Lesaffre acquires 70% stake in Biorigin, advancing global yeast ingredient innovation
The deal, initially announced in October 2024, brings together Lesaffre’s global reach and fermentation expertise with Biorigin’s strength in sugarcane-derived natural ingredients
BRAZIL – French fermentation specialist Lesaffre has acquired a 70% stake in Biorigin, the natural ingredient division of Brazilian agribusiness giant Zilor, finalizing a strategic joint venture aimed at revolutionizing yeast-based solutions for food and feed markets.
The deal, initially announced in October 2024, brings together Lesaffre’s global reach and fermentation expertise with Biorigin’s strength in sugarcane-derived natural ingredients, creating a powerful new platform for clean-label, sustainable ingredients across human, pet, and livestock nutrition sectors.
Through this joint venture, Lesaffre gains a stronger presence in Latin America and access to Biorigin’s established production and R&D capabilities, including a São Paulo-based R&D center with laboratories and a pilot plant. Meanwhile, Zilor benefits from Lesaffre’s global distribution network and advanced research expertise, enhancing the reach and innovation potential of yeast derivative products.
According to the deal, Zilor will continue to operate its ethanol and brewer’s spent yeast production units in Lençóis Paulista and Macatuba, retaining full control over its animal nutrition business and yeast-based products for pet and livestock nutrition produced at those sites
Central to this collaboration is Biorigin’s production facility in Quatá, São Paulo, recognized for its carbon-neutral operations powered by biomass energy. This plant will play a pivotal role in scaling up manufacturing capacity while maintaining a low environmental footprint, aligning with both companies’ strong commitments to sustainability and supply chain transparency.
The Quatá site benefits from Brazil’s abundant natural resources, including sugar, water, and renewable energy, which support environmentally responsible production practices
This strategic move reflects a broader trend in the food and agritech sectors, where cross-border collaborations are increasingly necessary to meet sustainability goals, innovate at scale, and navigate shifting consumer preferences.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the global yeast market is projected to grow from USD 4.2 billion in 2023 to US$ 6.4 billion by 2028, driven by demand for natural ingredients and protein alternatives.
In October 2024, Lesaffreannounced the successful acquisition of DSM-Firmenich’s yeast extract business following a comprehensive review by DSM-Firmenich, which decided to divest from certain segments of its portfolio as part of a broader strategic realignment.
The deal, valued at approximately €120 million (US$129 million), marked a significant milestone for both companies.
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