Agrifirm to acquire Hamlet Protein, strengthening speciality feed portfolio

NETHERLANDS – Royal Agrifirm Group, a leading European agribusiness, has reached an agreement to acquire Hamlet Protein, a global leader in producing soy-based speciality ingredients, in a move aimed at expanding its specialities business and strengthening its position in high-value animal nutrition. 

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary conditions.

The acquisition will enhance Agrifirm’s portfolio of premixes, concentrates, and functional feed ingredients by adding Hamlet Protein’s highly digestible soy-based solutions, which support gut health and early-life animal performance. 

Hamlet Protein operates production facilities in Denmark and the United States and serves global markets with around 115 employees.

“The acquisition aligns completely with the company’s mission,” said Piet Hilarides, CEO of Royal Agrifirm Group. 

“Hamlet Protein’s proven technology strengthens our ability to help customers achieve optimal animal health and performance throughout the life cycle, driven by our shared focus on early feeding.”

For Agrifirm’s specialities division, the deal expands both technical capabilities and market reach. 

“Hamlet Protein is a strong addition to our strategy of bringing differentiated, science-based concepts to our valued customers and partners in the feed industry worldwide,” said Bas van Driel, group director of the specialities business. 

“Their early-life protein solutions and know-how allow us to develop more integrated nutritional concepts that support customers in achieving consistent performance and improved feed efficiency.”

Hamlet Protein is recognised for its patented technology that delivers consistent, high-quality soy-based ingredients, a key requirement for feed manufacturers targeting precision nutrition in young animals.

“Joining Royal Agrifirm Group allows us to accelerate our development, expand our global reach and continue delivering high-digestibility solutions that support young animal health,” said Erik Visser, CEO of Hamlet Protein. 

“This step creates exciting new opportunities for both our customers and our employees.”

The move comes as feed producers increasingly prioritise functional ingredients and early-life nutrition to improve efficiency and animal performance under tightening cost and sustainability pressures.

In 2026, Agrifirm continues to strengthen its global operations, including leadership appointments in key regions and ongoing investments in sustainable feed solutions. 

These efforts reflect a broader strategy to support livestock producers through more efficient, environmentally responsible nutrition programmes.

The acquisition underscores a wider industry trend toward consolidation and innovation in speciality feed ingredients, as companies seek to differentiate through science-based solutions and capture value in performance-driven nutrition segments.

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