The Industrial Starches Market size is estimated at USD 57.21 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 74.41 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Starch is a carbohydrate extracted from agricultural raw materials, which finds applications in many everyday food and non-food products. Industrial starches are derived from various sources, including corn, potato, wheat, and other sources. With the global economy gradually improving and resulting in an increased intake of processed and convenience foods, the market for industrial starch, which finds substantial usage in these food applications, is finding increased demand, thereby driving the overall market.
The demand for modified starches is increasing in parallel with the rapid development of the food industry. Modified starches offer many functional benefits to various foods, such as bakeries, snacks, beverages, and nutritional foods. Currently, a wide range of starches are available in the market, studied in the form of native starches, modified starches, malt dextrin, starch-based sugars, and others. These starches have expanding applications, primarily in the beverage and confectionery industries and the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries, among others, driving the market.
Starch derived from corn is in high demand because of its textural properties, especially as a thickening agent in industries such as dairy and beverages. The ingredient also gains an edge in the development of gluten-free products, which is a challenge for starch sourced from wheat, considering the potential remains of traces during extraction. The trend of clean-label ingredients and products is drastically impacting the global food and beverage industry. Moreover, the rapid expansion of the food processing industry offers a significant opportunity for ingredient manufacturers to adopt strategic measures to cater to the growing demand. When it comes to non-food applications, the paper industry utilizes corn starch as a filler and sizing material. It also finds applications in the textile, laundry, foundry, air flotation, and adhesive industries. The wide applications of corn starch in various industries drive market growth.
With a highly developed food industry utilizing all ingredients, North America occupies the pole position in the Industrial Starches Market by region. Globally, the United States is the largest producer of corn, with a production of 383.94 million metric tons in 2021-2022, which is utilized in various application areas, including starch production. The market is significantly inclined toward the consumption of gluten-free food, supported by the country's government with its stringent regulations regarding product labeling of gluten-free ingredients. Thus, most modified food starches in the United States are gluten-free and derived from corn, waxy maize, and potatoes. Consequently, the wheat-sourced starches amount to a lower share of the market. The Canadian industrial starches market is growing rapidly, owing to rising consumer demand for healthy and cleaner ingredients. Light-colored applications with subtle flavors especially drive the demand for native starches in the country. Local manufacturers are using it in processed food products, aiding in maintaining the product's appeal.
The industrial starch market is highly fragmented, with many local, regional, and international players competing for market share. Some of the major players in the market are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Incorporated, Tate & Lyle PLC, and The Tereos Group. Companies adopt major strategies for expansion, new product launches, and innovations to strengthen their business. The strategy of forming new agreements and partnerships with local players helped the companies increase their footprint in foreign countries and release new products according to the industrial requirements preferences and leverage the expertise of these small regional companies.
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