Additionally, we will be hosting small-scale events in cities across India, focusing on the issue of fussy eating, which is a growing problem among urban kids today. The events will provide a platform for doctors and parents to engage with each other and discuss ways to tackle the problem of selective eating.

Please elaborate on the R&D efforts spent in the production of the HiOwna line?
R&D lies at the core of Himalaya. We carry out extensive research before launching any product in the market. During the development process of HiOwna-Jr, we drew on our vast knowledge of herbs, widely known in ayurveda for promoting children health. Like all pharmaceutical products at Himalaya, HiOwna-Jr was developed following all allopathic protocols, including clinical trials. The entire process, from initial research to product launch, has taken us three years.

Are there any plans for making nutraceuticals a separate division at Himalaya altogether?
Yes. Over the next two-to-three years, we intend to build the HiOwna brand into a `100 crore business. Eventually, we will have a separate business vertical exclusively focused on nutritional and health products for children and people of different age groups, addressing their different conditions.

What are your views on the Asia Pacific market? Apart from India where does Himalaya have a good market penetration?
Thanks to the presence of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbal products are readily accepted there. However, in developed markets like Singapore, traditional products are often not accepted on face value. Customers seek well-researched alternative medicine that has been scientifically proven.

This is where Himalaya comes in. During the development process at Himalaya, pharmaceutical products undergo years of research. The drugs are formulated adhering to allopathic protocols, which include mutagen and toxicity texts and clinical trials. Hence, Himalaya is faring exceedingly well in this region.