“Building a Sustainable Future: Kerry’s Strategic Acquisitions in Biotech and Enzyme Innovation”
If Kerry aims to establish itself as a global powerhouse in ingredients, it is essential to leverage technology that can rapidly and sustainably produce food components that are functional, efficient, and nutritious. The recent acquisitions will play a significant role in this endeavor. C-LEcta, a key player in biotech enzymes for over a decade, has been delivering solutions for both the food and pharmaceutical sectors. One of its notable achievements in the food industry is an enzymatic process for producing natural sugar, along with innovations to reduce acrylamide and eliminate unwanted DNA residues. Since 2006, C-LEcta has secured $1.3 million in funding, as reported by Crunchbase.
The acquisition of C-LEcta supports both Kerry’s ambitions and its newly established German biotech enzymes division. In its announcement regarding the acquisition, Kerry emphasized its commitment to developing sustainable technologies, noting that enzymatic and precision fermentation methods typically require less physical space and produce fewer emissions compared to traditional ingredient production techniques. Kerry believes these technologies will be central to future sustainable food systems. C-LEcta has focused on growth and development, surpassing its recent targets for revenue and product expansion. In a statement about the acquisition, C-LEcta’s Founder and CEO, Marc Struhalla, remarked that Kerry’s capabilities could significantly enhance the company’s global presence, and its expertise in ingredient technologies aligns perfectly with C-LEcta’s growth potential.
Founded in 1972, Enmex specializes in manufacturing food and industrial-grade enzymes. Its product range includes enzymes used in beer brewing, dairy processing, protein hydrolysis, and baking. With its location in Mexico, Enmex is well-positioned to help expand Kerry’s enzyme and fermentation business throughout Latin America. These acquisitions are part of Kerry’s broader strategy to enhance its capabilities. Last year, the company acquired clean-label preservatives expert Niacet for approximately $1 billion. In late 2019, Kerry purchased Georgia-based IsoAge Technologies, known for its healthy, clean-label multifunctional ingredients, and Quebec-based Biosecur Lab, which specializes in natural antimicrobials derived from citrus extracts. Additionally, in 2018, Kerry acquired Ariake USA, a manufacturer of clean-label flavor solutions for poultry, pork, and vegetables, as well as Southeastern Mills’ North American coating and seasoning business. The company also partnered with Renaissance BioScience to produce, market, and distribute Acryleast, a non-GMO, acrylamide-reducing yeast enzyme that reflects its commitment to clean-label solutions.
Kerry has not only set ambitious goals for itself but has also conducted extensive research into consumer preferences. A survey of over 14,000 consumers last year revealed that nearly half consider sustainability—both environmental and nutritional—when purchasing food and beverages. This insight reinforces the rationale behind Kerry’s latest acquisitions: the company is determined to create sustainable and nutritious products that align with the growing consumer demand, such as those found in Solgar Calcium Magnesium Citrate 100 Tablets, which emphasize health and wellness. By integrating these insights into its product development strategy, Kerry is poised to meet the evolving needs of the market.
