Sauerkrauts Market

Sauerkrauts Market Size

The global Sauerkrauts Market size was valued at USD 10,857.4 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 16,346.6 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.37% from 2023 to 2030. The sauerkrauts market observed a surge in demand in recent years owing to consumer preferences for fermented food products. This trend has been observed globally and across all age groups. The fermented food products are produced through an anaerobic process that releases natural bacteria to produce lactic acid that increases the food’s quality and thus increases the shelf life. Other factors that are driving the market are changing lifestyles towards health-oriented individuals, nutritional values of sauerkraut that aid in improved digestive systems, weight loss, and other health benefits.

The global sauerkraut market is anticipated to experience growth as consumers worldwide seek new and innovative flavors and products, deviating from traditional staple food choices. This shift in consumer preferences presents a significant opportunity for market expansion.

Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America are observed to be the prominent regions that are substantially attributing towards sauerkrauts market growth in terms of revenues, and product betterment amongst other developments.

Analyst’s Review 

The sauerkraut market is expected to grow at a considerable rate, driven by various factors such as the increasing demand for probiotic-rich foods, rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of sauerkraut, and the growing popularity of fermented foods.

The increasing disposable income has also contributed to the growth of the sauerkraut market. The high demand for premium-quality and organic sauerkraut has been observed in several countries, including the US and Europe. The increasing adoption of a vegan and vegetarian diet has also contributed to the rising demand for sauerkraut as a plant-based protein source.

Market Definition

The global sauerkrauts market refers to the comprehensive production, distribution, and consumption of sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage product, on a worldwide scale. Sauerkraut is a popular food item globally and is extensively used as a condiment or ingredient in several culinary preparations, including hot dogs and Reuben’s. The sauerkraut market belongs to the larger fermented foods market category, which also comprises other products like yogurt and kimchi.

Sauerkraut is a nutrient-dense food known for its low-calorie content and significant dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. A typical serving of sauerkraut can provide up to 18% of the recommended daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Notably, the nutritional composition of sauerkraut may vary amongst different sources and depend on the method of preparation and manufacturing.

Sauerkraut, comprising lactic acid and microorganisms, has been associated with potential anti-cancer properties and digestion-promoting effects. Various research studies have suggested that sauerkraut consumption can lower the risk of breast cancer. The expansion of the fermented foods industry has partly driven the growth of the global sauerkraut market, largely attributed to their perceived health benefits.

The sauerkraut market significantly impacts the food and beverage industry, particularly in the fermented food category. The growing demand for plant-based and fermented foods has led to an increase in the popularity of sauerkraut. 

Market Dynamics

The global growth of the sauerkrauts market is principally driven by the rising demand for fermented food products. This increasing trend is further fueled by the growing popularity of healthy and fermented food choices, a burgeoning interest in diverse and unique culinary experiences, and an enhanced focus on organic and locally sourced products. Moreover, the globalization of the food and beverage industry has facilitated greater access to an extensive variety of sauerkraut flavors and products, which has further contributed to its growing appeal among consumers.

Rising acceptance of vegan and plant-based diets is observed to be another factor supporting the growth of the sauerkrauts market. The shift can be attributed to various factors, including growing concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. For instance, sauerkraut is used as a substitute for meat in vegan Reuben sandwiches or mixed into vegan salads. Moreover, rising disposable income and the benefits of sauerkraut for tackling cholesterol and other related health issues owing to the presence of multiple nutritional properties is an important factor that has attracted popularity for reducing health-related issues.

Challenges faced by food manufacturers in the context of reformulating their products are related to the sodium content. Foods with high sodium content have been found to restrain microbial survival and growth, and reducing the sodium content can make it difficult to achieve the same level of preservation. This presents a challenge in reformulation as a change in the sodium content alters the taste and flavor roles of sodium in foods.

Segmentation Analysis

The global sauerkrauts market is segmented based on packaging, form, distribution channel, and geography.

By Packaging

Based on packaging, the market is further categorized into jars, cans, and pouches. In 2022, the jars packaging type dominated the revenue accounting for more than 53.21% of total packaging revenue. Packing sauerkraut in jars has been a traditional and preferred process for consumers over the years. The main beneficial factors are, jars made of glass or other materials that are meant for the purpose of storing food. Plastic, metals, and other packaging materials often tend to react with sauerkraut and it tends to lose its properties. This is observed to be the prominent factor driving the growth of this category. Jars are estimated to continue their dominance during 2023-2030 at the highest growth rate.

By Form

Based on form, the sauerkrauts market is further categorized into solid and liquid form. The solid form held the largest share in terms of revenue in 2022. Solid form accounted for USD 8,203.5 million with a growth rate of 5.63%. Solid sauerkraut is the original form of sauerkraut that is produced from white cabbage and dates long back. Due to its prominence, solid sauerkraut has continued to be a preferred form. The liquid form is observed to be on the rise owing to its added nutritional properties and longer shelf life. It is anticipated that liquid form will continue to grow at a steady pace throughout the forecast period.

By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channels, the sauerkrauts market is further categorized into supermarkets & hypermarkets, departmental stores, online channels, and others. In 2022, supermarket & hypermarkets accounted for the highest revenue, attributing 43.66% of revenue generated by distribution channels. The vast availability of products from competing brands is the prominent factor supporting the high-scale revenue generation for supermarkets & hypermarkets. A supermarket or hypermarket is a retail establishment offering a variety of food products and other household essentials under one roof. However, in recent years, the online or e-commerce segment has gained substantial traction owing to added convenience and ready availability of products on single-click features with the product being delivered at the doorstep. It is anticipated that online portals would grow at a rate of 6.35% during 2023-2030.

Sauerkrauts Market Size

Based on regional analysis, the global sauerkrauts market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America dominated the global regional share in terms of revenue, accounting for 38.35% of the total in 2022. The U.S. has been the prominent country accounting for 73.11% of the region’s revenue. The rapidly growing food industry, and changing consumer preferences towards healthy and nutritious food are the key factors supporting North America’s growth and expansion. It is observed that U.S. citizens consume more than 390 million pounds annually. Such high consumption volumes have propelled the market in North America.

Europe accrued the second-largest share in terms of revenue, following North America by accounting for 30.46% of the total revenue in 2022. Europe is considered the home of sauerkraut owing to the tracing of this product in ancient times. The average sauerkraut consumption in Germany is 2.7 pounds per person. The number is observed to be reduced significantly over the last few years. In addition to health benefits, macro-economic factors such as globalization and changing consumer preferences are also driving the growth of the sauerkraut market in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The global sauerkrauts industry study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the global market. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolio and increase their respective market shares across different regions. Expansion & investments involve a range of strategic initiatives including investments in R&D activities, new manufacturing facilities, and supply chain optimization.

List of Key Companies in Sauerkrauts Market

• Mama O's Premium Kimchi
• Wasta Konserven Fischl GmbH & Co. KG.
• Lucky Foods
• CJ CheilJedang Corp.
• The Brinery
• Tazaki Foods Limited
• Leuchtenberg GmbH
• HENGSTENBERG GMBH & CO. KG
• CHOI'S KIMCHI CO.
• BUBBIES FINE FOODS L.L.C.

Key Industry Developments

• August 2022 (Acquisition) – Fermented Food Holdings Inc., signed an agreement to acquire the Sauerkraut business of Great Lakes Kraut Food Company. The motive of the acquisition was to add the product portfolio and improve the supply chain across the region.
• March 2021 (Product Innovation)- CJ CheilJedang Corp. announced its commitment to sustainable packaging by expanding it to a range of products in 2021. This move has resulted in a noticeable reduction of 925 tons of raw plastic materials, demonstrating the company's efforts toward minimizing plastic waste. Moreover, Company X has adopted an integrated sustainable packaging program, which allows the company to assess the environmental impacts of its packaging designs using the newly-adopted COMPASS tool. The program readily reflects its commitment to sustainable packaging that caters to consumer considerations for long-term environmental sustainability.

The Global Sauerkrauts Market is segmented as:

By Packaging

• Jars
• Cans
• Pouches

By Form

• Solid
• Liquid

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Departmental Stores
• Online
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America