Taste and nutrition company Kerry announced that it has reached agreements to acquire two leading biotechnology companies: c-LEcta and Enmex. These acquisitions are set to expand Kerry’s expertise, manufacturing capacities and tech portfolio.

Germany-based c-LEcta produces high-value targeted enzymes and ingredients, with its functional bioactives utilised in the food and beverage space. It focuses on precision fermentation, optimised bio-transformation and bio-processing.

On the other hand, Enmex will allow Kerry to expand its manufacturing capabilities to Latin America, as the former is based in Mexico. Enmex showcases a strong manufacturing infrastructure and provides bio-process solutions for F&B.

Commenting on the agreement with c-LEcta, Dr Albert McQuaid, Chief Science and Technology Officer of 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.”

Regarding the acquisition of Enmex, 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 minimization 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.”