Denmark. Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
| Date of agreement: | 05 Apr 2019 |
|---|---|
| Country: | Denmark |
| Customer: | Chr. Hansen Holding A/S |
| Amount in EUR: | EUR 40 million |
| Maturity: | 7 years |
| NACE sector / loan type: | Research and development |
Project
The loan has been provided to finance Chr. Hansen’s research and development activities during their financial year 2018–2019, focusing on bioscience innovations connected to the production of food culture, enzymes, probiotics and natural colours as well as increasing knowledge on microbial strains.
The aim of the R&D programme is to deliver innovative new products and to optimise processes through advanced bioprocess engineering and microbial physiology.
Founded in 1874, Chr. Hansen A/S develops and produces cultures, enzymes, probiotics and natural colours for a rich variety of foods, confectionery, beverages, dietary supplements, and animal feed and plant protection. The company’s product innovation is based on more than 30,000 microbial strains. Over 90 percent of Chr. Hansen’s R&D activities are concentrated in Denmark. The company has 3,150 employees in over 30 countries.
Fulfilment of NIB's mandate
With 30,000 microbial strains, Chr. Hansen has one of the world’s largest commercial collection of bacteria. The investment in R&D will enhance the company’s front-runner position in dairy ingredients.
The bioscience industry is very innovative and R&D intensive and has a key position when it comes to global challenges in human health and food security. Innovations are driven by the opportunities from megatrends such as a growing population and the need for industrial food, resource scarcity and the need to improve productivity in food production. The company contributes to addressing these challenges by enabling better farming, reducing food waste and improving health with their core products.
Bioscience jobs require a highly skilled workforce. Over 90 percent of all R&D activities are concentrated in Denmark. The company forms part of the Danish food technology cluster and the positive spillover effects are highly likely to contribute to sector-specific knowledge that might strengthen cluster linkages and offer growth opportunities. In addition, the company works actively with universities and research institutes on innovation projects. Despite its small size, Chr. Hansen has been able to contribute to world-leading expertise and has a significant market share.
Expected annual productivity impact related to the investment
R&D intensity target of 7-8% in 2019.
Sustainability summary
No significant environmental aspects identified for the R&D programme.
