Global Industrial Starch Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global industrial starch market was valued at USD 94.88 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 130.25 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.42% during the forecast period. The market is growing quickly due to technological advancements, innovations, and increasing use across various industries. Starch is being widely adopted in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, packaging, textiles, and more due to its beneficial properties.

The push for sustainability is driving innovation in starch, particularly with starch-based bioplastics, which help address global environmental concerns. These biodegradable and compostable polymers are gaining popularity in food packaging, disposable tableware, and agricultural films. With rising consumer awareness and regulatory support for sustainability, the demand for industrial starch in eco-friendly packaging is expected to grow rapidly.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Rapid Expansion of the Pharmaceutical Sector

The growth of the pharmaceutical sector is significantly driving the industrial starch market, especially in the excipients segment. Starch is widely used as a disintegrant, binder, and filler in tablet and capsule formulations, helping with controlled release and drug stability. With rising demand for generic drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and sustained-release products, pharmaceutical companies are adopting high-quality starch derivatives. Pregelatinized starch is particularly valuable for tablet production due to its better compressibility and flow properties. Increasing pharmaceutical manufacturing in countries like India, China, and Brazil, driven by cost-effective production and growing patient populations, is further boosting demand for starch-based pharmaceutical excipients.

Rising Growth and Innovations in the Food & Beverage Sector

The growing demand for processed, ready-to-eat, and convenience foods is driving industrial starch market growth. Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and moisture-retaining agent, starch plays a key role in soups, sauces, frozen meals, bakery products, and confectionery. Busy lifestyles are fueling the need for starch-based additives that enhance texture, shelf life, and consistency. Rising consumer preference for clean-label, non-GMO, and organic ingredients is pushing companies toward natural starches. The dairy and bakery industries rely on starch for improved texture and moisture retention, while modified starches help extend the shelf life of baked goods. Additionally, the shift toward plant-based and vegan diets is further boosting starch demand in the food and beverage industry.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Volatile Raw Material Prices

The industrial starch market relies heavily on agricultural commodities like corn, wheat, cassava, and potatoes. Factors such as climate change, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and government policies on subsidies and tariffs impact the cost and availability of these raw materials. Price fluctuations due to shifting climate conditions and trade policies pose a major challenge for starch manufacturers, as unpredictable procurement costs affect profit margins. Climate change, including droughts, floods, and temperature shifts, reduces crop yields, leading to unstable starch supplies.

Global Industrial Starch Market Insights 

• By Product Type: In 2024, the native starches segment dominates and holds the largest global industrial starch market share. Native starches are unaltered carbohydrate polymers from plant sources like corn, wheat, potato, tapioca, and rice. They maintain their natural structure, making them ideal for clean-label and minimally processed products. Unlike modified starches, they are preferred in non-GMO, organic, and natural formulations. The rising demand for gluten-free and plant-based diets has boosted the use of native starches as gluten substitutes in baked goods and processed foods. Tapioca and potato starches, in particular, are effective in gluten-free bread and pasta. Since they undergo less processing, native starches offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, helping companies reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining product functionality.
• By Source: The cassava segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 6.79% during the forecast period. Cassava is a key starch source due to its high carbohydrate content, resilience to harsh conditions, and lower production costs compared to corn and wheat. Grown extensively in Brazil, Thailand, Nigeria, and Indonesia, it is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, paper, textiles, and packaging industries. The rise of gluten-free foods, increased use of bio-based products, and growing demand for starch-based pharmaceuticals have driven market growth. Cassava’s sustainability is a major advantage—it thrives in poor soil, needs minimal fertilizer, and uses less water than wheat or rice, making it an eco-friendly choice for companies aiming to reduce carbon emissions.
• By Application: The food & beverage sector segment accounted for the largest share of the global industrial starch market. The food processing industry is a major consumer of industrial starch due to the rising demand for processed, convenient, and functional foods. Starch is widely used in bakery, dairy, confectionery, beverages, and processed foods to enhance texture, stability, and shelf life. Consumers are increasingly seeking clean-label and natural ingredients, boosting demand for starch from sources like corn, potato, rice, and cassava. As companies move away from artificial emulsifiers and stabilizers, starch has become a preferred thickening and texturizing agent. Leading companies like Ingredion, Cargill, and Tate & Lyle are developing clean-label modified starches. As the food and beverage industry expands, so does the industrial starch market.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

In 2024, North America dominates and hold the largest share of over 40% in the global industrial starch market. North America leads the global industrial starch market due to its high production capacity, strong industry demand, and advancements in starch modification technology. The U.S. and Canada dominate the region, benefiting from abundant raw materials like corn, wheat, and potatoes. The growing demand for modified and functional starches in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, paper & packaging, textiles, and bioplastics is shaping market trends. Additionally, the rise of green packaging and bio-based adhesives is driving investment and innovation in starch-based alternatives.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global industrial starch market report consists of exclusive data on 22 vendors. The market is highly competitive, with a mix of large multinational corporations and regional players, creating a dynamic and evolving landscape. Global companies focus on technology, product innovation, and supply chain efficiency, while regional vendors compete through cost-effectiveness, local sourcing, and niche products. A major challenge is the risk of low-quality starch products, especially in price-sensitive markets. Sustainability has become a key factor, with vendors investing in eco-friendly and bio-based starch products to meet environmental regulations and consumer demand.

RECENT VENDOR ACTIVITIES

• August 6, 2024 – Roquette Frères announced the expansion of its texturizing solutions portfolio with the launch of four new tapioca-based cook-up starches: CLEARAM TR 2010, CLEARAM TR 2510, CLEARAM TR 3010, and CLEARAM TR 4010. These newly developed starches cater to the specific textural requirements of food manufacturers and enhance the versatility of botanical-based solutions within Roquette’s existing product range.
• February 6, 2024 – Ingredion Incorporated introduced NOVATION Indulge 2940 starch, expanding its portfolio of clean-label texturizers. This marks the launch of the first non-GMO functional native corn starch, designed to deliver a distinct texture for gelling and co-texturizing applications, particularly in dairy, alternative dairy products, and desserts.