Kemin Industries Strengthens Global Enzyme Capabilities with CJ Youtell Biotech Acquisition

Kemin Industries Expands Global Reach with CJ Youtell Biotech Acquisition

Kemin Industries, a global leader in sustainable ingredient manufacturing, has made a significant strategic move by acquiring CJ Youtell Biotech, a subsidiary of CJ Bio, specializing in fermentation and enzymes. This acquisition was formally announced on September 23, 2025, and aims to bolster Kemin's position in the enzyme market across various industries, including animal feed, food, aquaculture, textiles, paper and pulp, and biofuels.

Transformational Impact on Production Capacity

The acquisition grants Kemin full ownership of CJ Youtell’s fermentation plants and its extensive portfolio of enzymatic products. With key facilities located in Shandong and Hunan, China, Kemin is poised to enhance its enzyme production capacity significantly. These added assets will allow for the delivery of sustainable and high-performance enzymatic technologies to Kemin's customers globally.

Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "We are excited to welcome CJ Youtell to the Kemin family. This acquisition represents a substantial advancement in our ongoing strategy to provide cutting-edge fermentation solutions directly to our customers. The integration of CJ Youtell into our portfolio further solidifies Kemin's commitment to continuously supplying innovative, high-quality ingredients and enzymatic solutions to various industries worldwide."

Enhancing Research and Development Capabilities

Incorporating CJ Youtell's state-of-the-art facilities into Kemin will accelerate the company's growth in research and development. With specialized laboratories and technical expertise in bioengineering, biochemistry, and enzyme formulation, Kemin will improve production efficiencies and innovate high-quality finished products. This strategic move will optimize production costs, reduce supply chain risks, and ensure that Kemin can offer competitive pricing across various markets and industries.

Michelle Lim, President of Kemin Enzymes, pointed out the significance of this acquisition, saying, "The acquisition of CJ Youtell signifies a major expansion of Kemin’s enzymatic capabilities. For over 40 years, Kemin has formulated and delivered enzymatic solutions across multiple sectors. With CJ Youtell's fermentation expertise now part of our team, we can provide a fully integrated solution, from the development and manufacturing of patented strains to final formulation and application support."

Comprehensive Solutions for Competitive Markets

The integration of CJ Youtell's expertise builds upon Kemin's decades of experience in enzyme solutions, allowing for a seamless and comprehensive offering for customers. By merging in-house fermentation with advanced formulation, technical sales support, and customer laboratory services, Kemin is now exceptionally positioned to deliver customized high-performance enzymatic technologies. These enhanced capabilities also improve Kemin's agility and speed up innovation, enabling clients to stay competitive in ever-evolving markets.

About Kemin Industries

Founded in 1961, Kemin Industries is a privately held, family-owned company dedicated to transforming the quality of life in a sustainable way for 80% of the world's population through its products and services. With a presence in over 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States, Kemin supplies more than 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

As the company continues to focus on quality, safety, and efficacy, Kemin remains committed to addressing the industry's challenges through scientific innovation for over half a century. By expanding globally and enhancing their product offerings through strategic acquisitions, Kemin is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the future.