Sourdough Market

Global Sourdough Market Size (2024 to 2029)

As per our analysis report, the global Sourdough Market is expected to reach USD 3.86 Billion by 2029 from USD 2.52 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9 % during the forecast timeline.

Growing demand for gluten-free products among consumers with more focus on healthy, nutritious, and wellness diets is driving the growth of the sourdough market. Sourdough-based cakes hold the dominant market share owing to being the best alternative to regular cakes and are a healthier choice.

Global Sourdough Market Drivers:

Growing demand for gluten-free products among consumers is expected to drive the growth of the sourdough market during the forecast period. Post-pandemic people have become more health conscious and focused on health and nutrition. The government and several non-government organizations have also started doing several campaigns to educate people about nutrition and health. Such activities also boosted the growth of the market. The pandemic has also created awareness about the health benefits of vegan and gluten-free products, which are expected to drive market growth after the pandemic. 

Gluten-free baked products have catered to the requirements of the millions of the population who are seeking a gluten-free diet and are gluten intolerant. The ability to manage celiac disease, promote a healthy gut and fiber-rich composition, and maintain freshness are the benefits associated with gluten-free products and propel the market share. There is an increased number of athletes across the globe who are following gluten-free diets and are focusing on outdoor games and healthy lifestyles to support the sourdough market growth in the coming years.

Major companies are focusing on offering a wide range of gluten-free breads to consumers to cater to the needs of certain consumer segments. The rapid increase in the focus on gluten-free raw materials to cater to the consumer preference shift will drive the demand for sourdough products.

Global Sourdough Market Restraints:

Fluctuating raw material prices are acting as the major restraint to the sourdough market growth during the forecast timeline. Some major raw materials include whole wheat, oats, rye, barley, and others, which are majorly used in mixing with flour, water, and other ingredients to make sourdough. However, the continuous fluctuation in the raw material prices due to the variations in the agricultural produce along with the environmental conditions is expected to restrict the growth of the market in the near future. Uncertain environmental conditions like excessive rainfall or inadequate rainfall, severe cold or drought conditions affect the agricultural produce yield. This causes a decreased yield, resulting in the condition where the supply cannot meet the demand of the growing population. These factors are likely to affect the growth and demand of sourdough in the forecast period across the globe.

The continuous change in the international trade laws by their respective government across the world also affects the raw material price fluctuations. The country's import and export transportation costs, which include taxes and manpower costs, are expected to restrict the sourdough market growth. The market demand may decline if the cost of the product increases with the fluctuating raw material prices. So, manufacturers have to concentrate on managing the economies of scale to maintain better prices and have a good market share volume.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Sourdough Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the sourdough market. During the initial phase of the pandemic, the imposition of the lockdown and logistic disruptions caused challenges to the market. The closure of restaurants and bakeries reduced product sales during the pandemic period. However, the increased home cooking increased sales for the sourdough baking frenzy. The surge in interest in home cooking increased sales of flour, thereby benefiting certain segments of the market. During the pandemic period, online stores have facilitated the sale of products and delivered them to the doorsteps, and traditional brick-and-mortar stores are closed. Soon after the restriction eased, the surge in the sale of sourdough products increased with the increase in health awareness, and this product offers a wide range of health benefits.

REPORT COVERAGE:

This research report on the global sourdough market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on type, application, Ingredients, and region.

Global Sourdough Market - By Type:

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III

Type II segment is expected to have a large market share in the Sourdough market during the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for sourdough with the added ingredients. There is a wider range of flavors and taste experiences present in type II than in type I sourdough that satisfies the consumers' desire for diversity and indulgence. In addition to this type, II allows product differentiation and innovation that enables the makers and manufacturers to create new, unique, specialized sourdough products that are customized according to specific consumer preferences. The moving trend towards premium and artisanal bakery products further supports the demand for the segment as consumers prefer high-quality and unique products. The overall segmental growth is driven by its ability to meet consumer preferences for variety, customization, and premium bakery experiences.

Global Sourdough Market - By Application:

• Breads & Buns
• Cookies
• Cakes
• Pizza
• Others

The cake segment is expected to hold the dominant share of the sourdough market. Sourdough cakes are found to be a healthier alternative to traditional cakes and attract more health-conscious customers. These cakes offer a unique tangy flavor and moist texture, will enhance the taste of the sourdough cakes, and will attract consumers seeking new and distinct flavors. The artisanal and gourmet offerings, along with the sourdough cakes, will add to their appeal as consumers prefer high-quality and handcrafted products. The concentration of the manufacturers on providing a variety of sourdough-based cakes will increase the choices of the consumers and drive segmental growth. Increasing awareness about the health benefits and unique characteristics of sourdough contributes to the rising demand for sourdough cakes.

Global Sourdough Market - By Ingredients:

• Wheat
• Barley
• Oats

The oats segment is projected to dominate the sourdough market during the forecast period. The increase in consumer awareness about the health benefits of oats, such as high fiber and gluten-free properties, is driving the demand for the segment. The shit in consumer preference towards healthier dietary options, such as vegan and plant-based diets, contributes to the popularity of the oat ingredient. Manufacturers are focusing on the innovation and introduction of a variety of oat-based products to meet the changing consumer preferences. Oat cultivation is also sustainable as it requires low water and land requirements that align with environmentally friendly techniques. These factors drive the growth of the oats segment in the market and provide a wide range of opportunities.

Global Sourdough Market - By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Europe accounts for a large share of the sourdough market owing to the huge demand for the food & beverages sector. Europe has a traditional connection with bread and makes it an integral part of their diet. The regional demand for bread contributes to the higher market share of sourdough than in other countries. Consumers' appreciation for authenticity, high-quality ingredients, and unique flavors drives the demand for sourdough in the European region. Europe's advanced bakery industry, coupled with the artisanal bakeries and commercial manufacturers, will ensure the widespread availability and accessibility of sourdough products. Factors like cultural heritage, preference for artisanal foods, and a developed bakery industry will contribute to Europe's share in the sourdough market.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at a faster rate in the sourdough market owing to the growing demand for baked products that are chemical- and preservative-free. This demand puts sourdough-based products in the spotlight and drives the demand in this region. Another major factor is the ample amount of raw material availability in the Asia-Pacific region, mostly in some of the major marketplaces like China, driving the market growth in the region. China has a large market share, and India has the fastest-growing market in this region.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS:

Major Key Players in the Sourdough Market are Puratos Group; Ireks HmbH; Goodmills; Ernst Bocker GmbH & CO.KG; Bake with Brolite; Philibert Savours SAS; Lesaffre International Corporation; Lallemand Inc; Gold Coast Baking Company; Boundin Bakery; Alpha Baking Company Inc; Josey Baker Bread; Swiss Bake Ingredients Pvt Ltd. 

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET:

• In 2022, Ernst Bocker GmbH & Co. KG. has launched the BOCKER Mondial Vario sourdough starter. It offers a versatile solution for different global baking needs. It has a shelf life of three months and is adaptable to various climates and raw materials, along with guaranteed consistency and high-quality results. It is a perfect ingredient for wheat and mixed wheat pastries due to its mild flavor. It can be used in fine baked goods and organic and gluten-free options.
• In 2021, Ruskhleb, a baking ingredient company in Saint Peterburg, was acquired by the Puratos. This strategic move is to expand its local sourdoughs in Russia and to meet the demand of Russian bakers in order to capitalize on the growing demand for sourdough bread. Puratos planned to strengthen its local bakery leadership position with the acquisition of the Ruskhleb.