Dsm-fermenich focuses on trio of business-driving investments

Better utilisation of AI, expanding R&D, and improving its plant-based offering will be ingredients company dsm-fermenich’s core growth focus areas.

The business aims to tap into consumer desire for health, creating “better-for-you” options. It is investing in areas including probiotics and omega-3 to respond to consumer demand for healthy ingredients, as well as delving into the market for high energy foods, said EMEA regional vice president for ingredients solutions Philipp De Simone in the video above.

The company is also ramping up its R&D investment to enable its customers to speed up product launches. According to Simone, dsm has over 2,000 scientists around the world developing new products.

It is also investing in artificial intelligence, Simone said. Artificial intelligence can be used to develop new cultures in the dairy space, he suggested.  

The company continues to invest in ingredients for plant-based meat analogues, investing into R&D to explore taste receptors and look for ways to develop better mouthfeel, following a study showing mouthfeel was one of the key barriers behind consumer acceptance. Beyond this, it is also focused on using plant-based protein as a specialised ingredient. 

Finally, dsm-fermenich continues to invest in consumer insight platforms, aiming to continue responding consumer needs such as the ones above.