Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has inaugurated its new Biotechnology Centre in Leipzig, Germany, marking a significant expansion of its research and development capabilities. The facility will focus on developing innovative biotech solutions with applications across food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. This strategic investment comes as new biotechnological capabilities are creating opportunities for market innovations that can enhance production efficiencies and address ingredient scarcity.
The Leipzig location was selected due to the city's exceptional biotechnology skills base and established research cluster. Kerry's connection to the region deepened with its 2022 acquisition of c-LEcta, a specialist enzyme and biotechnology company that originated as a spin-out from the University of Leipzig in 2004. This existing infrastructure and talent pool provides a strong foundation for the new center's operations and research initiatives.
The center will be directed by Dr. Marc Struhalla, founder of c-LEcta, and will leverage the expertise of over 100 scientists and technical experts, including 34 PhDs. Primary activities will include enzyme and strain identification and engineering, fermentation processes, bioprocess development, and scale-up production. The facility aims to identify novel enzymes from nature and develop targeted solutions for specific industry needs.
This new center represents Kerry's continued commitment to building its biotechnology capabilities through strategic acquisitions and organic investment. The Leipzig facility will enhance Kerry's global biotechnology infrastructure, which spans three continents and is coordinated from the company's Global Innovation Centre in Ireland. Aligned with Kerry's sustainable nutrition strategy, the center aims to develop solutions that improve human health and product functionality while addressing supply chain challenges.
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