Ohly GmbH, based in Hamburg-Wandsbek, and its predecessor companies are among those that have had a decisive influence on the history of the yeast industry in Germany, about which little is known to date. This study traces the path of a formerly small company that began producing spirits and yeast in 1836 to a modern company that has always remained a fixture in Wandsbek's economic life throughout its long history, even though it has had to fight several times for its location in Hamburg. Today Ohly GmbH, a subsidiary of Associated British Food plc, is one of the world market leaders in the production of yeast extracts and specialities.