Angel Yeast launches world’s first high-altitude probiotic plant

CHINA – Angel Yeast has officially begun operations at the world’s first high-altitude probiotic production facility, marking a major milestone for biotechnology and sustainable industrial development in western China. 

The plant, operated by Angel Yeast’s subsidiary Xizang Angel Zhufeng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Angel Zhufeng”), is located on the Qing-Zang Plateau and has already completed its first shipment of Bifidobacterium lactis XZ-BI36 probiotic powder.

The launch positions Angel Yeast at the forefront of microbial innovation, pioneering the use of plateau-specific strains adapted to extreme conditions. 

The facility integrates every stage of production, from strain collection and screening to full-scale manufacturing within a closed, oxygen-free system designed to maximize quality, safety, and efficacy.

“This first shipment also includes Lactiplantibacillus plantarum probiotic powder with viable counts in the trillions,” said He Hongchao, Assistant General Manager at Angel Zhufeng. 

“The company has already achieved large-scale production of seven plateau-origin probiotic strains and more than ten compound formulations, establishing a comprehensive portfolio that includes high-altitude probiotic blends, fermentation cultures for food applications, and microecological feed additives.”

The plant’s success reflects Angel Yeast’s long-term strategy of advancing microbial fermentation technologies to serve both human and animal nutrition markets. 

By developing and cultivating strains sourced from extreme environments, the company is expanding the global diversity of probiotic ingredients while supporting local economic development and environmental stewardship.

“Xizang’s unique conditions- high altitude, low oxygen levels, cold temperatures, and intense ultraviolet exposure-have created an ecosystem rich in plateau-specific microbial resources,” explained Dr. Tan Yali, Deputy General Manager of the Industrial Innovation Technology Center at Angel Yeast. 

“The probiotic strains developed by Angel Zhufeng are primarily derived from sources including Xizang yak gut microbiota, traditional local fermented foods, and the intestinal flora of healthy individuals.”

Scientific innovation meets community impact

Since operations began in June 2025, Angel Zhufeng has established partnerships with more than 30 distributors, signaling strong market confidence in its novel probiotic formulations. The project, initiated in 2020, overcame major challenges, ranging from logistics and material sourcing to the harsh plateau climate, to complete construction in just one year.

Beyond industrial innovation, the facility is making a significant social contribution. Currently, 54 Xizang employees account for 76% of the workforce. 

In 2024 alone, more than 200 local team members received professional training at Angel’s headquarters, while over 300 specialists in technology, project management, and marketing traveled to Xizang to support plant operations.

Dr. Tan’s research team has collected microbial samples from traditional fermented foods and even the uninhabited areas of Ngari Prefecture at altitudes of up to 5,800 meters. 

To date, the team has preserved more than 2,000 microbial strains and filed 56 patent applications worldwide, laying the groundwork for future advances in probiotic science.

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