Kerry, a taste and nutrition company, has completed the acquisition of Biosearch Life, a biotechnology company focused on the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and functional food sectors.
Based in Grenada, Spain, Biosearch Life manufactures and distributes functional ingredients including probiotics obtained from human breast milk, along with a portfolio of botanical extracts and purified omega-3 oils. The acquisition significantly expands Kerry’s portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients.
The acquisition will be integrated into Kerry’s global ProActive Health platform of science-backed branded ingredients. The growth of this portfolio will enable the company to address a wider range of health need states, including healthy ageing, joint health and digestive health, it says, and reflects the growing number of consumers becoming more proactive in their approach to managing their health.
Recent proprietary research completed by Kerry suggested digestive health support was the third most important health benefit consumers globally desired from heathy lifestyle products, an advancement in consumer priority from #4 in 2019 which demonstrates the growing importance of digestive health among consumers.
Commenting on the acquisition, Neil Cracknell, President Kerry Applied Health & Nutrition, said: “Our acquisition of Biosearch Life is aligned with our strategic priorities to expand our branded, science backed ingredient portfolio, as well as developing our dietary supplement capabilities and market offering.
“Biosearch Life extends our probiotics offering with the addition of the science-backed Hereditum strains and further broadens our portfolio with the Exxentia range of functional botanical extracts and Eupoly-3 natural Omega-3 oils. These market-leading technologies allow us to address new health need states, enhance our credibility and leadership in science-backed branded actives and supports our ambition to be a leader in sustainable nutrition solutions.”