The invention relates to a novel composition which is characterized in that it contains alpha-amylase and a calcium salt. The enzymatic activity of the amylase is considerably increased and prolonged by several weeks when the amylase and the calcium salt are present in specified relative concentrations. The alpha-amylase is advantageously produced by <i>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</i>. The calcium salt is especially calcium chloride.
