Innovation focus: what sets us apart from competition

Summary 

• Science-driven solutions addressing micronutrient deficiencies worldwide.
• Microbiome-targeted innovations that restore gut health and enhance nutrient uptake in vulnerable populations.
• Fortified school meals and staple foods helping children and communities thrive through better nutrition.

Micronutrient deficiencies are an enduring challenge in global health. While progress has been made through supplementation and fortification programs, deficiencies remain widespread and in some regions are worsening. There is an urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions to reverse this trend.

The consequences of micronutrient deficiencies at both the personal and societal levels are profound and can be perpetuated across generations. The burden is particularly severe in regions such as Africa and Western Asia, where infectious and noncommunicable diseases, combined with rising food insecurity, have intensified malnutrition.

The prevalence of stunting remains alarmingly high, with 150.2 million children affected in 2024. Micronutrient deficiencies are a key contributing factor, impairing growth and development during early childhood. Nutritional diversity is also limited, with only 34% of children aged 6 to 23 months meeting the minimum dietary diversity standards. Among women of reproductive age, the prevalence of anemia – often caused by iron deficiency – has risen from 27.6% in 2012 to 30.7% in 2023, underscoring the widespread impact of inadequate micronutrient intake.

At dsm-firmenich, we work with governments, NGOs, and public health experts to co-create science-based interventions. By aligning scientific innovation with partnership, we are not only making essential nutrients more accessible but are also delivering solutions that stand out in their ability to address malnutrition at scale. Designed with an awareness of ecological and economic contexts, our approach focuses on improving iron absorption, supporting the gut microbiome, and strengthening child development through fortified foods and school feeding programs. 

Better iron absorption

To fight anemia, the World Health Organization has called for innovative approaches to improve iron bioavailability and strengthen food-based solutions that can be scaled sustainably. At dsm-firmenich, we translate this call into action by working closely with governments, NGOs, and public health experts to develop new applications that do not just provide iron but make it truly accessible and effective for those most at risk.

One way we deliver these advances is through Fortitech® Premix Solutions, which integrate essential micronutrients into everyday foods and beverages. These premixes are designed not simply to add micronutrients such as iron, but to optimize their absorption and effectiveness. Our food solutions also feature other cutting-edge additions like phytase, a clinically validated enzyme that enhances iron uptake and amplifies nutritional impact.

The combination of scientific expertise, evidence-based design, and collaborative delivery makes it possible to reduce anemia prevalence while strengthening immunity, growth, and long-term health outcomes. In doing so, dsm-firmenich contributes directly to global nutrition targets and helps create healthier futures for the most vulnerable populations.

Microbiome-targeted innovations

Good nutrition is not just about what we eat; it is also about how our bodies handle the food. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and immune function, yet in many low-resource settings, it is frequently disrupted by poor sanitation and recurrent infections. This dysbiosis impairs the body's ability to utilize essential nutrients, further deepening the cycle of malnutrition. UNICEF has documented how these conditions limit micronutrient uptake, while the WHO and World Bank have linked poverty and environmental conditions to poor nutritional outcomes. Microbiome-targeted innovations are emerging as a promising frontier to restore gut health and improve nutrient absorption, especially in vulnerable populations.

Leveraging our Microbiome Innovation Platform and focusing on nutrient–microbiome interaction, we embed microbiome science into broad nutrition strategies in partnership with governments, NGOs, and leading scientists to push this frontier forward. Our approach aims to lower infection risk, build resilience, and empower communities facing the greatest nutritional challenges to thrive.

School feeding programs

For millions of children, school meals are a critical source of daily nutrition that supports growth, learning, and well-being. That is why dsm-firmenich supports school feeding programs around the world, supplying fortified ingredients that help boost physical development, cognitive performance, and immunity. The WFP’s School Feeding Strategy (2020–2030) highlights micronutrient fortification as a cornerstone of child development. In partnership with organizations such as World Vision, we help to make school meals more nourishing and impactful.

Beyond classrooms, we also pioneer solutions for staple foods that feed entire populations. Rice, for example, is the daily dietary staple for billions of people. Our award-winning NutriRice® extrusion technology embeds essential micronutrients directly into rice grains without altering their taste or cooking properties. Recognized by GAIN as the leading scalable method for rice fortification, this innovation demonstrates how dsm-firmenich delivers solutions unmatched in both efficiency and impact.

Improved everyday meals, from the school cafeteria to the family kitchen, can be a powerful tool for better health and brighter futures.

Conclusion

The fight against malnutrition is complex, but progress is possible. At dsm-firmenich, we are advancing solutions that go beyond supplementation, focusing on improving nutrient absorption, supporting a healthy gut microbiome, and enriching everyday foods through school feeding programs and staple fortification. Each of these innovations tackles a different part of the challenge, yet together they help reduce the global burden of preventable nutritional disorders.

Our strength lies in partnership. By working with governments, NGOs, and public health experts, we ensure that fortified foods and nutrition interventions are not only effective but also practical and scalable. Technologies like our award-winning extrusion platform make it possible to reach entire populations with essential nutrients, while tailored premix solutions ensure that interventions are adapted to local needs and contexts.

True impact goes beyond technology, encompassing resilience-building through improved immunity, better educational outcomes, and healthier communities for the next generation.

As a pioneer in global nutrition, dsm-firmenich continues to push scientific boundaries. We combine our relentless focus on innovation with strong partnerships for maximum reach. This is what sets us apart and positions us to deliver nutrition solutions that are equitable, impactful, and future-ready.