Yeast Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033: Global Demand Surges as Food, Beverage & Wellness Trends Accelerate

The global yeast market—long considered the quiet backbone of modern food production—is entering a period of remarkable expansion. According to Renub Research, the market is projected to reach US$13.79 billion by 2033, up from US$6.56 billion in 2024, registering a strong CAGR of 8.61% between 2025 and 2033.

This growth is being propelled by the rising popularity of bakery products, craft beverages, functional foods, and health-focused nutritional yeast, along with expanding applications across pharmaceuticals, bioethanol, and animal feed.

From sourdough loaves and artisanal beers to plant-based protein innovations, yeast is undergoing a global renaissance—transforming from a simple fermenting agent into a high-value biotechnological input with far-reaching applications.

Yeast Market Outlook (2025–2033)

Yeast, a single-celled fungus, lies at the heart of some of the world’s most essential biochemical processes. Whether it is baking bread, fermenting beer, or producing pharmaceuticals, yeast continues to be indispensable due to its ability to convert sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide through fermentation.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the most widely used yeast species, remains central in baking and brewing, while specialized strains are gaining prominence in nutraceuticals, functional foods, biotechnology, and vegan food formulations.

Why Yeast Matters More Than Ever

In baking, yeast creates the airy structure of bread by releasing CO₂.

In brewing, it converts malt sugars into alcohol and contributes to beer and wine flavor profiles.

In biotechnology, yeast is used to manufacture enzymes, vaccines, vitamins, and proteins.

In vegan diets, nutritional yeast provides a natural source of B vitamins and protein, while offering a cheesy, umami flavor.

Yeast’s versatility makes it an irreplaceable ingredient across multiple industries—each driving strong, sustained global demand.

Yeast Market Report Features

Report Features Details

Base Year 2024

Forecast Years 2025–2033

Historical Years 2020–2024

Market Size 2024 US$ 6.56 Billion

Market Forecast 2033 US$ 13.79 Billion

CAGR (2025–2033) 8.61%

Growth Promoters in the Global Yeast Market

1. Rising Demand for Processed & Ready-to-Cook Foods

As urban lifestyles grow busier, consumers across emerging and developed markets prefer ready-to-eat, packaged, and convenience foods. Yeast is a key ingredient in:

Breads and bakery items

Snack products

Instant meals

Ready-to-bake doughs

Yeast enhances texture, flavor, shelf-life, and fermentation efficiency, making it integral to processed food manufacturing.

A noteworthy development came in 2023 when AB Vista introduced a new yeast strain with enhanced ethanol production efficiency from corn, signaling innovation even in industrial applications.

2. Boom in the Craft Brewing & Artisanal Fermentation Industry

From Tokyo to Toronto, the craft beer revolution is unfolding at an unprecedented pace. Specialty beers depend heavily on proprietary yeast strains that impart unique aromatic and flavor profiles.

In June 2022, Bira 91, one of the fastest-growing premium beer brands globally, partnered with Far Yeast Brewing Company to launch Yuzu Gose Sour, reflecting the rising demand for specialized brews.

As microbreweries and premium beverage brands proliferate, the demand for high-quality yeast varieties continues to rise.

3. Rising Health & Wellness Awareness

Health-conscious consumers are fueling demand for:

Nutritional yeast (rich in B vitamins, protein)

Probiotic yeast strains

Functional food ingredients

Nutritional yeast, particularly valued in plant-based diets, has become a staple in vegan cooking. At the same time, yeast-based supplements and probiotics are gaining traction among consumers seeking natural immunity and digestive support.

4. Expanding Use of Yeast in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals

Yeast is an essential organism in:

Vaccine production

Protein expression

Bioethanol manufacturing

Enzyme synthesis

As global biotech investment surges, yeast is increasingly being used as a primary biological production platform.

Obstacles & Challenges in the Yeast Market

1. Raw Material Price Fluctuations

Yeast production depends on ingredients like:

Molasses

Sugar

Grains

Climate variations, crop failures, and inconsistent global supply chains result in fluctuating raw material prices. These cost pressures make pricing unpredictable for manufacturers, particularly smaller producers.

2. Regulatory Barriers & Quality Control

Yeast manufacturers must comply with stringent food safety standards across regions. Inconsistent regulations between the U.S., EU, and Asia complicate expansion efforts.

Quality inconsistencies, contamination risks, and product recalls can harm consumer trust—making robust quality assurance essential.

Market Breakdown by Type

Dry Yeast

Dry yeast dominates the global market due to:

Long shelf life

Convenience in storage and transport

Consistent performance in baking and brewing

Its versatility makes it ideal for commercial production and household use, supporting its strong market position.

Food Yeast

Food yeast remains fundamental in:

Baking

Fermented foods

Plant-based protein products

Savory snacks and flavorings

The global rise in bakery consumption and acceptance of multicultural cuisines continues to lift demand.

Regional Outlook

United States Yeast Market

The U.S. market benefits from:

A strong bakery culture

Rising demand for nutritional yeast

Expanding craft beer production

Advancements in yeast biotechnology

In June 2024, U.S.-based Pureture announced a breakthrough innovation enhancing yeast protein production—an important step toward sustainable, animal-free dairy alternatives.

France Yeast Market

France’s vibrant culinary tradition fuels steady yeast demand across baking and brewing. The market is also expanding in functional foods and probiotics.

In January 2023, Lallemand Health Solutions launched the first-ever organic version of Saccharomyces boulardii, marking a milestone in probiotic yeast innovation.

China Yeast Market

China’s yeast market is growing rapidly due to:

Rising bakery consumption

Expanding beer and liquor production

Urbanization and lifestyle changes

Increasing demand for probiotics and functional foods

In August 2024, Angel Yeast launched its plateau probiotics project in Xizang, cementing its leadership in biotech-driven yeast innovation.

UAE Yeast Market

The UAE market is fueled by:

A booming hospitality sector

Growing consumption of baked and fermented foods

Rising demand for high-quality yeast in hotels, bakeries, and cafés

Increased health-consciousness among consumers

Processed food consumption continues to surge, supporting long-term yeast demand.

Major Companies in the Yeast Market

The global yeast market is highly competitive, dominated by multinational corporations and specialized biotechnology leaders.

Key Players

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings

Conagra Brands, Inc. (US)

Danone SA (France)

ADM (US)

Associated British Foods PLC (UK)

General Mills Inc. (US)

Koninklijke DSM N.V.

Kerry Group Plc.

Sensient Technologies Corporation

Recent Developments

AB Vista (2023): Introduced a high-ethanol-yielding corn yeast strain.

Lallemand Biofuels (2023): Developed a heat-tolerant strain capable of fermenting diverse feedstocks into bioethanol.

These innovations reflect the market’s shift toward high-performance, sustainable yeast solutions.

Market Segmentation Overview

By Form (4 Viewpoints)

Dry Yeast

Instant Yeast

Fresh Yeast

Others

By Application (5 Viewpoints)

Food

Beverages

Bioethanol

Pharmaceuticals

Feed

By Country (18 Viewpoints)

North America: United States, Canada

Latin America: Brazil, Mexico

Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands

Asia Pacific: China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia

Middle East & Africa: UAE, South Africa

Rest of the World

Final Thoughts

The yeast market is undergoing a powerful transformation—driven by evolving global tastes, biotechnology breakthroughs, and rising wellness awareness. From artisanal sourdough to bioethanol production, yeast is no longer a backstage ingredient—it is becoming a critical driver of food innovation, functional nutrition, and sustainable industry practices.

With its projected US$13.79 billion valuation by 2033, the industry’s future looks dynamic and opportunity-rich. Companies that invest in advanced strains, clean-label solutions, and high-performance biotechnology are positioned to shape the global yeast ecosystem for decades to come.