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Kerry has officially opened an expanded biotechnology manufacturing facility in Carrigaline, County Cork, marking a significant scale-up in its global lactase enzyme production capabilities.
The investment is aimed at supporting the accelerating demand for lactose-free and sugar-reduced dairy products worldwide.
The upgraded site substantially increases Kerry’s ability to produce lactase enzymes at industrial scale, enabling dairy manufacturers to bring products to market faster while ensuring consistent quality and supply. The move reflects broader shifts in consumer preferences toward digestive health and reduced sugar intake without compromising taste.
Shane McGibney, president & CEO of biotechnology solutions and transformation at Kerry, said: “This investment translates decades of biotech research into scalable, real world capability."
The Carrigaline facility is a key component of Kerry’s global enzyme network, which integrates R&D, strain development, and production. Working in tandem with the company’s Global Innovation Centre and its biotechnology hub in Leipzig, Germany, the site helps accelerate the transition from lab-based discovery to commercial rollout.
McGibney added: "By strengthening the link between enzyme engineering and industrial production, we’re able to move innovations more efficiently from the lab to the production line – helping customers access reliable supply and bring new products to market with greater speed and confidence.”
Ireland’s minister for enterprise, tourism and employment, Peter Burke, highlighted the broader economic significance of the investment, noting that facilities like Carrigaline reinforce Ireland’s position in advanced food manufacturing and biotechnology.
Demand for lactose-free and reduced-sugar dairy products continues to rise across global markets, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking functional benefits alongside taste. Kerry’s expanded capacity is designed to help producers scale efficiently while maintaining product integrity.
Ronan Moloney, vice president of enzymes at Kerry, said: “For our customers, this expansion is about execution as much as innovation. With increased manufacturing capacity in Carrigaline, combined with deep application expertise, we can support customers through enzyme selection, process optimisation and scaleup – reducing bottlenecks and strengthening supply continuity as they commercialise lactose-free and sugar-reduced dairy products.”
The Carrigaline site currently supports more than 200 customers in over 80 countries. Lactase enzymes produced there are used to process over two million tonnes of milk annually, reaching an estimated 28 million consumers worldwide.