To multiply and grow a mould needs supply of some form of organic carbon for energy, a source of nitrogen for protein and vitamin synthesis, and several minerals. 

Unlike lactic acid bacteria and yeast mould is usually not produced in fermentors with liquid media, but on solid media like agar, rice, cereal, breadcrumbs etc. as the mould sporulates more easily on a solid surface. A large surface area, an oxygen atmosphere, controlled temperatures and humidity as well as strict hygiene conditions are equally important for optimal growth.

The original mould strains are stored in a strain bank. In a microbiology laboratory a small quantity – the inoculation material – is prepared to kick off the production process for every batch. This is transferred to the solid media to multiply and grow under carefully defined and monitored conditions.

At the end of the fermentation process the spores are harvested, formulated and packed and preserved in frozen or powder form.

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