Fermented Ingredients Market Report 2026

The fermented ingredients market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $41.09 billion in 2025 to $44.93 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of food and beverage processing industries, increasing use of microbial fermentation, growth in pharmaceutical ingredient demand, rising adoption of enzymatic processing, availability of industrial fermentation infrastructure.

The fermented ingredients market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $65.15 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in bio-based ingredient production, rising demand for functional food ingredients, expansion of pharmaceutical fermentation applications, growing focus on sustainable manufacturing, increasing adoption of precision fermentation technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for fermentation-derived ingredients, rising use of natural food additives, growing application of industrial enzymes, expansion of clean-label fermented products, enhanced focus on process optimization.

The increasing demand from the food and beverage industry is expected to boost the growth of the fermented ingredients market going forward. The food and beverage industry includes businesses involved in the production, distribution, and sale of edible goods and beverages, spanning agriculture, manufacturing, restaurants, and cafés. Fermented ingredients are widely used in this industry to meet consumer demand for unique flavors, improved nutritional profiles, and extended shelf life. For instance, in May 2025, according to GOV.UK, a UK-based government agency, the total value of exports of food, feed, and drink from the United Kingdom reached US$32 billion (£24.6 billion) in 2024, representing a 0.5% increase compared with 2023. Therefore, the increasing demand from the food and beverage industry is driving the growth of the fermented ingredients market.

Leading companies in the fermented ingredients market are concentrating on developing innovative products, such as new fermented red beet ingredients, to expand their product range and meet evolving consumer preferences. Fermented red beet ingredients are produced through the fermentation of beets, resulting in products with distinctive flavors and potential health advantages. For example, in April 2023, Insempra, a Germany-based company, introduced a 100% natural alpha-ionone flavor and fragrance ingredient. This ingredient, sourced entirely from natural origins, is typically obtained through the extraction or distillation of plant materials, like essential oils from flowers or fruits. Known for its signature floral and woody aroma, it is widely used in perfumery and flavor applications. As a natural compound, alpha-ionone is particularly favored in clean-label products and formulations that emphasize sustainability and environmentally friendly ingredients. Its adaptable scent profile enhances the sensory appeal of various products, including cosmetics, personal care items, and food applications, catering to consumer demand for natural and organic options.

In October 2024, Lesaffre, a France-based fermentation and microorganisms specialist, acquired the yeast-extract business of dsm-firmenich for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Lesaffre aims to strengthen its fermented ingredients portfolio by integrating dsm-firmenich’s yeast-extract production capabilities and expanding its global supply of savory, flavor-enhancing fermentation-derived ingredients. The dsm-firmenich yeast-extract business, based in Switzerland, provides yeast-extract products widely used in food applications for flavor enhancement, umami taste, and clean-label formulations.

Major companies operating in the fermented ingredients market are Lallemand Inc., Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Döhler Group SE, Cargill Inc., Angel Yeast Co. Ltd., Kerry plc, Koninklijke DSM NV, Associated British Foods plc, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co. Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Riken Vitamin Co. Ltd., Tate & Lyle plc, Corbion NV, Novozymes A/S, Givaudan SA, Meihua Holdings Group, COFCO Biochemical, Fufeng Group.

North America was the largest region in the fermented ingredients market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the fermented ingredients market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the fermented ingredients market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The fermented ingredients market consists of sales of polymers, amino acids, vitamins, industrial enzymes, organic acids, antibiotics, and other fermented ingredients. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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