The high concentrations of ionic (mainly Na+) and non-ionic (mainly sugars and polyols) solutes reduce water activity (aw) in food and are two of the major abiotic stressors, both limiting the yeast growth. High external osmolarity has been used for centuries for food preservation, because it causes water outflow from the cell and results in a higher intracellular concentration of ions and metabolites and in an eventual arrest of cellular activity. The yeast ability to cope with these environmental insults determines both the success of certain food and beverage fermentation and the thriving of food spoilage.