Learning from the best in the industry

Apeejay School of Management (ASM) recently organised an industrial visit to Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd. for the Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing students. Yakult, a household name synonymous with gut health, welcomed the eager learners into its facilities, offering a comprehensive journey through its history, production process and the science behind its health benefits. The visit commenced with an intriguing exploration of Yakult’s rich history, tracing its roots back to Japan in the 1930s, when Dr. Minoru Shirota pioneered the development of the probiotic strain ‘Lactobacillus Casei Shirota’. This historic backdrop set the stage for understanding Yakult’s commitment to blending tradition with cutting-edge science.

One of the highlights of the visit was the glimpse into Yakult’s seed room, where the journey toward a healthful elixir begins. Here, the students witnessed the meticulous selection and cultivation of probiotic strains, underscoring Yakult’s dedication to quality and efficacy.

Moving forward, the batch stepped into the heart of Yakult’s production process, the fermentation containers. Awe-inspiring in scale and precision, these containers showcased the intricate alchemy that transforms humble ingredients into the iconic probiotic drink loved by millions worldwide.

As the journey unfolded, the students were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Yakult’s packaging process. From the streamlined automation to the attention to detail in labelling and sealing, every step exemplified Yakult’s unwavering commitment to delivering a product of unparalleled quality and freshness.

Beyond the machinery and processes, the visit to Yakult Danone served as a profound lesson in health and innovation. Through interactive sessions and expert insights, the students gained a deeper understanding of the science behind probiotics and their role in promoting digestive wellness.Moreover, the visit underscored the importance of strategic collaboration, as evidenced by the partnership between Yakult and Danone – two global giants united in their mission to champion health through probiotic innovation.

Speaking about the field visit, Dr. Preeti Suryawanshi, Associate Professor Marketing at ASM mentioned, “Industry visits are crucial for students as they provide real-world context to theoretical knowledge, offering insights into industrial processes, technologies, and professional practices.The visit to the Yakult plant showcased cutting-edge production techniques, fostering an appreciation for quality control standards and the intricacies of probiotic beverage manufacturing”

Further, Neha Gupta, Assistant Professor and Placement Manager at ASM highlighted, “The industrial visit bridged the gap between theoretical learning and practical exposure. It gave the students a first-hand exposure to identify the inputs and outputs of different business operations and processes performed at the workplace.”

Sharing his thoughts, an MBA student at ASM Shivom Gupta said, “Exploring the Yakult factory through the lens of Apeejay School of Management was an enlightening journey. Witnessing the seamless fusion of science and innovation in Yakult’s production process left an everlasting mark on our minds. This experience ignited our curiosity and reinforced the importance of practical exposure in shaping our managerial perspectives. Grateful for the opportunity to delve into the heart of Yakult’s operations.”