EMEA Vision and Future Plans from dsm-firmenich – INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES
The EMEA remains a key region for animal protein production and a focus for feed additives producers. However, the EU regulatory landscape is changing, driven by policies to improve livestock welfare, decrease the use of antimicrobials, and encourage sustainable practices. As this legislation evolves, producers are working to enhance the efficiency of their feed and food production processes while decreasing their environmental footprints.
At dsm-firmenich they believe that all companies must play a role to improve the sustainability of entire food and supply chains. Adopting innovative solutions and sustainable strategies, producers can navigate this changing landscape, fostering both economic viability and environmental stewardship.
Feedinfo spoke with Fidelis Fru, Head of Business Development, and Sergio Schuler, Head of EMEA, to take a look into how the team are helping meet the growing demand for animal protein while addressing critical challenges in animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and feed efficiency across the region. From their recently EU authorised HiPhorius™ phytase to the opening of a state-of-the-art premix plant in Egypt, dsm-firmenich continues to invest in solutions that enhance production while prioritising environmental responsibility.
[Feedinfo] Can you give us an update of developments from dsm-firmenich?
| [Fidelis Fru] We at dsm-firmenich have been at the forefront of several exciting developments recently, working closely with customers and introducing several new innovations that can meaningfully contribute to more profitable and sustainable animal production. A key focus continues to be a pioneering set of Performance Solutions: specialty additives designed to improve the sustainability and profitability of animal farming. Our broad portfolio delivers the level of functional nutrition needed for the industry to meet the challenges of sustainability, animal welfare and feed quality. |
We’ve expanded our innovative customer support through Precision Services: digital technologies to enhance customer service and generate valuable insights. These insights are continuing to help producers improve their efficiency and sustainability practices. We have also continued our commitment to invest in robust scientific research, maintaining our position as an industry leader and have been actively engaging with stakeholders on critical issues such as animal health, welfare, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Notably, in September of this year, we attended the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance in New York. Our participation underscores the pivotal role of the private sector in advancing global efforts to combat AMR.
[Feedinfo] How significant is the EMEA market for dsm-firmenich? What are your priorities in the region?
[Sergio Schuler] The animal protein market in Europe is substantial, with an estimated size of $2.16 billion USD in 2024, which is projected to grow to $2.72 billion USD by 2029. The EU region is essential to our global strategy, where we conduct research and deliver high-quality products to serve our diverse customer base. Beyond the EU, we are also committed to expanding our presence in the Middle East, Africa, and other regions worldwide.
Our priority is to leverage the most innovative science-based solutions to help our customers succeed. We help our customers meet the rising demand for animal protein while reducing emissions and reliance on natural resources. Using scientific data and insights from Precision Services diagnostics, we offer a wide range of innovative products—including feed enzymes, eubiotics, mycotoxin deactivators, and specialised nutrients—that enhance animal health and performance.
Today, food systems, as well as feed and animal protein producers, face numerous challenges. Supply reliability, for example, continues to be top of mind for many producers. Our ambition is to deliver high quality products for partners and customers with peace of mind thanks to high standards and reliability. In addition, there is increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce the environmental footprint of animal protein production.
The regulatory landscape in the EU is evolving, with new policies aimed at reducing protein import dependency and enhanced reporting on topics such as deforestation with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). We need to be more efficient to produce feed and food whilst taking care of our planet.
[Feedinfo] HiPhoriusTM, your fourth-generation phytase, recently received EU authorisation; could you tell us about the product and how it will impact producers in Europe?
[Sergio Schuler] HiPhorius™ is a next generation phytase that helps farmers achieve more sustainable and profitable animal protein production by improving phosphorus utilisation and accelerating the removal of the potent antinutrient, phytate.
The EU authorisation of HiPhorius™ marks a significant milestone for European producers, enhancing animal production efficiency and sustainability across the region in several ways. By enabling more effective phosphorus utilisation, producers can reduce their reliance on costly inorganic supplements while improving animal performance metrics.
Beyond these immediate benefits, HiPhorius™ opens new possibilities for advanced nutritional concepts that have the capabilities to transform livestock feeding practices in the future, positioning European producers at the forefront of sustainable animal production.
[Feedinfo] In September this year dsm-firmenich opened a new premix plant in Egypt. What motivated this expansion, and how will this new facility serve the EMEA?
[Sergio Schuler] The decision to open a new premix plant in Egypt was driven by a rising demand for high-quality premixes and feed additives, particularly from mid-range and large livestock farms and feed millers across the region. This new facility will support the growing needs of customers in Egypt and neighbouring countries by enhancing supply reliability and ensuring the consistent availability of top-quality products like vitamins, minerals, and innovative feed additives.
Strategically located in Sadat City, the plant provides key logistical advantages and distribution efficiencies. This enables us to strengthen our supply chain, enhance service to our expanding customer base, and contribute to local economic development.
The new plant will help us meet the increasing demands of the feed and animal protein industries, ensuring that clients in the region have access to the nutrition solutions they need, while improving overall product delivery and reliability.
[Feedinfo] How do your recent innovations and strategies, align with your long-standing commitment to sustainability in the animal protein industry? What can the sector expect to see from dsm-firmenich in the coming years?
[Fidelis Fru] dsm-firmenich’s recent innovations and strategies are deeply aligned with our long-standing commitment to helping our customers feed the world with safe, nutritious, sustainable and delicious food.
We will continue to update and innovate in the field of precision nutrition and precision livestock farming. One example is the development and deployment of precision biotics, a new class of products that precisely modulate specific metabolic pathways in the animal microbiome to enhance growth and performance.
Through closer partnerships with customers and the use of advanced data analytics, we aim to drill deeper into the cellular and molecular levels to “make the invisible visible,” providing Precision Services that allow for greater efficiency and environmental responsibility in farming practices.
By leveraging data-driven insights, dsm-firmenich helps our customers optimise animal nutrition, health and production, leading to more sustainable operations. Our solutions include VeraxTM for early detection and troubleshooting of nutrition and health issues, SustellTM for environmental footprinting, and FarmTellTM for feed mill and cattle farm management from your smartphone.
Sustainability is at the heart of our business, and we remain committed to applying this focus across our entire portfolio. In the coming years, the animal protein sector can expect us to continue investing in technologies that drive efficiency and sustainability, from precision nutrition services to advanced feed solutions.
