Asia-Pacific Starch Market Outlook, 2028

The Asia Pacific region is home to a large and rapidly growing population. As more people require food and industrial products, there is an increased demand for starch, which serves as a key ingredient in various food items and industrial applications. Urbanization in many Asia Pacific countries has led to changes in dietary habits and lifestyles. Urban consumers often prefer processed and convenience foods that contain starch-based ingredients, driving up demand. Consumer preferences are evolving, with an increasing demand for processed and convenience foods, snacks, and baked goods. Starches are essential ingredients in these products, contributing to market growth. The region's diverse culinary traditions and cuisines often rely on starch-rich foods like rice, noodles, and bread. These staples have a strong cultural significance and continue to be an integral part of daily diets. A growing middle-class population in many Asian countries has more disposable income to spend on a wider range of food products, including those that contain starch. Wheat-based products, such as bread, roti, naan, and dumplings, are significant in many parts of Asia. For instance, in India, bread is a common accompaniment to meals, while dumplings are a cherished part of Chinese cuisine. Starchy foods like rice often hold cultural and ritual significance. In many Asian cultures, rice is not only a source of sustenance but also symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and hospitality. Starch-based dishes are often featured in celebrations and festivals. For example, mooncakes made from glutinous rice are a hallmark of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, while rice cakes are essential during Korean New Year celebrations. Many festivals in the Asia Pacific region feature starch-based dishes as a central part of the celebrations. For example, the Lantern Festival in Taiwan is known for its glutinous rice dumplings, while the Indian festival of Navratri includes the preparation of fasting-friendly starch dishes.

According to the research report, Asia-Pacific Starch Market Outlook, 2028, the market is anticipated to grow at a 5.38% CAGR by 2023-28. The growing interest in plant-based diets was influencing the starch market. Starches were used to formulate plant-based meat alternatives, dairy-free products, and other vegan foods. Consumers in the Asia-Pacific region were increasingly seeking clean-label and natural food products. This trend was driving the demand for natural starches and modified starches that are perceived as less processed and more wholesome. The gluten-free trend was gaining momentum, especially among consumers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Starches derived from gluten-free sources such as corn, tapioca, and rice were in high demand for gluten-free product formulations. Health-conscious consumers were looking for starches with specific nutritional attributes. This led to increased interest in resistant starches, which have potential health benefits such as improved digestion and blood sugar management. Sustainable packaging and reducing food waste were key concerns. Starch-based biodegradable packaging materials gained traction as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging. Families and communities continued to engage in cross-generational cooking, passing down traditional starch-based recipes and cooking techniques from grandparents to younger generations. Snacking habits were evolving, leading to a surge in innovative starch-based snacks. This included unique flavor combinations, textures, and shapes in potato chips, extruded snacks, and puffed snacks. Mobile apps and platforms dedicated to starch-based cooking recipes and tutorials proliferated, providing home cooks with easy access to diverse recipes and techniques. Dessert makers were experimenting with fusion desserts, combining starches with other ingredients to create unique and indulgent sweet treats, like rice flour pancakes with ice cream.

Based on the countries, China is dominating the Asia Pacific Starch market in 2022.

China's population is the largest in the world, exceeding 1.4 billion people. This vast consumer base drives immense demand for starch and starch-based products, including staples like rice and noodles. Rice is a dietary staple in China, and the country is both the largest producer and consumer of rice globally. This positions China as a significant player in the rice starch market, which is a crucial segment of the overall starch market. China produces a wide variety of starches, including cornstarch, potato starch, and wheat starch, in addition to rice starch. This diversity of starch sources caters to a range of food and industrial applications. China's rapid urbanization has led to changing dietary patterns, with an increasing demand for processed and convenience foods. Many of these processed foods rely on starch as an ingredient. Noodles, made from wheat starch, hold a special place in Chinese cuisine. The consumption of noodles in various forms, from hand-pulled to machine-made, is widespread throughout the country. China's economic growth has resulted in an expanding middle class with higher disposable incomes. This demographic is more inclined to explore diverse food options, including those based on starch. Starch-based ingredients are integrated into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations. Ingredients like yam starch and lotus root starch play a role in TCM preparations, expanding the use of starch in healthcare. Convenience foods like frozen dumplings and steamed buns, which rely on starch-based dough, are popular in China's urban areas, catering to busy lifestyles.

The Asia Pacific region is home to a wide range of starch sources, including rice, corn, tapioca, and cassava. These crops are rich in native starch, making it readily available and cost-effective for various industries. Native starches have been used for centuries in Asian cuisines. They are integral in creating traditional dishes, such as rice noodles, dumplings, and various desserts. As these cuisines gain international popularity, the demand for native starches in both domestic and global markets increases. Asia Pacific has a rapidly growing population, along with increasing urbanization. This has led to a rise in demand for processed and convenience foods, where native starches are often used as thickeners, stabilizers, and texturizing agents. Native starches, such as tapioca and rice starch, are naturally gluten-free. As awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease grows, the demand for gluten-free products has surged, further boosting the use of native starches in gluten-free formulations. Native starches are used as binding and encapsulating agents in the production of traditional medicines, herbal supplements, and nutraceuticals, which are prevalent in many Asian cultures.

In addition based on application, Starch is commonly used as a sizing agent in the textile industry. Sizing is a crucial step in the textile manufacturing process, where starch is applied to yarns or fabrics to improve their handling properties during weaving. Starch forms a protective coating on the fibers, reducing friction, and preventing breakage during weaving. Starch sizing improves the weaving efficiency by reducing yarn breakage and improving the strength and flexibility of the yarn. This leads to increased weaving speeds and reduced downtime, resulting in higher productivity and cost savings for textile manufacturers. Starch-sized fabrics tend to have a smoother surface and improved handle, making them more desirable in the textile market. The use of starch as a sizing agent can enhance the appearance and overall quality of the finished textile products. Starch-based sizing agents are considered eco-friendly compared to synthetic sizing agents that may contain harmful chemicals. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmentally responsible practices in the textile industry.

Corn is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the Asia Pacific region. Countries like China, India, and Thailand are major corn producers. The abundance of corn as a source crop ensures a consistent and cost-effective supply of corn starch. Corn is known for its relatively high starch content, making it an efficient source for starch extraction. Corn typically contains about 60-70% starch, making it a desirable raw material for starch production. Corn starch is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, including food and beverages, industrial processes, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Its versatility makes it a preferred choice for various industries across the Asia Pacific region. As consumer preferences change and lifestyles become more fast-paced, there is a growing demand for processed and convenience foods. Corn starch plays a pivotal role in these products, contributing to texture, stability, and quality. Corn starch is naturally gluten-free and allergen-free, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. This is particularly important as the demand for gluten-free products rises. Corn starch is widely used in traditional Asian cuisines for culinary applications such as thickening sauces, creating crisp batters for fried dishes, and making various desserts. The deep-rooted use of corn starch in Asian cooking contributes to its market dominance.

In terms of function the market is divided into thickening agent, stabilizing agent, binding agent, gelling agent, film-forming agent and emulsifying agent. Thickening agents, including starches, play a fundamental role in the food industry. They are used to enhance the texture and viscosity of various food products, making them more appealing and palatable. Starch-based thickening agents are widely used in traditional Asian cuisines to prepare dishes like sauces, gravies, and soups. Their culinary importance contributes to their high demand in the region. Starch-based thickening agents are versatile and can be used in both hot and cold applications. They are effective in thickening a wide range of food products, from sauces and dressings to desserts and dairy products. Thickening agents are essential in the production of sauces and condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, and soy sauce. They help achieve the desired viscosity and consistency, ensuring the quality and appeal of these products. Asian desserts, which include a wide variety of sweet treats like puddings, custards, and jellies, often rely on starch-based thickening agents to create the characteristic textures and gel-like structures that are highly favored in the region. In the bakery and pastry industry, thickening agents are used to create fillings, creams, and custards. They contribute to the stability and palatability of these baked goods. Thickening agents play a role in canned and preserved foods, helping maintain the quality and texture of products like fruit fillings, jams, and canned soups. Starch-based thickening agents are used in the production of infant cereals and baby foods to achieve the desired consistency and ease of consumption for young children.

Companies Covered in this report:

The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Tate & Lyle PLC , Cargill, Incorporated, Ingredion Incorporated ,Associated British Foods plc, The Agrana Group , Croda International plc, Roquette ,Südzucker AG, Tereos S.A., Spac Starch Products (India) Limited, The Scoular Company, Royal Avebe U.A., Royal Ingredients Group B.V., Manildra Group, Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Asia Pacific
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Asia Pacific Starch market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Starch market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Country covered in the report:

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea

By Types

• Starch Derivatives
• Native

By Source

• Corn
• Cassava/Tapioca
• Wheat
• Potatoes
• Waxy Maize
• Others (Pregelatinized Starch, Rice Bran, Sweet potato, Pea etc.)

By Application

• Food and Beverage
• Industrial
• Weaving & textile
• Animal Feed
• Paper Industry
• Pharmaceuticals & cosmetics
• Others (adhesives, foundry)

By Function

• Thickening Agent
• Stabilizing Agent
• Binding Agent
• Gelling Agent
• Film-Forming Agent
• Emulsifying Agent

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the Starch industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.