Ingredients and biosolutions are shaping the future of sustainable and secure food systems
As global food systems face growing pressure to deliver more with fewer resources, Denmark plays a leading role for science-based innovation. Danish ingredients and biosolutions improve efficiency, reduce waste and enable healthier, high-quality food production across the agri-food value chain.
By bringing together industry, research institutions and government, Denmark accelerates solutions that enhance taste, nutrition and shelf life, support climate-friendly farming and unlock circular value from underutilised biomass. Together, these efforts contribute to global food security and more resilient, sustainable food systems.
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals are our guide
Denmark’s agriculture and food sector plays an important role in ensuring global access to safe, nutritious food. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Danish efforts focus on best practices, ongoing research, and shared innovation.
These are the goals where ingredients and biosolutions from Denmark can make a particular impact:
A GLOBAL HUB FOR INGREDIENTS AND BIOSOLTUIONS
SCIENCE-BACKED SOLUTIONS TO FOOD SYSTEM CHALLENGES
Danish innovation is driving the global transition to an efficient and sustainable food value chain
Denmark is a global hub for ingredients and biosolutions that enhance food quality while enabling more efficient and sustainable agri-food production. Through close collaboration between companies, research institutions and public authorities, Danish solutions support safe, resilient and future-ready food systems worldwide.
Rooted in more than 150 years of scientific excellence, Denmark continues to develop solutions that make it possible to produce more with fewer resources, positioning ingredients and biosolutions as key enablers of global food security and sustainable growth.
RETHINKING FOOD IN A COLLABORATIVE ECOSYSTEM
AN EXPERT NETWORK OF POOLED RESOURCES
Denmark has a long tradition of cross-sector collaboration driving ingredient and biosolution innovation
Science-based partnerships between farmers, companies, universities and public authorities are a defining strength of the Danish agri-food sector. Together, they develop ingredients and biosolutions that support safe, efficient and sustainable food systems.
Building on Denmark’s expertise in ingredient development, biosolutuions enhance taste, functionality, nutritional quality and feed efficiency, while helping manufacturers optimise resource use, extend shelf life and reduce waste. By applying biology and fermentation technologies, side streams and local bioresources are transformed intro high-value ingredients.
This collaborative approach is central to addressing the global protein challenge. Through trusted co-development, Denmark enables scalable, high-quality solutions that meet market demands, regulatory requirements and sustainability goals – underpinned by first-class quality and food safety standards.
A BIO-BASED PRIMARY SECTOR FROM PAST TO PRESENT
PIONEERING THE TRANSITION OF FARMING PRACTICES
Danish ingredients and biosolutions enable more yield with less input
Denmark is at the forefront of climate-friendly farming, using ingredients and biosolutions to optimise land use, increase yields and reduce environmental impact. These solutions support efficient, responsible crop and livestock production and are widely applied in international markets.
In crop production, biosolutions such as biostimulants, biofertilisers and biological plant protection improve nutrient uptake, resilience and yield while reducing reliance on conventional inputs. Advances in plant breeding and biotechnology further strengthen crop performance across different soils and climates.
In livestock farming, tailored feed additives enhance animal health, welfare and productivity. Enzymes and probiotic cultures improve feed digestibility and efficiency, while targeted solutions help reduce emissions and support compliance with new regulations – ensuring sustainable production without compromising performance.
The aim, as always, is to build an efficient primary sector in balance with the planet.
THE TASTE OF SUCCESS IN HEALTHIER FOOD
ONLY THE BEST QUALITY FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Danish food science meets global demand for functionality, taste and nutrition.
Danish ingredients and biosolutions help food producers deliver great taste, strong functionality and improved nutritional quality – while maintaining food safety and reducing waste throughout the value chain.
Using enzymes, cultures, proteins and fermentation technologies, manufacturers can lower sugar, salt or fat without compromising texture, flavour or consumer appeal. These solutions support healthier everyday foods and respond to fast-changing market and regulatory demands.
To stay close to customers and markets, many Danish companies operate local innovation hubs worldwide, adapting solutions to regional raw materials, preferences and regulations. High quality and food safety standards underpin trust and ensure reliable access to global markets, positioning Danish food science as a trusted partner in sustainable food production.
UNLOCKING STREAMS OF CIRCULAR INNOVATION
NEW VALUE CHAINS WHERE EVERYTHING COUNTS
Ingredient and biosolution technologies are unlocking circular value in food systems.
Danish ingredient and biosolution companies use advanced biotechnologies to turn side streams and underutilised biomass into high-value ingredients for food, feed and dietary supplements. By extracting functional components from by-products such as whey, fish offcuts and plant fibres, waste is reduced and resource efficiency increased.
Through fermentation, biorefining and other bioprocessing technologies, new value chains are emerging from materials such as grass, clover and seaweed. These innovations support local revenue streams, strengthen rural economies and contribute to a more resilient bioeconomy.
As global food security becomes increasingly urgent, circular innovation enables food systems that produce more value from fewer resources – ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO BIOECONOMY LEADERSHIP
INNOVATION ROOTED IN WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH
Bioeconomy – a Danish growth priority
Ingredients and biosolutions are a strategic growth area in Denmark, identified by the government as key to driving sustainable food systems, improved nutrition and climate resilience. National initiatives support innovation, investment and bioeconomy leadership.
This progress is underpinned by a strong research and innovation ecosystem. Universities and companies collaborate across the value chain to develop, test and scale bio-based solutions – supported by specialised facilities that accelerate time to market.
Denmark is also educating the next generation of biosolutions experts through dedicated master’s and PhD programmes. At the same time, a dynamic startup environment helps turn research into scalable commercial solutions. Together, these strengths reinforce Denmark’s position as a global hub for biosolutions.
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