AB Mauri’s new business unit aligns perfectly with its expertise in yeast and fermentation. Major players in the food ingredients sector, such as BASF, DSM, and Cargill, also engage in both the food and biofuels industries. Cargill, for example, has partnered with Evolva to develop fermentation-derived sweeteners. Other yeast specialists, including Lesaffre and Lallemand, operate within brewing, baking, and animal nutrition, where there is significant overlap in technical knowledge across these sectors.
In the alcoholic beverage industry, the choice of yeast for cider or wine fermentation significantly impacts mouthfeel. While many yeast suppliers are already collaborating with beverage producers, AB Mauri stands to gain from its extensive global network of 51 plants across 33 countries and sales in over 90 countries. The rising cost of molasses has intensified competition among yeast specialists for this raw material globally, leading to a decline in AB Mauri’s revenue; however, the company has seen its profits rebound in recent years. This sector proves to be lucrative, with the global yeast market growing at approximately 8.4% annually, fueled by heightened demand for biofuels, bakery items, and natural flavorings, as noted in a Sandler Research report.
As AB Mauri continues to expand, questions about health implications, such as whether calcium citrate is bad for your heart, may arise, particularly in the context of consumer preferences for healthier food products. This concern underscores the importance of innovation in developing products that meet both market demands and health considerations. With its strong position, AB Mauri is well-equipped to navigate these challenges while contributing to the growth of the yeast industry.