The contract for the establishment of a joint research laboratory in the field of bacteria in Bulgaria between LB Bulgaricum EAD and Meiji was signed today in an official ceremony in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Industry Petko Nikolov and the Ambassador of Japan in Sofia Michigami Hisashi.

The main objective of the laboratory will be to investigate the beneficial ingredients of sourdough starter and to seek new scientific evidence for the healthy properties of Bulgarian yogurt.

The general director of the Bulgarian state dairy company EAD Zhivko Zhivkov and the executive director of Meiji Shigeru Taniguchi signed a 10-year agreement on strategic partnership and the establishment of the first joint research laboratory in the field of lactic acid bacteria.

The agreement provides for joint research and development activities to be carried out by research teams from both countries at the new research center to be located in Sofia.

One of the main focuses of the research will be the bacterial species Lactobacilus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilius, of Bulgarian origin, isolated in the territory of the country and are its exclusive property.

The new research center will offer modern high-tech equipment and the latest methods for discovering new health benefits from the use of Bulgarian yogurt as a product that is a national treasure.

Taniguchi said that the best Japanese researchers will be sent to Bulgaria. /BTA