Danish ingredient producer FERM FOOD is acquiring Orkla’s former manufacturing site in Skovlund, Denmark. The sale will be finalized on April 1, 2026. The company gains new production facilities to expand the output of fermented plant-based ingredients for the food industry, as it reports a higher-than-anticipated increase in demand.

“We have outgrown our current facilities. With the Skovlund site, we can supply many more food manufacturers in Denmark and abroad. Global interest has developed faster than we expected — and that is why we are scaling up now,” says Jens Legarth, CEO of FERM FOOD.

Once fully ramped up, the new fermentation facility is expected to reach an annual capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes, depending on the product mix, in addition to FERM FOOD’s existing capacity in Denmark (Vejen).

FERM FOOD’s fermented ingredients are developed to help extend shelf life, enhance food safety and improve binding properties — while also adding protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber to the products, the company highlights.

“Our fermentation technology makes it possible to use fermentation in everyday foods. It offers manufacturers a more natural ingredient solution with functionality — and a way for consumers to benefit from fermentation in mainstream products,” says Jens Legarth.

FERM FOOD’s ingredients are used in a range of product categories, including bread and bakery products.

The company uses solid-state fermentation with lactic acid bacteria – a mild processing step to break down unwanted compounds and form natural bioactive compounds that contribute to functionality in foods.

Photo:

Jens Legarth (CEO), Rikke Matthiesen (CSO), and Torbjørn Tyndkjær-Thomsen (Food & Process Developer) at FERM FOOD’s new production facilities.

Credit: FERM FOOD