Starch Industry Forecasted to Expand to $97.6 Billion by 2034 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6%
The global starch market is experiencing steady to robust growth, fueled by increasing demand across food, industrial, and biodegradable materials sectors. According to market projections, the starch market is expected to reach USD 97.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2034.
In 2024, the market was valued at approximately $33.5 billion, with North America leading the pack, capturing a 59.4% share. This growth is primarily driven by the food processing and industrial sectors, which in turn fuel industrial output, drive employment, and foster innovation.
The food industry dominates the by application segment of the starch market in 2024 with a 47.4% share. Modified starch, with its versatility and enhanced functional properties, commands a 56.3% market share in 2024. Corn-based starch, driven by its abundant global supply, cost-effectiveness, and high starch yield, holds a 61.9% share in the by source segment of the starch market in 2024.
Key players in the market are innovating to meet the growing demand. Cargill Incorporated has expanded its modified starch portfolio with new clean-label solutions for food and industrial applications. Ingredion Incorporated launched NOUVELLE functional starch for better freeze-thaw stability in frozen foods. ADM has introduced next-generation starch-based texturizers for plant-based meat alternatives. MGP Ingredients, Inc. has developed high-protein wheat starch for sports nutrition and protein-enriched foods. GPC introduced ultra-pure potato starch for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
The potato starch market is growing robustly at a CAGR of 5.6%, expanding from about $6.64 billion in 2024 to an expected $8.72 billion by 2029. This growth is fueled by demand for gluten-free and plant-based food products, along with innovations in modified starch for industrial applications.
The cassava starch market, major in Asia-Pacific, was valued at $5.4 billion in 2024, expected to reach $8.1 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 4.6%. This growth is driven by its gluten-free nature and expanding use in processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
The starch polymers segment, used mainly for biodegradable plastics and packaging, is projected to grow at a 6.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2031, encouraged by environmental regulations and consumer preference for sustainable materials.
Asia-Pacific remains the largest producer and consumer of cassava starch and is a key region for starch in food and industrial uses. North America and Europe show rising demand for starch products driven by clean-label, gluten-free, and plant-based food trends, as well as increasing adoption of starch polymers for sustainable packaging.
In summary, the global starch market is poised for steady to robust growth through 2030, led by the food starch segment with high demand for modified and maize starch, strong growth in potato and cassava starch driven by health and clean-label trends, and accelerating adoption of starch-based biodegradable polymers primarily in developed markets with strong environmental regulations. The starch market's growth significantly influences global economies, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience.
In the realm of various market sectors, the finance industry could consider investing in the starch market, a field predicted to reach USD 97.6 billion by 2034, given its robust growth and promising CAGR of 5.6%. As the food industry dominates the starch market with a 47.4% share and growth in potato starch at a CAGR of 5.6%, the aerospace industry might find potential in modified starch innovation for food and industrial applications. Moreover, the real-estate sector could consider the environmental benefits and government regulations that encourage the growth of biodegradable starch polymers for sustainable materials in packaging.
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