Wheat Starch Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global wheat starch market reached a volume of 6.59 Million Tons in 2024. The industry is expected to grow further in the forecast period of 2025-2034 at a CAGR of 1.10% to reach 7.35 Million Tons by 2034.

Global Wheat Starch Market Growth

Wheat starch is an essential part of the food sector, where it is used in food as a thickening agent. It is an emulsifier, stabiliser, and glazing agent that serves not only as a fat substitute but has applications in the creation of gels and adhesives. It is also useful in binding food. It is used in the preparation of gluten-free and low-calorie food.

With rising wheat demand and consumption, the wheat starch industry is set to benefit. Wheat yields hit around 771 million tons in 2021, marking a 5.6% rise from the prior year, which will support the growth of the wheat starch industry.

Global Wheat Starch Market Analysis

The wheat starch market dynamics and trends are being positively influenced by expected significant growth in wheat production in India, contributing to global wheat supply. Key players in wheat production, including Europe, China, and India, are crucial in driving the expansion of the wheat starch market.

The rising global population, especially the increasing middle-class population, is aiding the growth of the global wheat starch market. The rapidly growing urbanisation and the increasing demand for processed food are further aiding the industry's growth. Wheat starch, being low-calorie and gluten-free, is a healthier choice. As health awareness rises, consumers are increasingly opting for healthier food alternatives, thereby driving the demand for wheat starch market.

Key Trends and Developments

The wheat starch market is growing, driven by increasing demand across multiple industries. Key factors contributing to this growth include the rising preference for clean label products, the expanding use of wheat starch in biofuels, advancements in processing technologies, and a broader range of applications within the food sector.

August 2024

Kröner-Stärke promoted its Sanostar gluten-free wheat starch, offering superior baking properties compared to corn and tapioca starches. This ingredient enables manufacturers to create high-quality gluten-free products like bakery items, sauces, and pasta, addressing the growing demand for gluten-free options without compromising taste or texture.

July 2024

Kostanay, Kazakhstan, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to build the Qostanay Grain Industry plant. The facility, launching in 2027, will process wheat into amino acids, bioethanol, and animal feed, producing 430,000 tons annually and creating 600 jobs. The project aims to strengthen Kazakhstan-China trade relations.

June 2024

Praj Industries marked its entry into Brazil, delivering a starch-to-ethanol plant for Fermap Industria De Alcool in Mato Grosso. The plant processes 150 million tonnes of corn daily, producing 63,000 litres of ethanol per day. Praj also started projects for Be8 and planned additional ethanol plants in Brazil.

March 2022

Lantmännen Biorefineries launched a gluten-free wheat starch sourced from Swedish autumn wheat. This new product was developed to provide manufacturers with an ingredient that delivers superior baking qualities while maintaining taste, addressing the increasing demand for gluten-free options in the food industry.

Rising Demand for Clean Label Products is Boosting the Demand for the Wheat Starch Market

The growing consumer demand for transparency in food ingredients is driving the wheat starch market. As more consumers opt for clean label products with natural and recognisable ingredients, wheat starch is increasingly popular in food manufacturing. This shift aligns with the trend towards healthier, non-artificial alternatives. In February 2024, Ingredion introduced NOVATION® Indulge 2940, a functional native corn starch offering a clean label and non-GMO, enhancing its appeal in dairy and alternative dairy products.

Growing Use in Biofuels is Influencing Wheat Starch Market Dynamics and Trends

Wheat starch is gaining traction in biofuels as part of the global transition to renewable energy. Bioethanol derived from wheat starch offers a sustainable fuel alternative, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Driven by tighter environmental regulations and energy independence goals, wheat starch is becoming an essential ingredient in the bioenergy sector. In October 2023, Amber Wave began producing wheat starch biofuel at its Phillipsburg, Kansas facility, capable of producing 50 million gallons of ethanol annually from wheat feedstock.

Technological Advancements in Processing is a Key Trend in the Wheat Starch Market

Innovations in wheat starch processing, including enzymatic modifications and improved extraction methods, are significantly enhancing efficiency and product quality. These advancements enable manufacturers to achieve higher starch yields at lower costs, expanding wheat starch’s use across food, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy industries. In August 2023, a study revealed new insights into starch granule development in Triticeae crops, such as wheat, potentially leading to innovations that could impact human health and various industry applications.

Applications in the Food Industry is Driving the Wheat Starch Market Growth

The versatility of wheat starch is driving its increasing use across a wide range of food products, from baked goods to convenience foods. With its ability to thicken, gel, and stabilise, wheat starch is becoming indispensable in processed food formulations. Research into wheat varieties with higher resistant starch content is also underway, aiming to improve the nutritional value of wheat-based products and meet growing consumer demand for healthier food options.

Global Wheat Starch Industry Outlook

As per Industry reports, China is the leading starch manufacturer globally and in the Asia-Pacific region, with a production value of USD 37.1 billion in 2021. The Chinese starch industry saw a growth rate of 10.9% that year, making up 59.4% of the total production in the Asia-Pacific region. In contrast, India’s production value was USD 2.1 billion in 2021, representing a modest 3.5% of the region's total production compared to China.

According to the American Forest & Paper Association, the United States' paper and paperboard capacity is estimated at 79.7 million tons in 2023. This capacity drives the growth of the global wheat starch industry, as wheat starch is utilised in the paper industry for surface sizing and coating, improving the quality and strength of paper products.

According to the Japan Paper Association, paper production in Japan has been estimated at around 10.43 million tonnes in 2023.

In 2023, the world's starch imports amounted to 902,590 tons. Germany imported 217,631 tons of starch in 2022, which increased to 229,125 tons in 2023. Poland's starch imports have been 105,972 tons in 2023 as reported by the ITC Trade Map. Moreover, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the European Union's wheat production is estimated to be 134.15 million tonnes for the 2023/2024 period, contributing 17% to the total global wheat production.

For the 2019/2020 market year in Australia, wheat production covered an area of 9.86 million hectares, yielding 14.48 million tons with a yield of 1.5 tons per hectare. In the 2023/2024 market year, the area increased to 12.50 million hectares, with production rising to 26.00 million tons and the yield improving to 2.1 tons per hectare as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wheat starch is gluten-free and low-calorie, aligning with the growing demand for healthier food options and driving wheat starch industry growth.

• It is used in various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, thus expanding its market applications.
• Wheat starch is relatively inexpensive compared to other starches, making it a cost-effective choice for manufacturers.

The market is vulnerable to fluctuations in wheat production, affecting the availability and price of wheat starch.

• Despite being gluten-free, perceptions of gluten sensitivity may limit market appeal among certain consumers.
• There is limited consumer awareness about the benefits of wheat starch compared to other starch alternatives.

Increasing health consciousness provides opportunities for the wheat starch market growth in the production and consumption of wheat starch.

• Expanding markets in developing regions presents opportunities for market expansion and new applications.
• Advances in processing technology could enhance the functionality and applications of wheat starch, driving further wheat starch demand growth.

Adverse weather conditions and climate change can impact wheat production, affecting the supply of wheat starch.

• The market faces competition from alternative starches and hydrocolloids, which could impact market share.
• Changes in food and health regulations could affect the market dynamics and cost structure of wheat starch production.

Global Wheat Starch Industry Segmentation

“Global Wheat Starch Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Native Starch
• Modified Starch

Market Breakup by End Use

• Sweeteners
• Fuel
• Paper and Textiles
• Food
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Wheat Starch Market Share

The growth of the wheat starch industry is driven by the benefits of native and modified starches. Native starch, natural and minimally processed, is cost-effective and widely utilised in food products, paper, and textiles for its binding and thickening properties. Meanwhile, modified starches, which are engineered to improve gel strength, stability, and viscosity, excel in harsh conditions like high temperatures and acidic environments. These starches can be tailored for specific needs, such as enhanced freeze-thaw stability or reduced retrogradation, making them suitable for specialized applications in processed foods and various industrial sectors.

Leading Companies in the Wheat Starch Market

The wheat starch market key players are significant figures in the agricultural and food industries, supplying products for food, beverage, and bioenergy sectors worldwide, with an emphasis on sustainability. These companies offer starches, proteins, and other ingredients for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, prioritising innovation and sustainable plant-based solutions.

Cargill Incorporated

Headquartered in Minnesota, United States, Cargill Incorporated was established in 1865. As one of the largest privately held corporations globally, Cargill provides a wide range of food, agricultural, and industrial products. The company focuses on sustainability and innovation, making it a key player in the global starch market.

ADM

Founded in 1902 and headquartered in Illinois, United States, ADM is a leading global food processing and commodities trading corporation. ADM specialises in the production of starches, oils, and protein products, and plays a significant role in supplying various industries, including food, beverage, and biofuels.

Roquette Freres

Roquette Freres, established in 1933 and based in Lestrem, France, is a global leader in plant-based ingredients. The company provides starches, proteins, and other ingredients for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation in plant-based products.

Tereos

Tereos, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Marle, France, is a multinational cooperative group specialising in sugar, starch, and alcohol production. The company is a major player in the agricultural and food sectors, offering products for the food, beverage, and bioenergy industries globally, with a focus on sustainable practices.

Other key players in the wheat starch market report are AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, and Tate and Lyle, among others.