Angel Yeast drives North American growth with Non-GMO verification of 22 yeast ingredients

26 Jan 2022 --- China-based yeast biotech company Angel Yeast is strengthening its position for clean label yeast products in North America. The company’s subsidiary Angel Yeast Egypt has received Non-GMO Project verification for 22 yeast extract and inactive dried yeast products, addressing flavor and savory qualities of food. 

“Natural and clean label ingredients are the basis of winning in the US and Canadian markets,” Steven Sheng, deputy general manager of Angel Yeast North America, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

The latest step builds off of previous success at the end of 2020, when the Egyptian plant completed the non-GMO verification of six key yeast extract products. 

“The move was warmly praised by clients,” says Sheng. “Therefore, in 2021, Angel Yeast applied for the certification of a full range of yeast extract products to meet market demands.” 

Clean label investments
Non-GMO Project verification product ranges now include:

• Angeocell: Inactive dried yeast offered as a flavor carrier.
• Angeoboost: A strong umami yeast extract, giving savory food more umami taste while reducing salt. 
• Angeoprime: A standard yeast extract that builds a savory taste foundation.

“Certifying ingredients as non-GMO is a complex process,” explains Sheng. 

“It involves many raw material suppliers and takes a lot of time to investigate. The supply chain traceability and control of the production of yeast raw materials is the most critical part.”

Angel Yeast Egypt was Angel’s first subsidiary to build factories overseas and was an important milestone for the company’s internationalization.Strategically located 
Angel Yeast selected its Egyptian plant to lead in non-GMO certification, serving as a model for future certifications in other factories. 

Egypt’s strategic location also facilitates exports to European and American regions, he says, which have stricter standards of certification and product requirements. 

In the US, for example, regulation for mandatory labeling of bioengineered foods came into effect on January 1, 2022. The labeling policy along with the EU’s regulatory situation on GMOs is detailed in The World of Food Ingredients on page 76. 

Going global 
Apart from its location, the Egyptian plant was chosen for non-GMO production as it was Angel’s first subsidiary to build factories overseas. 

Sheng says the opening of the plant was an important milestone in the internationalization of Angel company. 

Today Angel has 12 holding subsidiaries and provides products and services for more than 150 countries and regions.

“Being an international and specialized biotechnology company is Angel’s 2025 development vision. This move will further raise the company’s global level and consolidate the company’s industry leadership.” 

Yeast extracts can be used to give savory food more umami taste while reducing salt.Bringing clean label to the world
Despite obstacles to achieve the certification, Sheng underscores “the clean label trend is important for any market.” 

“As consumers’ health awareness continues to grow, foods made from non-GMO ingredients are becoming more and more popular and considered healthier foods.”

“Angel believes that clean label and non-GMO are the future directions of development for food industries,” he concludes. 

GMOs in the spotlight
Discussion over GMOs and gene-editing continues to be a point of contention between the food industry and regulatory bodies. 

A recent study in the US concluded that how GMO labeling is presented – including the color of the label – can significantly affect consumers’ purchasing decisions. 

In the UK, the government announced it was relaxing rules around gene editing to cut through regulatory red tape meant to address GMO products. 

Gene editing – unlike genetic modification – does not result in the introduction of DNA from other species. 

By Missy Green

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