Starter Cultures Global Market Report 2024

The global starter cultures market has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.29 billion in 2023 to $1.37 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth observed in the historical period can be primarily attributed to several factors, including the expansion of the dairy and beverage industries, consumer education initiatives that raised awareness about fermented foods and their benefits, a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly production methods, increased investment in research and development within the field of food fermentation, and the rising popularity of vegan and plant-based alternatives in response to changing consumer preferences and dietary choices.

The global starter cultures market is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.78 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be linked to several key factors, notably the expanding market opportunities in emerging economies, a rising demand for probiotics and fermented foods, the increasing popularity and consumption of fermented food products, ongoing health and wellness trends encouraging the consumption of functional foods, and a preference for clean label products featuring natural ingredients among consumers. Furthermore, major trends expected in this period encompass increased research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing fermented food products, regulatory support and the establishment of safety standards within the industry, globalization fostering cultural exchange and the spread of fermented food traditions, culinary experimentation and innovation in fermented foods, and ongoing technological advancements contributing to the fermentation process and product development.

The surge in demand for dairy products is a primary driver fueling the growth of the starter cultures market. Dairy products, encompassing various food items made from milk, rely on starter cultures for the production of fermented dairy foods like cheese, yogurt, and numerous other dairy products. According to November 2022 data from Eurostat, an estimated 161.0 million tons of raw milk were produced on EU farms in 2021, representing a 0.7 million ton increase from the previous year. This substantial increase in raw milk production within the EU indicates a growing demand for dairy products, consequently propelling the growth of the starter cultures market.

A significant factor contributing to the expansion of the starter culture market is the rising consumer interest in probiotics and fermented products. Probiotics, referring to living microorganisms with intended health benefits, are reliant on starter cultures for the production of fermented foods and beverages that offer various health advantages. According to a February 2022 consumer survey conducted by Chr. Hansen, a Denmark-based supplier of bacteria cultures, probiotics, enzymes, and human milk oligosaccharides, 75% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with probiotics, with 48% incorporating probiotics into their daily or nearly daily dietary routine. This increasing consumer interest in probiotics and fermented products is anticipated to be a driving force for the starter cultures market.

A notable trend gaining traction in the starter cultures market is technological advancement. Key market players are actively involved in developing advanced technologies that enable manufacturers to produce stirred yogurt. An example is DSM, a Netherlands-based company offering nutrition, health, and sustainable living-based products and services. DSM launched the Delvo Fresh YS-042 starter culture, featuring unique capabilities that enable manufacturers to produce stirred yogurt that is exceptionally mild, creamy, and thick throughout its shelf life without the need for texturizers or added proteins. This technological innovation facilitates cost-effective and streamlined yogurt production, positioning it as a key trend in the starter cultures market.

Prominent companies in the starter culture market are concentrating on the development of shelf-stable starter cultures to enhance their product offerings and advance biochemical research. Shelf-stable cultures are designed to ensure prolonged viability and improved pH profiles for the probiotics derived from them. A notable example of this strategic focus is observed in the collaboration between SIG, a Switzerland-based packaging company, and AnaBio Technologies, an Ireland-based microencapsulation company. In September 2023, they joined forces to introduce long-life probiotic yogurt, a groundbreaking product category. This innovation involves probiotic beverages packaged in aseptic carton packs and spouted pouches, offering shelf stability for extended periods without the need for refrigeration. This collaboration aims to redefine the market by introducing a new dimension to probiotic products that can be stored without compromising their effectiveness.

In a significant move in August 2021, Angel Yeast, a China-based manufacturer and distributor of yeast and related products, acquired Shandong Bio Sunkeen Co., Ltd., though the financial details remain undisclosed. This acquisition serves a dual purpose for Angel Yeast, involving the enhancement and development of technological capabilities and the acquisition of relevant assets in yeast product production from Bio Sunkeen. Through this strategic acquisition, Angel Yeast seeks to consolidate its position in the industry, optimize production capacity, and further solidify its market presence. Shandong Bio Sunkeen Co., Ltd., the acquired entity, is a China-based high-tech enterprise engaged in the integrated research and development, production, and sales of various yeast extracts and culture mediums.

Major companies operating in the starter cultures market report are Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Lactina Ltd., Lallemand Inc., Koninklijke DSM N.V., Sacco System S.r.l., LB Bulgaricum AD, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Biochem Srl, Dalton Pharma Services S.r.l., Wyeast Laboratories Inc., THT S.A., Mad Millie Pty Ltd., Futura Ingredients AB, Angel Yeast Co. Ltd., Biena Inc., BDF Natural Ingredients S.L., Benebios Inc., Benny Impex, Mediterranea Biotecnologie Srl, Genesis Laboratories Inc., Bioprox Healthcare SAS, Codex-ing Biotech Ingredients Inc., DowDuPont Inc., Sacco S.r.l., CSK Food Enrichment B.V., Danisco A/S, Lesaffre et Compagnie, Lake International Technologies, DSM Food Specialties B.V., Abiasa Corporativo S.A. de C.V.

Europe was the largest region in the starter cultures market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the starter cultures market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the starter cultures market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary microorganisms used in starter cultures include bacteria, yeast, and molds. Bacteria, such as Streptococcus cremoris and Leuconostoc citrovorum, are examples used in the fermentation of various dairy products in both industrial and domestic settings. Starter cultures can come in different compositions such as multi-strain mixtures, single strains, or blends of multiple strains. They are available in forms like freeze-dried or frozen and find applications in dairy products, meat and seafood, alcoholic beverages, and other food categories.

This report provides starter cultures market statistics, including starter cultures industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a starter cultures market share, detailed starter cultures market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the starter cultures industry. This starter cultures market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The starter culture market includes revenues earned by entities by producing acid during manufacture and contributing to the ripening process. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

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.


This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.