Novonesis (诺和新元), officially operating in China as 诺维信（中国）投资有限公司, is a global biosolutions leader formed from the merger of two biotechnology giants: Novozymes and Chr. Hansen. Headquartered globally in Denmark and with significant operations in China, Novonesis integrates cutting-edge biotechnology to drive innovation in food production, agriculture, healthcare, and industrial applications. The company is committed to unlocking the power of biology to transform industries and enable a healthier, more sustainable world.
Company Overview
Novonesis was officially launched in January 2024 as the unified brand following the merger of Novozymes A/S and Chr. Hansen Holding A/S. The merger created one of the world’s most advanced biosolutions companies with operations in over 30 countries and a strong manufacturing and R&D footprint in China. In China, the company operates as 诺维信（中国）投资有限公司, with its main office in Beijing.
Global and China Market Presence
- Employees Worldwide: Over 10,000
- China Headquarters: Beijing
- China R&D and Production Sites: Tianjin, Wuxi, and Beijing
- Global Revenue (2023): Estimated at €3.5 billion pre-merger
- China Revenue Share: Approx. 15–20% of global revenue (industry estimate)
China is one of Novonesis' most important strategic markets, contributing significantly to revenue and innovation activities, especially in the food and beverage, textiles, and agricultural biotechnology sectors.
Core Business Segments
Novonesis operates across three main pillars:
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Food & Health Biosolutions
- Dairy cultures and probiotics
- Baking enzymes
- Brewing and wine enzymes
- Fermented plant-based ingredients
- Human and animal probiotics
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Agriculture & Industrial Biosolutions
- Microbial inoculants for crops
- Biological pest and disease control
- Enzymes for textile and detergent industries
- Bioethanol enzymes
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Biopharma and Diagnostics
- Enzymes for molecular diagnostics
- Biopharmaceutical fermentation components
- Enzyme systems for nucleic acid purification and PCR
The company's offerings cater to diverse industries including food processing, agriculture, household care, biopharma, and energy.
Innovation and R&D
Novonesis is an R&D powerhouse, investing approximately 13% of annual revenue in research and innovation.
- Global R&D Spend (2022, pre-merger): €460 million
- R&D Employees: Over 1,500 globally
- China Innovation Centers: Located in Beijing and Wuxi, focusing on local market adaptation and fermentation optimization
- IP Portfolio: Over 7,000 active patents globally
Novonesis' focus on synthetic biology, enzyme engineering, and microbial fermentation positions it as a global innovation leader.
Certifications and Compliance
Novonesis operates under the highest global regulatory and quality standards, including:
- ISO 9001: Quality Management
- ISO 14001: Environmental Management
- FSSC 22000: Food Safety Certification
- GMP: For biopharmaceutical ingredients
- Non-GMO, Kosher, and Halal certifications across multiple product lines
In China, the company complies with all CFDA and SAMR regulatory frameworks for food additives, feed additives, and industrial biosolutions.
Sustainability Commitments
As a purpose-driven biosolutions company, Novonesis prioritizes sustainable growth:
- Carbon Reduction: Targets 75% reduction in absolute CO₂ emissions by 2030
- Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Approved
- Circular Economy: Over 80% of product portfolio enables customers to reduce waste, water use, or emissions
- China Green Factory: Tianjin plant recognized for energy efficiency and emissions reduction
Strategic Clients and Applications
Novonesis supplies biosolutions to major clients in:
- Food and Beverage: Yili, Mengniu, COFCO, Wahaha, Nestlé
- AgTech: Major seed and crop protection firms
- Biopharma: Global biotech firms and local Chinese diagnostic companies
- Detergents and Home Care: International FMCG companies and local OEM manufacturers
Its enzymes and microbial solutions improve yield, shelf life, nutritional profile, and sustainability across value chains.
M&A and Strategic Expansion
The creation of Novonesis marked one of the largest biotech mergers in history, valued at over €12.3 billion. This consolidation brought together:
- Novozymes: The global leader in industrial enzymes and microbes
- Chr. Hansen: The leader in dairy cultures and food probiotics
This integration provides expanded biosolution synergies, greater innovation potential, and a broader global footprint, including deeper localization in China.
Recognition and Industry Leadership
- Top 10 Biotech Employers Globally – Science Magazine
- Ranked #1 in Enzyme Production Worldwide
- Recognized as a Sustainability Leader in Dow Jones Sustainability Index
- IFBA Member (International Food & Beverage Alliance)
Conclusion
Novonesis represents the future of biology-driven innovation. With a robust presence in China through 诺维信（中国）投资有限公司, it serves as a key enabler for healthier foods, sustainable farming, cleaner industrial processes, and advanced healthcare. By combining scientific expertise with scalable solutions, Novonesis is redefining the role of biotechnology in global development.
