Ukrainian yeast producer Enzym develops new direction
The Enzym company from Ukraine received a loan of 10 million euros, the funds were provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In addition, the largest yeast producer in the country is cooperating with various funds that provide financial assistance to improve and test products with environmental and social components. The partners have also assumed legal support and related costs.
Enzyme” company is a leader on Ukrainian market, its products are exported to 16 countries of the world, about 40% of the produced volumes are exported. The yeast buyers are the states of Europe, Africa and Asia.
Due to the specifics of the yeast market is limited, so the owners of the company expand business opportunities by investing in the related segments where this product is used. For example, fresh yeast is in demand in the production of beer, bakery products and wine. Besides, Enzym is developing the direction of yeast extract production from beet molasses. This product has a rich set of B vitamins and can be used as a flavor enhancer in meat and other dishes as well as a salt substitute.
Together with investors, the company developed a project to build a plant that will produce yeast extracts. The plant in Lviv will cost about 26 mln EUR and it will be the first facility of this type in Ukraine. This project allowed the company to occupy a promising niche, as well as to diversify the range of products and increase exports.
Experts from the EBRD took part in assessing the profitability of the project and the advantages of the niche; their consulting program made it possible to reveal all the advantages of yeast extracts production.
The product is a natural food additive that serves as an ideal substitute for monosodium glutamate, which is banned in a number of countries. In addition to almost a complete set of B vitamins, yeast extracts contain minerals and amino acids. The product is an excellent component for the diet of vegans and vegetarians, as it contains high-quality protein, which is a decent substitute for animal protein.
The extract is made from yeast, the process itself takes about a day, which results in the destruction of the cell wall and the release of its contents. The walls also carry benefits, with oligosaccharides and several other components that have a positive effect on digestion.
The extract is produced in three forms – paste, powder or flakes. The first version is mainly used for sausages, pates and vegetarian dishes.
Powder is an excellent addition to salads, porridges and other foods. It is complemented with various flavors, such as nutty, chicken.
