- In June 2024, Lallemand Inc. acquired BASF SE’s bioenergy enzymes business, including the Spartec product portfolio and associated technologies in development. The acquisition was carried out through Lallemand’s subsidiaries—Danstar Ferment AG and Lallemand Specialties Inc.—and integrates the business into its Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) unit. This move builds on a long-standing partnership between the two companies and enhances Lallemand’s capabilities in the fuel ethanol and alcohol industries. Meanwhile, BASF will continue to focus on its enzyme activities in the animal feed and detergent markets, aligning with its broader sustainability and innovation goals
- In December 2023, the European Commission approved the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, paving the way for the formation of Novonesis, a global leader in biosolutions. The merger officially closed in January 2024, combining the strengths of both companies in enzyme and microbial technologies. Novonesis now operates with around 10,000 employees and serves over 30 industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, with a strong focus on protein hydrolysis enzymes and sustainable innovation. The merger was subject to certain divestments to address competition concerns, particularly in the lactase enzyme market
- In December 2022, Ingredient Optimized (io) partnered with Nutrabound Labs to launch ioCollagen, a next-generation collagen protein designed to enhance taste and absorption without relying on traditional enzymatic hydrolysis. Using io’s patented atmospheric plasma technology, ioCollagen improves bioavailability and solubility, delivering up to 3–5 times higher blood levels of essential amino acids compared to unoptimized proteins. This innovation addresses common challenges in collagen supplementation—such as poor taste and limited absorption—while reinforcing both companies’ positions in the nutritional supplement market with a focus on performance and consumer experience
- In September 2022, Royal DSM introduced DelvoPlant Go, an innovative enzyme solution tailored for oat-based dairy alternatives. This product streamlines production by combining liquefaction and saccharification into a single-step hydrolysis, reducing processing time by up to 30%. It also cuts down on energy and water usage, making it a more sustainable option for manufacturers. DelvoPlant Go supports organic and non-GMO formulations, helping producers meet rising consumer demand for nutritious, eco-friendly plant-based products while maintaining taste and texture
- In November 2021, Novozymes launched Formea Prime, a microbial endo-protease developed to improve the taste and stability of whey protein hydrolysates used in high-protein beverages. Unsuch as traditional proteases that often produce bitterness, Formea Prime generates medium- to long-chain peptides with minimal exposure of hydrophobic amino acids, resulting in low bitterness and enhanced heat stability—ideal for ready-to-drink applications. This innovation supports the growing demand for clean-label, protein-enriched beverages in the sports nutrition and functional wellness markets, offering manufacturers a solution that balances flavor, solubility, and nutritional value
