Yeastup Secures Distribution Deal for Dietary Fibre Ingredient Made From Beer Waste

Why It Matters

The deal opens a high‑growth channel for upcycled functional ingredients, validating circular‑economy food tech and attracting investor confidence in Yeastup’s scaling potential.

Key Takeaways

• DKSH will exclusively distribute UpFiber Beta‑Glucan across DACH region.
• UpFiber contains up to 85% beta‑glucan, targeting gut‑health products.
• Yeastup’s plant processes 4,000 L of spent yeast per hour.
• The startup raised $10 million Series A and seeks additional funding.
• Ingredient offers emulsifying, gelling, and prebiotic benefits for foods and supplements.

Pulse Analysis

The upcycling of brewery by‑products is gaining traction as manufacturers chase sustainability and functional performance. UpFiber Beta‑Glucan, extracted from spent brewer’s yeast, taps into the growing consumer demand for gut‑health solutions and clean‑label ingredients. By converting what was once waste into a high‑purity fibre with 85% beta‑glucan, Yeastup aligns with the circular‑economy narrative that investors and brands increasingly prioritize.

Yeastup’s patented process combines gentle cell disruption, phase‑separation and advanced membrane filtration to isolate protein, beta‑glucan and mannoprotein in a single stream. The Lyss facility, spanning 1,700 sq m, can handle 4,000 litres of yeast per hour, delivering soluble proteins for egg‑replacement and meat‑alternative applications, alongside fibres that provide emulsifying, gelling and water‑binding functions. The resulting ingredient not only improves texture and stability in foods and supplements but also acts as a prebiotic, supporting microbiome health.

Partnering with DKSH gives Yeastup immediate access to the DACH region’s extensive food‑ingredient network, accelerating market penetration for UpFiber. DKSH’s expertise in regulatory support, technical consulting and logistics reduces entry barriers for manufacturers seeking sustainable solutions. The collaboration also signals confidence to potential investors, complementing Yeastup’s recent $10 million Series A raise and its upcoming funding round. As functional fibres become staple components in nutrition and wellness products, the Yeastup‑DKSH alliance positions both firms to capture a sizable share of Europe’s fast‑evolving functional‑ingredient market.