Food & Beverage
Biospringer: A Pioneer in Yeast Extract Innovation
2024-11-27
In 1873, Biospringer was founded, and in 1958, it made history by becoming the first company to manufacture yeast extract for commercial use. Later, it was acquired by the Lesaffre Group. Today, Biospringer by Lesaffre operates ten manufacturing sites worldwide, with three strategically located across the Asia Pacific. This extensive network enables them to offer tailored solutions to local markets in a timely manner.

Our Mission: Partnering for Innovation

"Our mission is to collaborate with food producers to create innovative, natural ingredients through fermentation. These ingredients enhance flavor while being environmentally conscious," said Philippe L’Honneur, general manager of Biospringer Asia Pacific. This partnership approach emphasizes the significance of collaboration in facilitating the food industry's transition towards healthier formulations.

Milestones and Achievements

Recent years have witnessed significant milestones for Biospringer, demonstrating its dedication to innovation and collaboration. In 2017, the establishment of its Culinary Centre in Singapore was a standout achievement. This technical hub provides customers with the opportunity to work directly with Biospringer's R&D experts, ensuring that product development aligns closely with market needs."Our Culinary Centre has truly been a game-changer. It enables our customers to access our expertise in fermentation-based products," said Philippe.In addition, the acquisition of DSM-Firmenich's yeast extract ranges in October 2024 marked another crucial moment. Philippe emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, "This strategic move broadens our product offerings and enhances our fermentation expertise." This commitment to continuous improvement and innovation positions Biospringer as a leader in the industry.

The Evolving Role of Yeast

Over the years, the role of yeast in the food and beverage industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially regarded as a simple flavor enhancer or MSG replacement, yeast extracts have now become essential ingredients for creating complex flavors."Yeast extracts are integral to flavor development. They possess properties that can add umami, create specific flavor notes, and mask off-notes," explained Lucie Oodoomansaib, sales manager for Biospringer in Australia & New Zealand. This transformation is in response to the increasing consumer demand for clean labels and health-oriented products, especially in terms of reducing salt and sugar content.With the rise of dietary preferences like veganism and the need for gluten-free options, the versatility of yeast extracts has become crucial for food manufacturers. "Selecting natural yeast-based ingredients is not just a trend; it's a long-term investment in healthier formulations," said Lucie.The food industry is currently facing several challenges as consumer demands for transparency and healthier options grow. Stringent regulations aimed at reducing sugar and salt levels are compelling manufacturers to produce clean-label products that are both nutritious and delicious. In this complex landscape, Biospringer is well-prepared to meet these challenges."Our expertise in fermentation allows us to provide multifunctional solutions that enhance flavor and promote health," said Lucie.Sustainability also presents a significant opportunity for Biospringer. The company is committed to minimizing its environmental impact by optimizing resource use and reducing carbon footprints. "We conduct regular audits of our manufacturing practices to ensure we meet the highest sustainability standards," said Philippe. This commitment resonates with an increasing number of consumers and food manufacturers who prioritize sustainable practices.Recent product launches, such as Springer Proteissimo 102, a clean-flavored vegan protein, demonstrate the company's forward-thinking approach to ingredient development.

Innovation at Biospringer

Innovation at Biospringer is driven by a robust R&D pipeline. Teams in France, the United States, and Singapore are focused on exploring new fermentation methods and product applications."Our focus on innovation is not only about creating new products; it's about addressing the evolving needs of our customers," said Lucie.At the core of Biospringer's strategy is a commitment to understanding and responding to customer needs. The company actively seeks feedback through initiatives like the Voice of Customers survey, which has resulted in high satisfaction ratings."We received a score of 9 out of 10 from our customers, reflecting our commitment to quality and support," said Philippe.This proactive approach to customer engagement helps Biospringer refine its offerings and better align with market demands. The company plans to enhance its services further by developing a customer portal, which will streamline communication and ensure that client feedback directly influences product innovation."Listening to our customers is crucial to our success," added Lucie.

Shaping the Future

As the demand for healthier, functional food products continues to rise, Biospringer is well-positioned to lead the way in yeast-based ingredient innovation. The company has ambitious plans to expand its product portfolio and explore new markets, aiming to solidify its status as the number one provider of fermentation-based ingredients."Our vision is not only to expand but to be at the forefront of ingredient innovation. We want to continuously develop products that exceed customer expectations, especially in the areas of health and sustainability," said Lucie.Consumer preferences are constantly evolving, and Lucie noted that today's consumers are more inclined towards healthier and more nutritious solutions. "However, they also don't want to sacrifice taste," she said. This dual focus on health and flavor highlights the relevance of yeast extracts in modern food formulations.With the introduction of products like Springer ® Proteissimo, which offers a natural yeast protein option, Biospringer is directly responding to consumer demand for clean-label, high-quality ingredients."We see our yeast proteins as a solution for food manufacturers seeking alternative protein sources," said Lucie.Looking ahead, Biospringer has set clear goals and projects for the coming years. One of the primary focuses is the integration of the DSM-Firmenich yeast extracts into its offerings."This acquisition will enable us to leverage our combined expertise in fermentation and develop new, innovative products," said Philippe.Additionally, the company is preparing for several product launches in 2025."We're excited about the potential for innovation sessions with our customers, which will help us continue to promote new food concepts using yeast extracts," said Philippe.This collaborative approach will be essential as they explore the endless possibilities that fermentation offers.As the demand for clean-label, functional food products continues to grow, the future of yeast-based ingredients in the food and beverage industry appears promising.Philippe noted that fermentation has been used for centuries, and with continuous innovation, "We are just beginning to scratch the surface of what yeast extracts can do in food applications worldwide. Consumers are becoming more demanding about product transparency, seeking clean labels and natural ingredients. Yeast extracts meet all these requirements."As Biospringer looks to the future, it is not only about maintaining its leadership in yeast extracts but also about shaping the future of food. The company aims to remain at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that its ingredients not only meet current market trends but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow's consumers."Choosing our yeast extracts means choosing a healthier, tastier future," said Philippe.In a world increasingly focused on health and sustainability, Biospringer by Lesaffre presents an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the changes in market demand.If you want to learn more about the impact of Biospringer's ingredients, please contact Lucie Oodoomansaib at l.oodoomansaib@biospringer.lesaffre.com.
Neogen Analytics: Transforming Food Safety with Industry Veteran Leadership
2024-11-26
Under the guidance of an experienced industry veteran in data technology, Neogen Analytics is at the forefront of helping food and beverage manufacturers maximize the benefits of food safety management platforms. David Hatch, Vice President of Digital Solutions Marketing at Neogen Corporation, has spent three decades in various data technology environments, with the last six and a half years dedicated to the food and beverage industry. This expertise laid the foundation for the development of Neogen Analytics.

Journey to Success

In January 2018, Hatch and his colleagues joined forces with microbiology doctoral candidates from MIT who had innovative ideas for rapid pathogen diagnostics. This led to the launch of Corvium, a software firm focused on automating food safety testing workflows and analytics. Their partnership became a crucial component of Neogen's operations after its acquisition of Corvium in February 2023.Through his early work with the team, Hatch quickly realized the impact of data and technology on food safety. Since becoming part of Neogen and having access to global resources, he has been excited about the platform's development and the achievements for its users.In this industry, where lives are at stake every day, the sense of purpose drives Hatch and the Neogen team to continuously innovate and refine their platform.

Data-Driven Impact

Neogen Analytics offers a cloud-based digital platform that streamlines food safety testing workflows and time-to-information. The software enables various food safety applications to operate within it. For example, the environmental monitoring application digitizes and automates programs, while the product testing program helps customers manage risk and quality objectives. The system connects Neogen's testing devices to the platform, ensuring unified data delivery to any internet-connected browser device.This modular approach allows customers to transition from outdated methods like spreadsheets and paper to an automated digital system, reducing the time it takes to access information and enabling quick action on issues.

Visualizing Data for Food Safety Professionals

One of the platform's standout features is its ability to visualize data. When users log in, they are greeted with a dynamic map of their facility using their engineering drawings or digital photos. This clear and intuitive representation of test points and their statuses has become a beloved component of the program. It conveys information in a way that is accessible to food safety professionals who may not be as tech-savvy as financial analysts.

Auditing and Confidence Building

Audits play a vital role in maintaining food safety standards. When a third-party auditor sees a company's command and control over its food safety data, it makes a strong impression. One customer even turned their laptop to show an auditor a map of the entire floor plan, demonstrating their organization and control over food safety processes. Presenting data in an organized manner not only facilitates audits but also builds confidence among food manufacturers.

Integration and Sustainability

The platform is built to be open and integrative, allowing customers to connect data from their existing testing devices, third-party laboratories, and other data sources. Neogen's integration engine can handle data in any format, meeting the diverse needs of its clients.With the growing emphasis on sustainability, the company is helping customers analyze data and discover efficiencies in their production processes. For example, a large meat producer reduced waste and energy consumption by identifying the root causes of scrapped production runs. This led to improved production yield and reduced environmental impact.As Neogen Analytics continues to evolve, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is on the horizon. The platform is already designed to track trends and patterns in food safety data, enabling proactive detection of potential issues before they lead to production disruptions.Neogen Analytics has a robust platform that empowers customers to take control of their food safety processes. The company is committed to leveraging technology and data to drive positive outcomes in food safety and contribute to a healthier and safer world."This is what excites me. Neogen shares this vision and has allowed me to lead the messaging and launch of these initiatives globally," said Hatch.
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Former Lion Asia Dairy MD Elected Foodbank Australia Chair
2024-11-26
Former managing director of Lion Asia Dairy, Duncan Makeig, has achieved a significant milestone by being elected unopposed as the Chair of the Board at Foodbank Australia. This transition comes as he succeeds the outgoing Independent Chair, Tony Froggatt. With his extensive experience in legal and corporate governance, spanning 30 years across various senior leadership positions in Australia and the United States at companies like Heineken-Lion, PepsiCo, China Road, and Tricon Restaurants (Yum! Brands), along with his agricultural background as Director of Wirrabilla Pastoral, Makeig brings a unique blend of skills to the role.

Impact and Vision

Having served on the Foodbank Australia Board since the beginning of 2023, Makeig has witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact that Foodbanks have across the nation. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and the Foodbank Australia team, led by CEO, Brianna Casey. Together, we aim to build on Tony's legacy and meet the ever-growing demand for food relief in both city and country communities across Australia." This vision reflects his determination to make a positive difference and ensure that Foodbank Australia continues to thrive.

Outgoing Chair's Legacy

Outgoing Chair, Tony Froggatt, completed a successful nine-year tenure. During this time, he played a crucial role in building awareness of and trust in Foodbank. His efforts fostered closer collaboration among members of the food relief sector, leaving a lasting impact. As he steps down, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "It has been a privilege to serve as the Foodbank Australia Chair. I have enjoyed the experience and found great purpose in working alongside my colleagues on the board to help so many Australians. I wish Duncan well in this next chapter of Foodbank's ongoing commitment to helping those in need."

CEO's Perspective

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, also shared her thoughts on the announcement. She emphasized Tony's leadership over the past decade, stating, "His leadership has left a legacy on the food relief sector in this country. His unwavering commitment to supporting those in need has laid strong foundations for Duncan to build on as we strive for an Australia without hunger. Under his guidance, we have grown to where we are today, and we are excited to see what the future holds."Makeig's appointment as Foodbank Australia Chair marks a new chapter in the organization's history. With his diverse experience and vision, he is well-positioned to lead Foodbank Australia towards greater achievements and continue its vital work in providing food relief to those in need across the country.
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