Native starch is an unmodified starch derived from various agricultural products such as maize, cassava, wheat, and potatoes. It plays a pivotal role in several industries due to its wide-ranging applications in both food and non-food sectors. With its versatility as a texturizing, thickening, and stabilizing agent, native starch has become an essential ingredient across food processing, textile, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. The global native starch market is anticipated to witness steady growth, expanding at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2032.

Market Overview

Native starch accounts for more than 35% of global starch production, serving as a crucial raw material in various industrial processes. More than half of the total starch produced globally is utilized in the production of sweeteners, while about 10% goes into the manufacturing of modified starch. Native starch is extensively produced, with common feedstocks including maize, cassava, wheat, and potato. The climate plays a vital role in the production of these feedstocks, especially maize, which is composed of nearly 72% starch.

Key Feedstocks of Native Starch

1. Maize: As a major feedstock for native starch, maize production is heavily concentrated in the United States, the world's largest corn producer. In 2017, the global production of corn was approximately 1044.6 million tonnes, with the US accounting for more than 35% of the total output.

2. Wheat: Wheat, another significant source of native starch, saw global production of nearly 745 million tonnes in 2017, with major contributions from the European Union, Russia, China, and Australia.

3. Potato: Potatoes are primarily produced in China and India, contributing to the global output of 389 million tonnes in 2017. The starch derived from potatoes is widely used in food and non-food applications.

4. Cassava: The global cassava production in 2017 stood at 275 million tonnes, with most of the output concentrated in Africa, where it is a dietary staple and is also used as a source of starch.

Regional Market Insights

1. United States: The US dominates the global native starch market, with significant production capacity and widespread applications across multiple industries. The country's favorable agricultural conditions make it a leading supplier of maize, the primary feedstock for starch production.

2. Europe: In Europe, the native starch market has seen steady growth, with the EU's starch production increasing from 8.7 million tonnes in 2004 to 11 million tonnes in 2017. The EU consumes approximately 9.4 million tonnes of starch and its derivatives annually, with native starch accounting for a significant portion of this consumption.

3. Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region, including countries like China and India, is an emerging market for native starch, driven by growing demand in food processing and textile industries.

4. Latin America, Middle East, and Africa: These regions, although smaller in terms of starch production, present substantial growth opportunities due to increasing demand for processed foods and industrial applications.

Market Segmentation

The native starch market can be segmented based on application into:

1. Food and Beverage Industry: Native starch is widely used in the food sector as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, stabilizer, and dough-binding agent. It is also utilized in products like dry mix soups, salad dressings, processed meats, spreads, and pudding powders. The demand for convenient, ready-to-eat foods driven by busy lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes is bolstering the growth of native starch in this sector.

2. Textile Industry: Native starch is used as a finishing agent, color thickener, and sizing agent in the textile industry, enhancing the quality and durability of fabrics.

3. Paper Industry: The paper industry relies on native starch for improving paper strength and surface quality. With the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging materials, native starch is becoming a key ingredient in producing biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics.

4. Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, native starch serves as a binder in tablet manufacturing and a disintegrant that helps control the release of active ingredients in medications.

5. Personal Care: Native starch is also utilized in personal care products like powders and lotions for its absorbent properties and as a thickening agent.

6. Others: The market for native starch also extends to various other industries, including adhesives, construction, and animal feed.

Market Dynamics

The global native starch market is driven by several factors, including:

1. Growing Demand in the Food Sector

The food and beverage sector is the largest consumer of native starch, utilizing it for its thickening, stabilizing, and moisture-retaining properties. As consumers' demand for processed and convenient food products increases, the native starch market is set to expand further.

2. Rising Application in Bioplastics

With growing environmental concerns and a shift toward sustainable packaging, native starch has found a significant application in the production of bioplastics. Corn and potato starch-based organic bioplastics are increasingly used in manufacturing disposable items like plates, cutlery, and packaging materials. These products are biodegradable and decompose within three months, aligning with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

3. Expansion in the Textile and Paper Industries

The textile and paper industries are substantial contributors to the native starch market, driven by its applications as a thickening and finishing agent. The rise of eco-friendly textiles and sustainable paper packaging solutions continues to bolster the demand for native starch in these sectors.

Competitive Landscape

The global native starch market is highly competitive, with several key players holding significant market shares. These companies are continuously investing in expanding their production capacities, improving their product portfolios, and pursuing strategic acquisitions to strengthen their market positions.

Key Players:

1. Cargill, Incorporated: A leading name in the food and agricultural industry, Cargill has been actively expanding its starch production capabilities. In February 2020, the company invested USD 22.7 million in its starch production facility in the Netherlands.

2. Tate & Lyle PLC: Tate & Lyle is another major player in the starch market, offering a wide range of starch products for the food, beverage, and industrial sectors.

3. Ingredion Incorporated: In March 2020, Ingredion expanded its production capacity for higher-value specialty ingredients through the acquisition of Western Polymer, further strengthening its presence in the native starch market.

4. Tereos Participations: Tereos is a global leader in the production of sugar, starch, and sweeteners, catering to the growing demand for natural and organic food ingredients.

5. Roquette Frères S.A.: Roquette is a pioneer in plant-based ingredients and has a significant presence in the global starch market, offering a diverse range of native starch products.

6. Royal Avebe: Known for its potato-based starch products, Royal Avebe is a key player in the native starch market, supplying starch for food and industrial applications.

7. AGRANA Beteiligungs AG: AGRANA is a leading supplier of starch products in Europe, providing high-quality native starch for various industries, including food, paper, and pharmaceuticals.

The global native starch market is poised for steady growth, driven by its expanding applications in food, textiles, paper, and bioplastics. As consumer preferences shift towards sustainable, eco-friendly products, native starch will continue to play a crucial role in reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and plastics. The market's growth is further supported by key players investing in expanding production capacities and developing innovative starch-based solutions. With its wide-ranging applications and rising demand across industries, the native starch market is set to witness significant developments and expansions between 2024 and 2032.