Chr. Hansen doubles down on microbial and fermentation platforms

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In Denmark, food ingredients firm Chr. Hansen has announced a 2025 strategy that includes becoming a “differentiated bioscience leader” with a focus on its microbial and fermentation platforms.

The company says megatrends such as a growing world population, demographic shifts, increasing health awareness and a strong climate change agenda support this strategy.

“At Chr. Hansen, we will continue to pioneer microbial science to improve food and health, for a more sustainable future,” says CEO Mauricio Graber in a statement. “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™ which is also reflected in our newly defined purpose: ‘Grow a better world. Naturally.’”

The strategy includes investing in bioprotection, including cultures that prevent spoilage, reduce food waste, and increase safety of dairy and other foods; fermented plant bases for spoonable and drinkable fermented milk alternatives and fermented beverages; plant health, including bionematicides, biostimulants and biofungicides; and Bacthera, the company’s biotherapeutics contract manufacturing joint venture with Lonza.

The company has also launched a strategic review for its natural colors segment.  “Whilst the division shares the Company’s overall purpose and stand-alone offers an attractive return profile, synergies with the Microbial Platform are limited,” the company says. The new strategy is expected to yield “mid- to high single-digit organic growth” through 2025.