Lesaffre has taken a minority shareholding in Israeli start-up Yeap, to help the company finalise the development of a new protein ingredient made from upcycled yeast.

Yeap and Lesaffre share a vision to make yeast a key source of protein in the emerging plant-based protein market. The versatile protein has a “very low” environmental impact as it is made from upcycled yeast.

Jonathan Goshen, CEO and co-founder of Yeap, said: “The collaboration and investment from an industry leader such as Lesaffre is a strong vote of confidence in 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.”

Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre, added: “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.”

The investment will be overseen by Biospringer by Lesaffre, the “world’s largest” producer of natural food ingredients derived from yeast and other microorganisms. Carmen Arruda, general manager of Biospringer by Lesaffre, commented: "The product under development by Yeap is a natural ingredient for our customers and has the potential to address many of the challenges facing the food industry. With this investment, Biospringer strengthens its innovative position within this industry".