Lesaffre announced it gained a minority shareholding in Yeap, a start-up specializing in functional alternative proteins. The yeast specialist made a 10% investment in Yeap’s shares to help it finalize the development of a promising new protein ingredient made from upcycled yeast. Through this investment, Yeap becomes one of Lesaffre’s partners in bringing new functional, alternative proteins to the market. The protein will be highly versatile, and because it is made from upcycled yeast, it will have a very low environmental impact.

This investment will be overseen by Biospringer by Lesaffre, which is the world’s largest producer of natural food ingredients derived from yeast and other microorganisms.

Yeast proteins are natural and sustainable, making them an excellent alternative to animal proteins, Lesaffre explains in the announcement. They are also highly nutritious, have an attractive taste, and have applications in a wide range of foods.

“The collaboration and investment from an industry leader such as Lesaffre is a strong vote of confidence in Yeap,” says Jonathan Goshen CEO and Co-Founder of Yeap. “As our world is facing the great challenges of climate change and scarcity of resources – we believe Yeap can be part of the solution. This investment will help us increase our capacity to innovate.”

“For 170 years, Lesaffre has been innovating to bring its customers solutions that help create a healthier, more sustainable future. Our expertise in fermentation and micro-organisms enables us to innovate every day, with the support of our passionate R&D teams, and by investing in start-ups in which we believe. With Yeap, we aim to take a step further in finding solutions to the food challenges of tomorrow,” says Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre.

Photo: Lesaffre