Rohan Grover is the Chief Executive Officer of Nature Bio Foods. A seasoned professional, Rohan has been instrumental in driving the significant growth of the organic food industry in India through Nature Bio Foods. With over fifteen years in the food industry, he’s established himself as a forerunner in sustainable agribusiness and the organic food sector. Rohan has pioneered Nature Bio Foods’ expansion into new territories, including the establishment of business centres in Europe and Africa, and played a pivotal role in making inroads into the US market.
What is the state of the global organic food ingredients market?
The global organic food ingredients market has been on a noteworthy journey of growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought an initial surge followed by a slight dip. However, by 2024, the market has regained momentum, driven by a significant shift toward sustainability and transparency in agriculture. The market’s expansion is supported by over 96 million hectares globally dedicated to organic farming, reflecting substantial consumer demand for products that are health-conscious, ethically sourced, and sustainable. Nature Bio Foods (NBF) has been a leader in this movement, effectively managing significant tracts of organic farmland in countries like India and Uganda, and focusing on delivering the finest ingredients to meet this growing global demand.
What are the main challenges you are facing and in which regions do you expect major growth?
NBF is currently navigating a complex landscape of challenges spanning economic, environmental, and logistical issues. Geopolitical tensions threaten global trade as they disrupt international trade routes, which are crucial for Europe’s organic market as it depends majorly on imports. Evolving EU regulations also present uncertainties; we hope that regulatory updates remain practical and adaptable for businesses.
Rising ocean freight costs further complicate the scenario, exacerbating the cost of imports. Additionally, climate change leads to erratic weather patterns, escalating temperatures, and consequently, a heightened risk of infestation—all of which threaten agricultural productivity and quality. Despite these hurdles, Europe continues to be at the heart of the organics sector, presenting major growth opportunities due to rising consumer awareness and a robust market infrastructure. Similarly, Africa emerges as a promising market, with vast arable lands yet to be fully utilized for organic farming, offering significant potential for expansion.
«The global organic food ingredients market has been on a noteworthy journey of growth»
How do you ensure traceability throughout the supply chain?
NBF has emphasized transparency and authenticity as central pillars since its inception, inviting partners and customers to witness firsthand the origins of the crops. In today’s market, where consumers are increasingly concerned about the ethical and sustainable sourcing of their food, NBF has responded by making its supply chains among the most transparent in the world with 100% traceability.
This is achieved through innovative solutions like the TraceOrigin platform, which meticulously documents every detail from the fields directly to the cloud. A digital application layer built upon this data allows manufacturers, distributors, and consumers to trace every grain back to its farm of origin with complete transparency by scanning a QR code printed on every big bag that leaves NBF’s warehouses.
Taking traceability a step further, NBF has integrated Virtual Reality technology into its efforts. Customers can now virtually visit partner farms to see how their food is grown and processed, providing a valuable experience when in-person visits are not feasible. This blend of technology and commitment to sustainability ensures that NBF maintains the highest standards of ethical sourcing, giving partners full visibility into the supply chain.
Recently, you opened a new facility in Rotterdam. How is Nature Bio Foods expanding in Europe?
The new Nature Bio Foods facility in Rotterdam, strategically located in Maasvlakte, utilizes advanced CO2 treatment to prevent pest infestations, ensuring that our organic products are stored without contamination. This location, right at the port, minimizes logistical movements and costs, aligning with our sustainability goals. Additionally, our state-of-the-art cleaning lines guarantee that our products are 100% clean and ready for immediate use, enhancing operational efficiency. Positioned as the gateway for about 35% of Europe’s organic ingredients, this facility significantly improves our service delivery across the continent, enabling NBF to offer true pricing and better service without additional logistical burdens. The facility’s design also focuses on minimizing environmental impact and maximizing energy efficiency, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and setting new standards in the organic food industry.
«This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also showcases the region’s capabilities and dedication to maintaining a steady and secure supply of the finest organic products to the global market»
How is the global market connected and what could be improved in terms of efficiency?
Today’s global market is deeply interconnected, underscoring our role as global citizens. As organic farming expands in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, we are witnessing a rise in the production of organic rice, lentils, and cereals. These products are now reaching a quality that are matching those grown in Europe, thanks to adherence to stringent global standards and improvements in local farming techniques.
While the quality of organic products from regions like Asia, Africa, and South America now matches European standards, these areas are actively enhancing their infrastructure to support the growth of the global supply chain. Continuous improvements in logistics and facilities demonstrate their commitment to overcoming obstacles, which are crucial to maintaining a smoother flow of supply. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also showcases the region’s capabilities and dedication to maintaining a steady and secure supply of the finest organic products to the global market.
Nature Bio Foods is at the forefront when it comes to addressing these challenges. By enhancing international collaborations and streamlining trade processes, NBF aims to enhance the stability and efficiency of global operations, ensuring the consistent delivery of the finest organic products from these emerging regions to the global market.
Author: Enric Urrutia, Bio Eco Actual Director
Published in the BIOFACH 2025 Bio Eco Actual Special Edition.
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