Chr. Hansen puts microbial platforms at centre of strategy

Chr. Hansen has announced that it aims to strengthen and focus its activities on microbial science to improve food and health for a sustainable future, as part of its 2025 strategy.  

Over the last 30 years, Chr. Hansen has built a microbial business for animal feed, dietary supplements and infant formula. Going forward, the ingredients firm says it will continue to focus investments on its microbial and fermentation technology platforms, putting its food cultures & enzymes and health & nutrition divisions at the centre of its new strategy.

During the strategy period, Chr. Hansen intends to further strengthen its competencies such as cultures and probiotics, dairy enzymes and value-added fermentation through acquisitions and the expansion of its R&D partner network.

The recent acquisitions of HSO Health Care and UAS Laboratories have broadened Chr. Hansen’s portfolio and offer R&D synergy opportunities.

While the Denmark-headquartered company remains committed to further develop its existing projects – bioprotection, plant health and bacthera – it is also launching a new lighthouse in fermented plant bases as it aims to strengthen its position in this fast-growing market.

The new project will focus on fermentation solutions for spoonable and drinkable fermented milk alternatives and fermented beverages, and comes after the firm joined Mista, an initiative focused on the development of sustainable innovative foods, with the aim of developing fermented plant-based solutions.

As part of its 2025 strategy, Chr. Hansen is also initiating a strategic review of its non-microbial assets, beginning with its natural colours division.

Chr. Hansen CEO Mauricio Graber said: “With the launch of our 2025 strategy we are stepping up our game to unlock the next wave of value creation by advancing Chr. Hansen into a focused global bioscience player that specialises in fermentation technology and microbial solutions.

“At Chr. Hansen, we will continue to pioneer microbial science to improve food and health, for a more sustainable future. Already today, more than 80% of our revenue contribute to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and we are committed to continuing to leverage the power of good bacteria.”