Biotech, Brews and Breakthroughs
The Fermentation Frenzy is an annual event hosted by the Purdue Food Science Department on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. The event is designed to highlight all the aspects of fermentation, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about fermentation during our academic research poster session, sample fermented foods and beverages, and converse with professionals who utilize fermentation in a variety of industries and applications.
Contact Us
fermsci@purdue.edu
745 Agriculture Mall Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Join Us in 2027!
The 2027 Fermentation Frenzy will be held on Friday, January 29, 2027, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET in the Marriott Hall Atrium, 900 W State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. This is a FREE event that is open to the public!
fermentation frenzy 2026
The 12th Annual Fermentation Frenzy took place on January 30, 2026, at Purdue University's West Lafayette campus, hosted by the Department of Food Science. The event brought together students, researchers, industry professionals, home fermenters, and fermentation enthusiasts for an evening celebrating the science, innovation, and creativity behind fermentation.
This year featured 35 fermentation-focused exhibitors, including 14 biotechnology companies, 12 Indiana food and beverage companies, four Purdue student organizations that incorporate fermentation into their missions, and several local home fermenters. With more than 550 attendees, Fermentation Frenzy continues to grow each year, reflecting the increasing impact of fermentation across food, agriculture, biotechnology, health, and sustainability. Whether attendees came to learn about cutting-edge biomanufacturing, sample fermented foods, or connect with industry leaders, there was something for everyone.
Student-made products
One of the highlights of this year's event was the incredible showcase of student-produced fermented foods and beverages. Purdue's Fermentation Club served homemade kimchi and a honey-wheat beer, while students also shared wine crafted from grapes grown in Purdue's research vineyard. Boiler Bakers treated attendees to sourdough brownies, and the Campus Connections Club introduced guests to dosa and fermented aged tea, demonstrating the diversity of fermentation traditions from around the world. These student-led projects highlighted the hands-on learning and innovation that define Purdue's fermentation community.
2026 Sponsors
We would like to extend our gratitude to our industry sponsors: Liberation BioIndustries (Richmond, IN), Evonik (Lafayette,IN), BiomEdit (Fishers, IN), Corteva Agroscience (Indianapolis, IN), Grande Cheese (Fond du Lac, WI), International Flavors & Foods (IFF) (New York, NY). 
We would also like to thank our academic sponsors:
Snapshots from 2026
Thank you to our 2026 exhibitors
Support Fermentation Frenzy
The Fermentation Frenzy is made possible through the generosity of alumni, industry partners, and friends of Purdue Food Science. Your gift helps provide hands-on learning experiences, supports student-led fermentation projects, and ensures this event continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. Click the link below to make a secure online donation. Every gift—large or small—helps us continue growing the Fermentation Frenzy experience.
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