Angel Yeast, a global leader in yeast manufacturing, has reached a significant milestone with the topping out of its main plant for industrial yeast protein production in Baiyang Yichang. This facility, with an annual output capacity of 11,000 tonnes, represents a cornerstone in the company’s sustainable protein development strategy and is set to commence operations in 2025.
The project underscores Angel Yeast’s commitment to addressing global food challenges through innovative fermentation and biomanufacturing technologies. Yeast protein offers a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, reducing reliance on land and water while significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Production of yeast protein emits just one-twentieth of the carbon dioxide associated with animal protein, making it an environmentally friendly solution for the future of food.
A New Era for Protein Production
Traditional methods of protein production, including crop cultivation and dairy farming, are resource-intensive and may struggle to meet future demands. Angel Yeast has pioneered a process to extract high-quality proteins from yeast in a matter of hours, vastly improving production efficiency. To cater to growing market demand, the company is expanding its capacity with this new facility.
AngeoPro, Angel Yeast’s flagship product, exemplifies the potential of yeast protein. With a protein content 80% higher than many plant-based alternatives and a 96% protein utilisation rate, it surpasses other sources like whey and plant proteins in nutritional value. AngeoPro contains all nine essential amino acids required by the human body, making it a versatile and efficient ingredient for products such as protein bars, cereals, cookies, and alternative meats.
Industry and Market Response
The Asia-Pacific region, where meat demand is projected to account for half of global consumption by 2050, is a key growth area for alternative proteins. Bruce Friedrich, founder of the Good Food Institute, likened the development of alternative proteins to the early days of solar energy and electric vehicles, highlighting their potential to become mainstream solutions.
Angel Yeast has already introduced AngeoPro to global markets, showcasing its products at the Food Ingredients Global Europe 2024 event in Frankfurt. The company has also partnered with a prominent vegan protein bar brand in India, demonstrating the versatility and appeal of its yeast protein solutions.
Commitment to Innovation
Zhang Yan, assistant general manager of Angel Yeast and dean of its research institute, emphasised the company’s dedication to driving advancements in protein technology. “AngeoPro has redefined the concept of future protein, offering unparalleled nutritional and environmental benefits. We will continue to invest in research, improve production technologies, and expand applications to contribute to a sustainable future.”
With the cost of yeast protein production decreasing, global markets are responding swiftly to the technology’s promise. Angel Yeast is poised to lead the charge in reshaping the protein industry, offering sustainable and innovative solutions for global food security.