We have developed technologies to get the best quality at the lowest processing cost

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We have developed technologies to get the best quality at the lowest processing cost

By TPCI | November 4, 2019

With close to two decades of dedicated expertise in the edible oil refinery sector, a penchant for innovation and a vivid long-term vision, nothing could stop D V Chame from starting up his own venture. Chame Process Technologists started operations in 2001 as a consulting firm in Indore. Later, he moved to Pune in 2003 and set up DVC Process Technologists, the sister concern of Chame Process Technologies Pvt Ltd, in 2006 with its fabrication unit in Jejuri.

Today, the company has a strong presence in the edible oil industry and is a trusted name in the field of process technologies. It is a single window for customers for all their needs regarding design, manufacture and supply of various process technologies, along with equipment and turnkey solutions for edible oil refining, oil seeds extraction and other value added processes for by-products.

As a consistent winner of Globoil Awards since 2015, DVC is eyed as an “Innovator in Technology” and has been successful in achieving phenomenal growth over the years. Born in 1959 in Shirur, Maharashtra, D V Chame, Founder & Director, DVC Process Technologists, aims to expand the horizons of its existing business and economy and carve a niche in the domains of cold storage and edible oil refinery turnkey projects. In this conversation, Chame talks about the company’s strategic growth segments, potential of the food processing industry, and expectations from Indusfood-Tech 2020.

Indusfood-Tech: Tell us about the company’s formation and growth story? How have you evolved as a business in India and abroad?
DV Chame: Working in the edible oil industry since several years, we observed a lacuna in the plants supplied even by multinationals. The industry was facing issues on utilities consumption, variations in feedstock, market requirements of refined oil quality and breakdowns. We started in 2001 in Indore, the soybean capital of India and initial work involved improving the performance and efficiencies of existing plants. With our first project in 2003, we shifted to Pune and established ourselves as single point solution provider to the edible oil industry.

With our technological expertise, quality and service, we could achieve phenomenal growth due to the trust developed over the years by our esteemed customers. We have set-up up our own ISO certified manufacturing facility with our stringent quality control and streamlining the process for fast deliveries. We are now exporting to even markets like US, Europe, Australia and Middle East apart from Africa and Asia.

Indusfood-Tech: What are the key product categories you cater to? And what are the major end use sectors where you are witnessing good demand for your equipment?
DVC: We are catering to almost all the product categories in the fats & oils processing Industry like that of edible oil refinery for all major feedstocks like soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, palm, rice bran and cottonseed oils; by-products processing in refinery like wet gum drying (Lecithin) and soapstock acid oil etc.; oleochemicals & biodiesel production plants; solvent extraction plants including soy white flakes production system by Flash De-Solventization technique of the de-oiled soy meal. We also deal in complete PLC-based process automation, customer support for technical audits and spares.

Our key proprietary products are SCR® Scrapped Surface Heat Exchanger – for viscous & heat sensitive materials; HIGHSHEAR® Dynamic Mixer; HIBLEACH® Bleaching; REGV® Regenerative Vacuum Heat Exchanger; FEVAC® Vacuum Final Heater; LOWTRANS®; KOMPOSITE® & PACKDTM Deodorizers – depending on oil quality and DUALSCRUB® Two Stage Scrubbing.

Indusfood-Tech: What are the latest trends in evolution of edible oil and refining technology? How are you adapting to them as a company?
DVC: We are observing two categories in the edible oil market. The first are institutional buyers, which require both commodity oils as well as specialty fats. The second are the retail buyers. Also, with the growing role of government authorities like FSSAI, the quality specifications are getting stringent. We have developed technologies to get the best quality at the lowest processing cost. We also help our customers and existing industry players to update their plants as per market requirements.

Indusfood-Tech: How strong has been the role of the R&D for your business to be a success? Any major R&D/innovations that you might wish to share with us?
DVC: Our R&D is targeted for the benefit of the industry. We have been supplying the SCR® Scrapped Surface Heat Exchanger for the soybean gums drying. We introduced the technology for Rice Bran Gums as well, which are highly viscous. Though it was a huge success, we improved it further by introducing the falling film technique. Similarly SCR® is also used to produce Medicinal Grade Lecithin, which requires special care and hygienic environment. We also worked towards providing economical solutions like High-Pressure Thermosiphon heating systems and automation making it affordable to small capacity plants as well.

Indusfood-Tech: How do you plan to expand your business in the next five years?
DVC: We now have references in almost all the continents for the edible oil refining business. We are now leveraging on our expertise to enter other segments like biodiesel, oleochemicals and food processing. We also intend to use platforms like Indusfood-Tech to increase our reach and connect with the end customers.

Besides, we have our plans for diversification towards cold storage. The cold storage business remains highly unexplored and hence the future will have a great demand for cold storage, related products, services and operations. We have already set up a cold storage unit in Supa, Baramati. This unit has given a new boost to the local economy in terms of new employment opportunity, knowledge and wellness.

Indusfood-Tech: How is the food processing equipment industry expected to grow in the future? What will be the drivers of the growth?
DVC: Changing technologies, customer requirements, safety requirements, environmental compliance, etc. will be key factors that will drive the industry growth. We are exploring various technologies like enzymes, cavitation, and value addition in by-products.

Indusfood-Tech: What has been the progress of your business on the export front and which are the main markets you have successfully penetrated? What are your future strategies to tap your potential target markets?
DVC: We now have over 163 references in India and abroad, including countries in Europe, USA, Australia, Middle East and Africa. We have made inroads in African markets in countries like Nigeria, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, South Africa, Ghana, Eritrea and Zimbabwe. Repeat orders from customers and their word-of-mouth has helped us immensely in expanding our markets across the globe.

Indusfood-Tech: How do you see the investment opportunities and the business environment for the food processing industry in India?
DVC: Owing to rising populations, incomes and changing customer behavior like increased out-of-home consumptions, there is a huge market potential for the food processing industry. The industry also needs to be sensitive to farmer issues and understand that their benefit lies in encouraging and educating the farmers. We can also help in setting up cold storage plants.

Indusfood-Tech: How do you see Indusfood-Tech as a platform for the growth of the industry?
DVC: This is the first time we are participating in Indusfood-Tech and we expect that we gain from the platform by meeting actual buyers from various potential countries. Till now, the support and co-operation has been very good and we look forward for a great show.