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Kerry has announced the acquisition of DirectSens’ LactoSens technology – a fast, accurate and cost-effective lactose detection solution for the dairy sector.

The acquisition will enable Kerry to complement its offering in lactase enzymes, with the tool working alongside Kerry’s ingredient solutions, enabling a more integrated offering for food manufacturers.

LactoSens is already widely used in food and beverage manufacturing, enabling producers to meet stringent regulatory requirements while running their processes efficiently, boosted by its real-time analysis capabilities.

In its Q3 2024 results, Kerry said that while modest in scale, the acquisition enhances its position and capabilities in providing a complete solution for lactose-free dairy products.

Benefits of LactoSens:

• Release products faster – as soon as in-house testing confirms the lactose concentration matches the claimed level

• Traceability – documented proof of low lactose and lactose-free claims for every batch produced

• Easy to use – low training requirements

• Specific – no interference from other sugars, coffee, chocolate or fruit preparations

• Certainty – validated against the HPLC reference method

Ronan Moloney, VP of enzymes at Kerry Group, said: “We’re excited to bring LactoSens into Kerry Group’s portfolio to add a new element to our offering, as we fully integrate LactoSens into our broader solutions for the food and beverage industry".

Christoph Sygmund, CEO of DirectSens, added: “This deal underscores the quality of our biosensor technology and manufacturing capabilities. We will continue to execute on our vision to develop and deliver fast and precise biosensor solutions for key analytes to the global marketplace.”

As the contract manufacturer, DirectSens will continue to ensure production of LactoSens. DirectSens says it will continue to create new products such as OatSens, LactaZyme and XPressGT, and to foster collaborations with valued partners.

Roman Kittl, COO of DirectSens, concluded: “Our success is a direct result of the unwavering support from our funding partners, who believed in our vision from the very beginning. It’s been a long journey, but the dedication, collaboration and investment over the years have paid off in a way that truly reflects the strength of Austria’s innovation ecosystem.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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