Fermentation specialist Lesaffre has announced a significant investment in its yeast production plant in Ghent, Belgium, operated by Algist Bruggeman.
The move is aimed at strengthening the company’s industrial capabilities and enabling its Fermentis business unit to better support brewers around the world.
Lesaffre, which has been a global player in fermentation and microorganisms since 1853, said the investment underscores its focus on quality and innovation in yeast production and processing.
Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre, said: “This investment into state-of-the-art yeast production for fermented beverages and packaging facilities is much more than just a technological upgrade. It embodies Lesaffre’s determination to continually raise its quality standards.
“The new infrastructure now enables our Fermentis by Lesaffre business unit to meet the most stringent quality requirements on the all-brewing market while offering our customers a high level of service, thus confirming our historic commitment to innovation and industrial performance.”
The new facility incorporates advanced production and packaging systems designed to optimise quality. Features include production lines that are fully cleanable in both wet and dry conditions, as well as intelligent camera systems and in-line tools for enhanced quality control.
A fully automated intermediate storage system has also been installed to help ensure compliance with global customer requirements.
The investment also puts Fermentis in position to expand its capabilities in the future, with the ability to produce on-demand and broaden its packaging formats.
“We are thrilled to see the results of another big investment in our future: a brand-new production line in one of our key factories,” said Stéphane Meulemans, General Manager at Fermentis by Lesaffre.
“This new facility allows us to raise the quality of our yeast to new standards, unheard of in the brewing industry.”
Lesaffre said the new production line will deliver yeast with greater purity and higher quality, supported by updated microbiological purity specifications to be announced soon. The company is also set to roll out new packaging incorporating protected technology, including a piercing tool, designed to make products safer and easier to use.
