Tate & Lyle share results of peer-reviewed study

A new peer-reviewed study supported by Tate & Lyle suggests that PROMITOR Soluble Fiber might help support cognitive performance, adding to a growing body of research around the gut-brain axis and fiber’s role in functional nutrition and product formulation. Published recently in The Journal of Nutrition, the study, conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, measured the effects of soluble corn fiber on cognitive performance and gut microbiota. In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 42 healthy middle-aged and older adults, participants consumed 22 grams a day of PROMITOR Soluble Fiber (equivalent to 18 grams of fiber) over a four-week period. Researchers found that daily intake significantly improved response times during test of attentional inhibition, a key aspect of cognitive control, while also boosting gut bacteria in ways that may support brain function. This is among the first clinical studies to evaluate PROMITOR Soluble Fiber’s role in cognitive function and explore potential mechanisms linking gut microbiota changes to brain-related outcomes. Researchers set out to test whether soluble dietary fiber, already known to support gastrointestinal and physical health, could also improve cognitive performance by changing the gut microbiota. The study evaluated cognitive performance, microbiota composition and microbial activity to better understand how changes in the gut environment may influence brain-related outcomes. “The science of the gut–brain axis is advancing rapidly, and this study is a powerful example of how nutrition can support cognitive outcomes in ways consumers increasingly care about,” said Abigail Storms, vice president of sweeteners and fibers at Tate & Lyle, in a statement. “Our market insights show strong demand for benefits like focus and stress support, but also a disconnect: people are seeking these outcomes while the industry is still in the early stages of clearly explaining how fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics really work. Increasing intakes could be a major unlock for public health.”

Kerry opens expanded biotechnology manufacturing hub in Ireland

Kerry announced the opening of its expanded biotechnology manufacturing facility in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, significantly increasing its capacity to produce lactase enzymes at an industrial scale. The expansion strengthens Kerry’s ability to support dairy producers worldwide as demand accelerates for lactose-free and sugar-reduced dairy products, enabling faster scaleup, secure supply and consistent performance at commercial volumes. “This investment translates decades of biotech research into scalable, real-world capability,” said Shane McGibney, president and CEO of biotechnology solutions and transformation at Kerry, in a statement. “By strengthening the link between enzyme engineering and industrial production, we’re able to move innovations more efficiently from the lab to the production line —helping customers access reliable supply and bring new products to market with greater speed and confidence.” The Carrigaline investment enhances Kerry’s end-to-end enzyme platform by more closely linking advanced enzyme engineering and strain development with largescale manufacturing. Working with Kerry’s Global Innovation Centre as the central hub, Kerry connects innovation and application development with its specialized biotechnology capabilities at the Kerry Biotechnology Centre in Leipzig, Germany, and expanded production capacity in Carrigaline, Ireland, accelerating the journey from lab based discovery to commercial application. “This facility demonstrates how industry, skills and innovation come together to support the future of Ireland’s food and biotechnology sectors,” said Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, in a statement. “As a global leader in food, Kerry Group continues to play an important role in advancing high value capability from its Irish base. Manufacturing sites like Carrigaline help move innovation towards scale and strengthen Ireland’s position in advanced manufacturing.” With the expanded facility now operational, Kerry is well positioned to support the next phase of growth in lactose free and reduced sugar dairy, it says.

Finlays Solutions adds aseptic and fruit-based beverage specialization

Finlays Solutions has expanded its platform to include aseptic manufacturing and fruit-based beverage capabilities. These added specialties enable foodservice operators and product developers to create premium, on-trend drinks and streamline operations, it says. In January 2026, Finlays Solutions completed the integration of Leahy-IFP, a Chicago-based aseptic packer and formulator of natural fruit-based beverages, to seamlessly combine tea, coffee, botanicals, and fruit-based solutions under one roof. “In just a few months, we’ve seen how this integration has transformed Finlays Solutions into a more powerful and dynamic partner,” said Darnell Ross, CEO at Finlays Solutions, in a statement. “We now offer a more connected path between formulation, sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging to accelerate development timelines, reduce costly reformulations, and give our partners more control over the innovation lifecycle.” Finlays Solutions will help operators and brands deliver consistent, high-quality beverages across every location, reduce back of house complexity behind the counter and introduce premium, shelf-stable formats. “This integration has created the perfect blend of expertise to help meet exploding demand for natural beverages,” said Kathleen Timperman, chief science and innovation officer at Finlays Solutions, in a statement. “Clean label and shelf stability are table-stakes for beverage innovation, and aseptic technology is the key to delivering both without compromises. What excites me most is that our customers can now move faster on hybrid concepts that resonate with consumers, like premium fruit teas with functional benefits.”