#Japan #Puratos #STYLE BREAD #Kiryu #Kiryu Yeast

A Landmark Recognition for Kiryu Yeast

A significant milestone has been reached for Style Bread, a Japanese bakery specializing in frozen baked goods, as their proprietary yeast, Kiryu Yeast, has been officially archived at the world-renowned Puratos Sourdough Library. This honor marks only the second time a Japanese sourdough culture has been included in this unique collection. The inclusion of Kiryu Yeast underscores its high value and the cultural significance it represents in the realm of sourdough fermentation.

Understanding the Sourdough Library

The Puratos Sourdough Library is dedicated to preserving an extensive array of sourdough cultures, crucial in the baking process for imparting distinct flavors and aromas to bread. Its origins trace back to ancient Egypt around 3000 B.C., where sourdough techniques began to evolve. Currently, the library safeguards an impressive collection of 157 unique cultures from bakers around the world, representing 33 different countries as of September 2026. Here, microbes are carefully maintained in an optimal environment to ensure their longevity as a living cultural heritage that can be passed down to future generations.

The Natural Richness of Gunma Prefecture

Kiryu Yeast originates in the idyllic setting of Kiryu City, located in Gunma Prefecture. Known for its pristine waters from the Watarase and Kiryu Rivers, alongside the distinctive winds from Mount Akagi—known as Akagi Oroshi—this environment has fostered the careful cultivation of Style Bread's unique yeast. The dedication to perfecting this homemade yeast spans over a century, illustrating the commitment to quality that continues into the modern era, especially in their specialty in frozen breads.

Unique Flavor and Texture Offered by Kiryu Yeast

Kiryu Yeast is integral to Style Bread's manufacturing process across its various facilities. Each facility is equipped with its own yeast research lab, where researchers continuously propagate the yeast from locally sourced Gunma wheat flour. What sets Kiryu Yeast apart is its dual nature; it is a 'living' sourdough culture, containing not only yeast but also lactic acid bacteria. This combination generates a unique and rich flavor profile during the fermentation process while retaining moisture within the dough.

With the application of rapid freezing technology, Style Bread ensures a consistent quality of Kiryu Yeast, allowing them to deliver baked goods to customers both domestically and internationally. Maintaining the quality of homemade yeast throughout changing seasons presents considerable challenges. Still, dedicated efforts in their research facilities have led to the continued excellence of Kiryu Yeast, recognized as a rare blend of lactic acid bacterial strains.

Expert Insights

Comments from the Company

Toshiyuki Tanaka, the CEO of Style Bread, shared his reflections on this achievement:
"We have always been committed to enhancing the dining experience through our bread made from homemade yeast. It's a true honor to see our dedication recognized internationally by the Sourdough Library. We are filled with gratitude for our customers who choose our bread daily, and we will continue to strive for excellence in every loaf we create."

Library's Librarian Comments

Karl de Sammet, from the Puratos Sourdough Library, expressed his appreciation:
"We are thrilled to keep Kiryu Yeast in our library. Its unique microbial diversity significantly contributes to our mission of preserving the future of sourdough cultures. Furthermore, being able to study and protect this valuable Japanese sourdough culture expands our understanding of microbial diversity and heritage. Collaborating with Style Bread will be key to passing on the culture and values of sourdough to forthcoming generations."

Kiryu Yeast's journey from the heart of Japan to being recognized globally represents not just a business achievement but a celebration of culinary heritage.

Discover More on Kiryu Yeast

For further details about Kiryu Yeast and its applications in products, feel free to check Style Bread’s official website. They welcome inquiries and offer an online catalog for purchasing.

• - Official Website: Style Bread
• - Product Catalog: Online Catalog

Company Overview

Style Bread started its journey in 2006 in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, evolving from a long-standing bakery dating back to the Taisho era. The concept of making delicious bread freezeable was inspired by a vision from the United States. Using Kiryu Yeast and domestic wheat, Style Bread’s products have found their way into approximately 5,000 hotels and restaurants nationwide. In 2018, the company expanded into the consumer market, introducing a subscription service under the brand name "STYLE BREAD" in May 2024, promoting a lifestyle featuring high-quality bread in everyday life.

• - Company Name: Style Bread Co., Ltd.
• - Established: May 2006
• - CEO: Toshiyuki Tanaka
• - Business Focus: Bread Manufacturing and Sales
• - Website: Style Bread