Modified starch is a versatile ingredient that has the ability to transform basic properties of native starch to suit the specific requirements of various industries. With its exceptional characteristics, such as bulk water absorption, emulsification, and thickening properties, modified starch has opened up a vast spectrum of applications. Not only does it enhance the quality of food & beverages, but it has also proven to be a game-changer in the textile and paper industry. By serving as a texture agent, fat replacer, and emulsifier, modified starch has become a critical ingredient in the formulation of products across different sectors. Thanks to the advanced processing technology used to develop modified starch, it has become possible to create tailor-made ingredients that can solve a wide range of formulating challenges.

Modified Starch Market Size

The global modified starch market was valued $13.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $15.9 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% during the study period.

Modified Starch Market Trends

The modified starch market is expected to see continued growth in the coming years, driven by several key trends:

• Rising Demand for Processed Foods: The demand for processed and ready-to-eat meals is growing due to convenience and busy lifestyles. Modified starch is essential in these products, serving as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier to provide desirable texture and extended shelf life.
• Asia Pacific as the Frontrunner: The Asia Pacific region is the largest consumer of modified starch and is expected to maintain its dominance. This growth is driven by increasing disposable incomes and growing populations in countries such as China and India.
• Functional and Natural Ingredients: Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and functional ingredients in their food, and modified starch, derived from natural sources such as corn or tapioca, perfectly meets this demand. This trend is expected to further drive market growth.

Modified Starch Market Opportunities: Untapped application of modified starch

Modified starch serves as an excellent fermentation base for the large-scale production of various biotechnological products, including organic acids, antibiotics, vitamins, and hormones. As a sole carbon source, starch-derived carbohydrates are highly valuable commercially, providing energy to sustain biological functions. For example, starch-derived glucose can be fermented to produce lactic acid, which can then be polymerized to create biodegradable films or bioplastics. Additionally, potato starch waste can be utilized as a feedstock in fermentation processes. A variety of polymers can be synthesized using starch-based feedstocks.

Therefore, it is crucial to explore these untapped applications of starch. Expanding the range of commodity sources for starch extraction and integrating modification processes can significantly broaden the potential application fields. Through appropriate modification, the technological potential and industrial utility of starch are greatly enhanced.

Industrial application were the second largest segment in the modified starch market and anticipated to witness decent growth rate over the forecast period

Modified starch is extensively utilized across various commercial and industrial sectors. Its applications span from the paper and paper cone industry to adhesive manufacturing, sand binding, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and detergent production, among others. Particularly in construction, acid-modified starches serve as crucial protective colloids, enhancing the strength of wallboards. Starch blends also function as adhesives for wallboard edges. The global demand for modified starch is steadily expanding, with Asian nations experiencing burgeoning industrialization and rising income levels, thus integrating modified starches into both food and non-food applications.

Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest growing region in the modified starch market and anticipated to maintain its dominance over the forecast period

The Asia Pacific region dominates the modified starch market, driven by robust demand from major economies like China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations. Unlike elsewhere, where large corporations handle starch processing, in Asia Pacific, it’s mainly small and medium-sized enterprises leading the charge. Traditionally, native starch has been prevalent in regional food products, but there’s a rapid shift towards modified starches. Industries across the region are embracing modified starches for diverse applications, revolutionizing the starch processing landscape with evolving technologies and industrial practices.

Modified Starch Companies

The key players in this market include ADM (US), Cargill (US), Ingredion (US), Tate & Lyle (UK), Roquette Frères (France), Avebe U.A (Netherlands), Grain Processing Corporation (US), Emsland (Germany), AGRANA (Austria), SMS Corporation (Thailand), Global Bio-Chem Technology Group (Hong Kong), SPAC Starch (India), Qindao CBH Company (China), Tereos (France), and KMC (Denmark).

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