Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Size is valued at US$ 3.9 Bn in 2024 and is predicted to reach US$ 6.4 Bn by the year 2034 at an 5.2% CAGR during the forecast period for 2025-2034.
A Microbial Fermentation CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) is a specialized partner that produces commercial-scale products—such as therapeutics, enzymes, or food ingredients—using bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms in large bioreactors. They provide the expertise, infrastructure, and capacity to ferment, purify, and scale processes that would otherwise require massive capital investment. Ideal for biotech, pharmaceutical, and industrial companies looking to outsource complex biological manufacturing.
The microbial fermentation CMO market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing popularity of alternatives to traditional antibodies, such as antibody fragments, nanobodies, and recombinant proteins. These next-generation biologics deliver advantages including higher stability, expanded tissue penetration, and lower immunogenicity compared to conventional monoclonal antibodies.
Microbial fermentation delivers a cost-effective, scalable, and efficient platform for producing these complex biologics with high yield and purity. As pharmaceutical and biotech firms increase pipelines in oncology, autoimmune, and infectious diseases, demand for specialized contract manufacturing services expands, positioning microbial fermentation CMOs as major enablers in advancing innovative therapeutic techniques.
The microbial fermentation CMO market is experiencing growth due to the increasing outsourcing of microbial fermentation processes by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food industries. Companies are outsourcing to CMOs to leverage specialized expertise, reduce capital expenditure, and accelerate time-to-market for products like probiotics, enzymes, antibiotics, and vaccines. Outsourcing allows firms to focus on core R&D while benefiting from scalable, high-quality production facilities that adhere to regulatory standards. Additionally, rising demand for biologics and personalized medicine, combined with complex fermentation technologies, drives firms to rely on experienced CMOs, fueling overall market expansion and efficiency.
Some of the Key Players in the Microbial Fermentation CMO Market:
The microbial fermentation CMO market is segmented by type of expression system, by type of biologic, by company size, by end-user and By Region. By type of expression system, the market is segmented into bacterial expression systems, yeast expression systems and other expression systems. By type of biologic, the market is segmented into recombinant proteins, enzymes, plasmid DNA, antibodies and others. By company size, the market is segmented into small, mid-sized, large and very large. By end-user, the market is segmented into pharma/biotech companies and academic/research institutes.
In 2024, rising demand for cost-effective, scalable, and rapid production of recombinant proteins, enzymes, and biopharmaceuticals drives the bacterial expression systems segment and expands market growth. Bacterial systems, particularly E. coli, deliver high yield, ease of genetic manipulation, and shorter development cycles, making them attractive for contract manufacturing. Growth is further fueled by rising biologics approvals, outsourcing trends, and the requirement for efficient large-scale microbial production.
The Microbial Fermentation CMO market is dominated by complex fractures due to the rising demand for biologics in pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, enzymes, and therapeutic proteins. Recombinant proteins require specialized microbial fermentation for efficient, scalable, and cost-effective production. CMOs offer advanced infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and expertise, enabling biopharma companies to accelerate development without heavy capital investment. Additionally, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and technological advancements in microbial expression systems drive market growth by enhancing yield, consistency, and quality of recombinant proteins.
North America dominates the market for Microbial Fermentation CMO due to the region's rising demand for biopharmaceuticals, enzymes, and probiotics. Increasing outsourcing by biotech companies to specialized CMOs helps reduce production costs and accelerate time-to-market. In addition, escalating importance of personalized medicine and sustainable bio-based products heightens dependence on expert CMOs for high-quality microbial fermentation services, driving market growth in North America.
Moreover, Europe's microbial fermentation CMO market is also fueled by region's region's increasing demand for probiotics, biologics, and vaccines. Growth is driven by rising investment in R&D for biopharmaceuticals and subcontracting of intricate fermentation processes to expert CMOs. Europe's strict regulatory requirements stimulate collaboration with veteran manufacturers to facilitate compliance and high-quality output. Also, the increasing demand for personalized medicine and new drug discovery enhances the demand for large-scale microbial fermentation capabilities, for which CMOs are the first choice regarding efficiency, cost savings, and reduced time-to-market in European biotechnology.
| Report Attribute | Specifications |
| Market Size Value In 2024 | USD 3.9 Bn |
| Revenue Forecast In 2034 | USD 6.4 Bn |
| Growth Rate CAGR | CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2034 |
| Quantitative Units | Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
| Historic Year | 2021 to 2024 |
| Forecast Year | 2025-2034 |
| Report Coverage | The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends |
| Segments Covered | By Type of Expression System, By Type of Biologic, By Company Size, By End-User and By Region |
| Regional Scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country Scope | U.S.; Canada; Germany; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; Rest of Europe; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; Rest of Asia Pacific; Brazil; Argentina; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; GCC Countries; South Africa; Rest of the Middle East and Africa |
| Competitive Landscape | AbbVie , BOC Sciences, Eurofins, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, GSK, Lonza, and Sandoz |
| Customization Scope | Free customization report with the procurement of the report, Modifications to the regional and segment scope. Geographic competitive landscape. |
| Pricing and Available Payment Methods | Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements. |
Microbial Fermentation CMO Market by Type of Expression Systems-
· Bacterial Expression Systems
· Yeast Expression Systems
· Other Expression Systems
Microbial Fermentation CMO Market by Type of Biologic-
· Recombinant Proteins
· Enzymes
· Plasmid DNA
· Antibodies
· Others
Microbial Fermentation CMO Market by Company Size-
· Small
· Mid-Sized
· Large and Very Large
Microbial Fermentation CMO Market by End-User-
· Pharma / Biotech Companies
· Academic / Research Institutes
Microbial Fermentation CMO Market by Region-
North America-
· The US
· Canada
Europe-
· Germany
· The UK
· France
· Italy
· Spain
· Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific-
· China
· Japan
· India
· South Korea
· Southeast Asia
· Rest of Asia Pacific
Latin America-
· Brazil
· Argentina
· Mexico
· Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa-
· GCC Countries
· South Africa
· Rest of the Middle East and Africa
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
1.1. Research Methodology
1.2. Research Scope & Assumptions
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
Chapter 3. Global Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Snapshot
Chapter 4. Global Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Variables, Trends & Scope
4.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
4.2. Drivers
4.3. Challenges
4.4. Trends
4.5. Investment and Funding Analysis
4.6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.7. Incremental Opportunity Analysis (US$ MN), 2025-2034
4.8. Competitive Landscape & Market Share Analysis, By Key Player (2024)
4.9. Use/impact of AI on Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Industry Trends
4.10. Global Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping (US$ Mn), 2024-2034
Chapter 5. Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Segmentation 1: By Expression Systems, Estimates & Trend Analysis
5.1. Market Share by Expression Systems, 2024 & 2034
5.2. Market Size Revenue (US$ Million) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2021 to 2034 for the following Expression Systems:
5.2.1. Bacterial Expression Systems
5.2.2. Yeast Expression Systems
5.2.3. Other Expression Systems
Chapter 6. Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Segmentation 2: By Biologic, Estimates & Trend Analysis
6.1. Market Share by Biologic, 2024 & 2034
6.2. Market Size Revenue (US$ Million) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2021 to 2034 for the following Biologic:
6.2.1. Recombinant Proteins
6.2.2. Enzymes
6.2.3. Plasmid DNA
6.2.4. Antibodies
6.2.5. Others
Chapter 7. Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Segmentation 3: By Company Size, Estimates & Trend Analysis
7.1. Market Share by Company Size, 2024 & 2034
7.2. Market Size Revenue (US$ Million) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2021 to 2034 for the following Company Size:
7.2.1. Small
7.2.2. Mid-Sized
7.2.3. Large and Very Large
Chapter 8. Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Segmentation 4: By End Users, Estimates & Trend Analysis
8.1. Market Share by End Users, 2024 & 2034
8.2. Market Size Revenue (US$ Million) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2021 to 2034 for the following End Users:
8.2.1. Pharma / Biotech Companies
8.2.2. Academic / Research Institutes
Chapter 9. Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Segmentation 5: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
9.1. Global Microbial Fermentation CMO Market, Regional Snapshot 2024 & 2034
9.2. North America
9.2.1. North America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Country, 2021-2034
9.2.1.1. US
9.2.1.2. Canada
9.2.2. North America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Expression Systems, 2021-2034
9.2.3. North America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Biologic, 2021-2034
9.2.4. North America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Company Size, 2021-2034
9.2.5. North America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Expression Systems, 2021-2034
9.2.6. North America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by End Users, 2021-2034
9.3. Europe
9.3.1. Europe Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Country, 2021-2034
9.3.1.1. Germany
9.3.1.2. U.K.
9.3.1.3. France
9.3.1.4. Italy
9.3.1.5. Spain
9.3.1.6. Rest of Europe
9.3.2. Europe Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Expression Systems, 2021-2034
9.3.3. Europe Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Biologic, 2021-2034
9.3.4. Europe Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Company Size, 2021-2034
9.3.5. Europe Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by End Users, 2021-2034
9.4. Asia Pacific
9.4.1. Asia Pacific Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Country, 2021-2034
9.4.1.1. India
9.4.1.2. China
9.4.1.3. Japan
9.4.1.4. Australia
9.4.1.5. South Korea
9.4.1.6. Hong Kong
9.4.1.7. Southeast Asia
9.4.1.8. Rest of Asia Pacific
9.4.2. Asia Pacific Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Expression Systems, 2021-2034
9.4.3. Asia Pacific Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Biologic, 2021-2034
9.4.4. Asia Pacific Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Company Size, 2021-2034
9.4.5. Asia Pacific Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by End Users, 2021-2034
9.5. Latin America
9.5.1. Latin America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Country, 2021-2034
9.5.1.1. Brazil
9.5.1.2. Mexico
9.5.1.3. Rest of Latin America
9.5.2. Latin America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Expression Systems, 2021-2034
9.5.3. Latin America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Biologic, 2021-2034
9.5.4. Latin America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Company Size, 2021-2034
9.5.5. Latin America Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by End Users, 2021-2034
9.6. Middle East & Africa
9.6.1. Middle East & Africa Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by country, 2021-2034
9.6.1.1. GCC Countries
9.6.1.2. Israel
9.6.1.3. South Africa
9.6.1.4. Rest of Middle East and Africa
9.6.2. Middle East & Africa Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Expression Systems, 2021-2034
9.6.3. Middle East & Africa Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Biologic, 2021-2034
9.6.4. Middle East & Africa Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by Company Size, 2021-2034
9.6.5. Middle East & Africa Microbial Fermentation CMO Market Revenue (US$ Million) Estimates and Forecasts by End Users, 2021-2034
Chapter 10. Competitive Landscape
10.1. Major Mergers and Acquisitions/Strategic Alliances
10.2. Company Profiles
10.2.1. AbbVie
10.2.1.1. Business Overview
10.2.1.2. Key Product /Service Overview
10.2.1.3. Financial Performance
10.2.1.4. Geographical Presence
10.2.1.5. Recent Developments with Business Strategy
10.2.2. BOC Sciences
10.2.3. Eurofins
10.2.4. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
10.2.5. GSK
10.2.6. Lonza
10.2.7. Sandoz