Kerry expands food protection portfolio with IsoAge Technologies and Biosecur Lab acquisitions

23 Apr 2020 --- Taste and nutrition giant Kerry has expanded its food protection capabilities through the acquisition of IsoAge Technologies, specialists in natural and sustainable food safety solutions, and Biosecur Lab Inc., which offers natural antimicrobials made from citrus extracts. Through these new investments, Kerry will have the “broadest food protection portfolio in the industry.” The deal bolsters its position in the clean label space and enhances Kerry’s capacity to serve the rapidly growing market of shelf life solutions centered on naturalness and nutrition. It comes as consumers’ rejection of artificial ingredients becomes even more pronounced following the outbreak of COVID-19.

As a result of the pandemic, Kerry points out how the global food industry has come under pressure as consumers stockpile food which increases the pressure on industry to meet this demand safely. Consumers are also quickly changing their behaviors and attitudes, taking a greater interest in nutrition and the positive role it plays in maintaining health.

They are paying closer attention to product labels and are avoiding artificial ingredients, to which they associate a negative connotation. Ditching the so-called “nasties” has been a trend for some time, however, it is further heightened as a result of the coronavirus outbreak as consumer scrutiny becomes even more intense. 

Consumers are paying closer attention to product labels and are avoiding artificial ingredients, to which they associate a negative connotation.Removing artificial ingredients is a complex challenge, as food needs to be protected from taste degradation and kept stable using consumer-friendly alternatives that ensure safety and minimize food waste. This investment – the financial details of which have not been disclosed – demonstrates Kerry’s commitment to clean label food preservation solutions, combating food degradation and fighting food waste. 

As a key player in natural food protection technologies, Kerry understands the multifaceted complexity of keeping food safe over its shelf life. It involves inhibiting the growth of pathogens and spoilage organisms and shielding from taste degradation, all while delivering on tasty, nutritious and enjoyable products with a clean label. Keeping food fresh, safe and appealing is the ultimate goal of food producers and Kerry supports producers in achieving this with its range of food cupboard solutions.

“We see COVID-19 and its impact on food choice and availability leaving a lasting impression in consumers’ minds. Today, campaigns about ‘no contact delivery’ are offering clear comfort. Into the future, communication of measures taken to keep natural, artisanal products safe will be a new way of building trust and reducing concern as we transition back into our new normal,” says Emma Cahill, Senior Strategic Marketing Manager of Food Protection at Kerry.

Broadest food protection portfolio in the industry
“These acquisitions and expansion of our food protection portfolio solidify Kerry’s position as a leader in clean label food protection. Our authentic portfolio of natural solutions helps customers achieve consumer-appealing labels and extend shelf life safely, while at the same time maintaining great taste and texture,” explains Neil Cracknell, CEO of Applied Health & Nutrition at Kerry.

“When we combine IsoAge Technologies’ natural and sustainable food safety solutions with Biosecur Lab’s natural citrus extract-based antimicrobials and Kerry’s existing food protection solutions, we will be able to protect even more food naturally. Together our combined innovation capability is significant, and we will work collaboratively to develop the future of natural food protection solutions,” he states. 

Established in 2008 and based in Georgia, US, IsoAge Technologies, is a supplier of multifunctional ingredient systems to optimize both product and process performance, consistency and profitability. The company creates food safety and flavor enhancement systems with a consumer-friendly label declaration, using kitchen pantry ingredients as the foundation of many of their technologies led by their vision that “Mother Nature Knows Best.”

Quebec-based Biosecur Lab Inc., is a supplier of citrus-based functional ingredients for food, beverage, personal care, oral care and industrial products. Its patented technologies are focused on citrus extracts that are rich in bioflavonoids and polyphenols. The portfolio includes a range of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status citrus extracts and natural citrus-based flavors. 

Strong desire to remove artificial ingredients 
Research conducted by Kerry confirmed that there is a “strong consumer desire for the removal of artificial ingredients in food and beverages.” The market for consumer-friendly shelf life solutions is estimated at more than US$1 billion globally, and it is growing at twice the pace of the artificial preservatives market. This high demand can create significant challenges for food safety and further increase food waste. 

A recent study published in PLOS One states that global food waste is twice as high as previously estimated by the FAO (527 kcal/day/capita versus 214 kcal/day/capita) and is one of the top global sustainability problems; it is a problem the food industry needs to collectively address, Kerry asserts. 

Burger King’s recent “Moldy Whopper” advertising campaign captured consumer interest in real food and highlighted the move by the industry to remove artificial preservatives. Burger King’s recent “Moldy Whopper” advertising campaign captured consumer interest in real food and highlighted the move by the industry to remove artificial preservatives. 

“We pride ourselves on our authentic ingredients, our primary production capabilities and providing full transparency to our customers. Both IsoAge Technologies and Biosecur Lab Inc. offer unique natural portfolios of patented shelf-life technologies, which will greatly enhance Kerry’s global market leadership,” Brian Nevin, Kerry’s VP of Business Development, Food Protection and Fermentation, adds. 

Investment trail
New food preservative solutions are essential in global markets as food spoilage is not only expensive, it is wasteful and goes against the principles of sustainability as well as the increasingly common circular economy model that businesses are adopting. Spoilage on the farm, during transportation, on retail shelves and in the home remains under the spotlight. To be part of the “Sustain Domain” – Innova Market Insights’ number three trend for 2020 – companies seek natural preservation solutions and often place a greater emphasis on the use of organic produce and/or plant-based natural preservation solutions. 

These factors combined with consumer reluctance to accept artificial additives, make natural preservation a key trend going forward and Kerry’s investment in this space acutely demonstrates this. 

To support the growing demand for Kerry’s natural preservation solutions, the company has invested heavily over the last couple of years in expanding its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. It acquired Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company in 2018 to further support its natural preservation capabilities.

By Gaynor Selby