Fermentation professionals, Dr Christopher Rothmann (Innovation Manager, UFS Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences), who obtained a PhD in Biotechnology, runs LiquidCulture with Prof Errol Cason (Lecturer in the UFS Department of Animal Science). Together they started the company in 2018.

As microbiologists, Dr Rothmann and Prof Cason were able to grow their own yeast, resulting in a better-quality product, cost savings and an increased variety of yeast strains for their use. When they introduced their unique strains of yeast (currently exceeding a 100 strains) to the market, other local breweries recognised their value and became interested. This is how LiquidCulture came to be. 

'Liquid' in the company’s name is a reflection of the liquid yeast produced. 'Culture' was inspired by what Prof Cason and Dr Rothmann hope to build with users of their product: a shared way of life as well as developing expert care and providing training to ensuring capacity for learning and interchanging knowledge for future brewers.

LiquidCulture produces yeast in its most pure liquid form, setting them apart and making their business the first of its kind on the African continent. According to Dr Rothmann, the yeast is mainly used by breweries for the fermentation of beer. They also supply bakeries and more than 50 distillers with their product.

FARMOVS can accelerate your product development and research through innovative ICH GCP-compliant phase 1-2a clinical research. Since 1974, more than 3 000 trials have been conducted at our world-class clinical research facility. We have a large GLP-certified bioanalytical laboratory, a registered pharmacy, and a 98-bed clinic with an on-site ISO 15189-accredited clinical laboratory. In addition, we offer participant recruitment and site management organisation services. Gain access to the most diverse African study population, unmatched integrated research flexibility, and pharmacogenomic advice.  Choose FARMOVS for an integrated clinical research experience.

Access the FARMOVS corporate profile here.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has formed a partnership with ZZ2 – a well-known South African farming and fresh produce company. The partnership includes the establishment of a company, FreeFarm Innovation, as a vehicle for combined outputs of the university and ZZ2’s diverse, but complementary capabilities, skills, and resources. 

Several opportunities relating to research, commercialisation, and the enhancement of various agricultural products have been identified and will form part of the operations of FreeFarm Innovation. 

UFS partners with ZZ2 and launches NovaLogix