KMC partners with Daymer Ingredients to boost potato-based food innovation in the UK

Danish potato-based ingredient specialist KMC has announced a new partnership with UK distributor Daymer Ingredients, aiming to accelerate the availability of clean-label and functional potato starches across the UK food manufacturing sector. The collaboration is designed to tap into growing demand for plant-based and allergen-free solutions, while also supporting sustainability goals in food production.

KMC’s UK and Ireland Country Manager, Adam Shaw, said that finding the right distribution partner was central to the company’s UK expansion strategy. “When the opportunity arose to engage with Daymer Ingredients, it was a natural fit for us,” said Shaw. “Daymer will initially focus on our native clean label potato starch solutions, but we plan to soon extend the relationship to our specialised and modified potato starches, leveraging Daymer’s considerable expertise in these areas.”

Based in Brande, Denmark, KMC works exclusively with Danish potato farmers and has invested heavily in sustainable agricultural practices and factory modernisation. Its range of starches, fibres and proteins are used in applications ranging from confectionery and dairy alternatives to plant-based meats. A key part of the company’s strategy has been helping manufacturers move away from animal-derived ingredients, including dairy proteins, eggs and gelatine, through plant-based alternatives made from non-allergenic, gluten-free potato starch.

Daymer Ingredients, headquartered in the UK, specializes in functional and nutritional ingredient distribution. Managing Director James Brace said the partnership aligned closely with Daymer’s goals of delivering innovative and planet-friendly solutions to food producers. “We are excited to collaborate with KMC, a company that shares our dedication to innovation, quality and sustainability,” said Brace. “Their industry-leading potato-based ingredients offer a fresh approach that balances innovation with real-world food industry needs.”

For KMC, the UK is a key market in its broader growth ambitions. The company has publicly stated its vision to become the “first natural choice” for potato-based ingredients worldwide, and has increased its focus on strategic partnerships to help deliver on that goal. The new alliance with Daymer is expected to not only provide logistical and commercial support in the UK, but also serve as a platform for educating food manufacturers about the functional and clean-label benefits of potato-based formulations.

The move also reflects broader industry trends. UK food producers are under increasing pressure to reformulate for cleaner labels, address allergen concerns, and meet sustainability targets. Potato starch solutions are being used more widely as a functional replacement for animal-derived ingredients, allowing manufacturers to improve product texture and stability while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that replacing animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and resource use.

KMC’s clean-label starches, in particular, are positioned as suitable for manufacturers looking to eliminate synthetic or highly processed components without sacrificing functionality. These starches can improve texture and mouthfeel, act as stabilizers in sauces and plant-based dairy, or replace gelatine in confectionery applications. The company’s recent innovations include functional blends that aim to replace milk proteins in vegan cheese and yoghurt formulations.

This partnership also underscores both companies’ shared commitment to helping customers navigate the evolving plant-based landscape. By combining KMC’s technical expertise in potato-based ingredient development with Daymer’s deep relationships in the UK food industry, the two firms are aiming to bring more sustainable options to market, while also supporting reformulation projects that meet emerging consumer preferences.

“Our vision of a plant-based and climate-friendly future fits well with Daymer’s mission to improve nutrition, enhance functional health benefits, and maintain clear and transparent labelling,” said Shaw. “This collaboration will allow us to jointly support food manufacturers in creating better products for people and planet.”

The announcement marks a significant step forward for both companies, as they work together to deliver functional, scalable and consumer-friendly solutions to a food industry undergoing rapid change.