#China #Angel Yeast #AngeoPro #Yichang #Alternative Proteins

Enhancing Yeast Protein Production to Meet Global Demand for Alternative Proteins

In response to the escalating global appetite for alternative protein sources, Angel Yeast (SH600298), a world-renowned yeast producer, has announced the completion of its main facility for industrial yeast protein production. This significant milestone was achieved in Baiyang, Yichang, with a production capacity geared towards 11,000 tons annually, marking a critical step in the company's sustainable protein development strategy.

The traditional methods of protein production, which include cultivating grains and legumes as well as livestock farming, are often time-consuming and may not adequately meet future demands for quantity, quality, and sustainability. The pressing need for innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality large-scale protein production methods is clear. Angel Yeast has successfully pioneered the extraction of yeast-based proteins, a process that significantly enhances production efficiency as it takes only a few hours, unlike conventional methods.

With the demand for alternative proteins surging, Angel Yeast is expanding its production capabilities to meet market needs. The 11,000-ton production line is slated to commence operations in 2025. Notably, yeast protein provides substantial environmental benefits, reducing dependency on agricultural land and water resources while also lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon dioxide emissions associated with yeast protein production are estimated to be about 1/20th those of animal proteins, making it a more sustainable option.

The AngeoPro line from Angel Yeast has greatly diversified the application of yeast protein. The product range is extensive, including protein bars, high-protein cereals, chips, yeast protein powders, cookies, and even alternative meat products. Zhang Yan, the Deputy General Manager of Angel Yeast and Dean of the Angel Yeast Research Institute, stated, “AngeoPro has redefined the term 'future protein' by boasting an 80% higher protein content and a 96% protein digestibility rate that surpasses nearly all plant-based proteins. It also delivers the nine essential amino acids required by the human body, consisting of 47% of total amino acids, compared to 46% from whey protein and only 35-40% from most plant proteins. This makes AngeoPro yeast protein an advantageous and highly efficient source of quality protein.”

The demand for meat is projected to grow significantly in the Asia-Pacific region, accounting for 50% of global demand by 2050. Bruce Friedrich, founder and CEO of the Good Food Institute, recently compared the evolution of alternative proteins to the early development of solar energy and electric vehicles, indicating that these innovations were once viewed as impractical but are now mainstream solutions for energy transitions.

With the costs of yeast proteins rapidly decreasing, both global and Asian markets are responding swiftly to these trends, thus promoting the adoption of potential technologies. Angel Yeast is taking a leading role in this global landscape, showcasing AngeoPro products at the Food Ingredients Global Europe 2024 in Frankfurt, and has introduced the ingredient to a well-known vegan protein bar brand in India, further broadening its applications.

The commitment from Angel Yeast to invest in research and development for yeast proteins remains strong. The company is focused on enhancing production technologies and exploring new avenues for expansion to contribute to building a sustainable future for all. As this industry evolves, the innovations spearheaded by companies like Angel Yeast will play a pivotal role in meeting the protein needs of a growing global population sustainably.