May 19, 2025 (press release) –
- 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) will be first available to the European market in the coming weeks
- Production will be based in Europe
- First result of global strategic partnership between BENEO and WACKER to enhance early-life nutrition
Munich , May 19, 2025
BENEO, a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients for food, feed and pharma, and WACKER, a European expert in biotechnology solutions for the food and pharma industry, are launching the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) globally. It is the predominant and most extensively studied HMO and will be available first to the European market in the coming weeks. The product launch is the first result of a strategic and global partnership the companies entered to collaborate on enhancing early-life nutrition. It will provide additional volumes of HMOs to the market, helping to secure supply and quality for both large and smaller manufacturers of infant formulas.
As an HMO, 2’-FL belongs to a structurally and biologically diverse group of complex indigestible carbohydrates, which are the third major component in breast milk following lactose and lipids. HMOs act as prebiotics in a class of their own, supporting the development of healthy gut microbiota, bolstering infants’ immune systems, and contributing to overall health outcomes such as improved metabolic health and neurodevelopment. These unique components are crucial for the development of milk formulas that achieve a profile as close as possible to breast milk which is widely recognized as the gold standard in infant nutrition. Accordingly, 2’-FL complements BENEO’s portfolio of health promoting ingredients for babies, toddlers and beyond.
Within the partnership WACKER will oversee the production leveraging its reputable expertise in biotechnology. It will produce 2’-FL in Europe using precision fermentation via a patented strain. BENEO will be responsible for the commercialization, making the most of its comprehensive knowledge in scientific research as well as of the global market for infant nutrition.
Olivier Roques, CEO at BENEO, comments: “The launch of 2’-FL and the associated addition of HMOs to BENEO’s established and well recognized portfolio of scientifically proven prebiotics is strategic. Particularly for the infant nutrition market it provides promising opportunities for highly effective combinations. We are pleased about the collaboration with such an experienced partner like WACKER and are looking forward to the joint journey for HMOs.”
Mathias Wiedemann, President of WACKER Biosolutions, affirms, “We are excited about this new partnership. It will bring together WACKER’s expertise and production track record with BENEO’s thorough market understanding. Together, we are set to meet the high demands of customers in the infant nutrition sector.”
The global demand for HMOs is expected to grow significantly, from around USD 180 million in 2022 to almost USD 900 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 17 percent (Spherical Insights, 2023). This predicted growth is supported by an increasing number of infant-formula product launches featuring HMOs, which rose from 4 percent to 20 percent between 2018 and 2023 (Mintel GNPD, 2024). This growing prevalence further underscores the critical role and market demand for HMOs.
About BENEO
BENEO has long-term experience in developing and producing plant-based functional ingredients from natural sources for the food, feed and pharmaceutical industries. By supporting health and optimizing taste and texture, they help improve the nutritional and technical properties of a wide variety of products.
Through a unique chain of expertise, BENEO offers customers advice and inspiration on new product ideas that support a healthy lifestyle in a holistic way. This includes the BENEO-Institute that provides decisive insights into nutrition science and legislation, and the BENEO-Technology Center that consults in application technology.
Formed in 2007, BENEO is active in over 80 countries, employs more than 1000 people and has six state-of-the-art production sites in Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands that deliver high-quality ingredients at all times.
For further information on BENEO and its ingredients, please visit: www.beneo.com and www.beneo.com/news or follow BENEO on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/beneo
About WACKER Biosolutions
Based on advanced biotech processes, WACKER Biosolutions, the WACKER Group’s life sciences division, offers tailored and innovative solutions and products for the life science sector, including pharmaceutical proteins, cyclodextrins and fermentation-generated L-cysteine. The portfolio is additionally complemented with catalog chemicals such as acetylacetone. The division focuses on solutions for growth sectors, such as food ingredients, pharmaceutical actives and agrochemicals. For further information, visit wacker.com.
BENEO and WACKER launch human milk oligosaccharide to enhance early-life nutrition. (Photo: WACKER)
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Media Contact
Wacker Chemie AG
Media Relations
Dr. Karsten Werth
Tel. +49 89 6279-1573
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BENEO (press)
Jo Kent at SEC Newgate
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beneo@secnewgate.co.uk
Inga Heinemann
Head of Corporate Communication, BENEO
Tel: +49 621 421 179
Inga.Heinemann@beneo.com
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