We were recently in Ghent, Belgium, to host our annual Sharing Days. This event is a unique opportunity for us to share our latest news and connect with our global network of partners, distributors and customers. This year, the event was hosted aboard the Ocean Diva, a multilevel ship where we welcomed more than 300 guests from around the world.
The highlight of this year’s event was the inauguration of our new state-of-the-art beer yeast production and packaging facilities at Algist Bruggeman, one of Lesaffre’s major yeast production plants. Stéphane Meulemans, our general director, cut the ribbon to officiate this remarkable achievement alongside Brice-Audren Riche, CEO of Lesaffre, Geert Van Renterghem, General Manager of Algist Bruggeman, and other key contributors.
The developments were designed and built to meet strict quality, traceability and logistical requirements with the goal of significantly improving the microbiological quality of brewing yeast and better servicing Fermentis customers around the world. The investment allows us to better address the needs of our brewers and markets around the world in three ways:
- We have set a new very high-end specification for microbiological quality of active dry yeast.
- We have implemented new primary and secondary labeling technology to enable flexibility and accommodate smoother compliance with different international regulations and market requirements.
- We are delivering brand-new innovative easy-to-open packaging, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination when pitching yeast, as well as unique QR codes for improved product traceability.
Our guests enjoyed guided tours of the new production facilities and packaging lines at Algist Bruggeman, as well as tailored presentations from our team of experts. While cruising along the canal, guests also had the opportunity to visit the dedicated sensory analysis space onboard, where beer, wine and spirit tastings were on offer. For the first time, we also hosted interactive workshops, allowing guests to learn more about Fermentis products, services and our latest packaging innovations.
And, of course, no Sharing Days is complete without a good party, or two! On Sunday and Monday evening, guests had the opportunity to let their hair down and share a drink from one of our themed bars with other industry professionals.
We were very happy to welcome you at this year’s event, and we hope to see you all again next year!