Fermented Foods Market Report 2026

The fermented foods market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $639.13 billion in 2025 to $688.46 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of traditional fermented food consumption, expansion of dairy fermentation practices, increased household adoption of fermented foods, development of commercial fermentation methods, availability of microbial cultures.

The fermented foods market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $916.66 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for gut-health products, rising adoption of functional foods, expansion of fermented beverage categories, growing investments in food biotechnology, increasing focus on clean-label fermented products. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for probiotic-rich foods, growing adoption of traditional fermentation techniques, expansion of plant-based fermented products, increasing use of controlled fermentation processes, enhanced focus on functional nutrition.

The rising prevalence of digestive issues is expected to drive the growth of the fermented foods market in the coming years. Digestive issues refer to conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system, such as indigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or acid reflux, which disrupt normal digestive functions. The increasing occurrence of these issues is mainly attributed to unhealthy dietary habits and the growing intake of processed foods. Fermented foods help relieve digestive problems by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion, and enhancing nutrient absorption. For example, in July 2023, according to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, a Canada-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting research, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by inflammatory bowel disease, the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in Canada is projected to rise significantly from 322,600 people in 2023 to 470,000 by 2035. Therefore, the growing prevalence of digestive issues is fueling the expansion of the fermented foods market.

Key companies operating in the fermented foods market are increasingly adopting technological innovations in fermentation, such as precision fermentation, to improve sustainability, efficiency, and product development. Precision fermentation is an advanced biomanufacturing technique that employs engineered microorganisms to produce specific proteins or compounds traditionally obtained from animals or plants, enabling the creation of high-quality, animal-free ingredients while reducing environmental impact. For instance, in March 2025, Vivici, a Netherlands-based fermentation ingredients startup, introduced Vivitein BLG, a precision-fermented dairy protein produced without cows. The product has been self-affirmed as generally recognized as safe in the United States, a company-led safety declaration acknowledged by the Food and Drug Administration. Vivitein BLG delivers the same nutritional benefits as conventional dairy proteins while reportedly using 86 percent less water and producing 68 percent lower carbon emissions, thereby improving efficiency, product quality, and sustainability in fermented food production and meeting the rising demand for animal-free and environmentally friendly ingredients.

In January 2024, SYSTM Foods, a United States-based functional beverage brand platform, acquired HUMM Kombucha for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition provides SYSTM Foods with access to HUMM Kombucha’s established range of live, probiotic-rich kombucha products, along with its strong distribution network and recognized brand presence in the fermented beverage segment. The move enhances SYSTM Foods’ product portfolio and expands its position within the growing health-oriented and functional beverage market. HUMM Kombucha is a United States-based producer of raw, live, and unpasteurized kombucha, known for its distinctive flavors and dedication to offering high-quality, probiotic-rich fermented beverages.

Major companies operating in the fermented foods market are Cargill Incorporated, Nestlé S.A., Danone S.A, General Mills Incorporated, Meiji Holdings Company Limited, Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd., Daesang Corporation, Arla Foods Amba, Chobani LLC, Eden Foods Inc., Straus Family Creamery Inc, Fermented Food Holdings Inc., Cleveland Kitchen LLC, Farmhouse Culture LLC, Great Eastern Sun Trading Company Inc., Mama O's Premium Kimchi LLC, Choi’s Kimchi Co. Ltd., Pickled Planet LLC, Alive Ferments LLC, Bombucha.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the fermented foods market in 2025. The regions covered in the fermented foods 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 foods market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The fermented foods market consists of sales of yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, and kombucha. 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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