Business
SIERRA’s Futuristic eFACILITY® Building Achieves WELL Certification
According to Statista, Americans spend 92% of their time indoors. Part of it may be due to the COVID19 pandemic, however, research reports indicate that the Internet and social media (average 2 hours 25 minutes per day) help bring everything indoors (you can order food, groceries, and pretty much anything online), and no one feels the need to stir out.
The United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) concurs this and says that people spending practically an entire lifetime indoors face various health risks. You may have imagined that it is safe to remain indoors, but did you know that the air within buildings is seriously polluted according to studies conducted by the EPA?
A deep concern for the environment and the welfare of its employees were the significant factors that led to the creation of one of the healthiest and India’s highest-ranking WELL Platinum-certified workspaces – the eFACILITY® Building. Post-COVID, the workspace is proving to be doubly safe.
Rated under the WELL v2 rating system by the International WELL Building Institute, the eFACILITY® Building is the healthiest workplace in India today, scoring a whopping 86 out of 100 points for various indoor health parameters. Heaving a sigh of relief, the employees stream in every morning to work, knowing very well that they will remain healthy and safe while inside the premises despite the lingering threat of the pandemic and the consistently deteriorating air quality due to high pollution levels in the city.
The main pollutants in the city are the increasing industrial activity, and fossil fuel usage (Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are steadily increasing, and CO2 emissions have increased by 90% since 1970. Also, 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions – it is the single largest contributor to U.S. CHG emissions). The pandemic is a recent phenomenon, but the more alarming fact is the PM 2.5 & PM 10 levels (caused by industrial and construction activities), which are increasing unabatedly in most cities. Added to that is the threat from the increased gas pollution like NOX, SOX, etc., because of industrial activity.
According to the McKinsey report, despite the pandemic, some critical activities like negotiations, crucial business decisions, brainstorming sessions, providing sensitive feedback, and onboarding new employees are better accomplished at the office than remotely.
With the primary focus on health, a green building like the eFACiLiTY® Building helps enhance employee productivity, safety, and general well-being. To become a WELL Platinum-certified workspace like SIERRA’s HQ, the eFACILITY®Building, you need to fulfill 10 WELL concepts like Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community. Also, WELL stipulates several mandatory credits across these 10 key factors, some of which earn you points, and some don’t, though both sets are equally significant.
WELL combines best practices in design, construction, and operations with evidence-based scientific research – harnessing buildings as vehicles to support human health and well-being. Beyond the physical features, WELL also informs the organization’s policies and protocols, from the benefits provided to the employees to the operational protocols followed to keep the space safer and healthier.
At the eFACILITY® Building, employee health is critical and treated with high priority. Spaces can positively impact each employee’s health, safety, and well-being. The company worked in tandem with the team at InHabit, a Coimbatore-based Green Building Consultant, to introduce other health-focused changes like ergonomic furniture, circadian lighting, pure, safe water, and ample outdoor space for physical activities.
The software fraternity has always been under tremendous stress; SIERRA understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Even during the pre-COVID days, SIERRA implemented flexible work-from-home policies, and also offered part-time options to help employees be immediately available to take care of ailing/elderly family members.
There is also the SIERRA Eldercare Support Policy that allows employees to make use of local support services and referral programs available at the company. The bereavement support policy allows eligible employees to avail of 5 days of paid leave per year in case of an unfortunate loss of a spouse, child, or parent.
SIERRA’s eFACiLiTY® Occupant Wellness app contains knowledge-based articles that are very useful for its employees. These are probably some of the reasons why there’s a mad scramble to get hired in this leading software company that caters to international clients. While the applicants are many, only the best get hired.
Whether at work or play, the best place to be is the eFACiLiTY® Building at Coimbatore. It is rated the World’s 2nd Highest Ranking Green Building under the U.S. Green Building Council LEED rating system NC v2009, and India’s Highest Ranking Green Building under the India Green Building Council (IGBC) Green New Buildings rating system.
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Nikhil Kapoor Leads AGRANA Fruit India’s 100% Acquisition via Management Buyout with Strategic Investment from Danish Equbal
Fruit Formulations Private Limited Set to Revolutionize India’s Fruit Processing Industry
New Delhi, India – In a transformative move set to reshape the fruit processing landscape across the Indian subcontinent, Nikhil Kapoor, former Head of Sales at AGRANA Fruit India, has successfully completed the 100% acquisition of AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited. This strategic Management Buyout (MBO), backed by significant financial support from Danish Equbal, has led to the rebranding and formation of Fruit Formulations Private Limited (formerly known as AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited). The new entity is set to become a market leader in the fruit-based products sector, driven by innovation, quality, and strategic expansion.
Nikhil Kapoor: A Leader with Vision and Proven Success
With over 20 years of experience in the food, ingredients and fruit processing industries, Nikhil Kapoor has a strong background in business development, sales strategy, key account management, and customer relationship building. His career includes leadership roles at companies such as Cargill Foods and Givaudan Flavours, where he consistently drove business growth and expanded market share.
A key entrepreneurial achievement for Kapoor was founding Blue Ingredients Private Limited, which he successfully led from 2018 to 2021. Although Blue Ingredients is no longer operational, the experience of building and scaling a company has shaped Kapoor’s leadership approach and strategic thinking.
At AGRANA Fruit India, Kapoor excelled in key account management, particularly with large dairy clients, driving new product development and customer service improvements. His leadership resulted in several breakthrough solutions and a strengthened relationship with key accounts, significantly enhancing delivery efficiencies.
Kapoor also led the launch of innovative products for the Bakery and HoReCa sectors, including Fruit Crushes, Fillings, and Syrups. These innovations helped position AGRANA as a leader in India in specialized fruit-based solutions. Additionally, Kapoor spearheaded the company’s geographic expansion into North India, South India, and Nepal, contributing to significant business growth.
As the CEO of Fruit Formulations Private Limited, Kapoor is focused on taking the company to new heights. Commenting on the acquisition, he said:
“This 100% acquisition is not just about ownership—it’s about building a platform for innovation and redefining the fruit processing industry. Our goal is to set new standards for quality and customization and become the preferred partner for our clients. Through market expansion and continuous innovation, we aim to reshape the industry and create lasting impact.”
Danish Equbal: A Strategic Investor with a Vision for Growth
The success of this acquisition was made possible by the strategic financial backing of Danish Equbal, a seasoned investor with a strong record of driving growth in various industries. Danish is also the Founder and Director of Brickfolio Pvt. Ltd., a prominent real estate and investment firm based in Pune. Under his leadership, Brickfolio has transformed property investment through technology, market insights, and client- centric solutions.
Danish’s decision to invest in Fruit Formulations Private Limited reflects his confidence in the company’s potential to become a leader in the fruit processing sector. His investment will help the company scale operations, explore new growth opportunities, and drive product innovation.
Commenting on the venture, Danish Equbal said:
“Nikhil Kapoor is a proven leader with an exceptional track record. His vision for Fruit Formulations aligns perfectly with my investment philosophy, which focuses on supporting high-potential businesses. Together, we are laying the foundation for long-term success.”
A Strategic Focus on Customisation, Innovation, and Strategic Growth
As Fruit Formulations Private Limited embarks on its growth journey, the company will leverage Kapoor’s expertise in product innovation, market expansion, and customer service. With consumer demand increasingly shifting toward natural, health-conscious, and customized products, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.
Building on the momentum from AGRANA, Kapoor plans to diversify the product portfolio with clean-label ingredients and customized formulations for both B2B and B2C markets. The company will also prioritize key sectors, such as Bakery, HoReCa, and dairy and ice cream clients, while deepening partnerships and delivering value-added solutions to the food industry.
Geographic expansion across India and South Asia will be central to the company’s growth strategy, focusing on new markets and strengthening its presence in established regions. Customization will remain at the heart of operations, aligning with global trends toward personalization, convenience, and health-conscious consumption.
Kapoor added:
“Our mission is to stay ahead of market trends by delivering innovative, customized solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. With Danish’s support, we are poised for rapid growth while maintaining our focus on quality and sustainability.”
A New Chapter for India’s Fruit Processing Industry
The formation of Fruit Formulations Private Limited marks the beginning of a new era of growth, innovation, and leadership in India’s fruit processing industry. With Nikhil Kapoor’s extensive experience and Danish Equbal’s strategic and financial backing, the company is set to push the boundaries of innovation and expand its footprint across the Indian subcontinent market.
As CEO, Kapoor will lead Fruit Formulations Private Limited toward becoming a driving force in the transformation of the industry—centred on quality-driven innovation, tailored solutions, and ambitious market expansion.
About Fruit Formulations Private Limited
Fruit Formulations Private Limited, founded following the 100% acquisition of AGRANA Fruit India Private Limited, specializes in developing innovative and high-quality fruit-based solutions for industries including dairy, ice-cream, bakery, and foodservice. With a focus on customization, innovation, and strategic market growth, the company is positioned to lead the fruit processing sector across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Backed by strategic investor Danish Equbal, the company is committed to delivering the next generation of fruit-based products through quality-driven innovation and sustainable practices.
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Japan India Industry Promotion Association ( JIIPA ) and INFOEYE Partner to Further Promote Business between India and Japan
The Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Chairman: Prashant Godgate) and INFOEYE (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Takayuki Sedodoi) have formed a partnership to further promote business between Japan and India. This partnership aims to strengthen business support systems and streamline exhibition operations through the provision of various solutions and online services.
Overview
As part of this partnership, the initial focus will be on providing solutions for the 15th India Trend Fair Tokyo 2025, which will be held in January 2025. This exhibition, organized by JIIPA, will utilize INFOEYEʼs technology to enhance interaction between exhibitors and visitors.
Additionally, INFOEYE will provide operational support for other exhibitions and events through the introduction of Kirikom Plusʼs exhibition functions. These functions will improve efficiency and facilitate seamless information sharing between exhibitors. Visitors will also be able to use their smartphones to select products, access detailed product information, and create pick-up lists, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience across languages.
All services under this partnership, including exhibition solutions and members-only websites, will support Japanese, English, and Hindi, creating an accessible environment for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Unlocking New Business Opportunities through Collaboration
This partnership is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of exhibitions and events involving companies from both Japan and India. With the introduction of Kirikom Plusʼs exhibition functions, exhibitors will be able to track visitorsʼ product picks and other activities in real time, reducing operational burdens. This will allow exhibitors to respond promptly to visitor interests and needs, maximizing opportunities for business negotiations. Additionally, the creation of a members-only website will facilitate networking and information sharing, fostering long-term collaboration.
The partnership also opens doors for expanding these solutions to other exhibitions and events, accelerating efforts to promote business between Japan and India.
References
Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA)
JIIPA is an NPO based in Tokyo, promoting economic exchange between Japan and India. It collaborates closely with embassies, government agencies, industry organizations, chambers of commerce, and non-profit organizations to maximize business opportunities between the two countries.
- Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Chairman: Prashant Godgate
- Official Website: https://npo-jiipa.org/
INFOEYE Co., Ltd.
Since its founding in 2002, INFOEYE has been providing solutions for the textile industry and image clipping services to support businesses in both Japan and India. Its expertise in apparel-related solutions and image clipping services has been widely adopted, helping facilitate smooth business operations between the two countries.
- Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- CEO: Takayuki Sedodoi
- Official Website: https://infoeye.com/
Contact Information for this Partnership
INFOEYE
Contact Form: https://infoeye.com/contact
JIIPA
Contact Form: https://npo-jiipa.org/contact-us
A new wind of business is blowing between Japan and India̶look forward to the future created by the collaboration between JIIPA and INFOEYE.
*1 Kirikom Plus is available to start using for free.
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