The Hyderabad-based Nandan Biomatrix, the first aloe vera processing unit, near Hyderabad, has already undergone regulatory inspections and the commercial operations are expected to begin by February 2006. Nandan has set its targets both in the US and domestic markets. The company plans to set up five more processing units in the coming years.

Aloe vera, having its applications in skin care and pharmaceuticals, has over 250 species grown around the world. The aloe plant is grown in warm tropical areas. In the United States, most of the aloe is grown in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, Florida and Southern California. Internationally, aloe is also found in Mexico, India, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia and Africa. Many US companies have set up base in Mexico due to comparatively lower labour costs. Now the focus is getting diverted towards India and China, B Jaya Kumar, director Nandan Biomatrix told Pharmabiz.

Jaya Kumar said that Nandan is aiming at a phased growth. The first year’s activity has been focused on cultivating aloe in an area of 60 acres, the second year is witnessing establishment of processing units and expansion of cultivation land to 200 acres. The third year will bring commercial operations to place.

Recognising the growing importance and potential of aloe vera globally and to enable India to play an active role in the segment, Nandan is making an active effort to explore the possibility of supporting the establishment of Indian Chapter of International Aloe Science Council (IASC) at Hyderabad.

According to Gene Hale, International Aloe Science Council global potential for aloe vera is growing at a good pace and the market for finished products based on aloe vera is expected to be 2 to 3 billion dollars. The aloe raw materials market is worth USD 200,000 - 400,000. He said that India too had potential in this area.

The council is a non profit trade organisation for the aloe vera industry worldwide. Its members include aloe growers, processors, finished goods manufacturers, marketing companies, insurance companies, equipment suppliers, printers, sales organisations, physicians, scientists and researchers.

The council serves as a liaison and information source for research, development and promotion of aloe vera and associated products. Building on a testing concept designed by member companies, the IASC developed the certification programme to allow aloe growers, processors and manufacturers to submit their facilities and products to a series of rigorous tests and audit programmes, which, if they passed, would allow for the certification of aloe and aloe products and the display of the IASC authorised seal of certification on all product and literature. IASC presence in India can benefit the country, added Jaya Kumar.