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Kerry has officially opened its new biotechnology centre in Leipzig, Germany, expanding its global research and development footprint in biotechnology for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors.

The centre will focus on enzyme and strain identification, engineering, fermentation and bioprocess development, with the aim of unlocking new efficiencies in food production, addressing ingredient scarcity and developing products that support human health and improved functionality.

Biotechnology has become a growing priority for Kerry in recent years. The company has scaled its capabilities through a mix of acquisitions and investment, including the 2022 purchase of c-LEcta, a Leipzig-based specialist in enzyme and biotechnology solutions. The new facility will build on this expertise while leveraging the city’s strong life sciences cluster and talent base.

Commenting on the opening, Kerry CEO Edmond Scanlon said: “Biotechnology solutions present a new horizon of innovation and opportunity for global food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets. Our expanded infrastructure, coupled with the capabilities we’ve built up over the past two decades, enables us to play a leading role in bringing the next generation of biotech discoveries to market.”

The centre will be directed by Marc Struhalla, founder of c-LEcta, and will employ over 100 scientists and technical experts and will form part of Kerry’s wider biotech network, spanning three continents and coordinated through the company’s global innovation centre in Ireland.