Manufacturing process and biotechnology

The world leader in manufacturing premium quality yeast and yeast derivatives for the past 150 years, Lesaffre utilizes an automated and precisely controlled four-step procedure to grow our yeast.

Step 1: Seeding

All Lesaffre yeast products start with a pure parent yeast culture of non-genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our technicians prepare the culture in our laboratory following strict quality control procedures. The seed yeast is grown in sterile flasks and then transferred to large stainless steel fermentation tanks, where it will be cultivated.

Step 2: Cultivation

During the cultivation process, Lesaffre precisely controls the temperature, pH and “diet” of the yeast in order to create the optimal growing conditions. The yeast is “fed” a purified medium of nutrients and air.

Step 3: Harvesting

Once the growing process is complete, the fermented yeast liquid is passed through a centrifuge, which concentrates and thoroughly washes the yeast cells. The resultant product is an off-white liquid called "yeast cream".

Step 4: Drying

Finally, the yeast is either dried on roller drum or fluid-bed dryers and sized, or a yeast extract is produced (see picture). Then, it is ready to ship to customers!