Website: www.chr-hansen.com
Chr. Hansen A/S is a leading global supplier of probiotics and natural pigments, headquartered in Helsholm, Denmark. Founded in 1874 by pharmacist Christian D.A. Hansen, the company has grown over nearly 150 years to become a significant player in the global food, nutrition, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. Chr. Hansen's core businesses include probiotics, starter cultures, enzymes, and natural pigments, with products widely used in food, beverages, dietary supplements, animal nutrition, and plant protection.
Chr. Hansen's History and Development
Chr. Hansen's founding dates back to the late 19th century, when C. Christensen, a young pharmacist, dedicated himself to developing more efficient and safer food additives. In 1874, he successfully developed a rennet for cheese production, a groundbreaking invention that laid the foundation for Chr. Hansen's establishment. Over time, the company gradually expanded its business, from its initial focus on cheese additives to areas such as probiotics, starter cultures, and natural colorings.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Chr. Hansen began its international expansion, establishing branches in Europe, North America, and Asia. Through continuous research and innovation, the company gradually established its leading position in the global food and nutrition industry. Since the 21st century, Chr. Hansen has further increased its investment in research on probiotics and natural pigments, launching a number of innovative products to meet consumers' growing demand for healthy and sustainable foods.
Chr. Hansen's core business
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are one of Chr. Hansen's core businesses. The company offers a variety of probiotic strains widely used in food, beverages, and dietary supplements. Chr. Hansen's probiotic products not only help improve gut health but also enhance the immune system, promote nutrient absorption, and improve mental health. The company ensures the safety and efficacy of its probiotic products through rigorous strain screening and clinical trials.
Chr. Hansen's probiotic products include:
- Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains: used to improve gut health and immune function.
- Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactococcus lactis: used in fermented dairy products and plant-based products.
- Patented probiotic strains: Customized probiotic products developed to address specific health issues.
2. Fermentation agent
Chr. Hansen's starter culture products are widely used in the production of dairy products, meat products, and plant-based foods. The company's starter cultures enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional value of products by optimizing the fermentation process. Chr. Hansen's starter culture products include dairy starter cultures, meat starter cultures, and plant-based starter cultures.
Dairy starter cultures are Chr. Hansen's traditional strength, used in the production of yogurt, cheese, and fermented dairy beverages. Meat starter cultures are used to improve the flavor and shelf life of meat products. In recent years, with the rise of plant-based foods, Chr. Hansen has launched a variety of plant-based starter cultures for the production of plant-based yogurt, cheese, and fermented beverages.
3. Natural pigments
Chr. Hansen is one of the world's leading suppliers of natural pigments. The company's natural pigment products are primarily extracted from plants, microorganisms, and minerals, and are widely used in the food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Chr. Hansen's natural pigment products are not only safe and environmentally friendly, but also provide products with vibrant colors and unique visual effects.
Chr. Hansen's natural pigment products include:
- Plant-derived pigments: such as carotene, anthocyanins, and chlorophyll.
- Microbial fermentation pigments: such as red yeast rice pigment and β-carotene.
- Mineral pigments: such as iron oxide and titanium dioxide.
4. Enzymes
Chr. Hansen's enzyme products are widely used in food processing, baking, brewing, and pharmaceuticals. The company's enzyme products improve product quality and production efficiency by optimizing biocatalytic processes. Chr. Hansen's enzyme products include amylase, protease, lipase, and cellulase, among others.
In food processing, Chr. Hansen's enzyme products are used to improve the texture, flavor, and shelf life of food. In baking, enzyme products are used to enhance dough elasticity and bread volume. In brewing, enzyme products are used to optimize fermentation processes, improving the flavor and quality of beer and wine.
Chr. Hansen's Research and Innovation
Chr. Hansen is committed to research and innovation, investing heavily in R&D annually to develop new products and optimize existing ones. Chr. Hansen's R&D team comprises world-leading scientists and engineers with extensive experience and expertise in microbiology, biochemistry, food science, and nutrition.
Chr. Hansen's research and development priorities include:
- Screening and development of new probiotic strains.
- Extraction and application techniques of natural pigments.
- Enzyme production and optimization technologies.
- The development and application of sustainable production technologies.
Chr. Hansen continuously drives technological innovation and product upgrades through collaborations with other research institutions, universities, and enterprises. The company also actively participates in the development of international standards and industry norms, making significant contributions to the development of the global food and nutrition industry.
Chr. Hansen's Sustainable Development
Chr. Hansen has always considered sustainable development a core element of its corporate strategy. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and creating more value for society through innovation and technological advancements. Chr. Hansen's sustainable development strategy includes the following aspects:
1. Environmental protection
Chr. Hansen reduces energy consumption and waste emissions by optimizing its production processes. The company also actively develops and utilizes renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint. Chr. Hansen aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and become one of the world's most sustainable food and nutrition companies.
2. Resource Utilization
Chr. Hansen improves resource utilization efficiency through a circular economy model. In its production processes, the company uses renewable resources as much as possible and reduces its reliance on non-renewable resources. Chr. Hansen also reduces resource waste by recycling and reusing waste.
3. Social Responsibility
Chr. Hansen is committed to creating more value for its employees, customers, and communities. The company enhances employee satisfaction and well-being by providing a safe and healthy work environment. Chr. Hansen also improves employees' professional skills and career development opportunities through education and training. Furthermore, the company actively participates in social welfare initiatives, supporting projects in education, health, and environmental protection.
Chr. Hansen's global markets
Chr. Hansen operates globally, with branches and production facilities in Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Through its localized production and sales network, Chr. Hansen provides high-quality products and services to customers worldwide.
In Europe, Chr. Hansen is a leader in the probiotics and natural pigments market. The company has R&D centers and manufacturing facilities in countries such as Denmark, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, providing customized solutions for European customers.
In North America, Chr. Hansen has been expanding its market share through acquisitions and partnerships. The company has multiple manufacturing facilities and sales offices in the United States and Canada, providing a comprehensive range of products and services to customers in North America.
In Asia, Chr. Hansen drives the rapid development of the probiotics and natural pigments market through collaborations with companies and research institutions in countries such as China, India, and Japan. The company has multiple R&D centers and production facilities in Asia, providing localized products and services to its customers.
In Latin America and Africa, Chr. Hansen expands its business through joint ventures and partnerships. The company has sales offices in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, providing high-quality products and services to customers in Latin America and Africa.
Chr. Hansen's Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Chr. Hansen will continue its commitment to research and innovation, driving technological advancements and market applications in products such as probiotics, natural pigments, fermentation agents, and enzymes. The company will also continue to strengthen its sustainable development strategy, reducing its environmental impact, improving resource utilization efficiency, and creating greater value for society.
Chr. Hansen's goal is to become one of the world's most sustainable food and nutrition companies, providing healthier and safer food and nutrition products to consumers worldwide through innovation and technological advancements. The company will also collaborate with other businesses and research institutions to drive the development of the global food and nutrition industry and make a greater contribution to human health and well-being.
Chr. Hansen A/S, a leading global supplier of probiotics and natural pigments, will continue to uphold its mission of "Scientific Innovation, Healthy Future," providing high-quality products and services to global customers and promoting the sustainable development of the global food and nutrition industry.
