The range, which consists of nine products, was launched under Paras' VRS Foods Ltd business, one of India's largest milk whey protein manufacturers.

It includes whey protein isolates and concentrates, mass gainers, muscle builders and other fitness supplements, such as pre- and post-workout formulas.

According to VRS Foods, the Proquest Nutrition products contain natural protein designed to promote muscle development, lower body fat, and enhance stamina in a safe way.

Additionally, the range contains live probiotics purported to improve immunity and maximise protein utilisation.

VRS Foods MD Rajendra Singh told Indian media: "We are extremely happy to announce that we are now entering the workout nutrition segment with a series of products under the banner of Proquest Nutrition."

Meeting the needs of the market

He said the products were suitable for all physically active individuals, including bodybuilders, sportspeople and athletes saying, "Proquest Nutrition is a comprehensive series of products that takes care of all these requirements."

He added that the line's low-calorie meal replacement shakes and drinks were suitable for weight loss, owing to their appetite-suppressing and metabolism-enhancing properties.

Consumers in India have thus far relied mainly on foreign sports nutrition imports, but PM Narendra Modi's Make in India initiative — designed to turn the country into a manufacturing hub — has spurred local businesses to step things up.

This will also serve to meet the needs of Indian consumers, who have become increasingly health-conscious and as such, have taken to exercising more regularly, with more gyms having sprung up across the country to accommodate this trend.

Paras Dairy was established in 1960, and in 1987, set up VRS Foods Ltd as a partnership company. Today, it has seven manufacturing facilities in India and sells more than 250,000 litres of milk a day in Delhi Metro.