Kerry Group opens expanded biotechnology manufacturing facility in Cork

The Carrigaline facility plays a central role in processing dairy products

Shane McGibney, |Kerry President & CEO, Biotechnology Solutions & Transformation (left) with James Fitzpatrick, Plant Manager, Emer Gilvarry, Kerry Board, Albert McQuaid, Chief Science & Technology Officer and Ronan Moloney, Vice President, Enzymes (right), at the official opening of the Kerry Carrigaline Enzyme facility expansion. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

Food and nutrition giant Kerry opened its expanded biotechnology manufacturing facility in Carrigaline, Co. Cork on Monday significantly increasing its capacity to produce lactase enzymes at industrial scale.

The expansion strengthens Kerry’s ability to meet demand accelerates for lactose‑free and sugar‑reduced dairy products. Demand for lactose‑free and sugar‑reduced dairy continues to grow across global markets. The expanded lactase capacity at Carrigaline will help dairy producers respond to this demand quickly, reliably and at scale.

The Carrigaline site plays a central role in Kerry’s global manufacturing network. Lactase enzymes produced at the site are used to process more than 2m tonnes of milk annually, reaching an estimated 28m consumers worldwide.

“This investment translates decades of biotech research into scalable, real‑world capability,” said Shane McGibney, Kerry President and CEO of Biotechnology Solutions and Transformation at Kerry.  “By strengthening the link between enzyme engineering and industrial production, we’re able to move innovations more efficiently from the lab to the production line – helping customers access reliable supply and bring new products to market with greater speed and confidence.” 

Enterprise Ireland director Mark Christal welcomed the opening of the new facility. “Enterprise Ireland’s ambition is that Irish owned companies become the primary driver of the Irish economy, and we are committed to supporting these exporters to become global leaders in their field. Kerry is the exemplary of that, an innovation-led global company that is shaping the future of food and nutrition."

Kerry Group vice president of enzymes said the Carrigaline expansion, which helps customers in 80 countries is about execution as much as innovation. “With increased manufacturing capacity in Carrigaline, combined with deep application expertise, we can support customers through enzyme selection, process optimisation and scale‑up – reducing bottlenecks and strengthening supply continuity as they commercialise lactose‑free and sugar‑reduced dairy products."