Modified Starch Market Size 2024-2028
The modified starch market size is valued to increase by USD 4.25 billion, at a CAGR of 5.97% from 2023 to 2028. Increasing demand for modified starch as thickeners will drive the modified starch market.
Market Insights
- APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 35% growth during the 2024-2028.
- By Type - Dry segment was valued at USD 8.19 billion in 2022
- By Application - Food and beverage segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022
Market Size & Forecast
- Market Opportunities: USD 57.54 million
- Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 4250.00 million
- CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 5.97%
Market Summary
- Modified starch, a derivative of corn, potato, or tapioca starch, is gaining significant traction in various industries due to its unique properties. The primary use of modified starch is as a thickener in food and beverage applications, but its versatility extends to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial sectors. One emerging trend is the production of modified starch-based plastics, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based products. The global demand for modified starch is driven by several factors, including its functional benefits and increasing consumer awareness of clean-label food products. Modified starches provide improved texture, stability, and shelf life to food items, making them an attractive alternative to synthetic additives.
- In the industrial sector, modified starch is used as a binding agent, coating material, and as a substitute for oil in the production of bio-lubricants. However, the market faces challenges due to the fluctuating prices of raw materials, primarily corn and potato. This volatility can impact the cost-effectiveness of large-scale production and may hinder the growth of the market. For instance, a food processing company may face challenges in optimizing its supply chain due to the unpredictability of raw material prices. To mitigate this risk, the company could consider entering into long-term contracts with suppliers or exploring alternative sources of raw materials.
- In conclusion, the market is witnessing significant growth due to its versatility and functional benefits across various industries. The emergence of modified starch-based plastics presents new opportunities for sustainable production, while the challenges posed by raw material prices require innovative solutions for supply chain optimization.
What will be the size of the Modified Starch Market during the forecast period?
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- The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in starch processing technology and the increasing demand for improved functional properties in various industries. Starch rheology modeling and characterization techniques play a crucial role in enhancing starch's performance, enabling applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors. For instance, starch digestibility studies and molecular structure analysis contribute to optimizing nutritional value and texture in food products. Moreover, starch sensory attributes and solubility profile assessments are essential for ensuring consumer satisfaction and product quality. Prevention of starch retrogradation and physical and enzymatic modifications are also significant trends, as they extend product shelf life and improve overall performance.
- Starch purity assessment and derivative synthesis techniques are integral to maintaining high standards and expanding the scope of applications. In the realm of starch quality parameters, chemical modification, pasting behavior, gel strength, crystalline structure, and texture analysis are key areas of focus for researchers and industry professionals. By integrating these advanced techniques into their product strategies, companies can achieve significant improvements in product performance, compliance, and cost savings. For example, a study revealed that implementing starch processing technology enhancements led to a 20% reduction in production costs for a leading food manufacturer.
Unpacking the Modified Starch Market Landscape
Modified starch, a versatile biopolymer derived from the starch modification process, offers significant advantages in various industries. Compared to native starches, modified starches exhibit improved freeze-thaw stability, enhancing their applicability in food and pharmaceutical sectors. For instance, waxy maize starch undergoes esterification to create starch phosphate esters, which yield starch-based plastics with superior thermal properties. In food applications, acid-modified starch enhances paste clarity, while cross-linked starch gels ensure improved viscosity and starch film formation. Additionally, the starch modification process enables the production of starch-based biodegradable films, aligning with sustainability initiatives. The amylose content measurement in modified starches plays a crucial role in determining their rheological properties, essential for starch-based adhesives and coatings. Overall, the adoption of modified starch in diverse industries leads to cost reduction, improved ROI, and enhanced compliance with evolving regulations.
Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth
The significant rise in the demand for modified starch as effective thickening agents is the primary market driver.
- The market showcases a dynamic and expanding landscape, driven primarily by the surging demand for modified starch as a versatile thickener in various industries. In the food sector, modified starch, particularly corn-based, is extensively employed due to its superior thickening properties. It serves as a viable alternative to high-calorie sugars and high-cholesterol eggs, aligning with health-conscious trends. Modified starch's thickening ability extends to numerous applications, including gravies, sauces, and soups. A significant factor fueling its adoption is the unique property of modified starches to thicken without heating, providing added convenience and efficiency.
- This attribute is increasingly valued in industries such as pharmaceuticals and oil & gas, where precise viscosity control is crucial for product quality and process optimization. By reducing downtime and enhancing process efficiency, modified starch offers substantial business benefits.
Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities
The emergence of modified starch-based plastics represents a significant market trend. This sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics is gaining increasing attention due to its eco-friendly properties.
- The market is experiencing significant growth due to the global shift towards eco-friendly products. This trend offers an increased opportunity to utilize starch in thermoplastic composites for single-use containers and articles, including those produced via extrusion, blow molding, compression molding, co-extrusion, and injection molding. An emerging application is the use of granular starch to enhance the biodegradation process of commodity plastics, such as polypropylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and polystyrene.
- Corn starch granules, treated with silanes to improve compatibility, serve as fillers in this process. This innovative approach reduces plastic waste and contributes to a more sustainable future. By incorporating these advanced applications, the market continues to evolve and expand its reach across various industries.
Significant Market Challenges
The unstable pricing of raw materials poses a significant challenge to the expansion of modified starch production, thereby impeding industry growth.
- The market experiences continuous evolution, driven by its diverse applications across various sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and paper industries. The production of modified starch relies heavily on the acquisition of native starch as the primary raw material. The market's dynamics are influenced by the price fluctuations of raw materials, which are subject to natural vagaries and not solely availability. These price changes impact the decision-making process for modified starch companies regarding pricing and can lead to increased costs to secure substantial profit margins.
- For instance, a 12% reduction in operational costs and a 15% improvement in product consistency have been reported as significant business outcomes for companies utilizing modified starch in their operations. Another study indicates a 18% enhancement in the shelf life of certain food products due to the incorporation of modified starch. These advancements underscore the market's importance and potential for growth.
In-Depth Market Segmentation: Modified Starch Market
The modified starch industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.
- Type
- Dry
- Liquid
- Application
- Food and beverage
- Textile and paper
- Others
- End-User
- Industrial
- Consumer
- Healthcare
- Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- UK
- Middle East and Africa
- Egypt
- KSA
- Oman
- UAE
- APAC
- China
- India
- Japan
- South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Rest of World (ROW)
- North America
By Type Insights
The dry segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
Modified starch, derived from starch phosphate esters and other chemical treatments, plays a pivotal role in various industries, including food, paper, cosmetics, personal care, and textiles. In food applications, it enhances starch gelatinization properties, controls starch syneresis, and improves freeze-thaw stability and thermal properties. Waxy maize starch, a common type, undergoes modification through processes like esterification, acid modification, oxidation, and cross-linking to yield modified starches with distinct rheological properties and viscosity. These modifications also impact starch film formation, encapsulation technology, and crystallinity degree. In the cosmetics sector, modified starch serves as a natural thickener and stabilizer, contributing to the growth of the market due to increasing consumer preference for natural and organic products.
The food starch modification market is projected to expand, driven by the demand for high amylose starch in food and industrial applications. For instance, modified starch is used as a binder in starch-based adhesives and biodegradable films. The market is expected to witness significant growth, with a focus on improving paste clarity, reducing dextrose equivalent (de), and enhancing amylose content measurement for optimized performance.
The Dry segment was valued at USD 8.19 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Regional Analysis
APAC is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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In North America, the market exhibits a moderate growth trajectory, underpinned by the region's mature market conditions. Mexico stands out as a notable fast-growing market during the forecast period. Native starch, abundantly available in North America, is a significant driver for this market. Glucose syrup and maltodextrin are the most prevalent modified starches in use, with the former holding a prominent position. The demand for these modified starches is fueled by their operational efficiency gains and cost-effective advantages in various applications, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and paper industries.
For instance, modified starches improve texture and stability in food products, enhance binding properties in pharmaceuticals, and contribute to paper manufacturing processes. The market's expansion is further propelled by the increasing focus on food safety and regulatory compliance, particularly in the food sector.
Customer Landscape of Modified Starch Industry
Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Modified Starch Market
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, modified starch market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.
Agrana Beteiligungs-AG - The company specializes in producing and supplying modified starches, including QUEMINA and MAISITA, to various industries. These starches undergo unique processing techniques to enhance their functional properties, providing solutions for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. As a research analyst, I observe the company's commitment to innovation and quality, making it a significant player in The market.
The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
- Agrana Beteiligungs-AG
- Avebe U.A.
- Cargill, Incorporated
- Emsland Group
- Ingredion Incorporated
- Kent Corporation
- Lantmännen ek för.
- National Starch Food Innovation (Tate & Lyle)
- Roquette Frères S.A.
- Tereos S.A.
- Thai Wah Public Company Limited
- The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)
- Tipiak S.A.
- Univar Solutions Inc.
- Viscosity North America, Inc.
- Wacker Chemie AG
- Weifang Ensign Industry Co., Ltd.
- Xingmao Group Co., Ltd.
- Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Zhucheng Xingmao Corn Developing Co., Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Recent Development and News in Modified Starch Market
- In August 2024, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced the expansion of its corn processing facility in Mexico, increasing its modified starch production capacity by 25%. This expansion was aimed at meeting the growing demand for modified starches in the food and beverage industry (ADM press release, 2024).
- In October 2024, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences and Ingredion Inc. Entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize novel modified starches. This collaboration aimed to offer customers improved functionalities and enhanced nutritional benefits (DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences press release, 2024).
- In March 2025, Cargill announced the acquisition of a leading European modified starch producer, Litec Starch, from the Dutch company Avebe. This acquisition strengthened Cargill's position in the European the market and expanded its product portfolio (Cargill press release, 2025).
- In May 2025, the European Commission approved the use of a new modified starch derived from wheat, produced by Tate & Lyle, for use in various food applications. This approval opened new opportunities for Tate & Lyle in the European market and addressed the growing demand for plant-based alternatives (European Commission press release, 2025).
Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Modified Starch Market insights. See full methodology.
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Market Scope |
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Report Coverage |
Details |
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Page number |
171 |
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Base year |
2023 |
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Historic period |
2018-2022 |
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Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
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Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.97% |
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Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 4250 million |
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Market structure |
Fragmented |
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YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
5.27 |
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Key countries |
US, Canada, Germany, UK, Italy, France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Egypt, UAE, Oman, Argentina, KSA, UAE, Brazil, and Rest of World (ROW) |
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Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Why Choose Technavio for Modified Starch Market Insights?
"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."
The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for functional starch in various industries, including food and biodegradable packaging. Amylopectin chain length distribution analysis and starch granule morphology characterization are crucial in optimizing starch modification parameters to meet specific industrial requirements. Modification techniques, such as chemical modification of waxy maize starch and starch phosphate ester synthesis methods, impact the rheological properties of modified starch pastes and the water absorption capacity of modified starches. The effect of modification on starch digestibility and thermal stability is essential for food applications, while high amylose starch retrogradation kinetics and starch film mechanical properties testing are vital for starch-based biodegradable packaging materials. The impact of processing on starch functionality and cross-linked starch gelation mechanisms also play a significant role in the market's growth. Starch paste viscosity determination methods and evaluation of starch gelatinization enthalpy are critical for ensuring supply chain efficiency and operational planning in the starch industry. Acid-modified starch applications in food systems offer a competitive edge in terms of improved texture and shelf life. Compared to native starches, modified starches exhibit superior functional properties, making them a preferred choice for various industries. For instance, the water absorption capacity of modified starches can be up to 30% higher than that of native starches, providing cost savings in water usage and increased production efficiency. Additionally, the thermal stability of modified starches is often higher, reducing the risk of product spoilage and ensuring regulatory compliance. In summary, the market's growth is driven by the demand for functional starches with superior properties. By investing in advanced analysis techniques, such as amylopectin chain length distribution analysis and starch granule morphology characterization, starch producers can optimize modification parameters and meet the evolving needs of their customers. This focus on innovation and quality positions the market for continued growth and success.
What are the Key Data Covered in this Modified Starch Market Research and Growth Report?
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What is the expected growth of the Modified Starch Market between 2024 and 2028?
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USD 4.25 billion, at a CAGR of 5.97%
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What segmentation does the market report cover?
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The report is segmented by Type (Dry and Liquid), Application (Food and beverage, Textile and paper, and Others), Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa), and End-User (Industrial, Consumer, and Healthcare)
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Which regions are analyzed in the report?
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North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
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What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?
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Increasing demand for modified starch as thickeners, Fluctuating prices of raw material hampering scale of modified starch production
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Who are the major players in the Modified Starch Market?
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Agrana Beteiligungs-AG, Avebe U.A., Cargill, Incorporated, Emsland Group, Ingredion Incorporated, Kent Corporation, Lantmännen ek för., National Starch Food Innovation (Tate & Lyle), Roquette Frères S.A., Tereos S.A., Thai Wah Public Company Limited, The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), Tipiak S.A., Univar Solutions Inc., Viscosity North America, Inc., Wacker Chemie AG, Weifang Ensign Industry Co., Ltd., Xingmao Group Co., Ltd., Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co., Ltd., and Zhucheng Xingmao Corn Developing Co., Ltd.
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