Kemin Industries Inc. has acquired a majority share of an Italian manufacturer of encapsulation technology and products sold via distribution by Soda Feed Ingredients. 

This acquisition expands Kemin's already robust product portfolio of animal feed ingredients to include unique encapsulation technologies and new ingredients for the dairy industry.

''Nutritionists are constantly challenged to maximise the digestibility of sometimes poorly absorbed feed ingredients,'' says John Springate, Ph.D., president of Kemin Agrifoods.  ''Sound encapsulation, or the ability to time the release of active ingredients, can target absorption of ingredients at specific locations in the digestive tract. This unique delivery system provides optimum absorption of ingredients for maximum nutrition and health benefits.''

Giancarlo, president of Soda Feed Ingredients, said their unique encapsulation technologies will provide additional value to Kemin's product portfolio, leading to new and greater nutritional and health solutions. Kemin's global sales and marketing network are also expected to lead to greater distribution of Soda Feed's technology in the animal feed ingredient market.

Kemin will invest resources in research and development to apply these technologies in the food, pet food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Through the delivery of active ingredients with slow release technologies, Kemin will maximise the use of encapsulation with all product applications where there is a benefit to customers.

Kemin group of companies provides health and nutritional solutions to the agrifood, food ingredients, pet food, human health and pharmaceutical industries. Kemin operates in more than 60 countries with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the US.