As one of the world’s key players in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Healthcare and Biotechnology. 

Originally a family enterprise that was founded in 1853 in northern France, Lesaffre is now a multinational and multicultural company committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet. 

In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs 9300 people in more than 70 subsidiaries based in 40 countries. 
Lesaffre achieves a turnover of more than 1.8 billion euros, including over 40% in emerging markets.

Picture above: Thomas Kalhoven, baking expert from Lesaffre Shanghai teaches a Young Baker  

Lesaffre and the Shanghai Young Bakers have enjoyed a strong partnership since the latter’s founding in 2009. SYB would not have been able to develop a high-quality programme without the knowledge and support of three Lesaffre baking experts, Loïc Ledru, David Shen and Thomas Kalkhoven. The three bakers volunteered to teach our first batch of students, providing them with French bakery know-how and helping them become fully qualified bakers.

The Young Bakers at Lesaffre Shanghai baking centre 

Wang Li (Nora), Xiao Jinjin (Flore) and Zhang Zhenghai (Pierre) from the 1st batch of Young Bakers who taught 4 batches of students from 2011 to 2015.  

In May 2015, Wang Li and Zhang Zheng Hai participated in the National Qualifiers of the Lesaffre Cup in Shanghai: Wang Li won second prize in artistic bread while Zhang Zheng Hai won first prize in the baguettes category. Zhang’s finish led him to become a member of the Chinese team that placed 4th at the World Bakery Cup in Paris in February 2016. 

SYB’s bakery trainers continue to hone their expertise with Lesaffre’s professional support. Our students have enjoyed many visits to the Lesaffre baking centre and yeast factory in Anhui province, as well as received many trainings in yeast and Asian-style breads. These activities have allowed our students to experience the baking world “behind-the-scene”. Lesaffre and SYB are always looking for ways to expand the scope of our collaboration, by constantly sharing knowledge, experience, and most importantly, our passion for baking.  

Lesaffre Management Shanghai has now hired five graduates from the programme who now have brilliant career prospects within the company.  

For more information about Lesaffre: http://www.lesaffre.com/en/ 

More about Lesaffre’s commitment to SYB: http://www.lesaffre.com/group/corporate-social-responsibility/social-best-practices/contributing-to-spread-our-know-how/