Corn and Corn Starch Derivatives Market Size - Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Corn and Corn Starch Derivatives Market Size

The global corn and corn starch derivatives market achieved a significant valuation in 2024 and is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2034, with the increasing demand for sustainable and plant-based ingredients in various industries.
 

As reported by the Plant Based Foods Association, online sales of plant-based foods reached $394 million in 2023, representing a 16.4% three-year annual growth rate and a 6.8% online market share—higher than the 3.8% retail share and faster than the growth of animal-based food sales online. The plant-based sector remains on an upward trajectory, with sales at retail clocking in at $8.1 billion in 2023. Notably, $8.1 billion and 62% of American households make plant-based purchases, while 81% of repeat purchasers come back for more. The increasing uses of corn starch derivatives in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial uses continue to support market growth. Moreover, the growing use of corn-based bioplastics and biofuels is playing a major role in market growth.
 

As food consumers increasingly demand clean-label and natural foods, food companies are using corn starch derivatives more and more as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in different food products. The demand for gluten-free and non-GMO food products is also influencing the consumption of foods that contain corn. At the same time, evolving dietary patterns and increased recognition of the health benefits of resistant starch for gut health are stimulating the application of modified corn starch in functional foods and dietary supplements.
 

The ascending convenience food business is another key component driving the market growth. An increasingly high number of fast service restaurants, drive-throughs, and ready-to-eat meals, motivated by a growing working-age population and fast-paced lifestyles, help expand the market for corn and corn starch-based derivatives. Along with this, growing interest in plant-based and vegan diet alternatives to food is increasing the demand for corn protein ingredients and corn starch-based sweeteners. Statista estimates the global market for vegan foods at USD 25 billion in 2023.  
 

Corn and Corn Starch Derivatives Market Trends

Corn-based bioplastics are gaining momentum as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. As the international community continues to become more aware of the need to reduce one's carbon footprint and minimize plastic waste, companies are investing in biodegradable and compostable bioplastics made from corn starch biopolymers. The demand for corn starch-based bio resins and films is thought to be increasing. The use of bio-based resins and films derived from corn starch is on the rise in industries such as food packaging, agriculture, and healthcare.
 

The increasing demand for functional food ingredients is also influencing the market environment. In December 2024, Ingredion, Inc. added a new clean-label texturizer to its portfolio with the launch of Novation Indulge 2940 starch, a non-GMO functional native corn starch. The new starch enhances texture, providing better gelling and co-texturizing functionality in dairy, dairy alternatives, and desserts.
 

Resistant corn starch, which provides prebiotic value and digestive health benefits, is seeing growing use in bakery, snacks, and dietary supplements. Also, improvements in enzymatic processing and fermentation technologies are allowing for the production of high-purity corn starch derivatives with enhanced functionalities, further propelling market innovation.
 

Corn and Corn Starch Derivatives Market Analysis

According to product segmentation, corn starch derivatives' market share will grow substantially by 2034. The broad application of corn syrup, maltodextrin, and modified starch in food and beverages is one of the primary drivers behind this growth. Growing demand for natural sweeteners, fueled by fear of artificial additives and chemical-based sugar substitutes, is fuelling the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and dextrose market.
 

On the application front, the food and beverage industry is expected to see significant growth over the forecast period, aided by the growing demand for clean-label and functional ingredients. Corn-based emulsifiers and stabilizers are on the rise in plant dairy, alternative meats, and gluten-free breads. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry is embracing corn starch derivatives for tablet binding and drug delivery, diversifying market uses further.
 

North America corn and corn starch derivatives market is expected to record significant growth during 2034. The extensive presence of top corn producers in the U.S. and Canada along with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and organic foods is driving regional market growth. Moreover, the growing use of corn starch as a raw material in biodegradable packaging and sustainable textiles is fueling market uptake. The increasing application of cornmeal and starch-based animal feed additives in the livestock industry is further boosting the regional industry.
 

Corn and Corn Starch Derivatives Market Share

Some of the prominent players in the corn and corn starch derivatives industry are:

• Agrana Group
• ADM
• Ingredion
• Roquette Frères
• Wacker Chemie AG
• Tate & Lyle
• Cargill

Market leaders in the corn and corn starch derivatives industry are heavily investing in research and development to develop innovative and sustainable product portfolios. The market is experiencing strategic acquisitions and collaborations focused on broadening product portfolios and bolstering global supply chains. Companies are also concentrating on the creation of specialty corn starch derivatives for particular applications, including plant-based meat production and functional beverage formulation.
 

For example, industry leader Cargill has been building its portfolio with specialty starch solutions that improve texture, moisture retention, and stability in plant-based foods. Likewise, large manufacturers are increasing their production capacity to address the increased demand for bio-based and biodegradable starch derivatives.
 

Corn and Corn Starch Derivatives Industry News

• In September 2023, ADM celebrated the opening of a new, enlarged corn wet mill production facility at Razgrad, Bulgaria, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the site's privatization and acquisition by ADM. The growth reflects ADM's ongoing commitment to grow the regional agriculture business while building on its global corn processing expertise and BioSolutions platform.
   

• In March 2025, Cargill opened a new corn milling production facility in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to address the growing demand in India's confectionery, infant formula, and dairy sectors. The new production facility was built in collaboration with Indian processor Saatvik Agro Processors as part of an agreement with Cargill to build a purpose built plant producing starch derivatives with an initial capacity of 500 tonnes per day and a potential further growth of 1,000 tonnes per day. This new facility brings together Cargill's global product knowledge, customer relationships and market access with Saatvik's in-country manufacturing capability and operational know-how, providing a reliable source of safe, high-quality products for Cargill's food manufacturing customers in India