**Ireland**: Kerry Group, originally a dairy company, is now a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions, focusing on sustainable practices and food preservation innovations. With extensive research and a commitment to clean labelling, the company aims to tackle rising consumer demands effectively.
Kerry Group, which began its journey as a dairy company in the 1970s in County Kerry, Ireland, has transformed into a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions across the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. The company, now recognised for its innovative products and extensive research and development capabilities, aims to reach over two billion consumers by 2030 with sustainable nutrition solutions. This evolution has been significantly supported by a dedicated global team of over 1,100 food scientists focused on addressing complex challenges faced by customers through research, innovation, and partnership.
To support manufacturers in balancing cost-effective solutions with the consumer demand for high-quality, health-conscious products, Kerry has expanded its portfolio, especially in clean label preservation solutions. Many of these concepts have been around for over 30 years, reflecting the company’s longstanding interest in creating products that appeal to evolving consumer behaviours. Speaking on this theme, Emma Cahill, Global Strategic Marketing Director in Food Protection and Preservation, stated, “As brands increasingly focus on meeting evolving consumer priorities, we’ve seen some return to conventional preservation methods.” The move towards ingredient-based alternatives has been prompted by manufacturers grappling with challenges related to cost, logistics, and sustainability.
Kerry’s commitment to clean labelling is underscored by ongoing consumer research across ten countries, which aims to demystify consumer preferences around food preservation. Through their “Left on the Shelf” study, they discovered that consumer expectations can highly differ, demonstrating a strong desire for transparency in labelling. Cahill noted that “one-size-fits-all solutions won’t cut it,” acknowledging the complexity of consumer needs in relation to food preservation. As such, Kerry provides a variety of solutions that not only aid in keeping products fresh and safe but also leverage expertise in applications to optimise performance during the product reformulation process.
Food protection and preservation solutions are vital for fostering long-term consumer loyalty, as they help ensure products remain safe and retain their quality over time. According to the findings of the same study, 91 per cent of consumers are adopting new shopping habits aimed at reducing food waste, resulting in a shift towards smaller purchases and more conscientious brand selection. Such consumer behaviour reinforces the need for products that maintain freshness and reduce waste, ultimately influencing purchasing decisions.
In the realm of food safety, Kerry remains at the forefront, helping manufacturers combat contamination risks while adhering to rigorous safety standards. The company has recently opened a BSL-2 food safety lab, equipped with advanced technologies to enhance the preciseness and efficiency of food safety studies. These technological advancements enable the company to gather extensive data on bacterial strains, significantly aiding manufacturers in validating new ingredients or protocols. By providing simulation models that accurately depict ingredient performance under realistic conditions, Kerry offers manufacturers invaluable insights to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards.
Furthermore, Kerry’s innovations contribute towards alleviating food waste and CO₂ emissions. By extending shelf life, the company has demonstrated that even modest increases in the longevity of products can have substantial environmental benefits. Their research indicates that increasing the shelf life of bread by 20 per cent can lead to a reduction in waste and CO₂ emissions, thereby highlighting the intersection of food safety and sustainability.
Kerry is also actively working on predictive modelling tools that forecast the longevity of food products, akin to a weather forecast but focused on food freshness. These tools allow manufacturers to engage in more efficient resource management and bolster the sustainability of food production by minimising water and energy usage.
Looking towards the future, Kerry identifies education as a critical factor in shaping consumer understanding of food protection and preservation. There is a noticeable gap in consumer knowledge regarding the role of preservatives in food safety, with potential misconceptions that can complicate manufacturers’ efforts to meet consumer demands. Cahill highlighted the ongoing need for clarity, noting that “the challenge lies in balancing consumer preferences with the necessary education to help them understand what keeps them safe and their food edible.”
As Kerry Group continues to innovate and adapt to emerging trends and consumer preferences, its commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability remains at the forefront of its mission to provide integrated solutions to manufacturers worldwide.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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