According to Mr. Van Dyk, there is a rising protein demand in Asia driven by the growing middle class. On top of that, their demand for "high-quality protein" is adding pressure to Kemin's customers.

 

"Our customers are facing huge pressure from consumers, and we are helping them to meet those demands from their raw material supply to their manufacturing of feed to food, including backend quality control.

 

The concept of transparency from consumers is becoming very clear. They want to know the ingredients that are used in their products, whether they are sustainable, and on top of that, as a company, where are you buying or sourcing from, and those sources themselves must be sustainable. In short, they are looking at 'clean labels'," shared Mr. Van Dyk.

 

He cited the example of how the 'antibiotic-free' discussion was an omnipresent theme at VIV Asia 2017.

 

"We would continue to focus on our business model of being 'local', by staying on course in partnering and developing with our customers. Kemin currently has nine facilities worldwide which buy 'local' and employ 'local'. We have thus been successful by being close to our customers. We would continue to innovate with them and for them, and of course supporting them in meeting the demands from consumers," said Mr. Van Dyk.

 

Kemin has over 500 specialty ingredients that are incorporated daily into the feed and drinking water of livestock, and in food and healthcare products used by consumers.

 

"Across Asia we see the trend towards 'natural solutions' in our industry. We are already one of the leading sustainable growers of marigold, oregano and rosemary in the world, and we would continue to find new applications, for example from our food business unit, and seeing how they could be applied to the feed industry," added Mr. Van Dyk.