Lesaffre launches the Fermentis Academy

Lesaffre invests in its historic Hauts-de-France site

The Lesaffre group is investing in the renovation of its historic site in Marquette-lez-Lille, the Grandes Malteries Modernes. The upgrade will involve the construction of a new building over several hectares to house the Fermentis Academy. The group, which is a significant presence in the Lille conglomeration (with a yeast production plant in Marcq-en-Baroeul and an entity bringing together the Transversal Management at Marcq-en-Baroeul, Marquette-les-Lille and Lille) wants the Academy to be a showcase for its expertise in the field of beverage fermentation. Ultimately, Lesaffre aims to become the world leader in agrifood fermentation solutions.

Why the Hauts-de-France?

Lesaffre told NFI what it considers to be the advantages of being based in the region:

• easy accessibility thanks to a high-performance infrastructure network (particularly serving ports for export)
• it is a crossroads in the heart of Western Europe,
• a skilled workforce,
• a well-developed network of higher education,
• its density of population
• high-performance research laboratories

What is the Fermentis Academy?

The Fermentis Academy will be a conference and development centre dedicated to beverage fermentation (of wine, beer, spirits, etc.), the core business of Lesaffre’s Fermentis Business Unit. It aims to expand its links with professionals in the field in order to respond more effectively to their needs and expectations.

“This investment symbolises Lesaffre’s desire to understand its customers’ businesses as best it can. It is all about developing a joint expertise with them in order to be as efficient as possible and exceed their expectations,” said Antoine Baule, Lesaffre CEO.

The new facilities in the Hauts-de-France region comprise:

• R&D and tasting areas
• Reception/training spaces, where professional audiences can be welcomed, for training, seminars etc
• The offices of the Fermentis teams, bringing together all the employees on a single site

Although the site is due to be up and running in the second half of 2021, the Fermentis Academy already offers training around the world.

Fermentis by Lesaffre

In 2003, Lesaffre celebrated its 50th birthday by launching a new company dedicated to alcoholic fermentation: Fermentis. It is responsible for the development and marketing of fermentation solutions for drinks (beer, wine, spirits, etc.). Fermentis offers both products and services for professionals in the fermented drinks sector.