Kerry, the world’s leading taste and nutrition company, announced two acquisitions:  biotechnology company c-LEcta and Mexican-based enzyme manufacturer, Enmex.

c-LEcta specialises in precision fermentation, optimised bio-processing, and bio-transformation for the creation of high-value targeted enzymes and ingredients. 

Commenting on the acquisition, Dr Albert McQuaid, Kerry’s Chief Science and Technology Officer, said: “The food and pharmaceutical industries are being radically transformed by new developments in biotechnology, synthetic biology and precision fermentation. c-LEcta’s expertise in precision fermentation and new enzymes offers a strategically compelling combination with Kerry's. Thanks to our market reach across food and pharma and our expertise in enzyme applications, and ingredient technology, c-LEcta’s strong portfolio and technology capabilities will accelerate the growth even further.”

Enmex is a well-established enzyme manufacturer based in Mexico, supplying multiple bio-process solutions for food, beverage and animal nutrition markets. With a long history of partnering with global customers, Enmex has a complementary enzyme portfolio and a strong manufacturing infrastructure, which will extend Kerry’s fermentation and enzyme manufacturing capabilities into Latin America.

Regarding the Enmex acquisition, Neil Cracknell, CEO of Kerry Applied Health and Nutrition, said: “Enzymes play 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. This strategic acquisition will build on our strength in enzymes for modifying cereals and grains. We see enzymes playing a critical role in helping achieve Kerry’s vision, which is about providing better nutrition, with better processes that have less impact on our earth’s resources.”

Find out more about Kerry's products on the company's website: kerry.com