Bharat Biotech, the Hyderabad-based firm that rose to prominence with its indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, is now launching a food processing unit in Kerala.

The facility will come up at the industrial park of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in Angamaly, Ernakulam. The production unit in Kochi will be established by ‘Ella Foods’, a venture under Bharat Biotech.

Construction of the production centre is expected to begin soon. However, the investment amount has not been disclosed.

Ella Foods is a health-focused food processing enterprise that produces and markets nutrient-rich products. The company manufactures and sells processed cashew nuts, almonds, organic products, and various spice-based items such as mango, ginger, and garlic under the ‘Ella Foods’ brand. It also offers ready-to-eat food products.

The new production unit is aimed at both domestic and export markets.

Bharat Biotech was founded in 1996 by Dr Krishna Ella and his wife, Suchitra Ella, after returning from the United States. The company gained national attention during the pandemic for producing Covaxin. Its vaccine to combat cholera is currently in the final phase of trials. The company holds over 220 patents.