Kerry acquires two biotech businesses

The nutrition and ingredients company has acquired Leipzig, Germany based biotechnology innovation firm c-LEcta and enzyme manufacturer Enmex in Mexico.

Precision fermentation​

Emplying more than 100 staff, c-LEcta specialises in precision fermentation, optimised bio-processing and bio-transformation to create ingredients and enzymes. Already established in the pharmaceutical market, it is quickly expanding into the food and drinks industry.

Commenting on the c-LEcta agreement, Dr Albert McQuaid, Chief Science and Technology Officer at Kerry, said: “The food and pharmaceutical industries are on the cusp of a new wave of innovation where new developments in biotechnology, synthetic biology and precision fermentation are radically transforming these sectors.​

“c-LEcta is a leader in these new technologies, which includes fermentation-based products such as disruptive new enzymes, and the strategically compelling combination with Kerry will accelerate our innovation capabilities in enzyme engineering, fermentation and bio-process development.​

“Our broad market reach across food and pharma markets, combined with our deep enzyme applications expertise and integrated ingredient technology design, will enable and accelerate the growth potential of c-LEcta’s strong portfolio and technology capabilities while also supporting us in the creation of tastier, more sustainable and healthier products.”​

Enzyme manufacturing​

Enzyme manufacturer Enmex supplies multiple bio-process solutions for the food, drinks and animal nutrition markets. The well-established business will enable Kerry to extend its fermentation and enzyme manufacturing capacity into Latin America.

Neil Cracknell, CEO of Kerry Applied Health and Nutrition, said: “Enzymes are increasingly playing a vital role as biocatalysts in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, where they deliver many benefits including improved product quality, increased process efficiency, and reduced food waste, through both minimisation of waste and valorisation of waste streams.​

“This strategic acquisition of Enmex will complement Kerry’s existing enzyme portfolio and build on our strength in enzymes for modifying cereals and grains. We see enzymes playing a critical role in helping achieve Kerry’s vision to create a world of sustainable nutrition, which is about providing better nutrition, with better processes, which have less impact on our earth’s resources.”​

The deals follow Kerry’s acquisition of biotechnology firm Biosearch Life​​ ​last year, which was part of the company’s continued focus on ingredients and nutrition.