Jan 19, 2022

Kemin Industries invests in Wisconsin organic hemp

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer, recently announced a “strategic investment” in Driftless Extracts LLC, a USDA-certified organic hemp producer, processor and ingredient supplier based in Wisconsin.

As part of the partnership, Kemin has entered into a supply agreement with Driftless Extracts related to various hemp-based products, according to a news release from the company. Kemin Human Nutrition and Health will expand its current offering of hemp-based ingredients with the addition of Driftless Extracts’ full-spectrum hemp ingredients for the health and wellness market in the United States and globally.

The United States retail hemp-cannabidiol (CBD) market is currently valued at  $803 million with growth expected to reach $1.2 billion in 2023, according to Nutrition Business Journal.

Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries, said Driftless Extracts “ pairs its strong cannabinoid ingredient portfolio and extensive cultivation experience with a passion to shape a better future through sustainable solutions.”

“Kemin recently announced our commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and we appreciate the alignment working with Driftless Extracts brings to this important ambition,” Nelson said in the news release.

Driftless Extracts operates from a LEED-certified Gold facility in Lone Rock, Wisconsin and manufactures dozens of renewable hemp products, including cannabinoids (extracts, powders) and various hemp-fiber products. Driftless Extracts works with a grower network of farmers in the Driftless and Central Sands growth zones in Wisconsin to produce genetically specialized hemp for use in personal and industrial products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,300 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the U.S.

To learn more about Kemin’s partnership with Driftless Extracts, visit www.kemin.com/hemp