Leading enzyme company Novozymes will change its strategy in a bid to extend the food enzyme side to its business. For the first nine months of 2002 the Danish-based company reported a sales growth - particularly evident in the baking industry - of 9 per cent for food enzymes.

Over the next two years, Novozymes plans to extend the food enzymes' share from 26 per cent of total sales in 2002 to 30 per cent in 2005.

"We want to spend more resources on developing enzymes for the food industry," said executive vice president at Novozymes, Peder Holk Nielsen.

According to the company - that currently boasts a portfolio of 500 enzymes - growth within the food area has been far heavier than expected, a principal reason for the food enzyme focus. Another contributory reason is the falling demand for detergent enzymes.

Peder Holk Nielsen believes that the potential for enzymes within the total ingredient area is 'extremely large' and that enzymes have the potential to replace a number of ingredients.

Novozymes will concentrate on enzymes used in baking, brewing and winemaking industries as well as those for the oils and fats industry.