White Labs is entering its 30th year of business in 2025, and we can only thank our customers and dedicated team members for this longevity. We are proud to be part of the fermentation world and everyone involved who strive for greater flavor and performance in everything they create.
We hope our experience, knowledge and technology have helped you all grow and learn during these years. You inspire us to innovate, which started with our launching of the original pitchable yeast for homebrew to 5 gallons and above in 1995. The customization for all sizes any store or producer needs has continued. In recent years, we have optimized our patented liquid yeast delivery system, a modular, CO2 releasing package that promotes greater yeast health and repitching possibilities. This combined with our comprehensive QC program before you pitch is something we have endeavored to provide since our founding.
Despite everyone’s great efforts in our industry, the past year has been difficult for many of us. Some customers grew, but others experienced slowdowns. Some friends closed for good.
This happened at a time of changing economic conditions and consumer preferences. While the “haze craze” is still relevant (we saw great interest in 2024 in our WLP077 Tropicale Yeast Blend, for instance), times are changing. There is an appetite for a larger variety of styles, and hence, yeast strains. Lagers have jumped in popularity, as well as beverages perceived as healthier, with lower carbohydrates, calories and in some cases, alcohol. Most breweries we work with are now offering Beyond Beer options, and this was highlighted in a major way at leading beer festivals, including the Great American Beer Festival. This trend should continue in 2025 and beyond.
Our mission is to provide you with options for better flavor, and we did so with new releases in 2024, including Zinc Buddy, strains such as WLP548 Original Grodiziskie Yeast Blend, and new in-person and remote education offerings. While we continued to provide high-quality liquid yeast at accessible prices and volumes to all, we grew our portfolio of dry strains, which now includes California Ale Yeast, London Fog Ale Yeast and Munich Lager Yeast. We look forward to continuing to add exciting new strains in the year to come.
From our origins in San Diego, to our growing production in Asheville, N.C., and over 10 years in Copenhagen, our teams are committed to your success. We look forward to more learning, fun and growth for you and all of those in our industry in 2025.
Best wishes for a prosperous new year,
Chris White, Ph.D
President and CEO, White Labs Inc.