French yeast giant Lesaffre has been leveraging China's innovation capabilities and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to develop better products for both the Chinese and international market.
Lesaffre opened its Asia-Pacific (APAC) Industrial Baking Center in Shanghai last year, right before the opening of last year's CIIE. Since then, many baking innovations have emerged from the center and spread throughout the region.
"Locally as well, we are developing a lot of ingredients and solutions for our Chinese consumers. It's unique in China, unique for the Chinese market, but I tell you we are able to export as well from China," said Jerome Vanachter, president of Lesaffre Greater China.
China is the world's largest yeast producer. The annual production capacity across Lesaffre's four plants in China could reach some 30,000 tons, and they have exported to Southeast Asia and as far as Spain, Brazil and even Nigeria.
"Today's China is seen by most of the countries in APAC as one of the centers of developments and innovation, clearly. In bakery, we can say that China is taking a very leading role today in the trends and in the product developments," said Vanachter.
More innovations are expected to debut at this year's China International Import Expo.
The company will also announce its cooperation with Chinese restaurant chain Guangzhou Restaurant for the application development of sourdough.
"We are very active on the market. Every year something happens," said Vanachter.
The company has already signed for next year's CIIE, making it a ten-year veteran with perfect attendance.
French yeast giant leverages Chinese talents, CIIE for growth
