The pea starch market is on track for substantial expansion, with projections indicating growth from US$0.146 Bn in 2025 to US$0.348 Bn by 2032. This represents an estimated CAGR of 13.2% over the forecast period. Pea starch is gaining prominence across various sectors, including food, cosmetics, and industrial applications, due to its eco-friendliness and versatility.
Market Overview
• The rising trend of plant-based and gluten-free diets is propelling the demand for pea starch.
• By 2032, North America is expected to command more than 48% of the global market share.
• The food and beverage industry remains dominant, with food-grade pea starch accounting for 45% of the total market.
• Pea starch is increasingly used in bioplastics due to its biodegradable nature.
• The cosmetic industry is incorporating pea starch as a natural thickening and oil-absorbing agent in sustainable beauty products.
Market Drivers
1. Rising Adoption of Gluten-Free and Plant-Based Diets
The growing prevalence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease is boosting the use of pea starch in food production.
Consumers are showing a preference for plant-based and minimally processed products.
Surveys indicate that 63% of global consumers favor products with a clean label.
2. Emphasis on Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance
Pea starch production is more sustainable, requiring less water and fertilizer compared to corn and wheat starch.
Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are promoting eco-friendly and plant-based ingredients.
Approximately 73% of consumers are willing to pay extra for sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
Business Opportunities
1. Increased Use in Pet Food and Livestock Feed
Pea starch is becoming a preferred ingredient in pet nutrition due to its digestibility and natural composition.
The rising demand for premium and sustainable pet food creates opportunities in this segment.
2. Growing Demand in Cosmetics Industry
Clean beauty trends are fueling the adoption of pea starch as a natural alternative to synthetic ingredients.
Consumer preference for natural beauty products is evident, with 71% favoring plant-based ingredients.
3. Expanding Role in Bioplastics
The demand for biodegradable packaging materials is driving the incorporation of pea starch into eco-friendly plastic alternatives.
Starch-based packaging is expected to gain traction as industries shift towards sustainability.
Regional Market Trends
North America:
• The demand for plant-based food alternatives continues to rise, driving the adoption of pea starch.
• Canada’s strong position as a major pea producer supports market growth in the region.
• The food industry is embracing pea starch in meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, and gluten-free baked goods.
Asia Pacific:
• Countries like China, India, and Japan are experiencing growing demand for processed foods, boosting pea starch applications.
• The region’s rapidly expanding beauty and personal care sector is creating new opportunities for pea starch.
• Pea starch is gaining traction in non-food sectors such as adhesives, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
Leading Market Players
The competitive Analysis includes major companies such as:
• Roquette Frères
• Cargill
• Ingredion Incorporated
• ADM
• Emsland-Stärke Gesellschaft
• Meelunie B.V.
• Nutri-Pea
• DSM-Firmenich
• The Scoular Company
These companies are actively engaging in research, partnerships, and sustainable sourcing strategies to strengthen their market presence.
Recent Industry Developments
• April 2024: Roquette launched LYCAGEL Flex, a hydroxypropyl pea starch premix tailored for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical softgel capsules, enhancing its product portfolio.
• June 2024: Bunge announced a collaboration with Golden Fields to establish a dedicated production plant in Liepaja, Latvia, for advanced protein concentrates.
Industry Insights
• Pea starch is gaining attention as a clean-label, sustainable, and allergen-free ingredient.
• Growing interest in environmentally friendly solutions is driving increased usage in bioplastics and sustainable packaging.
• Non-food industries, including pharmaceuticals and personal care, present significant growth opportunities for pea starch.
• Regulatory policies promoting plant-based and allergen-free ingredients are anticipated to boost market adoption.
Market Segmentation
The global pea starch market is segmented as follows:
By Grade:
• Food Grade
• Feed Grade
• Industrial Grade
By Nature:
• Organic
• Conventional
By Application:
• Food & Beverage
• Animal Feed
• Paper
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles
By Function:
• Gelling
• Thickeners
• Texturizing
• Film Forming
By Region:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
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