Emami Agrotech Ltd has ventured into the processed food category with the introduction of soya chunks, hoping to cash in on the heightened awareness about immunity and wellness.

The company, arguably the second largest edible oil producer in India, is tapping the Bengal market initially as it is the biggest consumer of the rich source of vegetable protein. Soya chunks is estimated to be a Rs 1,000-crore market in the organised sector and Bengal accounts for 35 per cent of it.

“We hope to corner a 10-15 share of the Bengal market over the next two years,” Sudhakar Desai, CEO of Emami Agrotech, said. Ruchi is the market leader in soya chunks at present.

Emami said the chunks are being fortified with three immunity building nutrients, apart from zinc, to address consumer demand on wellness.

The company earns a revenue of Rs 12,500 crore from edible oils and about Rs 500 crore from other businesses such as spices, vanaspati and baking fats and bio fuels. It plans to diversify into more processed food products going forward.

“There are many products under research and development. It will be premature to say what we would bring to the market and when,” Desai explained.

Founded by the promoters of FMCG major Emami Ltd, the company started operations a decade back with edible oils. It now has a 9,000- tonnes-per-day capacity, with two refineries in Haldia and Krishnapatnam.