Almost all biotechnological processes originate from traditional food fermentations, i.e. the many indigenous
processes that can be found already in the written history of thousands of years ago. We still consume many
of these fermented foods and beverages on a daily basis today. The evolution of these traditional processes, in
particular since the 19th century, stimulated and influenced the development of modern biotechnological
processes. In return, the development of modern biotechnology and related advanced techniques will no
doubt improve the process, the product quality and the safety of our favourite fermented foods and beverages.
In this article, we describe the relationship between these traditional food fermentations and modern
biotechnology. Using Koji and its derived product soy sauce as examples, we address the mutual influences
that will provide us with a better future concerning the quality, safety and nutritional effect of many
fermented food products