One outcome is the production of alcohol from sugar.
Another is the rising of bread. Cheese production also depends on fermentation.
The following site provides links which might be of further interest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_fermentation
Excerpt:
When yeast ferments, it breaks down the glucose (C6H12O6) into exactly two molecules of ethanol (C2H6O) and two molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Ethanol fermentation (performed by yeast and some types of bacteria) breaks the pyruvate down into ethanol and carbon dioxide. It is important in bread-making, brewing, and wine-making.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferment...iochemistry%29