Lesaffre, a global leader in fermentation and microorganisms, has announced its acquisition of a 70% stake in Biorigin, a unit of the Brazilian multinational Zilor, marking a significant step in enhancing the production and supply of yeast derivatives for savoury ingredients. The deal is expected to provide greater efficiency in production processes and logistics, benefiting customers worldwide.
The agreement grants Lesaffre control of Biorigin’s operations, while Zilor will retain a 30% share. The acquisition includes Biorigin’s production facility in Quatá, São Paulo, located in Brazil, a country with plentiful natural resources, including sugar, water, and renewable energy, making it an attractive base for large-scale yeast production.
This strategic partnership between Lesaffre and Biorigin aims to combine the companies’ strengths to provide enhanced yeast derivative solutions for both the human food and animal nutrition sectors. The acquisition will boost production capacity and enable the development of new, naturally derived ingredients. Biorigin, with a 20-year history of innovation and sustainability, will continue to operate under its own brand, and the existing operations in Lençóis Paulista and Macatuba, São Paulo, will remain under Zilor’s control.
Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre, hailed the acquisition as a “new chapter” for the company, highlighting how the partnership aligns with growing consumer demand for natural savoury ingredients. “This acquisition will offer development opportunities to meet the growing needs of the human food and nutrition industries. Society currently demands savoury ingredients from natural sources, and we are stepping up to meet this need,” Riché said.
Riché also noted that the collaboration would strengthen Lesaffre’s position in the global market for yeast extracts through its Biospringer division. He added that working with Zilor, a company that shares Lesaffre’s values and focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, is central to this initiative. “Together with Biorigin, we are well-positioned to deliver enhanced yeast derivative and savoury ingredient solutions to customers around the world,” he said.
Fabiano Zillo, CEO of Zilor, expressed optimism about the partnership’s future. “Biorigin’s 20-year history has been marked by innovation and a commitment to sustainability,” Zillo said. “We believe this partnership will be a great opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and enhance the supply of yeast derivatives to the human food and animal nutrition markets.”
The deal is currently subject to the usual regulatory approvals, including clearance from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE). The completion of the transaction is expected in the coming months, pending fulfilment of these conditions.
For now, both companies will continue to operate independently, with business proceeding as usual until the deal is finalised. The partnership is seen as a crucial step forward in advancing the sustainable production of yeast derivatives and supporting the development of natural food ingredients in global markets.
