NOVUS appoints Julien Kanarek to lead global feed enzyme strategy amid portfolio expansion

USA – NOVUS, a global leader in animal nutrition solutions, has appointed Julien Kanarek as global lead for feed enzymes as the company accelerates development of its enzyme portfolio and expands its position in sustainable livestock nutrition. 

The appointment comes as NOVUS strengthens its capabilities through acquisitions, partnerships and increased research activity in feed additives.

Kanarek brings nearly 20 years of experience in animal nutrition, biotechnology and feed additive strategy. 

He joins the company at a time when enzyme solutions are gaining importance as producers seek to improve feed efficiency and manage rising input costs.

Prior to joining NOVUS, Kanarek held roles at Adisseo, Danisco Animal Nutrition and Health, part of International Flavors & Fragrances, and Avril, where he focused on poultry nutrition and global category management.

His appointment follows a series of strategic moves by NOVUS to strengthen its enzyme business. 

The company recently acquired BioResource International, gaining full control of its CIBENZA® enzyme product line.

NOVUS has also entered a development partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks to advance innovation in enzyme technologies.

In parallel, the company has increased engagement with customers and the wider industry through technical workshops and research publications. 

Recent efforts have focused on addressing anti-nutritional factors in feed ingredients, particularly trypsin inhibitors in soybean meal, which can limit nutrient availability in livestock diets.

Kanarek said enzyme technology remains a key strategy for improving feed efficiency, especially as feed costs continue to represent one of the largest expenses for poultry and pig producers. 

He noted that enzymes can help unlock greater value from raw materials, as ingredient availability and cost pressures shape formulation decisions.

He added that enzymes still offer untapped potential, particularly in understanding and mitigating anti-nutritional factors. 

NOVUS has built a global database of soybean profiles over more than a decade of research, and the company now plans to integrate new findings from the growing body of academic work in this area.

Kanarek emphasised that effective enzyme solutions require tailored approaches rather than single-product applications. 

He said combining different biotechnologies and adapting them to specific customer conditions will be essential to delivering consistent performance.

Laura Munoz, Senior Director of Global Strategic Marketing at NOVUS, said the company’s recent investments demonstrate its long-term commitment to the feed enzymes sector. 

She added that Kanarek’s global perspective and market expertise will help develop solutions aligned with evolving industry needs.

Enzymes gain importance in feed cost management

The appointment reflects broader trends in the global feed industry, where enzymes are increasingly used to improve nutrient digestibility and reduce feed costs. 

According to industry estimates, feed accounts for up to 70% of total production costs in poultry and pig operations, making efficiency gains critical for profitability.

Enzymes are also playing a growing role in sustainability strategies by enabling better use of raw materials and reducing nutrient waste. 

This aligns with increasing regulatory and market pressure to improve environmental performance in livestock production.

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