Corbion sees growth in functional, health ingredients in H1 2025
Demand for its natural food preservation solutions and algae‑derived omega‑3 DHA helped drive positive volume/mix and improved profitability across both segments.
THE NETHERLANDS – Corbion has reported strong results in the first half of 2025, boosted by solid growth in both its Functional Ingredients & Solutions and Health & Nutrition segments.
The sustainable ingredients company, widely recognized for its fermentation expertise and natural preservation solutions, remains on track for full-year adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) growth of over 25%.
Corbion operates through two core business segments. Functional Ingredients & Solutions covers Food, Biochemicals, and Lactic Acid to PLA.
The additional Health & Nutrition segment includes Nutrition (such as omega-3), Pharma, and Biomedical Polymers. The company also finalized the divestiture of its emulsifier business in April 2024.
In the Functional Ingredients & Solutions segment, sales rose organically by 1.9% in H1 2025, with volume/mix increasing by 2.9%.
This growth was fueled mainly by demand in the food unit, particularly in meat, dairy, and confectionery markets, along with significant gains in the Lactic Acid to PLA joint venture.
Natural mold inhibitors and dairy stabilizers saw strong traction. While the Biochemicals unit experienced softness, operational excellence measures, including cost savings and insourcing, helped boost Adjusted EBITDA margins to 11.9%, up 290 basis points year-over-year.
The Health & Nutrition segment delivered even more impressive results. Organic sales grew by 6.8%, underpinned by a 5.0% rise in volume/mix and 1.8% pricing gains.
Despite a Q2 slowdown due to a high comparable from 2024, Biomedical Polymers and Pharma offset declines in Nutrition. Sales to orthopedic devices, drug delivery, and aesthetics drove high-single-digit growth in Biomedical Polymers, while Pharma saw double-digit expansion, notably in China’s kidney dialysis market.
Corbion’s omega-3 DHA Nutrition business, a key growth driver, gained further regulatory approvals in China during Q2, opening new market avenues. The segment posted a 32.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin in H1, up 240 basis points from the previous year.
Looking ahead, Corbion expects continued sales growth for the whole year, led by demand for its natural food preservation solutions and algae-derived omega-3s for aquaculture, pet, and human nutrition.
Despite softer Q3 expectations, the company maintains a double-digit growth outlook for Health & Nutrition and anticipates stronger Q4 performance to offset seasonal variances.
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