EBRD boosts Ukrainian yeast producer Enzym
Ukraine’s leading yeast producer Enzym is set to expand production thanks to a €10 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The project is co-financed by a €3 million loan provided by the TaiwanICDF. In addition, EU4Business Fund in Ukraine has funded environmental and social due diligence and legal costs. Enzym is a market leader in Ukraine, and now exports 40 per cent of its production to 16 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.

As conventional yeast is a commodity-type product with limited market growth, the owners of Enzym, the siblings Olena and Rostyslav Vovk, are now investing in the construction of a state-of-the-art facility for yeast-based food ingredients – a fast growing market segment.

Made from the same fresh yeast that is used in bread, beer and wine production, yeast extract has a savoury meaty taste. Made of beet residue molasses and rich in B vitamins, it creates opportunities for moving to a more plant-based diet; promoting a more sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle. Yeast extracts can also be used as a healthy taste enhancer and salt substitute.