Lesaffre

Lesaffre

Fermentation specialist advancing food and health

Overview

Lesaffre is a global fermentation company with a long history and a turnover of €3.2 billion. It employs about 11,700 people from 100 nationalities and operates on all continents. The company develops and produces fermentation-derived ingredients and solutions for food, health, naturalness, and environmental sustainability, working with customers, partners, and researchers to harness the power of microorganisms. Its products come from fermentation processes that use microorganisms to transform raw materials into ingredients and additives for scale, safety, flavor, nutrition, and sustainability. Compared with competitors, Lesaffre combines global reach, large-scale production, and a deep, century-long expertise in fermentation, along with a strong network across customers, researchers, and regions. The company’s goal is to nourish 9 billion people in a healthy way by 2050 while making the most of the planet’s resources, using fermentation as a key solution to food and health challenges.

About Lesaffre

Simplify's Rating
Why Lesaffre is rated
B+
Rated A on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated B on Differentiation

Industries

Food & Agriculture

Industrial & Manufacturing

Biotechnology

Healthcare

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Marcq-en-Barœul, France

Founded

1853

Get referred to Lesaffre

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • September 2026 R2E cuts 35,700 tons of CO2 annually and lowers energy costs.
  • July 2026 Codex yeast standard strengthens Lesaffre's trade position and reinforces market legitimacy.
  • August 2026 Ennolys CDMO expansion monetizes fermentation know-how with higher-margin industrial customers.

What critics are saying

  • The Milwaukee Bucks lawsuit seeks $264,969 from Lesaffre Yeast, signaling payment discipline issues.
  • Capital-intensive Strasbourg, Shanghai, and Ghent expansions strain returns if demand softens in 2027.
  • Cosmetics and probiotics expansions face entrenched rivals and slow customer qualification timelines.

What makes Lesaffre unique

  • Lesaffre combines 170 years of fermentation expertise with 80 plants across 55 countries.
  • Its March 2026 Innosya launch extends fermentation into cosmetics, widening adjacencies beyond baking.
  • The September 2026 Strasbourg R2E project turns yeast byproducts into decarbonized industrial heat.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Profit Sharing

Performance Bonus

Company News

Lesaffre
Sep 23rd, 2026
Lesaffre and the ÉS Group, in partnership with Dalkia, are taking a major step forward in the industrial decarbonization of the Strasbourg region.

Lesaffre and the ÉS Group, in partnership with Dalkia, are taking a major step forward in the industrial decarbonization of the Strasbourg region. Lesaffre, a major player in fermentation and microorganisms, and the ÉS Group, a long-standing energy provider in the region - in partnership with Dalkia - announce the launch of the R2E (Water and Energy Reduction) project at the Strasbourg site, in the heart of the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg. At this site, byproducts from yeast production are being converted into a renewable energy source that will prevent the emission of 35,700 metric tons of CO[2] per year, and the electrification of the process will decarbonize 98 percent of the site's heat. The result of several years of research and design, this exemplary project aims to utilize resources generated by Lesaffre's operations to produce local, renewable, and carbon-free bioenergy. This project is fully aligned with the initiative Lesaffre has been pursuing for several years to reduce its carbon footprint and with the strategy to support the energy transition led by the ÉS Group and Dalkia for industrial companies and the Alsace region. An ambitious project dedicated to climate protection and industrial performance. Electricity will play a major role. Through the implementation of a new power plant that combines heat recovery, high-performance vapor heat pumps, and energy recovery from industrial waste streams, the project will: * Meet a large portion of energy needs through the electrification of processes * Produce 168 GWh of carbon-free heat, of which 68 GWh could be supplied to Strasbourg's district heating networks * Achieve a 98% decarbonization rate for the site's heat * Avoid the emission of 35,700 metric tons of CO[2] per year - the equivalent of taking nearly 18,000 vehicles off the road * Save more than 40% of the volume of well water used by the site Lesaffre reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable industry. Through this investment, Lesaffre, the ÉS Group, and Dalkia are demonstrating their commitment to accelerating the transformation of industrial sites by balancing economic performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility. "This project illustrates our ambition to make the energy transition a concrete driver of competitiveness and sustainability. By repurposing resources generated by our operations, we are significantly reducing our carbon footprint while creating value for the local community," said Lionel Joly, Managing Director of Lesaffre Panification France. The ÉS Group and Dalkia: Trusted partners in the energy transition for industrial companies. As project partners since the initial planning stages, the ÉS Group and Dalkia are drawing on their expertise in energy efficiency, electrification engineering, decarbonization, and energy infrastructure management. Through this project, the group reaffirms its leading role in supporting local manufacturers as they work toward decarbonization and the electrification of their operations, by implementing innovative, value-creating solutions. "The R2E project demonstrates that it is possible to combine industrial excellence, energy independence, and a positive environmental impact. We are proud to support Lesaffre in this exemplary achievement," said Marc Kugler, CEO of the ÉS Group. "The teams at ÉS Services Énergétiques have been working on this complex and highly innovative electrification project for years. We are now eager to move on to the implementation phase, especially since R2E could also benefit users of Strasbourg's district heating networks in a highly volatile energy market," said Vasil Yanev, CEO of ÉS Services Énergétiques. "Dalkia's expertise in the electrification and decarbonization of the industrial sector has once again been demonstrated. This comprehensive approach across the entire value chain ensures the project's complete success, as well as the facility's performance and long-term sustainability," said Benoit Dujardin, Dalkia's regional director for Grand Est. A collective effort to benefit the region. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of industry and energy stakeholders to a common goal: accelerating the electrification and decarbonization of the region and developing a more sustainable economy.

Lesaffre Australia
Jul 20th, 2026
Lesaffre celebrates major advances in the global standardization of baker's yeast.

Lesaffre celebrates major advances in the global standardization of baker's yeast. Lesaffre congratulates the Codex Alimentarius Commission[1] (CAC) and all its member countries on the adoption of the first Codex Alimentarius standard for baker's yeast, approved at the 49th Session of the CAC in Geneva (6-10 July 2026). This achievement results from several years of sustained international technical collaboration, with the active involvement of COFALEC - The Confederation of European Yeast Producers of which Lesaffre is an historic and active member - whose efforts ensured the specificities and standards of European yeast production were properly reflected in the final text. "For centuries, baker's yeast has been the unseen force behind bread. More than a leavening agent, it shapes flavor, texture, and nutrition, making it indispensable to bakers worldwide. Yet until recently, this vital ingredient lacked a unified global framework. This gap is now being filled by landmark standards thanks to the work of CAC and COFALEC." declared Jean-Philippe Poulin, Deputy CEO of Lesaffre and Group Chief Operating Officer. The recent advances in baker's yeast standardization mark a turning point in its recognition as a strategic global ingredient. Two key milestones stand out: the 2026 Codex Alimentarius Standard and the ISO 23983:2025. The new Codex standard establishes internationally recognized regulatory benchmarks for baker's yeast, providing a shared reference framework that strengthens consumer protection, facilitates global trade, and promotes fair competition across markets. ISO 23983:2025 standard was the first to define baker's yeast globally, covering its physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Developed under COFALEC it distinguishes yeast as a unique, natural microorganism, setting it apart from synthetic alternatives. The Codex standard now adds a regulatory dimension, reinforcing significantly this framework and facilitating trade. Together, they provide a shared language for the industry, ensuring consistency in quality, safety, and performance across markets. "ISO 23983:2025 and CAC standard are a landmark for our industry. They reflect years of collaboration to elevate baker's yeast as a cornerstone of global food culture. When we speak the same language about yeast, we strengthen the foundation of breadmaking - ensuring this ancient ingredient continues to nourish future generations." said Vincent Saingier, President of Lesaffre Western Europe Breadmaking Region and President of COFALEC. By adopting ISO and Codex Standards, industry professionals demonstrate their commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands while advancing a more responsible and transparent value chain. "It matters because bread is a global staple, and its quality depends on reliable yeast. Whether in artisanal bakeries or industrial production, bakers need yeast that delivers consistent rise, flavor, and texture. Standardization ensures, wherever you are in the world, yeast meets the same high expectations, empowering bakers and reassuring consumers." adds Edouard Gestat, Group Baking Marketing Director at Lesaffre. About Lesaffre. For more than 170 years, Lesaffre has been mastering and pushing the limits of fermentation. Pioneer and global leader, Lesaffre Australia Pacific Pty Ltd generate €3.2 billion in revenue, operate on every continent, and employ 11,700 people from more than 100 different nationalities. Lesaffre Australia Pacific Pty Ltd harness the infinite potential of microorganisms to design and produce sustainable solutions that meet its customers' needs across its 3 business areas: Food / Health / Biotech. Together with its customers and stakeholders, Lesaffre Australia Pacific Pty Ltd harness research and innovation to unlock new possibilities - driven by one shared conviction: fermentation enables Lesaffre Australia Pacific Pty Ltd to better nourish and protect the planet. Lesaffre Australia Pacific Pty Ltd is Lesaffre: Fermentation. Unlimited. Press contact: [1] The Codex Alimentarius Commission or CAC is the body responsible for all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/committees/cac/about/en/

Food Processing Bazaar
Jul 7th, 2026
Lesaffre bread symposium: A strategic forum for baking industry innovatio.

Lesaffre bread symposium: A strategic forum for baking industry innovatio. Baking with Lesaffre is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its inaugural Bread Symposium, a landmark industry event designed to facilitate strategic collaboration and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders in the baking sector. The Lesaffre Bread Symposium brought together scientific researchers, market analysts, baking professionals & industry executives at the Lesaffre Campus in Marcq-en-Baroeul. From July 1 to 3, they examined, together, the scientific complexity, market potential, and future trajectory of bread as a fundamental food category. The inaugural event established three key strategic implications for the baking industry: * Bread represents a scientifically complex category with substantial innovation potential, offering large opportunities for product differentiation and value creation * The category remains strategically positioned for future growth, driven by evolving consumer demands and technological advancements * Cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for industry advancement, as demonstrated by the successful gathering of diverse expertise The Symposium convened over 200 industry stakeholders from more than 20 countries, uniting scientists, baking professionals, nutritionists, and market specialists. "Innovation flourishes when diverse expertise converges," commented Edouard Gestat, Group Baking Marketing Director at Baking with Lesaffre. "This event has established a new benchmark for industry collaboration." The Lesaffre Bread Symposium was conceived as a long-term platform for industry dialogue, designed to initiate and sustain meaningful conversations among stakeholders.

in-bakery
Apr 2nd, 2026
Edouard Gestat appointed as Lesaffre baking Marketing Director.

Edouard Gestat appointed as Lesaffre baking Marketing Director. Edouard Gestat takes over Thomas Lesaffre's role within Baking with Lesaffre after his nomination as Fermentis General Manager. Edouard Gestat takes over the management of Baking With Lesaffre, the department that supports the Group's baking activity, in charge of providing innovative solutions in the field of baking. Relying on a team of experts and bakers, as well as a network of more than 50 Baking Center(TM) around the world, Edouard Gestat is responsible for consolidating Lesaffre's position as a trusted partner for industrial and artisanal bakers, by offering solutions adapted to today's needs and tomorrow's trends. Edouard's background. He spent 24 years in the world of food ingredients in technical development, sales, marketing and general management, including 13 years with Kerry, before joining Lesaffre in 2011 as CEO of Biospringer EMEA for five years. In 2016, he became CEO of Biospringer North America based in Milwaukee, USA. In 2022, he is appointed Global Marketing Director, in charge of baking yeast, baking ingredients and sourdough. "I am honoured to build upon the development and achievements of Thomas Lesaffre. Indeed, Baking with Lesaffre's unparalleled expertise in fermentation is a true competitive advantage as we are reinforcing our position as an essential partner for the global bakery industry. In an ever-evolving market with rising consumer demands, it is our technical mastery, pioneering R&D, and innovative mindset that will distinguish us - not only in traditional baking, but also in pioneering new frontiers." - Edouard Gestat, Marketing Director, Baking with Lesaffre He will report to Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre. About international bakery. International Bakery is the leading authority in global bakery content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the bakery sector. To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact its team below. Read the latest issue. Follow Bakery Live on linkedin. Advertise here. Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Personal Care Insights
Feb 4th, 2026
Lesaffre enters cosmetics market with fermentation-based ingredients

Lesaffre enters cosmetics market with fermentation-based ingredients. Key takeaways. * Lesaffre has entered the cosmetics market with the launch of Innosya, a new brand focused on fermentation-derived ingredients. * Innosya will debut its sustainable cosmetic ingredients at In-cosmetics Global 2026. * The brand leverages Lesaffre's experience in fermentation to support innovative and responsible beauty solutions. Lesaffre has introduced Innosya Cosmetic Ingredients, marking the food company's entrance into the "dynamic and demanding" beauty market. Innosya will offer sustainable ingredients derived from fermentation. The first products featuring the ingredients will be unveiled at In-cosmetics Global 2026, from April 14 - 16 in Paris, France. "With Innosya, we are shaping a new era of beauty by harnessing the power of fermentation to serve a more responsible cosmetics industry," says Bénédicte Toulemonde, business development director at Innosya. "Innosya reflects Lesaffre's values and aligns with our CSR commitments. We look forward to engaging with industry stakeholders to present our product portfolio at this year's In-cosmetics trade show and collaboratively shape the future of beauty through fermented solutions." The collection builds on Lesaffre's heritage in nutrition, health, and biotechnology. Innosya represents an effort to enter the cosmetics industry with tailored solutions that align with the sector's specific standards. "Today, faced with the environmental impact of plant extraction, increasing pressure on agricultural land, and rising consumer demand for more natural and sustainable products, the cosmetics industry is exploring innovative alternatives and reshaping the composition of its products," says the company.Lesaffre will leverage its knowledge in fermentation to design ingredients for skin aging. From food to beauty. Lesaffre has over 170 years of experience in fermentation and microorganisms, primarily for the food industry. The company now aims to become a recognized player in the B2B cosmetics market by 2030. It will offer a comprehensive range of patented fermentation-based ingredients, with a particular focus on supporting skin aging. "For over 170 years, we have been convinced that fermentation is one of the solutions to tomorrow's challenges, and today we are taking a new step forward with the launch of Innosya," says Brice Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre. "We aim to become a trusted partner to cosmetics industry players, supporting them in transitioning to more innovative, sustainable practices. This strategic alignment between Lesaffre's capabilities, its mission, and the evolving priorities of the cosmetics industry makes us confident that Innosya can play a key role in the years to come." The French yeast manufacturer says it relies on the agility and innovation of a team of experts based near Paris, who blend creativity and science. Lesaffre also expects its role as an international group to give it strength in the new avenue. The company has established a dedicated formulation laboratory to enable its team to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific demands of stakeholders in the cosmetics sector.

Recently Posted Jobs

Sign up to get curated job recommendations

Lesaffre is Hiring for 77 Jobs on Simplify!

Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today

Don't see your dream role? Check out thousands of other roles on Simplify. Browse all jobs →