NIZO food research B.V. (“NIZO”) is proud to announce the signature of a long-term contract manufacturing partnership with dsm-firmenich. This strategic alliance encompasses the acquisition of the neighboring lactic acid facility from Vika Nutrition B.V., a Givaudan group company. With this move, NIZO widens its capabilities and secures the opportunity to develop the NIZO Food Innovation Campus.

“We are very excited about the acquisition”, says Nikolaas Vles, CEO of NIZO, “because this lactic acid process was once developed by NIZO, and it is a great example how NIZO can accelerate innovative transformation processes through the combination of science and operational excellence. The transaction further underscores the strong partnership between dsm-firmenich and NIZO”.

NIZO and dsm-firmenich have been working together for approximately 30 years. “NIZO’s strong expertise in food and health research and holistic project approach have often boosted our innovation development already. This supports our belief that NIZO is the right partner for dsm-firmenich for the supply of lactic acid and for support in future R&D projects” says Dirk Lippits, EVP Ingredient Solutions, Taste, Texture & Health.

NIZO is strategically focused on the protein transition, and recently completed a 5-million-euro investment program to upgrade NIZO’s pilot plant for the development and upscaling of plant-based and other alternative proteins. NIZO is also offering location opportunities for start-ups and scale-ups within this domain and is working intensively with public and private partners to further develop the NIZO Food Innovation Campus. The acquisition of the adjacent site opens the door to further developing these initiatives.

About NIZO
NIZO is a globally leading, private, and independent Contract Research Organization specializing in food and health innovation for over 75 years. Operating the largest open access food-grade pilot plant in Europe, we leverage the integrated power of science and technology to help our customers in transforming food and nutrition more successfully, sustainably, and faster; ultimately leading to better food and health. For more information: www.nizo.com

About Gilde Healthcare
Gilde Healthcare is a specialized healthcare investor managing over €2.6 billion across two fund strategies: Venture&Growth and Private Equity. The Venture&Growth fund of Gilde Healthcare invests in fast growing companies active in digital health, medtech and therapeutics, based in Europe and North America. The Private Equity fund of Gilde Healthcare participates in profitable lower mid-market healthcare companies based in North-Western Europe. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.gildehealthcare.com