Taste and nutrition company Kerry has made two biotechnology acquisitions that will expand its technology and manufacturing capabilities. The acquisitions include biotechnology company, c-LEcta, as well as Enmex, an enzyme manufacturer in Mexico.

Leipzig, Germany-based c-LEcta specialises in precision fermentation, bio-processing and bio-transformation for the creation of targeted enzymes and ingredients. The company has more than 100 employees and its pipeline comprises functional bioactives for the food, beverage and consumer markets.

Enmex is an established enzyme manufacturer, supplying bio-process solutions for food, beverage and animal nutrition markets. The company’s complementary portfolio and manufacturing infrastructure will extend Kerry’s fermentation and enzyme manufacturing capabilities into Latin America.

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 wher 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.”

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, wher 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.”