In the early 1970s, extracting concentrated flavour and aroma from spices was still a relatively unfamiliar business in India. While most traders dealt in spices in their raw form, Kerala-based entrepreneur CV Jacob saw an opportunity in processing them into value-added ingredients for the global market. In 1972, he established Synthite Industrial Pvt Ltd, starting with the extraction of oleoresins from black pepper. More than five decades later, Synthite Industries has built a presence across international markets, with its revenue crossing Rs 3,000 crore in FY25.
The venture was not Jacob's first experience in business. He began his career in 1950 in the cardamom trade and auctions, before taking over the family's civil engineering contracting business in 1951. Recognising the scope to expand, he established a partnership firm, Varkeysons, in 1954.
The firm went on to secure contracts for major infrastructure projects, including the Sabarigiri and Idukki hydroelectric projects in Kerala. Jacob specialised in tunnelling and bridge construction. His early assignments included the diversion tunnel at Anairangal dam between 1959 and 1960 and the access tunnel to the underground powerhouse at Moolamattom between 1964 and 1966.
His entrepreneurial interests, however, extended beyond construction. In 1965, he established Arborites Pvt Ltd to manufacture urea-formaldehyde resin. Two years later, he set up a mechanised quarry and granite-crushing unit, Slabs and Aggregates. These ventures gave him experience in manufacturing before he entered the spice processing industry.
Jacob's entry into spice oleoresins in 1972 marked a shift towards a specialised manufacturing business. Synthite initially focused on extracting oleoresins from black pepper, capturing the spice's concentrated flavour and aroma components.