New Delhi: Claiming it to be tobacco-free, BSE-listed Aayush Wellness (formerly known as Aayush Food and Herbs) on Monday announced the launch of 'herbal' pan masala and gutka.
In a statement, the company said the new products are ground-breaking and designed to revolutionize the chewing habits of India’s 27.49 crore gutka and pan masala consumers.
"This new affordable tobacco-free, supari-free, non-spitting, non-addictive pan masala with a familiar smell and taste is introduced to help individuals make better choices without compromising on the cultural and sensory experience traditionally associated with tobacco and pan masala," the statement said.
The company has priced the newly-launched pan masala at Rs 7 per serving. The firm stated that its pan masala is a harmonious blend of natural herbs and potent Ayurvedic ingredients.
"Unlike conventional pan masala, which often contains harmful ingredients such as tobacco, nicotine, supari, etc, tobacco-free herbal pan masala is free from these toxic substances. Our unique formulation includes key beneficial ingredients such as Kaunch Beej, Tamarind, Amla, Turmeric, Melon Seeds, Cardamom, Kesar, Ashwagandha, Mulethi, Menthol, and other herbs ensuring a delightful sensory experience along with physiological benefits while upholding cultural traditions,"Aayush Wellness said.
The company Managing Director Naveena Kumar noted that India has the highest number of gutka and pan masala consumers in the world.
"In 2023, Indians spent approximately Rs 423 lakh crores to buy cancer and illness causing gutka and pan masala and have to shell out a lot more for treatment of these diseases. Many states are also taking steps to ban these harmful products but despite several awareness initiatives and action by the Government, the number of people consuming gutka is increasing at an alarming rate," Kumar said.