About us
LabID Unraveling the mysteries of your Sourdough.
Founded by two passionate professors with extensive expertise in the fascinating world of food fermentation and especially sourdough fermentation, LabID is the result of our firm commitment to unraveling the secrets of sourdough. With a profound love for both science and the art of baking, we embarked on a journey to merge these two worlds and share our discoveries with you.
Meet Our Founders
Prof. Marco Gobbetti
A full professor of Food Microbiology since 2000 and currently Dean of the Faculty Agricultural, Environmental and Sciences at the Free University of Bolzano, Italy. He is the coordinator of the international PhD on “Food, Engineering and Biotechnology” at the same university and has authored more than 417 publications in the field of food fermentation. He is a world renown expert in sourdough fermentation and has dedicated his career to exploring the intricacies of microbial food ecosystems. His groundbreaking research has shed light on the profound influence of microbiomes on the world of food, and, in sourdough.

Prof. Raffaella Di Cagno
Equally passionate and knowledgeable, she possesses a wealth of expertise in sourdough fermentation, fruit and vegetable fermentation, molecular microbiology, and lactic acid bacteria. She is a full professor of Food Microbiology at the Free University of Bolzano where she is a member of the international PhD on “Food, Engineering and Biotechnology”. She is also the director of the International Center of Food fermentations at the Free University of Bolzano and member of VistaMilk Centre Teagasc in Cork. She has authored over 200 publications in the field of food microbiology and sourdough. Her passion for exploring the microbial magic within sourdough has fueled her dedication to this field in the last decade.

Our Mission & Vision
We have the ambition to become a recognized authority on the production & benefits of fermented foods & beverages whilst educating society and helping homebakers, artisans, and industries around the world achieve their true potential.
Together with our partners, we seek to create a world of sustainable food production through fermentation while bringing high quality, authentic and healthy food to every table.
Our Partners
Sparkalis, the corporate ventures arm of the Puratos group, the global leader in the B2B bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors is among LabID’s seed founders while the Puratos’ Sourdough Library and The Free University of Bolzano are our key scientific partners.
What Sets Us Apart
- Scientific Rigor: Our founders are accomplished scientists who approach sourdough with a rigorous scientific mindset. We employ state-of-the-art techniques and methodologies to provide you with the most accurate and insightful data and findings on the microbiota in your sourdough.
- Passion for Flavor: We understand that the heart of sourdough lies in its flavor. Our founders' passion for both the science and sensory aspects of fermentation ensures that our testing kits help you not only understand your sourdough's microbial composition but also enhance its taste and texture.
- Access to expertise: Our partners are ready to weigh in on the results of your sourdough microbiota analyses. The combined experience and expertise they bring ensures you get the most up-to-date and impactful insights, tips and tricks.
- Community Building: We're not just a company; we're a community of sourdough enthusiasts. Join us on this exciting journey of discovery, exchange ideas, and embark on a shared mission to elevate the world of sourdough baking.
Our Commitment
At LabID, we are dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between science and sourdough. We are committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge needed to create exceptional sourdough bread that embodies your unique style and flavors. Thank you for joining us on this exciting adventure. Together, let's uncover the microbial magic of sourdough and redefine the future of baking!
Did you know?
LabID is a satellite of The Sourdough Institute. At LabID, we subscribe to the mission of the Sourdough Institute: to protect, research, and inspire.
They manage the only sourdough library in the world and are on the lookout for the most special sourdoughs from across the world. LabID partners up with the Sourdough Institute on research activities around sourdough fermentation and its microbiota. This is why LabID forms an integral part of the admission flow to the Sourdough Library.
Who knows... your sourdough might gain the attention of the Sourdough Institute and be on its way to becoming part of the sourdough library!
Order your LabID kit today and find out.
For more information, visit the Sourdough Institute.
