Fermentation is having a serious glow-up. From kombucha to kimchi, these gut-friendly staples are trending everywhere. But behind the jars and buzzwords, something much bigger is brewing.
This rapidly growing industry is cooking up big ideas – think sustainable protein, enhanced nutrition, and entirely new ways to feed the world.
What’s it all about?
We’ve moved past kimchi and kombucha. Next-gen fermentation uses precision techniques and engineered microbes to create everything from dairy free cheese to proteins. It’s clean, green, and surprisingly delicious.
Heard it all before? We get it. Most alt-cheese tastes like disappointment, and meat substitutes often feel like chewing rubber. But this is where next-gen fermentation changes the game – bringing texture, taste, and nutrition that’s finally up to scratch.
Want a front-row seat to the future of fermentation? See the breakthroughs live at Food Tech Congress.
Cracking the code on cheesy goodness
What makes cheese really taste like cheese? It’s caseins. They’re the magic proteins behind the melt, stretch, and tang we all love – but replicating them without animals? Not so easy.
That’s where innovators like MicroHarvest and Standing Ovation come in. Using fermentation, they’re crafting animal-free caseins that don’t cost a fortune and don’t compromise on flavour or texture.
Why does this matter? Because the dairy industry is resource-heavy and emissions-intensive. Livestock takes up nearly 80% of global agricultural land, while being one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Fermented caseins offer a smarter, more sustainable (and let’s face it, kinder) way forward.
The future is fungi – and it tastes like steak
Craving a juicy steak without the side of guilt? Adamo Foods, one of our 2024 Food Tech Challengers finalists, is flipping the script on meat with their fungi-powered steaks that look, cook, and taste like the real thing – without a single animal in sight.
Their secret? Fermentation. By recreating a natural environment in tanks, they grow fungi just like it would in the wild. A little seasoning, a bit of shaping, and voilà – steak night is back on the menu for vegetarians (and the meat-curious).
The not so smooth side of next-gen fermentation
For all its buzz, scaling the next-gen fermentation is far from a cakewalk. Biomanufacturing infrastructure is still limited, expensive, and many startups hit roadblock long before their products make it to shelves.
Then there’s the regulatory maze. Making a product that’s named after an animal-based product (like milk, meat, etc.), but using plant-based ingredients can cause difficulties in the legal processes. And beyond labels, these alt-products still need to prove they’re just as nutritious – and safe – as the originals (sometimes even more so).
But the biggest hurdle? Winning over consumers. It’s one thing to grow cheese from microbes or steak from fungi. It’s another to convince people it’s just as tasty – and trustworthy – as the real thing.
Take a deeper look at the fermentation market
We’re introducing something new at Food Tech Congress 2025 – Next-Gen Fermentation theme is officially on the agenda. This track will explore how fermentation is changing the industry through plant-based proteins, functional foods, and nutrient-rich products. Expect insights on emerging tech, market trends, and where this fast-growing sector is headed next.
That’s not all. To have multiple perspectives on the food and agri tech industry we’re also taking a look at:
- Climate-smart food systems
- Alternative proteins
- Policies for novel foods
- Health and nutrition
- Food safety, security and quality
- Waste to value
- AI and digital supply chain
- Cross-industry collaboration and scaling
- Food tech investment
Check out the agenda of Food Tech Congress 2025: BROWSE THE AGENDA
What are your thoughts about next-gen fermentation products and their benefits? Share your thoughts with us in the comments 💬
Join the conversation in Barcelona on November 4-5, 2025 at the new edition of Food Tech Congress. This year we’re bringing 1000+ industry pioneers, investors, and enthusiasts. Plus, a completely fresh stage will hold the discussions about agri tech innovations – Agri Tech Congress.
See you there! Register for the event: foodtechcongress.com
