Kemin Industries Expands Global Enzyme Production with CJ Youtell Biotech Acquisition

In a significant strategic move, Kemin Industries, a leading global manufacturer of ingredients, has announced its acquisition of CJ Youtell Biotech, a subsidiary of CJ Bio. This acquisition marks a critical expansion in Kemin’s ability to innovate and produce enzymes for various markets including animal feed, food production, aquaculture, textiles, paper, and biofuels.

Strengthening Enzyme Production Strategies

Kemin Industries has long been dedicated to enhancing the quality of daily life for a staggering 80% of the global population through its innovative products and services. With this recent acquisition, the company is poised to further solidify its position as a global leader in enzyme innovation. CJ Youtell Biotech specializes in fermentation and enzyme technologies, and its integration into Kemin’s operations provides a world-class fermentation platform that includes strategically located facilities in Shandong and Hunan, China.

According to Chris Nelson, the President and CEO of Kemin Industries, “We are excited to welcome CJ Youtell into the Kemin family. This acquisition is a bold step forward in our strategy to provide cutting-edge fermentation solutions directly to our customers.”

By gaining full ownership of CJ Youtell's fermentation facilities and enzymatic product portfolio, Kemin is enhancing its ability to deliver high-performance, sustainable enzymatic technologies globally. The move is expected to streamline production processes while maintaining a competitive edge in pricing and quality.

Focusing on Research and Development

The acquisition also highlights Kemin’s commitment to research and development (R&D) in enzyme technologies. The new facilities in China will bolster the company’s capabilities with specialized labs and technical teams focused on bioengineering, biochemistry, and enzyme formulation. This will allow Kemin to continually innovate, optimize production costs, and reduce supply chain risks.

Michelle Lim, the President of Kemin Enzymes, stated, “The acquisition of CJ Youtell marks a significant expansion of Kemin’s enzyme capabilities. For over 40 years, we have developed enzymatic solutions across multiple industries. CJ Youtell’s expertise in fermentation will now be integral to our offerings.”

This strategic integration not only builds on Kemin's decades of experience in the enzyme sector but also creates a comprehensive solution for clients—from proprietary strain development to final formulation and application assistance.

A Comprehensive Enzyme Solution

By combining in-house fermentation with advanced formulation and technical support, Kemin positions itself as a provider of tailored, high-performance enzymatic technologies. Such enhancements are expected to increase Kemin’s agility and speed of innovation, enabling clients to stay ahead in rapidly evolving markets.

Furthermore, this change reinforces Kemin’s commitment to sustainability and high-quality product offerings. The end goal is to continue providing effective solutions to address the growing global demand for food, animal health, and nutritional ingredients.

About Kemin Industries

Founded in 1961, Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a privately held global manufacturer dedicated to improving the quality of daily life through sustainable innovation. With an extensive range of over 500 specialty ingredients, Kemin serves diverse sectors including human and animal nutrition, aquaculture, pet food, nutraceuticals, food technologies, plant technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

Operating in over 120 countries, Kemin continues to leverage applied science to address industry challenges and provide innovative solutions. The company employs more than 3,300 individuals worldwide, boasting manufacturing facilities across various countries, including Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.