The newly enhanced biotechnology manufacturing facility located in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, has notably augmented Kerry’s capability to produce lactase enzymes at an industrial level, in response to the rising demand for lactose-free products and sugar reduction within the dairy sector.
This investment has strengthened the company’s comprehensive enzyme platform by integrating advanced enzyme engineering and strain development with large-scale production capabilities.
By collaborating with Kerry’s Global Innovation Centre as the focal point, the company has effectively united innovation and application development alongside its specialized biotechnology expertise at the Kerry Biotechnology Centre in Leipzig, Germany, while also increasing production capabilities in Carrigaline, Ireland.
Ultimately, this advancement will empower manufacturers to scale operations more swiftly and secure a reliable supply with consistent performance at commercial levels.
“This investment translates decades of biotech research into scalable, real-world capability,” stated Shane McGibney, president and CEO of biotechnology solutions and transformation at Kerry.
“By enhancing the connection between enzyme engineering and industrial production, we can facilitate the efficient transition of innovations from the lab to the production line—ensuring customers have access to dependable supplies and can launch new products into the market with greater agility and confidence.”
The Carrigaline facility is integral to Kerry’s international manufacturing network, servicing over 200 clients across more than 80 countries. The lactase enzymes produced at this site are already utilized to process upwards of two million tonnes of milk each year, benefitting an estimated 28 million consumers worldwide.
“For our clients, this expansion is as much about execution as it is about innovation,” remarked Ronan Moloney, vice president of enzymes at Kerry.
“With our increased production capacity in Carrigaline, alongside significant application expertise, we are positioned to assist customers with enzyme selection, process optimization, and scaling up operations—mitigating bottlenecks and enhancing supply chain reliability as they introduce lactose-free and sugar-reduced dairy options.”