Picture a rocket rising into the heavens.

Now you’ve got a mental image of what Pearse Lyons expects to happen to Alltech’s sales as a result of the agreement to make food flavorings in partnership with Mitsui and Asahi Breweries.

Lyons, founder and chief executive of Nicholasville-based Alltech, tells Feedinfo News Service that Alltech’s annual sales could double to $1 billion in five years.

Production of the yeast extracts is expected to total 3,000 tons in the first year and 10,000 tons annually in five years, Lyons told the European biotech news service.

The goal of the company formed by Alltech and its partners, Advanced Yeast Technologies Japan, is to capture 25 percent of the additives market by displacing monosodium glutamate, or MSG, and similar substances.

“For now” the yeast product “will co-exist with MSG — but in time, MSG will disappear,” Lyons said.

Continued Feedinfo: “The Alltech president shrugged off any suggestion that the current financial crisis meant now was not the best time to launch a new venture.

“‘I see the danger but recognise the opportunity,’ he said. “‘Alltech is lean and ready to advance to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to us.’”