USA – DuPont has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art probiotics fermentation plant at its Rochester, New York, facility to meet the growing customer demand for healthier products.
The facility expansion is part of the US$100 million investment set aside to enhance delivery of essential health innovations while keeping pace with the changing consumer tastes and preferences.
Construction of the plant, which was completed in March expands DuPont’s probiotics capacity as it strives to drive innovation in health-enhancing products for food, beverages and dietary supplements industry.
“The investment in our Rochester probiotics operation furthers our strategy to provide health and nutrition science solutions to this growing market,” said DuPont CEO Marc Doyle.
“With the completion of this facility, we have the largest fermenter in the world dedicated to probiotics production, which enhances our ability to provide customers and consumers with high quality, clinically-documented strains that will positively impact people’s health now and in the future.”
The state-of-the-art facility features a large fermenter for probiotics production and its downstream processing, a fully automated system of sensors and monitors and a pressurized air technology to mix fermenting solutions.
It also incorporates new bacteria freezing technology for safe storage of the probiotics that significantly increases efficiency.
“We deeply appreciate the support from the state of New York as we launch this industry leading endeavor,” said Matthias Heinzel, President of DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.
“We’re proud to be part of the Rochester community and to expand our footprint at the Eastman Business Park. This investment represents our deep commitment to driving innovation through probiotic research and manufacturing.”
As part of the plans to expand its prebiotics business in the US, DuPont targets to probiotics production capacity by an additional 70% through a second phase spanning 2 years.
This investment is attributed to the growing uptake and growth of probiotics, with consumers especially in North America and Asia Pacific increasing their consumption.
DuPont which recently divested its natural colors business combined its nutrition and biosciences divisions to form one business, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.
