DSM Fresh Foods Limited announced a significant recognition for its leadership, with Founder and Managing Director Mr. Deepanshu Manchanda being appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The appointment, made by the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), was formally communicated to BSE Limited on March 16, 2026.

Recognition for Food System Innovation

The appointment acknowledges Mr. Manchanda's work in building inclusive and transparent food systems, strengthening farmer livelihoods, and advancing global nutrition and food security. IIMSAM, an observer organisation to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), selected Manchanda based on his contributions to sustainable food practices and farmer empowerment initiatives.

Company's Sustainable Development Focus

Founded in 2015, DSM Fresh Foods Limited operates on the principle that food safety, traceability and farmer inclusion are fundamental pillars of public health and economic resilience. The company has particularly focused on empowering income opportunities for smallholder farmers, with special emphasis on women producers.

Through collaboration with Shared Wealth Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Heifer Project International, the company has established a backyard poultry sourcing model across three states. This initiative directly links women-led farming households with organised markets while promoting stronger biosecurity and premium-based procurement practices.

SDG Alignment and Responsibilities

In his role as Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Manchanda will support initiatives aligned with key global development priorities. His responsibilities will focus on three specific Sustainable Development Goals that align with the company's operational philosophy and impact areas.

The key SDGs include:

• Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger: Advocating innovative, sustainable nutrition solutions
• Sustainable Development Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being: Raising awareness of nutrition interventions to fight malnutrition
• Sustainable Development Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Fostering collaboration among institutions, communities, and stakeholders

Management Response

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Deepanshu Manchanda expressed his commitment to the role, stating his honor at IIMSAM's recognition. He emphasized that the appointment reflects the journey begun at Zappfresh to build transparent food systems that support smallholder farmers and improve nutrition outcomes. Manchanda indicated his eagerness to support collaborative progress toward Zero Hunger, better nutrition, and strong partnerships on a global scale.

The appointment is honorary and non-remunerative in nature and does not constitute employment with IIMSAM or the United Nations. This recognition positions DSM Fresh Foods Limited's leadership at the forefront of global sustainable development initiatives while maintaining the company's focus on transparent food systems and farmer empowerment.

DSM Fresh Foods Limited has demonstrated strong financial performance in H1FY26, establishing itself as a prominent player in India's organized fresh food sector. Operating under the Zappfresh brand, the company has built an integrated farm-to-fork platform that addresses traditional supply chain inefficiencies through technology-enabled solutions.

Financial Performance Highlights

The company delivered impressive results across key financial metrics during H1FY26:

The company's gross profit reached Rs. 3,217 lacs with a margin of 33.6%, reflecting strong operational efficiency and pricing power in the market.

Business Operations and Scale

DSM Fresh Foods operates through a vertically integrated business model with three advanced meat processing facilities providing end-to-end automation. The company maintains multi-category manufacturing capabilities across frozen, RTE (Ready-to-Eat), and RTC (Ready-to-Cook) products.

The company's revenue split shows a balanced approach with 52% from B2C operations and 48% from B2B channels, supporting over 300 restaurants and institutional partners.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

DSM Fresh Foods has outlined several strategic priorities for expansion and value creation. The company's acqui-hiring model has proven successful, demonstrated through the acquisition of Sukos Food Pvt. Ltd. in July 2023, which achieved 4x revenue growth in the first year post-acquisition.

The company operates an export-ready manufacturing platform with a 30,000 sq. ft. facility featuring four parallel automated production lines. This facility enables access to international markets and supports the launch of Meevaa Foods, offering diverse RTE/RTC products including Indian gravy range, breakfast items, snacks, and oriental sauces.

Geographic Expansion and Market Presence

The company maintains a diversified geographic revenue split with Uttar Pradesh contributing 41% and Delhi contributing 22% of total revenue. DSM Fresh Foods plans to expand into new geographies including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and overseas markets in Europe, US, Canada, and the Middle East.

Management Commentary

Managing Director and Chairman Mr. Deepanshu Manchanda emphasized the company's decade-long commitment to providing fresh, safe, and transparently sourced meat products. He highlighted the focus on scaling responsibly while deepening partner relationships and building a sustainable, trusted brand for long-term growth.

Industry Position and Outlook

Operating in a market where 90% of meat processing remains unorganized, DSM Fresh Foods is well-positioned to capitalize on the structural shift toward formalized, branded food products. The company's integrated supply chain, quality certifications, and technology-driven approach provide competitive advantages in addressing evolving consumer preferences for convenience, health, and food safety.