세계 발효조 시장 규모는 2024년 18억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 시장이 2033년까지 29억 달러에 달할 것으로 예상하며, 2025년부터 2033년까지 5.47%의 연평균 성장률(CAGR)을 기록할 것으로 예측했습니다. 바이오 기반 제품 및 지속가능한 제조 공정에 대한 수요 증가, 제약, 생명공학, 식음료 등의 성장 분야, 발효조 기술의 큰 발전, 맞춤형 의료 및 재생에너지에 대한 관심 증가 등이 시장 성장을 이끄는 주요 요인으로 꼽힙니다.
바이오 기반 제품에 대한 수요 증가
제약, 생명공학, 식음료 등 여러 산업에서 바이오 기반 제품에 대한 수요가 증가하면서 시장 성장을 촉진하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2024년 2월 바이오 생산 기업 21st.Bio는 유단백질 생산을 지원하는 원료 제조업체를 위한 정밀 발효 기술 플랫폼을 출시하였습니다. 노보자임스와의 제휴를 통해 탄생한 이 새로운 플랫폼은 업계 생산자들에게 대규모 생산을 위한 한 걸음을 의미합니다. 이번 조치는 회사가 베타락토글로불린 생산 규모 확대에 성공한 데 따른 후속 조치입니다. 이에 따라 발효조는 바이오연료, 발효식품, 항생제 등 고부가가치 제품 생산에 필수적이며, 소비자와 산업계의 수요를 충족시키는 데 필수적이기 때문에 발효조 시장의 전망은 밝습니다.
중요한 기술 발전
자동화, 실시간 모니터링, 확장 가능한 설계와 같은 발효 기술 혁신은 발효 공정을 강화하고 시장 성장을 촉진하는 생산성을 향상시킵니다. 예를 들어, 2023년 10월 마이코테크놀러지는 FaaS(Fermentation as a Service) 플랫폼을 발표했습니다. 이 플랫폼은 발효 능력 보호에 어려움을 겪고 있는 기업 및 신생 기업을 지원하기 위해 설계되었습니다. 이 플랫폼은 다양한 기업들이 상업적 생산 및 발효 사업 규모를 확대하고자 할 때 수율, 품질, 비용 관리 등의 문제를 극복할 수 있도록 도구와 전문 지식을 제공하고, 이를 촉진할 것으로 기대됩니다. 마찬가지로 2024년 1월, ABB는 맥주 생산의 콜드 블록 단계에 대한 새로운 공정 자동화 솔루션을 발표하여 최적화 및 효율성 향상을 촉진할 예정입니다. 발효 및 숙성, 여과, 효모 관리, 정위치 세척(CIP), 브라이트 비어 탱크(BBT) 구역, 기타 2차 공정은 모두 콜드 블록 단계의 양조 공정의 일부입니다. 발효조 시장 예측에 따르면, 이러한 첨단 발효조는 더 나은 제어, 생산성 향상, 운영 비용 절감을 실현하고 다양한 응용 분야에서 채택을 더욱 촉진할 것으로 예상됩니다.
지속가능성과 재생에너지의 증가
지속가능한 제조 방식과 재생에너지에 대한 관심이 높아짐에 따라 첨단 발효조 시스템의 필요성이 대두되고 있으며, 친환경 바이오 기반 솔루션의 개발을 돕고 있습니다. 예를 들어, GNT는 발효 기술을 이용한 식음료용 새로운 식물 기반 지속가능한 엑스베리 컬러 솔루션을 개발하고 있습니다. GNT에 따르면, 발효를 통한 색상 생산은 기능성을 향상시킬 뿐만 아니라 매우 효율적이고 지속가능한 연중 생산이 가능하다고 합니다. 원료는 배양 후 거대한 바이오리액터에서 산업 생산용으로 확장할 수 있습니다. GNT는 그 목표를 달성하기 위해 발효 과학과 천연색 생성을 위한 바이오 공정을 전문으로 하는 영국의 스타트업 기업인 Plume Biotechnology와 협력하기로 결정했습니다.
The global fermenters market size reached USD 1.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 2.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.47% during 2025-2033. The increasing demand for bio-based products and sustainable manufacturing processes, the growing sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food & beverages, significant advancements in fermenter technology, and rising interest in personalized medicine and renewable energy are some of the major factors propelling the market growth.
Increased Demand for Bio-Based Products
The growing need for bio-based products in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food & beverages is driving the growth of the market. For instance, in February 2024, 21st.Bio, a bioproduction company launched a precision fermentation technology platform for ingredient manufacturers aiding the manufacturing of dairy proteins. The new platform, created in partnership with Novozymes, signifies a step forward for large-scale production for producers in the industry. This action follows the company's successful scale-up of its beta-lactoglobulin production. In line with this, fermenters are essential for producing high-value products such as biofuels, fermented foods, and antibiotics which makes them critical to meet consumer and industrial demands, thereby creating a positive fermenters market outlook.
Significant Technological Advancements
Innovations in fermentation technologies, such as automation, real-time monitoring, and scalable designs enhance fermentation processes and improve productivity which is boosting the market growth. For instance, in October 2023, MycoTechnology launched the Fermentation as a Service (FaaS) platform. This platform is designed to help enterprises and startups that are stressed to protect fermentation capacity. This platform is expected to facilitate various corporations to have access to tools and expertise and overcome issues including yield, quality, and cost management while trying to scale up their commercial production and/or fermentation operations. Similarly, in January 2024, ABB launched its new process automation solution for the cold block stage of beer production to drive optimization and efficiency improvements. Fermentation and maturation, filtration, yeast management, cleaning in place (CIP), bright beer tanks (BBT) area, and other secondary processes are all part of the brewing process during the cold block stage. According to the fermenters market forecast, these advanced fermenters provide better control, improved productivity, and reduced operational costs, which is further expected to boost their adoption across various applications.
Rising Sustainability and Renewable Energy
The rising interest in sustainable manufacturing practices and renewable energy drives the need for advanced fermenter systems, supporting the development of eco-friendly and bio-based solutions. For instance, GNT is working to develop new plant-based, sustainable Exberry color solutions for food and drink using fermentation technologies. According to GNT, producing colors through fermentation allows for improved functionality as well as highly efficient and sustainable year-round production. After being grown, the raw materials can be expanded for industrial manufacturing in massive bioreactors. To accomplish its goals, GNT has decided to work with Plume Biotechnology, a start-up company based in the UK that specializes in fermentation science and bioprocessing for natural color creation.
Fed-batch accounts for the majority of the market share
The fed-batch method allows for greater control over nutrient levels and metabolic conditions, leading to improved product yield and quality. It is particularly advantageous for processes requiring high cell densities or extended production times, including in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Additionally, the fed-batch process minimizes the risk of contamination and can enhance the efficiency of expensive substrates. Its adaptability for both small-scale and large-scale production further boosts its adoption across various sectors, such as food and beverage and biopharmaceuticals.
Automatic holds the largest share of the industry
The demand for automatic modes of operation in the market is driven by the need for increased precision and efficiency in fermentation processes. Automation enhances process control by providing real-time monitoring and adjustments, reducing human error, and improving consistency. It also allows for better scalability and integration with other production systems. Automatic operations streamline workflows, reduce labor costs, and enhance overall productivity. The growing complexity of fermentation processes and the emphasis on high-quality product output further propel the adoption of automated fermenter systems across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food & beverages.
Stainless-steel represents the leading market segment
The demand for stainless steel material in the market is driven by its superior properties such as corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning. Stainless steel's resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures ensures longevity and reliability in fermentation processes. Its non-reactive nature prevents contamination and maintains product purity, essential for industries like pharmaceuticals and food & beverages. Stainless steel's strength and structural integrity support the design of robust and scalable fermenter systems which is further driving the fermenters market growth.
Food and beverages exhibits a clear dominance in the market
The demand for fermenters in the food and beverages sector is driven by the increasing popularity of fermented products such as yogurt, beer, and kombucha. Fermenters enable precise control over fermentation conditions, ensuring product consistency and quality. The growing consumer preference for probiotic-rich and health-oriented foods is boosting the need for advanced fermentation technology which is further enhancing the fermenters market value. In addition to this, innovations in fermenter design, such as enhanced automation and scalability, support large-scale production and improve efficiency. The focus on sustainability and reducing waste also drives the adoption of fermenters, as they allow for efficient utilization of raw materials and energy.
North America leads the market, accounting for the largest fermenters market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for fermenters.
The rising emphasis on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals is fueling the demand for advanced fermentation technologies used in drug development and production which is further driving the market growth across the region. Significant investments in research and development (R&D) support innovations in fermentation processes and equipment which is further boosting the fermenters demand. For instance, in July 2024, a Canadian specialist in regenerative ingredients announced its acquisition of European plant-based food and technology company Brotalia. A specialist in 3D bioprinting and dry fermentation technologies, Brotalia produces a range of plant-based meat alternatives under the commercial name Foody's. Its fermentation process upcycles ingredients and their byproducts into high-value end products while enhancing nutrient density. In line with this, the growing emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy is prompting industries to adopt eco-friendly and efficient fermentation solutions which is further influencing the market growth across the region.
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)