The global yeast market has been declining by 3–5% annually. The reasons are twofold: modern food technologies require less yeast, and consumer habits are changing. In Ukraine, this trend is reinforced by population decline and, consequently, lower domestic demand.
The answer for companies in this industry lies in a shift of perspective: to see yeast not only as a baking ingredient, but as the foundation for creating innovative, value-added products.
From Yeast to Biotechnology
Enzym Group is gradually transforming from a traditional yeast producer into a biotechnology company. Research into yeast and other microorganisms has opened up new directions — products for agriculture, pharmaceuticals, the food industry and cosmetics.
This approach has reshaped the business model: the company now builds its expertise not around raw material, but around technology and advanced processing.
LinkCell: a “Factory in a Smartphone”
In 2022, amid the full-scale war, Enzym Group launched its LinkCell plant. The equipment was set up entirely by the company’s own specialists, as foreign engineers were unable to travel due to safety risks.
Ninety percent of the processes at LinkCell are automated and can be controlled remotely — hence the name “factory in a smartphone”. Its annual capacity is up to 2,500 tons of yeast extract, with full utilization expected within the next three years.
Products manufactured at LinkCell include:
- EnzActive feed additives that safely and sustainably replace antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture;
- yeast flakes and extracts used by food, flavor and plant-based product manufacturers.
Yeast Extracts: Broad Application Potential
- Food industry: a natural alternative to synthetic flavor enhancers, in line with the “clean label” trend.
- Pharmaceuticals: a source of B vitamins, a base for probiotics and nutrient media for bacterial growth, including for vaccines.
- Cosmetics: an antioxidant component in serums and creams.
- Animal nutrition: a safe feed additive that replaces antibiotics, strengthens immunity and improves nutrient absorption.
Yeast extracts are also becoming an important ingredient in cultured meat production — a sector experiencing rapid global growth.
Biogas: Turning Waste into a Resource
Energy resources (electricity, gas, water) account for more than 20% of Enzym Group’s production costs, making energy efficiency a critical factor. Over the past three years the company has reduced consumption of:
- electricity by 8.2%,
- heat by 18.5%,
- water by 6.7%.
Another important area is wastewater treatment and biogas production. In 2024, Enzym Group generated 2.232 million m³ of biogas — enough to heat 64,000 m² of housing during the heating season. Biogas substituted 52% of natural gas consumption, and up to 70% in some months.
Enzym Group was among the first in Ukraine to implement this practice, and today biogas remains a rare but strong example of turning waste into a valuable resource that contributes to sustainable production.
Products for the Future
In 2024, new yeast-based products accounted for 4% of Enzym Group’s total sales. This year the company aims to increase this figure to 10.5%.
By investing in processing, biotechnology and energy efficiency, Enzym Group is not only staying competitive, but also creating products that meet global trends — sustainable, high-quality and innovative.
