Kemin Industries advances pet gut health with Bactana acquisition

USA – Kemin Industries, a global leader in ingredient manufacturing, has expanded its footprint in animal health innovation with the acquisition of Bactana®, a research-driven company specialising in intestinal health and fermentation technology. 

The acquisition, announced by Kemin Nutrisurance, the company’s pet food and rendering technologies division, signals a bold step in accelerating novel gut health solutions for companion animals.

Founded in 2017 from Cornell University’s McGovern Centre and now operating from the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program (TIP), Bactana has built a reputation for pioneering work in intestinal microbiota and fermentation science. 

The move by Kemin brings Bactana’s scientific capabilities into a broader global framework.

“Compelled by curiosity, we are reinforcing our dedication to developing novel solutions that support metabolism, immune function, and overall well-being by combining Bactana’s cutting-edge research with our existing expertise,” said Kimberly Nelson, President of Kemin Nutrisurance. 

“This acquisition aligns with our long-term vision to explore emerging technologies in intestinal health and further strengthen our position as an industry leader.”

Kemin will now integrate Bactana’s research with its own scientific resources and global reach to fast-track product development in the evolving field of pet intestinal health. 

The company sees this move as another milestone in its ongoing mission to enhance health and nutrition through science and technology.

For Bactana, the acquisition marks a new chapter in scaling its research to a global market. CEO John Kallassy expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, 

“We are incredibly grateful to our employees, advisors, and shareholders for their support and confidence in our vision over the past six years, and we believe Kemin is the ideal partner to help advance our technology and expand its potential global impact.”

Kemin receives new patent for saltless brine 

While expanding in animal health, Kemin also announced another breakthrough in the food technology space. 

Its Food Technologies – North America division received a new U.S. patent for a phosphate-free, low- or no-salt brine, marketed under the Proteus® product line. 

Issued on March 11, 2025, by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Patent No. 12,245,618 B2 covers a proprietary brine formula designed to retain moisture and improve yield in meat and plant-based protein products without relying on traditional additives.

“We are thrilled that Kemin’s proprietary yield technology, incorporated into its Proteus product offerings, has been recognised by the USPTO,” said Bill Fielding, Business Director of Kemin Food Technologies – North America. 

“At Kemin, we are ‘compelled by curiosity’ to solve the most pressing food industry challenges, including how manufacturers can deliver clean label ingredient solutions to demanding consumers without sacrificing yield or functionality.”

The patented Proteus technology expands the protein structure of muscle meat, enabling natural moisture retention while avoiding controversial ingredients like salt and phosphates. 

Kemin reports that the innovation not only enhances texture and consumer appeal but also improves manufacturer margins, delivering up to 25% improved yield to green and reducing raw material costs by US$0.05–US$0.10 per pound.

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