Craft-focused Omega Yeast acquired by AB Mauri, owners of the Pinnacle brand

AB Biotek and its Pinnacle brand have been popping up on our radar of late — especially for that Crisp Sour Lachancea yeast strain that was originally sourced from a wasp. AB Biotek is part of AB Mauri, the global yeast and bakery ingredients division of the international group Associated British Foods (ABF). AB Biotek is a division that produces yeast and provides associated technologies and integrated fermentation solutions to the global alcohol beverages, bioethanol, animal nutrition and human nutrition and health markets.

We bring all this up because AB Mauri North America just announced it has completed the acquisition of Omega Yeast Labs LLC, whose motto is “Craft Yeast for Craft Brews,” with plans to integrate Omega Yeast’s craft prowess within AB Biotek’s division. From the press release:

“The acquisition of Omega Yeast will further strengthen and accelerate our North American specialty yeast business for craft beer,” said Brent Fenton, president, AB Mauri North America. “This represents a unique opportunity to combine the global technology strength of AB Biotek together with a leading, high-quality liquid yeast producer here in the U.S.”

The addition of Omega Yeast, a pivotal player in the liquid yeast market, to AB Mauri’s portfolio marks a significant enhancement in its specialty yeast offerings for craft beer, signaling a new era of growth for the company. Based in Chicago, Omega Yeast Labs operates out of a modern 14,000-sq-ft facility (see photo above) renowned for its state-of-the-art research and development capabilities. Since its founding in 2013 by Lance Shaner and Mark Schwarz, Omega Yeast has become a cornerstone in the craft brewing industry, known for its innovative yeast strains that have powered countless batches of craft beers, from traditional ales and lagers to trendy West Coast IPAs and even hard seltzers.

“Omega Yeast has supplied professional and home craft brewers across the country with leading liquid yeast solutions for more than the past decade since Lance Shaner and I founded the business in 2013,” said Mark Schwarz, co-founder, Omega Yeast. “We look forward to even greater days ahead under the AB Mauri and AB Biotek umbrella as we expect to grow our footprint in both liquid and dry solutions and build an even more robust portfolio of solutions to meet the needs of craft brewers today and tomorrow.”

Omega Yeast’s vast array of yeast strains complements AB Mauri’s existing product lineup, which includes the iconic Fleischmann’s Yeast for baking and AB Biotek’s Pinnacle portfolio for beer, wine, and spirits. This acquisition is not just a growth strategy for AB Mauri but also an affirmation of its commitment to focusing on the global craft brewing scene.

This acquisition aligns with AB Mauri’s recent expansions, including investments in a specialty dry yeast plant in Hull, U.K., and a beverage applications center in Etten-Leur, The Netherlands. These strategic moves underline the company’s dedication to innovation and its desire to provide a variety of solutions to the beverage industry worldwide. With a refreshed focus on specialty yeast and fermentation solutions, AB Mauri North America is set to make significant contributions to the American craft beer scene and beyond.