Kemin strengthens enzyme production with CJ Youtell Biotech acquisition in China
The newly acquired sites include advanced laboratories and technical teams specializing in bioengineering and enzyme formulation.
CHINA – Kemin Industries, a U.S.-based global ingredient manufacturer, has acquired CJ Youtell Biotech, the enzymes and fermentation subsidiary of South Korea’s CJ Bio, to enhance its enzyme production footprint in China and strengthen its global market position.
The acquisition gives Kemin full ownership of CJ Youtell’s fermentation plants in Shandong and Hunan, China, as well as its broad enzyme product portfolio.
These facilities will be integrated into Kemin’s existing operations, supporting a stronger supply chain and enabling the company to deliver high-performance enzyme technologies for industries ranging from animal feed and aquaculture to food processing, textiles, paper, and biofuels.
“This acquisition is a bold step forward in our ongoing strategy to provide cutting-edge fermentation solutions directly to our customers,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO of Kemin Industries. “By adding CJ Youtell’s capabilities, we are enhancing our expertise and dedication to delivering high-quality and innovative enzyme solutions across multiple industries and regions.”
The addition of CJ Youtell is expected to boost Kemin’s research and development capacity significantly.
The newly acquired sites include advanced laboratories and technical teams specializing in bioengineering and enzyme formulation, allowing Kemin to accelerate product innovation while optimizing production costs.
The company also expects to mitigate supply chain risks and provide competitively priced, tailored enzyme solutions to its global customer base.
Michelle Lim, President of Kemin Enzymes, emphasized that the acquisition strengthens the company’s legacy of innovation.
“For over 40 years, Kemin has been formulating and delivering enzyme solutions across multiple markets. With CJ Youtell’s fermentation expertise now part of our portfolio, we can offer a fully integrated solution – from proprietary strain development and manufacturing to final formulation and application support,” Lim said.
By combining in-house fermentation with advanced formulation techniques and technical services, Kemin is positioning itself to meet evolving industry demands while ensuring customers remain competitive in dynamic global markets.
Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Kemin operates in more than 90 countries and supplies over 500 specialty ingredients spanning human and animal nutrition, food technologies, crop science, and bio-industrials.
The addition of CJ Youtell further solidifies its presence in Asia and underscores its long-term commitment to advancing sustainable enzyme innovation worldwide.
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