Malaysian agribusiness Yenher Holdings Bhd. and Danish biotechnology company Fermentationexperts A/S have signed a joint venture agreement to form YH European Protein Asia Sdn Bhd (YHEPA).
This partnership leverages Fermentationexperts’ fermentation technology and Yenher’s manufacturing capabilities and extensive distribution network to produce a new range of eco-conscious and cost-effective plant proteins for livestock and aquaculture. The joint venture will focus on transforming plant byproducts such as soybean, rapeseed and seaweed meal into high-value feed ingredients.
These products, enhanced by Fermentationexperts’ biotechnology, offer several key benefits:
- Sustainability: Reducing potential CO2e emissions by up to 92% per kilogram compared with traditional refined proteins
- Resilience: Naturally enhancing animal resilience through gut microbiome diversification
- Improved digestibility and feed conversion ratio: Enhancing nutrient absorption and optimizing feed-to-growth efficiency, leading to better production outcomes
- Reduction of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs): Minimizing ANFs in raw materials through unique biotechnology, improving overall nutrient absorption.
Initially, YHEPA will convert an existing facility in Simpang Ampat, Penang, into a state-of-the-art GMP+ certified manufacturing plant. The total investment for this first phase is estimated at MYR75 million (US$17.4 million). The next stage is to develop another dedicated palm kernel meal plant.
The joint venture is expected to create 16 high-skilled and managerial roles in Malaysia. Operations are anticipated to start in the fourth quarter of 2025, positioning YHEPA to cater to the burgeoning markets across Southeast Asia and Taiwan, including Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“This joint venture represents a strategic alignment of Yenher’s commitment to sustainability and innovation with Fermentationexperts’ unparalleled expertise in biotechnology,” said Dato Cheng Mooh Tat, executive chairman of Yenher. “Together, we are poised to deliver exceptional value to the agricultural sector in Southeast Asia and beyond.”
