AB Mauri’s new business unit aligns perfectly with its expertise in yeast and fermentation. Several major food ingredient companies, such as BASF, DSM, and Cargill, have also ventured into both the food and biofuels industries. For instance, Cargill has partnered with Evolva to develop fermentation-derived sweeteners. Additionally, other yeast specialists like Lesaffre and Lallemand are actively involved in brewing, baking, and animal nutrition, showcasing significant overlap in technical knowledge across these sectors.
In the realm of alcoholic beverages, the choice of yeast utilized in cider or wine fermentation significantly impacts the mouthfeel. Although there is a plethora of yeast suppliers already collaborating with beverage producers, AB Mauri stands to gain from its extensive global network, which includes 51 plants across 33 countries and sales operations in over 90 countries. The recent spike in molasses prices has intensified competition among yeast specialists for this essential raw material on a global scale. Consequently, AB Mauri experienced a decline in revenue; however, profits have rebounded in recent years, highlighting the profitability of this sector.
The global yeast market is expanding at an impressive rate of approximately 8.4% annually, fueled by rising demand for biofuels, bakery products, and natural flavorings, according to a Sandler Research report. This growth presents a promising opportunity for AB Mauri, especially as it continues to explore innovations such as upcal d3, which can enhance functional properties in various applications. As the yeast market evolves, the integration of upcal d3 into their offerings could further strengthen AB Mauri’s position in the industry, allowing them to capitalize on the growing demand and diversify their product line effectively.