SOURDOUGH MARKET ANALYSIS

Regional Analysis

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North America has dominated the global sourdough market for decades. The region is expected to account for 36.7% of the market share in 2024. The U.S., in particular, has a strong culture of baking bread at home dating back to the early 20th century. This home baking tradition fueled the early demand for sourdough starters and naturally leavened breads. Today, artisanal bakeries producing sourdough and related products can be found in almost every city and town across the U.S. and Canada.  Demand remains robust as consumers increasingly desire fresh, locally-produced foods. The prevalence of health-focused and gluten-free diets has also supported sourdough's popularity due to its easy digestibility compared to other breads. Major players like Boudin Bakery and Acme Bread have cemented North America's leadership with their signature sourdough products sold in major retail chains. Flour mills in the Midwest and Canada have also well-established sourdough-oriented production capabilities and distribution networks.

Meanwhile, the fastest growing sourdough market is found in Asia Pacific. Countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea have seen tremendous increases in demand in recent years. In Australia, the number of small artisanal bakeries making traditional-style sourdough breads and pastries is rising significantly. Japanese consumers have also developed a notable appetite for naturally leavened breads and crackers. Much of this growth stems from wealthier segments of the population seeking higher-quality Western foods.  Additionally, wellness and gluten-free trends have transferred over from North America and Europe. Local millers are starting to offer specialty flours tailored for sourdough applications. While the overall size of the Asia Pacific market still lags North America currently, import volumes of sourdough starters, flour, and baked goods into the key markets within the region indicate rapid future expansion. E-commerce has further supported sourdough's accessibility to wider consumer bases in urban and rural areas alike. As health awareness rises and artisanal food cultures continue developing, the Asia Pacific region is positioned to become the dominant force in the global sourdough industry.