Kerry invests in clean label food protection with two new acquisitions

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Kerry (Naas, Ireland) has acquired IsoAge Technologies (Athens, GA) and Biosecur Labs Inc. (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, CA), two acquisitions the company says enhances its leadership position in the clean label space. According to consumer research conducted by Kerry, 60% of U.S. consumers are familiar with the clean label concept and 44% say it is important to them. Consumers want to be healthier and associate products free from artificial ingredients and preservatives with health. This creates an opportunity for information and demand for clean-label shelf-life solutions.

“These acquisitions and expansion of our food protection portfolio solidifies 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,” said Neil Cracknell, CEO of Applied Health & Nutrition at Kerry, in a press release. “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.”

Shelf stability is particularly important now given the current pandemic and the practice of stockpiling foods consumers have taken on. “We see COVID-19 and its impact on food choice and availability leaving a lasting impression in consumers’ minds.” said Emma Cahill, senior strategic marketing manager of Food Protection at Kerry, in a press release. “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.”