Denmark’s No.1 ‘DUOLAC’ Surpasses USD 30 Million in Cumulative Exports to Germany

Cell Biotech, which has led the globalization of K-probiotics by ranking No.1 in probiotic exports for 12 consecutive years, has surpassed USD 30 million in cumulative exports to Germany.

Following its recent achievement in Denmark—widely regarded as the birthplace of probiotics—where its brand DUOLAC ranked No.1 in market share against local competitors, the company has continued its strong momentum in Germany, a global powerhouse in the dietary supplement industry. As premium German vitamins gain popularity in Korea, K-probiotics are rapidly expanding their presence in Germany, reshaping the competitive landscape of the market.

Germany accounts for approximately 25% of the European dietary supplement market and is considered the most influential market in the region due to its stringent quality standards and high level of consumer trust. Since entering the German market in 2000, Cell Biotech has steadily grown its exports from around USD 10,000 in its first year to approximately USD 3.7 million in recent years.

As the application of probiotics continues to expand in Europe’s premium infant formula market, Cell Biotech’s K-probiotics have been recognized for their safety and technological excellence, to the extent that they are used in German-made infant formula. The company utilizes probiotic strains registered under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s highest safety certification system, “FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe),” and has further strengthened local credibility through a human clinical study conducted jointly with the University of Munich involving 106 infants.

Another key competitive advantage is Cell Biotech’s proprietary “Dual Coating” technology. By applying a double coating of protein and polysaccharides to probiotics, the technology enhances their survival rate in the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical studies have demonstrated up to 221 times higher survival rates compared to non-coated probiotics. This has helped establish the global brand image of “Strong Probiotics, DUOLAC.”

Cell Biotech has also strengthened its foothold in Europe by establishing a local subsidiary in Denmark—the first among Korean companies—to serve as a strategic hub for the European market. In addition, the company enhances its global competitiveness by producing products in compliance with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) standards and securing Kosher and Halal certifications.

A company representative stated, “Following our achievement of No.1 market share in Denmark, surpassing USD 30 million in cumulative exports to Germany demonstrates that K-probiotics are setting new standards in the global market. We will continue to accelerate our efforts to lead the global K-probiotics trend beyond Europe, driven by DUOLAC’s advanced technology and quality.”

Meanwhile, DUOLAC is a premium probiotic brand developed by Cell Biotech, a microbiome specialist that has dedicated 31 years to researching 100% Korean-origin probiotics. Cell Biotech became the fifth company in the world to achieve mass production of probiotics, laying the foundation for Korea’s probiotic industry. The company currently exports K-probiotics to 55 countries worldwide and has maintained its position as Korea’s No.1 probiotic exporter since 2013.