Thriving Lactic Starter Culture Market set to surpass USD 2.7 billion by 2034, with a robust 7.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecasted.
In the ever-evolving world of food production, the lactic starter culture market is gearing up for significant growth in the coming years. According to recent market analysis, the global lactic starter culture market is projected to grow from approximately USD 1.3 billion in 2024 to around USD 2.7 billion by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2034[1].
The dominance of freeze-dried lactic starter cultures is evident in the "By Form" segment of the market, holding a 49.1% share. This popularity is attributed to their long shelf life[1]. In the "By Type" segment, mesophilic starter cultures lead with a 37.2% share, favoured for their versatility in dairy fermentation[1].
The primary application of lactic starter cultures is in dairy products, accounting for 56.9% of the market. The rising demand for probiotic-rich and gut-friendly dairy items has further supported the growth of this segment[1]. However, the trend towards plant-based alternatives has also expanded the lactic starter culture market, with these cultures being adapted for use in plant-based matrices to produce fermented non-dairy yogurts or beverages.
Geographically, North America is a significant market, accounting for 48.2% of the lactic starter culture market in 2024, with a valuation of USD 0.6 billion[1]. The Asia Pacific region is rapidly advancing, fueled by urbanization and increasing interest in fermented diets.
Notable developments in the market include Danone's acquisition of The Akkermansia Company for USD 150-250 million in June 2025 to expand its probiotic portfolio[2]. Additionally, Doodhvale Farms, a dairy-focused startup, recently secured $3 million in funding.
In September 2024, Lallemand inaugurated new research and development labs in Blagnac, expanding its capacity for the development of next-generation microbial strains, including novel lactic acid bacteria[3]. These advancements underscore the ongoing innovation and investment in the lactic starter culture market.
As we move forward, it is clear that the lactic starter culture market will remain vital across dairy, meat, bakery, and beverage sectors worldwide, driving growth and innovation in the food production industry.
[1] Market Research Report, Lactic Starter Culture Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2024-2034. [2] BusinessWire, Danone Announces Agreement to Acquire The Akkermansia Company. [3] Food Ingredients First, Lallemand Inaugurates New Research and Development Labs in Blagnac.
In this expanding world of food production, the lactic starter culture market isn't limited to dairy products alone, as advances in technology have facilitated its adaptation for use in plant-based food-and-drink products, such as fermented non-dairy yogurts or beverages. Furthermore, the growth of data-and-cloud-computing in various sectors, including food production, could potentially reshape the future of food industries by making data analysis easier, perhaps leading to more personalized and efficient food-and-drink production processes involving lactic starter cultures.
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