ACG began in India in 1961 as a hard-capsule manufacturer and has diversified significantly since. What is the scope of its operations today?
ACG has grown from a single-focus capsule manufacturer into a global leader with five key divisions. Our capsules division remains the largest, serving both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets, which rely on tablets and capsules for 80% of global drug and supplement delivery. Complementing this is our engineering division, which produces machines that process raw ingredients into capsules or tablets and package them into blisters or bottles, offering nearly complete solutions for drug and supplement manufacturing.
Beyond this, our packaging materials division protects products from environmental factors like oxygen and moisture, while our inspections division ensures traceability across the supply chain, meeting the highest regulatory standards. Finally, our nutraceuticals division works directly with brands to develop and manufacture products ready for market. Together, these divisions position ACG as a one-stop partner for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, delivering innovation and reliability across the entire value chain.
You have said of ACG’s reach: “Wherever in the world there is a medicine cabinet, we are probably inside it.” How is the company positioned globally?
ACG operates with facilities across six continents—Europe, North America, South America, India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Today, our capsules and solutions reach over 120 countries, making us the largest global manufacturer of capsules and a critical partner to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. What makes ACG unique is our ability to deliver end-to-end solutions at scale. We’re not just a supplier; we’re a partner in innovation.
Our vertically integrated model allows us to control every aspect of the process, from manufacturing capsules to sourcing specialized ingredients and ensuring compliance with global certifications. For example, when a brand needs a vegan Omega ingredient with specific certifications, we don’t just find it—we ensure it meets the highest quality standards and regulatory requirements, leveraging our global network to deliver precision and reliability. No other company in the world offers the same combination of capsules, machines, packaging materials, and technical expertise under one roof. With over 60 years of experience and a presence in every major market, ACG is embedded in the very fabric of the health and wellness ecosystem
Where along that operational chain does ACG gather the most valuable industry business trends insights?
Imagine this: A startup in North America is developing a groundbreaking nutraceutical product. At the same time, a pharmaceutical giant in India is working on a new therapeutic molecule. Both turn to ACG—not just for our solutions, but for our perspective. Why? Because we operate at a unique intersection of the industry, where innovation and execution converge.
With over 200 brands across North America and India, we have what we like to call a helicopter view of the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical landscapes. We’re deeply involved in every stage of the value chain—helping startups identify consumer preferences, guiding established players in refining their distribution strategies, and collaborating with R&D labs on cutting- edge drug development. This breadth of engagement gives us unparalleled insight into market dynamics, from emerging trends to shifting consumer demands. Take pharmaceuticals, for example. Our work often begins at the earliest stages of drug development. Picture this: a tiny capsule designed for preclinical trials on mice. It’s a small but critical step, and for us, it’s a glimpse into the future. These early collaborations with R&D labs reveal where the industry is headed—whether it’s new therapeutic areas, innovative molecules, or evolving patient needs.
The result?
We not only observe trends; we uncover them early and help our partners stay ahead of the curve.
That’s the power of being embedded across the operational chain.
What differences and similarities exist in the consumer behaviours of America and India?
In India, the pandemic was a wake-up call. It reshaped attitudes toward health and nutrition, with people realizing the importance of proactive wellness. The result? A 21% annual growth in the nutraceutical industry and the emergence of over 800 startups, many led by younger entrepreneurs eager to make an impact. Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, are driving this change. They’re turning to online resources—Google, AI tools, and social media—to self- educate about supplements, bypassing traditional consultations with professionals. With rising disposable incomes and greater awareness, health is becoming a priority at a much younger age.
In America, the story is different but equally dynamic. The nutraceutical market is more mature, with companies focusing on innovation to stand out in a crowded space. Startups here often benefit from greater access to funding and advanced e-commerce strategies, giving them a competitive edge. Yet, despite these differences, there’s a shared trend: consumers in both regions are gravitating toward lifestyle-oriented, visually appealing supplements. Gone are the days of plain, pharmaceutical-style packaging—today’s consumers want products that fit seamlessly into their lives and look good on their shelves.
The takeaway? While India is in the midst of a rapid transformation and America is refining an already established market, both are united by a growing demand for health-focused, aesthetically pleasing solutions. It’s a global shift, driven by younger, more informed, and increasingly health-conscious consumers.
What sets the U.S. and Indian market conditions apart?
In essence, the U.S. market is about pushing boundaries in a well-established ecosystem, while India is about building momentum in a fast-growing, evolving landscape. Both offer unique opportunities, but they demand different approaches to succeed.
The U.S. is a mature market, defined by its focus on innovation and refinement. Here, many multi-national brands are constantly exploring cutting-edge segments such as personalized nutrition. It’s a space where technology and consumer expectations intersect—sustainability, clean labeling, and certifications are not just trends but essential benchmarks. This maturity creates a competitive environment where differentiation is driven by innovation and transparency.
India, by contrast, is a market in acceleration. It’s experiencing rapid growth, driven by a younger population with rising disposable incomes and a growing awareness of health and wellness. While sustainability and certifications are still emerging priorities, the focus is on accessibility and affordability. The market is evolving quickly, with new players entering the space to meet the needs of a population that’s just beginning to embrace proactive health.
What are the benefits of doing business across two markets of differing maturity?
When India’s nutraceutical industry began to take off, ACG was ready—not because we started innovating then, but because we leveraged decades of advancements from our pharmaceutical expertise. Technologies like vegetarian capsules, originally developed for pharma, aligned perfectly with India’s dietary preferences, while liquid-filled capsules offered nutraceutical brands a way to stand out in a crowded market of 800 startups.
At the same time, our experience in North America, a more mature market, allowed us to guide Indian brands on global best practices—pricing, positioning, and creating consumer- friendly products. This cross-pollination of insights between markets is invaluable. It allows us to accelerate growth in emerging regions while refining strategies in mature ones, creating a cycle of innovation and learning that benefits the industry as a whole.
What potential do capsules hold for personalized nutrition?
Capsules are emerging as a cornerstone of personalized nutrition, offering unmatched precision and flexibility in formulation. At ACG, we’ve developed technologies that allow up to 15 ingredients—whether liquids, powders, or beadlets—to be incorporated into a single capsule with milligram-level accuracy. This makes it possible to create highly tailored solutions that address individual health needs. While the ideal goal might be a single capsule per day, the reality often involves two or three capsules, each customized to deliver specific nutrients or benefits.
Capsules are uniquely suited to the growing demand for personalization in health and wellness. They provide a convenient, consumer-friendly format that can adapt to diverse requirements, from targeted nutrient delivery to aesthetic appeal. Capsules are also enabling innovation in areas like time-release formulations and multi-compartment designs, which can further enhance the effectiveness of personalized nutrition.
The potential here is transformative. Capsules not only simplify the delivery of complex formulations but also align perfectly with the broader trend of consumers seeking tailored health solutions. As technology advances, we’re likely to see capsules playing an even greater role in bridging the gap between science and individual wellness, making personalized nutrition more accessible and effective than ever before.
What are ACG’s objectives for 2025?
We live in an era defined by disruption—geopolitical shifts, supply chain vulnerabilities, and rapid technological evolution. For any leader today, risk is a defining challenge. At ACG, we see this not as a roadblock but as an opportunity to lead with purpose, and our objectives for 2025 reflect this mindset.
Globalization is no longer just about expansion—it’s about resilience. The world has seen how fragile supply chains can be, and businesses everywhere are demanding suppliers who are closer, faster, and more reliable. At ACG, we’re answering that call by investing heavily in regions where we already excel and expanding into new markets to create a truly localized global presence. This isn’t just about geography; it’s about building trust and ensuring that no matter the disruption, we’re there for our partners.
Innovation, meanwhile, is our compass in navigating this unprecedented landscape. With advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and generative AI, we’re not just keeping up—we’re pushing boundaries. These technologies are helping us rethink everything from personalized nutrition to pharmaceutical manufacturing, from operational efficiency to supply chain optimization. It’s about using the tools of tomorrow to solve the challenges of today.
In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, ACG is committed to being a partner that thrives on change.
