Kerry strengthens fermented ingredient position with US$28.6m investment

20 Sep 2017 --- Taste & Nutrition Company Kerry, has invested US$28.6 million in its facility in Rochester, Minnesota. The project will increase manufacturing capacity at the facility in naturally-derived fermented ingredients. Kerry’s Rochester facility produces ingredients utilized by manufacturers to deliver fresh taste over the shelf life of food and beverage products. 

Groundbreaking for the expansion commenced earlier this year in April and a topping off ceremony was held at the facility yesterday (September 19th). Speakers at the ceremony included Ardell Brede, City of Rochester Mayor, Neil Cracknell, President of Functional Ingredients & Actives at Kerry, and Michael Matthews, VP of Business Development for Functional Ingredients at Kerry. 

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Michael Matthews, Business President, Food Protection & Fermentation at Kerry said: “As a leading player in natural ingredients, this expansion will allow Kerry the flexibility, capability, and capacity to grow with the tremendous demand for authentic ingredients that protect the fresh taste of food throughout its shelf-life.”

“Expansions like this allow Kerry to adapt to the tremendous growth in the area of wholesome, tasty, natural ingredients and better for you foods,” he explains. “The installation of state-of-the-art technology allows us to keep pace and innovate with customers ever more rigorous demands for new specifications and processing technology.”

The expansion improves flexibility, capability and capacity for Kerry to adapt to the growing global demand for our products. “We are continually evaluating Kerry’s network of facilities and innovation possibilities for expansion to accommodate future growth,” adds Matthews. 

“We are seeing a desire from consumers for authentic and transparent food that comes from food,” notes Matthews, “Consumers are looking for safe food with natural ingredients and great taste. They are asking for ingredients they can understand, simple labeling, balanced nutrition panels, and trustworthy sourcing.”

“Fermentation-derived ingredients are naturally made from real food and are used for fresh keeping over the shelf-life of food. We have flexibility in the substrates we can ferment on which allows us to react to ever-changing consumer demands,” he says. 

“There are many trends that don’t last when it comes to food, but a desire for real, authentic, healthy and trustworthy food isn’t going anywhere,” claims Matthews. 

“The demand for safe food and natural ingredients is increasing around the globe. North America and the Western world are focusing on foods and ingredients that fit the expanding definition of health. We’re even seeing demand for our ingredients from developing markets.”

Globally, world populations need access to safe food, that can stay fresh and will have a positive impact on health. Food protection and fermentation contribute to a reduction in food waste, a growing global issue as populations expand. Kerry has a high-quality operation in Rochester, Minn. where the company can have access to a capable workforce and reliable infrastructure which allows us to supply quality, natural ingredients globally.

Bryce Nesberg, Human Resources Manager at Kerry’s facility in Rochester, says: “Demand for naturally-derived fermented ingredients is growing in North America and internationally. This increase in demand has resulted in the creation of approximately 60 new positions over three years at the plant. With our increased production capacity that this expansion will bring, more skilled roles will be created upon completion.” 

Kerry is seeking to become an employer of choice in Rochester. 

As a market leader in the naturally derived fermented ingredients business with a long and trusted heritage in the industry, Kerry is committed to bolstering its position as the market leader by continuing to invest in its world-class processing infrastructure at Rochester. The expansion project includes the addition of a new spray dryer and two 10,000 gallon dryer feed tanks. 

The fermented ingredients produced by Kerry are utilized in the preservation of bakery products, deli meats, and various other food products. This evolving market dynamic is the key driver behind Kerry’s investment and expansion in Rochester. The plant is expanding in a way that is sustainable for Kerry employees and the Rochester community. 

By Elizabeth Green