Interview

'Clients have come to expect high quality products with superior performance'

Ankur Chokshi, Sales Director - South Asia and Subodh Priolkar, General Manager - South Asia, Colorcon reveal their market strategy to Express Pharma

Subodh Priolkar, General Manager - South Asia, Colorcon

Ankur Chokshi, Sales Director - South Asia Colorcon

Globally Colorcon is involved in three industry verticals, Pharma, Food & Confectionary and the No-Tox range. Which segment is recording highest growth?

Our global and local growth is in the Pharma industry and driven by brand recognized products like Starch 1500®, Opadry®, Opadry® II, Acryl-EZE® and Surelease®.

What according to you is Colorcon's USP in India and the Indian market today?

As the preferred supplier to major pharma companies worldwide, our clients have come to expect high quality products with superior performance. Overall they value our commitment to service - First time Right. Our continued goal is to ensure that all samples, trials and manufactured product are right the first time. By the First time Right initiative we are able to meet our clients' objectives and continue to be their Supplier of Choice.

How has the company positioned itself in the country?

Colorcon has continuously invested in India to support the growth. In 2003, we opened our manufacturing facility in Goa to support our clients locally. This was in addition to our existing sales office in Mumbai. We are committed to India and our growing pharmaceutical market.

What services/products does Colorcon provide within the Asia-Pacific region?

There is no difference in the products or services provided within Asia-Pacific, that which is not offered globally. We provide the full range of complete one-step film coating systems for immediate and modified release technologies as well as excipients to help develop the core tablet. Colorcon also provides classroom and hands-on training seminars at our client's facilities and at our own facility in Goa.

How has the company countered competition from local vendors in the Indian market?

Our focus in on providing innovative, cost-effective products that achieve our clients' goals. We work towards collaborations and partnerships with our clients by which we build and strengthen the relationship and ultimately grow each other's business.

How regulated is the Indian formulation and additives market as compared to a more developed market like say USA?

The Indian domestic formulations scenario is less regulated than USA. The major share of the total turnover of the Indian pharma industry comes from export to other countries. The export of formulations by Indian companies to the regulated markets is higher than the one to the semi regulated markets.

Thus the regulatory requirements are same for formulators as well as excipients catering to Indian pharma business. Smaller players in the business focusing only on the domestic market may have the advantage of lower regulations. In Colorcon, we follow uniform standards across the globe.

How was your experience at CPhI Worldwide this year?

We had a strong activity at our booth during CPhI-Milan. We look forward to the same reception at CPhI-Mumbai.

How does participating in international events like CPhI Worldwide help Indian companies according to you?

You need to showcase your products, capabilities, expertise to the customers. Today, the global business offers bigger opportunities for Indian companies. The volumes as well as margins are better. India is under focus as the outsourcing station for pharma business. Thus participating in CPhI, which is the biggest event in the world allows you to market your company across the world.

What do you envisage will be the growth rate of the Asia-Pacific / Indian market in the next five years? What will be your strategy to achieve this?

Our growth will be based on the success of our partnerships with our clients. We will continue to support them as per their development needs. This could be with new products launches and optimizing on existing products. Building on the foundation of the current portfolio of products will enable Colorcon to achieve growth.

editorial.ep@expressindia.com