he best inulinase producer was the novel yeast Z. bailii strain Talf1 (8.67 U/ml). ► Z. bailii strain Talf1, in a CBP from 200 g/l inulin, produced 67 g/l ethanol. ► S. cerevisiae with Talf1 inulinases (SSF) produced 63 g/l ethanol from J. artichoke. ► J. artichoke showed potential as an alternative carbon source for BDS processes.