Lesaffre Invests in Yeap to Develop Sustainable Protein from Upcycled Yeast

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Investment: Lesaffre has made a 10% investment in Yeap to finalize the development of a new protein ingredient made from upcycled yeast.
• Sustainable Protein Source: The protein is expected to be a sustainable, nutritious, and versatile alternative to animal proteins with a low environmental impact.
• Industry Endorsement: The investment serves as a strong vote of confidence in Yeap from an industry leader like Lesaffre.
• Future Food Solutions: Lesaffre aims to address the food challenges of tomorrow through this partnership, leveraging its expertise in fermentation and micro-organisms.
• Innovative Positioning: Managed by Biospringer by Lesaffre, the investment aims to strengthen Lesaffre’s innovative stance in the food industry.

In a strategic move to advance sustainable food solutions, Lesaffre announced today a 10% investment in Yeap, a company specializing in developing alternative protein ingredients. The investment aims to finalize the development of a new protein ingredient made from upcycled yeast, positioning Yeap as one of Lesaffre’s critical partners in the alternative protein market.

A Sustainable and Nutritious Protein Alternative

Yeast proteins are emerging as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to animal proteins. They offer a range of benefits, including high nutritional value, appealing taste, and versatility in various food applications. Both companies envision making yeast a cornerstone in the burgeoning plant-based protein market. The protein under development is expected to have a low environmental impact due to its upcycled yeast origin.

Industry Confidence and Innovation

Jonathan Goshen, CEO and Co-Founder of Yeap, expressed that the investment from an industry leader like Lesaffre is a strong endorsement for Yeap. “This investment will help us increase our capacity to innovate,” said Goshen, emphasizing Yeap’s role in addressing climate change and resource scarcity.

Addressing Future Food Challenges

Lesaffre, with a history spanning 170 years, has been at the forefront of innovative solutions to create a healthier, more sustainable future. “With Yeap, we aim to take a step further in finding solutions to the food challenges of tomorrow,” stated Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre. The investment will be managed by Biospringer by Lesaffre, the world’s largest producer of natural food ingredients derived from yeast and other microorganisms.

Strengthening Industry Position

Carmen Arruda, General Manager of Biospringer by Lesaffre, highlighted that the product under development has the potential to address many challenges facing the food industry. “With this investment, Biospringer strengthens its innovative position within this industry,” she explained.

Image provided by Yeap