Chr. Hansen has further expanded its enzyme production and presence into the traditional segments of specialty cheeses with the acquisition of Austrian-based ingredient supplier Österreichische Laberzeugung Hundsbichler. The acquisition will, it says, enable Chr. Hansen to offer cheesemakers a second-to-none product portfolio in the animal rennet space.

According to the company, the acquisition confirms its commitment to the traditional segment of animal derived coagulants for customers in the cheese industry. The market for traditional and specialty cheese continues to develop, the company says, and the acquisition of Hundsbichler ensures that Chr. Hansen’s Food Cultures & Enzymes business is well positioned to reap future growth opportunities.

Senior Commercial Development Manager Michael Fooken Jensen said: “We’re very proud to take on Hundsbichler’s high quality products and will do our utmost to deliver the same exceptional service levels that the customers have been used to. Chr. Hansen was founded on the discovery of animal rennet in 1874 and therefore has a strong tradition and expertise in this field, and we therefore believe that we can create true value for our new customers.”

Hundsbichler, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Langkampfen, Austria, is said to be among the leading suppliers of animal rennet to the cheese industry. Key products include the BioRen brand ranging from mainstream products to more specialised items used for production of typical, traditional cheeses.