Wheat Starch Market Size - By Type, Form, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Wheat Starch Market Size

The global wheat starch market size was valued at USD 4.3 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 3% from 2024 to 2032. Driven by rising demand in sectors like food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and paper & packaging, the global market has witnessed significant growth. Valued for its thickening, binding, and gelling properties, wheat starch has become indispensable in processed foods, bakery items, and even bio-based industrial products. Over the last decade, the market's focus has transitioned from traditional uses to specialized applications, notably in gluten-free and clean-label products.
 

Wheat Starch Market Trends

Innovations in processing techniques have enhanced wheat starch extraction and refinement, yielding higher purity and quality. The past decade has seen companies leverage technology for improved efficiency and yield, with significant R&D investments aimed at product differentiation and market strengthening. Looking forward, advancements like enzyme-based modifications and hybrid starch varieties promise to further broaden the wheat starch portfolio.
 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the global production of wheat starch reached approximately 3.5 million metric tons in 2023, reflecting a 4% annual growth rate over the past five years. Additionally, the European Union's Horizon 2020 program has allocated over USD 54.1 million towards research and development in sustainable bioplastics, highlighting the increasing governmental support for eco-friendly industrial applications.
 

Wheat Starch Market Analysis

As consumers become more health-conscious and increasingly intolerant of gluten, there's a rising demand for wheat starch as a gluten alternative in food applications. With evolving lifestyles, consumers are leaning towards convenience foods, further boosting the demand for wheat starch in sauces, bakery items, and snacks. Beyond food, wheat starch is making waves in the paper, textiles, and bioplastics sectors, thanks to its biodegradable nature and its roles as a binding and thickening agent. Moreover, advancements in starch extraction, modification, and refinement are elevating the quality of wheat starch, paving the way for its adoption in sophisticated, high-value applications.
 

Native starch segment USD 2.9 billion in 2023, and it is anticipated to expand to 3.2% of CAGR during 2024-2032. The market for wheat starch is primarily divided into native wheat starch and modified wheat starch. Native wheat starch is the unaltered form extracted directly from wheat, widely used in the food and beverage industry for its natural binding, thickening, and gelling properties. Its popularity is driven by the clean-label movement, as consumers increasingly seek natural ingredients. As a result, native starch is gaining traction in the production of gluten-free foods, bakery products, and snacks.
 

The wheat starch market from powder segment was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2023 and gained a 3.2% CAGR through 2032. Powdered wheat starch dominates the market due to its ease of use, storage, and transport. It is extensively used in industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where it acts as a key ingredient for thickening, stabilizing, and improving texture. Powdered wheat starch is also favored in the food industry for its ability to be easily integrated into various recipes without altering taste or appearance.
 

The wheat starch market from food & beverages segment was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2023 and gained a 3.6% CAGR till 2032. The food and beverage industry are the largest application segment for wheat starch, where it is used in products like bakery goods, snacks, sauces, and confectioneries. The growing demand for gluten-free and clean-label products is driving this segment's expansion, as wheat starch is commonly utilized to achieve the desired textures and stability in processed foods.
 

The U.S. wheat starch market hold over USD 990.4 million in 2023 and is poised to grow at a 3.3% CAGR between 2024 and 2032. Driven by a growing consumer preference for natural and clean-label ingredients, the market is witnessing consistent growth. Its applications are broadening across various industries. In the food and beverage sector, wheat starch plays a pivotal role as a thickening, stabilizing, and gelling agent, finding its way into baked goods, snacks, and processed foods.
 

The increasing demand for gluten-free and non-GMO products has spotlighted wheat starch, especially as a crucial component in gluten-free formulations. Furthermore, a surge in health-conscious consumers favoring natural over synthetic additives has bolstered the use of native wheat starch, resonating with the clean-label movement.
 

North America, with the US at the forefront, commands a notable market share. This dominance is fueled by a robust appetite for processed foods, a surge in demand for gluten-free offerings, and expanding industrial applications. Moreover, the region is increasingly favoring clean-label ingredients, with wheat starch emerging as the preferred choice over synthetic counterparts.
 

Wheat Starch Market Share

The global wheat starch industry is characterized by intense competition, with several key players commanding substantial market shares. This competitive landscape is influenced by a growing emphasis on innovation, quality, and sustainability. Major players like ADM, Cargill, Roquette Frères, and Tereos have established themselves as market leaders, capitalizing on their vast production capabilities and well-entrenched distribution channels.
 

These companies set themselves apart through relentless product innovation, a strong commitment to sustainability, and a diverse portfolio of starch-based offerings. For instance, Cargill boasts a varied product lineup, including organic and non-GMO wheat starches, catering to a broad spectrum of consumer demands.
 

ADM and Crespel & Deiters Group are actively broadening their global reach, channeling investments into new facilities and forging partnerships, especially in burgeoning markets. On the other hand, Meelunie, Novasol Ingredients, and Pruthvi Foods are carving out niches, emphasizing food and pharmaceutical-grade wheat starches. Roquette Frères and Tereos, meanwhile, are championing sustainable development, channeling investments into bio-based products and eco-friendly technologies aimed at curbing their carbon footprint.
 

Wheat Starch Market Companies

Major players operating in the wheat starch industry are:

• ADM
• Aminola
• Cargill
• Crespel & Deiters Group  
• Fengchen Group
• Meelunie 
• Novasol Ingredients
• Pruthvi Foods 
• Roquette Frères
• Tereos 
   

Wheat Starch Industry News

• In September 2023, ADM ramped up its wheat starch production capacity, responding to the surging demand for clean-label and gluten-free products. This move aligns with ADM's strategic initiative to cater to the rising consumer inclination towards natural ingredients in the food and beverage sectors. The company is not only enhancing its product portfolio but is also streamlining its supply chain to better serve the burgeoning demand for wheat-based ingredients, especially in North America and Europe?.
   
• In August 2023, Aminola reaffirmed its dedication to providing premium plant-based ingredients, wheat starch included, to both the global food and pet food sectors. The company underscored its robust risk management system, guaranteeing that its wheat starch offerings adhere to rigorous safety and quality benchmarks. This declaration underscores Aminola’s commitment to sustainability and its strategic positioning in the rapidly expanding plant-based ingredient market, driven by a growing appetite for eco-friendly raw materials.
   

This wheat starch market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Tons) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Native wheat starch
• Modified wheat starch

Market, By Form

• Powder
• Liquid

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Food & beverages     
  • Bakery products
  • Dairy products
  • Processed foods
  • Others (snacks and beverages)
• Pharmaceuticals        
• Paper & pulp 
• Cosmetics & personal care    
• Textiles          
• Adhesives      
• Others (bioplastics, coatings, and animal feed)        

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico

• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa