Kerry Group (KRZ) Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference (CAGNY) 2026 summary

Strategic execution and business transformation

• Maintains a strong track record of double-digit EPS CAGR, with high single-digit or greater constant currency EPS growth in eight of the last ten years, and consistent outperformance of market volume growth by 300bps.

• Transformed into a pure-play taste and nutrition company, divesting non-core businesses and investing €3bn in science and technology from 2018–2025.

• Implements Accelerate 2.0 for manufacturing, supply chain, and digital excellence, targeting €100m annual savings by 2028.

• Prioritizes capital allocation to reinvestment, dividends, M&A, and share buybacks, supported by strong cash generation and investment grade rating.

• Recent developments include a new biotechnology center in Germany, geographic expansion in Africa and Middle East, and new innovation centers in Dubai, Frankfurt, and Jakarta.

Market dynamics and growth opportunities

• Food and beverage markets remain highly dynamic, with growth concentrated in high-protein, ready-to-drink coffee, poultry, and supplements.

• Over 60% of food and beverage activity involves product reformulation, driven by cost reduction and clean label demand.

• Expands in the Americas and APMEA, with APMEA revenue expected to nearly double from €850m in 2015 to over €1.6bn in 2025.

• Responds to regulatory and consumer trends driving demand for cleaner labels, sustainability, and nutrition/wellness.

• Local investments and technology give structural advantage in high-growth regions like Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa.

Innovation and biotechnology leadership

• Biotechnology and biofermentation enable scalable, resource-efficient solutions for cleaner labels, improved nutrition, and sustainability.

• 40% of taste solutions are enabled by fermentation; portfolio includes enzymes, biopharma, and food protection systems.

• Recent innovations include fermentation-derived sweet and salt reduction, new prebiotic/postbiotic products, and enzyme systems for natural sweetness.

• Integrated solutions address complex customer needs in protein, shelf life, taste, and cost management.

• Examples include clean label meat snacks, high-protein beverages, sodium and sugar reduction in bakery, and shelf life extension for chicken products.