KfW IPEX-Bank: Financing for research and innovation in the food industry

• The Danish bioscience company Chr. Hansen Holding A/S researches innovative solutions in the food industry and health sector using good bacteria
• Research centres in Denmark, Germany and France

KfW IPEX-Bank has joined forces with the Danish export credit agency EKF to sign a financing agreement of EUR 130 million with the Danish bioscience company Chr. Hansen. The financing has been arranged and structured by KfW IPEX-Bank.

The long-established company is planning to use the funds to advance research and development activities in its two core areas of “Food cultures and enzymes” and “Health and nutrition”. Its research focuses on the innovative use of enzymes and good bacteria in order to reduce the sugar, salt and fat content of food and extend food shelf life in a natural way. Chr. Hansen is also aiming to continue its research into how bacteria can help to improve human health. The goal of further research activities is to improve the stability of probiotic cultures and develop protection methods for agricultural products.

“With Chr. Hansen, we are supporting an innovative company with its development of highly intelligent natural solutions in food technology,” explains Markus Scheer, the responsible member of the KfW IPEX-Bank Management Board. “The bacteria researched by the company have the potential to generate benefits in many areas of life, for example by reducing food waste and fighting antibiotic resistance, or even helping to develop more sustainable farming techniques using fewer chemicals. Furthermore our financing is also promoting research and development in Europe and helping to create and secure jobs for highly qualified people in the EU.”