Kerry inaugurates biotech manufacturing hub for lactase enzymes in Ireland

Kerry has opened its expanded biotechnology manufacturing facility in Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland, significantly boosting its industrial production capacity for lactase enzymes. The facility caters to dairy producers of lactose-free and sugar-reduced products looking to scale with faster and consistent commercial volumes. 

The expansion strengthens Kerry’s global reach as demand accelerates for these health-positioned dairy products, driven by the need for digestive comfort, the supplier highlights. The Ireland site is central to Kerry’s global manufacturing network, supporting more than 200 customers across over 80 countries.

“This investment translates decades of biotech research into scalable, real-world capability,” says Shane McGibney, president and CEO of Biotechnology Solutions and Transformation at Kerry.

“By strengthening the link between enzyme engineering and industrial production, we’re able to move innovations more efficiently from the lab to the production line — helping customers access reliable supply and bring new products to market with greater speed and confidence.” 

Enzyme engineering

The Carrigaline investment enhances Kerry’s end-to-end enzyme platform by more closely linking advanced enzyme engineering and strain development with large-scale manufacturing.

“This facility demonstrates how industry, skills, and innovation come together to support the future of Ireland’s food and biotechnology sectors,” says Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment.

Lactase enzymes produced at the site are used to process more than two million tons of milk annually, reaching an estimated 28 million global consumers.

Connecting lab-based discovery to commercial application, Kerry connects its biotechnology innovation and application development at its Kerry Biotechnology Centre in Leipzig, Germany, with its production capacity at Carrigaline.

Lactase enzymes produced at the site are used to process more than two million tons of milk annually, reaching an estimated 28 million global consumers.

“For our customers, this expansion is about execution as much as innovation,” says Ronan Moloney, VP of Enzymes at Kerry.

“With increased manufacturing capacity in Carrigaline, combined with deep application expertise, we can support customers through enzyme selection, process optimization, and scale-up — reducing bottlenecks and strengthening supply continuity as they commercialize lactose-free and sugar-reduced dairy products.”

In other global Kerry activities, the taste and nutrition company released its updated edition of the Supplements Taste Charts for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa, showcasing how the nutrition industry has responded to evolving regional taste preferences, with new launches of confectionery-inspired product launches and “maximalist” flavor combinations such as sweet-plus-heat (“swicy”) pre-workout options that are a nod to heritage flavors.