The global sourdough market size was valued at USD 2.4 billion, in 2018. Growing consumers’ inclination towards tastier, healthier, and natural products has led to a rise in demand for conventional products. Sourdough is made using the fermentation of dough and it is used in different kinds of baked products such as crackers, cake, and bread. Growing consumption of sourdough across the world, especially in Europe, is expected to bolster its demand.
As compared to regular dough, sourdough-based products are healthier and attract a huge customer base. The availability of wild yeast and lactobacillus helps in neutralizing the acid present in leaven thereby, making these products digestible easily. Additionally, the presence of folic acid, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and magnesium further adds to the nutritional benefits.
Changing consumers’ preferences towards healthy foods is attributing to the growth in the U.S market. Among different types, the type II segment is predicted to be the fastest-growing segment with an estimated CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period.
The growing popularity of gluten-free products, especially bread, is estimated to propel the demand for the product over the forecast period. Growing intolerance of gluten products is positively attributing to the growth of the market. Technological advancements have further led to the rise in demand for gluten-free products.
Recently, fermented products production has been on the rise. Further, there has been significant growth in craft breweries that focuses on digestive health. Thereby, sourdough is likely to witness considerable growth over the next few years. The consumption of the bread segment is fueled by the growing demand for a stronger flavor. Key market players are offering bread that is similar in terms of flavor to white bread. This trend is projected to continue and add to the sourdough market growth.
Based on type, the market is categorized into Type I, Type II, and Type III. Among them, type I doughs pH values ranges from 3.8 to 4.5 and they are firm in nature. Unlike the other two types, Type I does not require the addition of S. cerevisiae
Type II includes sourdough of industrial-type and uses stains for fermentation. This type is readily pumpable owing to its availability in liquid form. On the other hand, Type II pH has 3.5 or even less and it can be stored for a week. Another variant, Type III is mostly used in commercial production owing to its quality.
Among different applications, bread was the largest shareholder with 61.0% of the market share. Further, the segment is predicted to grow at a significant growth rate to maintain its dominance. As compared to regular bread, sourdough bread has inherently better properties. The presence of lactic acid in sourdough is attributed to its better properties.
On the other hand, in 2018, pizza held the second-largest share in the market. Growing consumers’ demand for new flavors is the prime factor attributing to the growth of this segment. Additionally, growing research and development in the pizza industry and opening of restaurants chain such as Pizza Hut is positively contributing to the growth of the segment. The rise in pizza consumption in Europe is expected to positively contribute to the sourdough market growth.
In 2018, Europe was the largest shareholder with a 30.4% market share. Further, it is projected to dominate the market from 2019 to 2025. In Europe, Germany is likely to hold the largest share over the forecast duration. Sourdough made up of wheat, rye flours, and spelled is popular among the German population.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast duration owing to growing demand from countries such as India, China, and Japan. The demand for sourdough products that are free of preservatives and chemical is on the rise in these countries.
Owing to the presence of nutritional wheat products in India, the country is projected to witness significant demand over the next few years. The easy availability of raw materials in Asia Pacific countries is likely to supplement the market growth from 2019 to 2025.
Owing to the closure of food outlets, the demand for various food ingredients including sourdough has dipped significantly. Sourdough is mostly used in the production of cookies, pizza, bread, and cakes. Following the imposition of strict lockdown measures, bakery pizza stores were forced to shut down their operations, thereby, adversely affecting the demand for sourdough. Moreover, public places such as malls, stadia, and parks remained closed in most parts of the world, which led to considerably low demand for this food ingredient.
Despite the reopening of various places and economic operations, places for public gatherings remained close. Further, consumers, out of safety concerns, are refraining from visiting these places and dining outside. Take-home services have also taken a hit. Therefore, the demand for sourdough will remain meager unless the situation improves and the virus effects nullify.
Owing to the presence of a large number of manufacturers, the market is competitive in nature. Major players operating in the market are Riverside Sourdough, Puratos, Truckee Sourdough Company, Alpha Baking Co. Inc., Morabito Baking Co. Inc., Truckee Sourdough Company, Gold Coast Bakeries, and Boudin SF among others.
Product differentiation and new product launch are the key trends in the market. For example, Bread SRSLY manufactures a wide range of sourdough products that are gluten-free including Classic Sourdough and Seeded Sourdough. Other companies are also anticipated to follow similar suits in the near future.
Attribute |
Details |
The base year for estimation |
2018 |
Actual estimates/Historical data |
2014 - 2017 |
Forecast period |
2019 - 2025 |
Market representation |
Revenue in USD Million & CAGR from 2019 to 2025 |
Regional scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa |
Country scope |
U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Netherlands, China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, and growth factors and trends |
15% free customization scope (equivalent to 5 analyst working days) |
If you need specific information, which is not currently within the scope of the report, we will provide it to you as a part of the customization |
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Million Insights has segmented the global sourdough market report based on type, application, and region:
• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• Type I
• Type II
• Type III
• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• Bread
• Cookies
• Cakes
• Waffles
• Pizza
• Others
• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Netherlands
• the Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Central & South America
• Brazil
• Middle East & Africa
• UAE
Research Support Specialist, USA