Sat May 17 16:01:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A Bengaluru-based agri-biotech start-up, Thomas Biotech & Cytobacts Centre for Biosciences, has developed “Papchup,” a papaya-based ketchup, as an alternative to traditional tomato ketchup. The product contains 50% papaya pulp, unlike tomato ketchups which contain 12-18% tomato paste. Papchup aims to provide papaya farmers with better prices for their crop, given the limited storage and marketing options for the perishable fruit. It also offers health benefits due to papaya’s rich antioxidant and enzyme content. Papchup, priced at ₹150 for a 200-gram bottle, is available on Amazon and contains no artificial colors or flavoring agents. The company has also developed other papaya-based products, all marketed under the brand Pap’Z.

**News Article:**

**Bengaluru Startup Introduces ‘Papchup’: A Papaya-Based Ketchup Revolution**

**Bengaluru, May 17, 2025:** Forget tomato ketchup – a Bengaluru agri-biotech startup is shaking up the condiment aisle with “Papchup,” a novel ketchup alternative made from papayas. Thomas Biotech & Cytobacts Centre for Biosciences (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. has developed the innovative product to support papaya farmers and offer consumers a healthier, more flavorful option.

“Currently, papaya-based processed products are rare,” explains Pious Thomas, CEO and director of Thomas Biotech. “Papchup provides a new option for consumers and significantly helps the farming community by providing better pricing for crops that would otherwise be difficult to store and sell.”

Unlike typical tomato ketchups, which contain 12-18% tomato paste, Papchup boasts a 50% papaya pulp base. It also includes natural ingredients like onion, ginger, garlic, chilies, and a spice mix. The company uses overripe papayas, usually unsuitable for direct consumption, making use of the fruit’s soft texture. Beetroot gives the product an appealing red-maroon color, and Papchup contains no artificial colors or flavorings.

“Papaya is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and digestive enzymes,” Thomas notes. “Papchup is relatively low in calories and added sugars, and is rich in the antioxidant Vitamin C and the carotenoid pigments, making it a healthier alternative to traditional ketchup.”

Priced at ₹150 for a 200-gram bottle, Papchup is available for purchase across India on Amazon. The company also offers other papaya-based products under the “Pap’Z” brand, including Papaya Honey Jam and Papaya Lemony Delight fruit concentrate. Papchup joins the line and offers consumer a unique way to support local farmers and enjoy the benefits of papaya.

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