1 Global Cultured Wheat Market Outlook
The global Cultured Wheat market is projected to exhibit substantial growth in the coming years, with a CAGR of 6.91% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a total market size of $131.65 million USD in 2024. Cultured wheat comes from the fermentation of wheat with specific food-grade bacterial cultures and is a natural preservative. Cultured Wheat has been used to extend shelf life in baked goods, cheeses, meats, condiments, spreads and more. By preventing the growth of unwanted bacteria, yeasts and molds, Cultured Wheat can replace chemical preservatives like sorbates and benzoates for a clean-label alternative.
Figure Global Cultured Wheat Market Size and Growth Rate (2024-2033)
2 Cultured Wheat Market Growth Drivers and Constraints
The global cultured wheat market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increased global consumer demand for clean labels and chemical-free products. Cultured wheat, derived from fermenting wheat flour with specific food-grade bacterial cultures, serves as a natural preservative that extends the shelf life of various food products such as baked goods, cheeses, and meats. This demand is fueled by a rising health consciousness among consumers and a preference for transparent and concise “clean label” food formulas, which are becoming a key factor in food consumption decisions and a mainstream trend. Additionally, the continuous growth of downstream markets, particularly in the bakery sector, provides sustained impetus for the cultured wheat industry. However, the market faces challenges and restraints, primarily due to raw material price fluctuations. The cost and availability of raw materials, particularly wheat flour, are critical factors affecting the price of cultured wheat products. Crop diseases, weather conditions, and other external factors can lead to supply shortages and price increases, creating market uncertainty and impacting the cost-effectiveness of cultured wheat products. This volatility may inhibit consumer purchasing power and limit the market growth of cultured wheat.
3 Cultured Wheat Market M&A Activities
In the cultured wheat industry, mergers and acquisitions, as well as business expansions, are shaping the competitive landscape. Notably, SK Capital announced the acquisition of J&K Ingredients in October 2023, a leading manufacturer and supplier of natural, organic, and clean label food and beverage ingredients. This move is expected to strengthen SK Capital’s presence in the specialty materials and ingredients sector. Additionally, Lesaffre Group expanded its biotechnology capabilities by acquiring Recombia Biosciences in September 2022, a company based on technology licensed from Stanford University, which specializes in genome-editing technologies for sustainable production of fermented ingredients. This acquisition marks Lesaffre’s entry into synthetic biology and aims to accelerate the development of yeasts for fermented ingredients. Furthermore, Kerry Group plc announced its agreement to acquire part of the global lactase enzyme business from Chr. Hansen and Novozymes in December 2023, enhancing Kerry’s biotechnology solutions and enzyme technology for creating lactose-free and sugar-reduced dairy products. These strategic moves by key players are set to influence the cultured wheat market’s development and competitiveness.
4 Global Cultured Wheat Market Analysis by Type
In 2024, the global cultured wheat production value by type demonstrated a significant distribution across the market. The conventional cultured wheat segment led with a production value of USD 117.40 million, maintaining its dominant position in the market with a substantial share of 89.18%. This was followed by organic cultured wheat, which contributed a production value of USD 14.25 million, accounting for 10.82% of the total market share. Together, these two types of cultured wheat captured the entire market, highlighting the market’s reliance on conventional and organic varieties to meet the growing demand for natural preservatives in the food industry. The total production value for cultured wheat in 2024 was estimated at USD 131.65 million, reflecting a robust market value driven by the continued preference for cultured wheat as a clean-label alternative in food production.
Table Global Cultured Wheat Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size in 2024 (M USD) | Market Share in 2024 (%) |
|---|---|---|
Conventional Cultured Wheat | 117.40 | 89.18% |
Organic Cultured Wheat | 14.25 | 10.82% |
5 Global Cultured Wheat Market Analysis by Application
In 2024, the global cultured wheat market exhibited significant production values and market shares across various applications:
The production value for baked products was projected to be approximately USD 84.74 million, capturing a market share of 64.37%. This segment remains the largest due to the increasing demand for natural preservatives in baked goods.
The production value for cheeses was estimated at USD 25.18 million, accounting for 19.13% of the market share. The use of cultured wheat in cheese production enhances flavor and extends shelf life.
The production value for condiments was expected to reach USD 10.55 million, representing an 8.01% market share. Cultured wheat serves as a natural preservative in various condiment applications.
The remaining applications, categorized as “Others,” were projected to have a production value of USD 11.18 million, with a market share of 8.49%. This includes a variety of food products that benefit from the properties of cultured wheat.
Table Global Cultured Wheat Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size in 2024 (M USD) | Market Share in 2024 (%) |
|---|---|---|
Baked Products | 84.74 | 64.37% |
Cheeses | 25.18 | 19.13% |
Condiments | 10.55 | 8.01% |
Others | 11.18 | 8.49% |
6 Global Cultured Wheat Market Analysis by Region
In 2024, the global cultured wheat production value by region showed significant figures for the United States, Europe, and China:
The United States production value for cultured wheat was projected to be approximately USD 61.91 million, capturing a market share of 47.03%. This growth is driven by increased consumer demand for natural preservatives in baked goods and other food products, reflecting a strong preference for clean-label ingredients.
The production value in Europe was estimated at USD 47.12 million, accounting for 35.79% of the market share. Despite a slight decrease in wheat production forecasts, the region continues to be a major player in the cultured wheat market, supported by ongoing innovations in food preservation and quality enhancement.
China’s production value for cultured wheat reached USD 6.63 million, representing a market share of 5.03%, which contributed to the growth of cultured wheat production as consumers increasingly seek healthier food options.
Figure Global Cultured Wheat Production Value Market Share by Region in 2024
7 Top 3 Companies of Global Cultured Wheat Market
7.1 IFF
Company Introduction and Business Overview:
International Flavors & Fragrances is the largest specialty ingredients producer globally. The company sells ingredients for the food, beverage, health, household goods, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries. The company makes proprietary formulations, partnering with customers to deliver custom solutions. The nourish segment, which generates roughly half of revenue, is a leading flavor producer and also sell texturants, plant-based proteins, and other ingredients. The health and biosciences business, which generates around one fourth of revenue, is a global leader in probiotics and enzymes. IFF is also one of the leading fragrance producers in the world.
Products Offered:
The MICROGARD® range from IFF represents a comprehensive suite of multifunctional fermented ingredients that are prominent in the market for their ease of use and label-friendly nature. These ingredients not only provide desirable sensory properties but also serve to protect bakery products against spoilage throughout their shelf life. By reducing food waste, they appeal to food manufacturers who are seeking innovative solutions to achieve their sustainability goals.
Sales Revenue in 2024:
In 2024, IFF achieved a significant milestone with its revenue from cultured wheat products, reaching an estimated $23.73 million . This substantial revenue reflects IFF’s strong market presence and the growing demand for its cultured wheat ingredients, which are increasingly being adopted across various food applications. The figure underscores IFF’s success in capturing a significant share of the market, driven by its commitment to innovation and the delivery of high-quality, natural preservatives that cater to the health-conscious consumer base and the broader food industry’s shift towards clean-label products.
7.2 J&K Ingredients
Company Introduction and Business Overview:
J&K Ingredients is a producer of baked goods ingredients intended for global bakery customers, commercial bakeries and bakery product wholesalers and distributors. The company specializes in natural mold inhibitors which help enhance taste, texture, aroma, consistency and shelf life, providing consumers a clean label alternative to artificial chemical preservatives.
Products Offered:
J&K Ingredients offers a product named Bred-Mate 40, which is a highly concentrated clean label Mold Inhibitor derived from fermented wheat flour. This product is suggested for use at a rate of 0.25-2% and serves as a natural alternative to chemical preservatives, enhancing the taste, texture, aroma, consistency, and shelf life of bakery products. Bred-Mate 40 is positioned as a clean label solution that provides consumers with a healthier option without compromising on quality or safety.
Sales Revenue in 2024:
J&K Ingredients is projected to record a robust revenue of $15.27 million from their cultured wheat segment in 2024, showcasing a notable increase from their previous fiscal performances. This forecasted revenue underscores the company’s expanding footprint within the industry and mirrors the escalating market demand for their offerings. The anticipated 2024 revenue also signifies the consumer preference shift towards natural and organic food ingredients, positioning J&K Ingredients as a key player in meeting these evolving market needs.
7.3 Lesaffre Group
Company Introduction and Business Overview:
Lesaffre International operates as a yeast manufacturer. The Company specializes in the fermentation of microorganisms such as yeasts and bacterias for baking, taste, healthcare, and biotechnology.
Products Offered:
Lesaffre Group’s offering, Saf Pro® NMI (Natural Mold Inhibitor) Xtendlife 40, a fermented ingredient blend that inhibits mold growth to extend the shelf-life of finished products. This clean label, Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO, and Vegan-friendly product does not impart off flavors and can be directly added to the flour at 0.5–1.5% of the total flour weight. It is designed for use in a variety of baked goods, including bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and pizza crusts, and comes packaged in a 50 lb (22.7 kg) Kraft Bag with a shelf life of 2 years from the production date for unopened packages.
Sales Revenue in 2024:
For the year 2024, Lesaffre Group is anticipated to garner a notable revenue of $10.61 million from their cultured wheat business, showcasing a positive upward trend in financial performance. This projected figure highlights the company’s strong market position and the escalating consumer preference for their cultured wheat offerings, which are in line with the growing global emphasis on natural and clean-label food ingredients.
