In recent years, Kerry has made several acquisitions of U.S. companies. In 2015, the firm, along with Wellmune, acquired Island Oasis, a Massachusetts-based supplier of beverages and equipment for the hospitality industry. Additionally, it purchased Red Arrow Products from Wisconsin, a provider of smoke flavorings for meat, in a deal valued at $735 million. The previous year, Kerry acquired Wynnstarr Flavors and KFI Savory, which is the savory division of Kraft Food Ingredients based in the U.S. In 2011, it completed the acquisition of Cargill Flavor Systems for $230 million.

With the recent acquisition of Ganeden, Kerry is making strides into the health and wellness sector. Ganeden is renowned for its patented strain of probiotic bacteria known as GanedenBC30, and it has recently introduced a new inactivated probiotic called Staimune, which the company claims offers similar immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. As a probiotics manufacturer that produces strains applicable to various foods and beverages, Ganeden is strategically positioned to enhance value for its new parent company. Ganeden’s President and CEO, Michael Bush, recently remarked to Food Dive that the company essentially “invented this market space” and has been doubling its size every couple of years.

To benefit from the rising popularity of probiotics, many manufacturers are acquiring probiotics companies or incorporating these beneficial bacteria into their products. For instance, PepsiCo recently purchased KeVita, a probiotics beverage maker, and launched the Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year. Additionally, 301 INC, the venture capital arm of General Mills, led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.

According to a BCC Research report, the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage industry accounting for 73% of that total, equating to $24.8 billion. The probiotics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, potentially reaching a value of around $74.7 billion by 2025.

By acquiring Ganeden at this opportune moment, the Kerry Group clearly understands the market dynamics. This acquisition not only expands its presence in the health and wellness arena but, after navigating the costs and operational changes linked to integration, will better position the company to capitalize on advancements in the rapidly growing probiotics and functional foods sectors. Furthermore, with the increasing awareness of health benefits, including those linked to the best calcium citrate for osteoporosis, Kerry is poised to leverage its new capabilities effectively. The demand for products that promote health and wellness, including the best calcium citrate for osteoporosis, continues to rise, affirming Kerry’s strategic direction.