MARKET OVERVIEW

Native Cassava Starch Market size was valued at USD 7.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 11.8 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. Native cassava starch, derived from cassava roots, is widely used as a thickening, binding, and stabilizing agent in food and non-food industries. The growing demand for clean-label and plant-based ingredients has significantly increased the consumption of native starch in processed food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Unlike modified starch, native cassava starch remains free from chemical alteration, making it suitable for organic and health-conscious consumer markets. The cost-effectiveness of cassava as a crop and its resistance to drought also support stable supply, especially from key producing countries like Thailand, Nigeria, and Brazil. Moreover, its biodegradable nature is driving its use in paper, textiles, and bio-plastics, contributing to sustainability initiatives. The food industry holds the largest market share, but increasing use in adhesives and animal feed is creating new growth avenues. With its high viscosity and neutral taste, native cassava starch continues to gain traction in diverse applications globally.

DRIVER:-

The shift towards clean-label products and natural ingredients is a major growth driver for the Native Cassava Starch Market. With consumers increasingly seeking transparency and minimal processing in food products, manufacturers are replacing chemically modified additives with native starches. Native cassava starch, being non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free, is highly preferred in gluten-free baking and plant-based product formulations. The global health and wellness food market grew by over 8% in 2024, further supporting starch demand. Additionally, cassava’s cultivation is cost-efficient and eco-friendly, using less water and surviving poor soil conditions, which appeals to sustainable sourcing goals. As governments promote sustainable agricultural practices and ban synthetic ingredients in food and cosmetics, the use of cassava starch is being incentivized through policy support and subsidies. These factors are driving both demand and investment in native starch processing plants, particularly in Asia and Africa.

COUNTRY/REGION:-

Thailand stands as the largest producer and exporter of native cassava starch globally, accounting for nearly 30% of total exports in 2025. The country's well-established cassava farming and processing infrastructure supports consistent supply. Nigeria, the world’s largest cassava producer, is increasing its domestic starch processing capacity with government incentives and private sector investments. Brazil and Indonesia also contribute significantly to global cassava starch production. In terms of consumption, China dominates the market due to its large processed food, paper, and textile industries. The country imported over 3 million tons of cassava starch in 2024 alone. Meanwhile, in Europe and North America, demand is growing steadily driven by the clean-label and sustainable packaging trends. The U.S. is investing in developing alternatives to synthetic additives using cassava-based solutions. Globally, rising environmental concerns and food safety awareness are creating a fertile ground for the market to expand across both developing and developed nations.

SEGMENT:-

In 2025, the food & beverage segment held the largest share of the Native Cassava Starch Market, accounting for over 45% of global demand. This is primarily due to its usage in bakery, sauces, ready-to-eat meals, and baby food products, driven by the clean-label and gluten-free movement. The industrial segment is the fastest growing, expected to expand at over 7% CAGR, supported by increasing usage in biodegradable packaging, textiles, and adhesives. On the basis of form, dry starch dominates due to ease of storage, transport, and higher stability in food formulations. The wet starch segment, although smaller, is finding niche applications in fermentation and paper production. The pharmaceutical industry also offers growing opportunities, particularly in tablet binding and disintegration applications due to the starch’s inert and stable properties.

MARKET TRENDS

The Native Cassava Starch Market is experiencing strong trends driven by sustainability, health, and innovation. One major trend is the use of cassava starch in biodegradable plastic production, particularly for single-use packaging and agricultural films. With global plastic bans gaining traction, bio-based alternatives are in high demand. Another key trend is the rising consumption of plant-based and gluten-free foods, where cassava starch serves as a functional ingredient, offering texture and moisture retention. In the cosmetics sector, cassava starch is increasingly used in organic powders and creams, replacing talc. The adoption of automated processing technologies in starch mills, especially in Southeast Asia and Africa, is improving product quality and consistency. Additionally, companies are exploring hybrid blends of cassava starch with pea or corn starch for enhanced functionality. Global trade is also shaping the market as countries like China and India ramp up import demand due to limited domestic production. These trends position native cassava starch as a multi-functional and globally relevant ingredient across industries.

MARKET DYNAMICS

DRIVER-

Growing consumer demand for non-GMO, clean-label, and gluten-free food ingredients is a major driver. Native cassava starch aligns with these preferences, boosting its adoption in bakery, baby food, and vegan products.

RESTRAINT-

Fluctuating raw material availability due to seasonal farming and susceptibility to pests can disrupt supply chains. Price volatility in cassava farming regions impacts market stability.

OPPORTUNITY-

The increasing use of cassava starch in bio-based packaging, adhesives, and cosmetics offers lucrative growth opportunities, especially as companies seek alternatives to synthetic compounds.

CHALLENGE-

Limited processing capacity and technological barriers in developing nations hinder the expansion of high-quality starch production, affecting global competitiveness.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type-

Dry native cassava starch dominates the market due to its ease of handling, extended shelf life, and suitability for food and industrial use. It represents over 70% of total volume in 2025. Wet starch, while used less, finds applications in fermentation and immediate-use formulations.

By Application-

The food & beverage industry is the largest application segment, used for thickening, stabilizing, and texturizing. Other applications include paper and pulp, textiles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioplastics, each contributing to diverse revenue streams.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK

North America-

Demand for cassava starch in the U.S. and Canada is driven by the gluten-free and organic food trends. Food manufacturers increasingly use it as a replacement for wheat starch in bakery and packaged food.

Europe-

Europe sees rising usage in food, biodegradable packaging, and cosmetics due to clean-label and sustainability mandates. Germany and the Netherlands are key importers and processors.

Asia-Pacific-

Asia-Pacific leads global production and consumption, with Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China as major stakeholders. The region’s food and textile industries offer massive demand.

Middle East & Africa-

Nigeria and Ghana lead in cassava cultivation. Rising industrial applications and regional processing facilities are driving local starch production and exports.

List of Top Native Cassava Starch Companies-

1. Avebe U.A. – Offers native and specialty starches for food and industry.

2. Ingredion Incorporated – Supplies clean-label cassava starches under its sustainable portfolio.

3. Cargill Inc. – Offers food-grade native starches with global sourcing and sustainability focus.

4. Tate & Lyle PLC – Produces native starches for food and beverages, with plant-based innovations.

5. Tereos Group – Operates cassava starch mills in Southeast Asia, focused on eco-friendly applications.

6. Royal Ingredients Group – Key supplier of cassava starch to global food and industrial markets.

7. KMC A.m.b.a. – A Denmark-based firm expanding its plant-based starch solutions.

8. SPAC Starch Products – Leading Indian manufacturer catering to food, pharma, and paper sectors.

9. Emsland Group – German starch producer investing in R&D for starch-based biodegradable materials.

10. Vietnam Cassava Starch JSC – A major exporter supplying native starch from Southeast Asia.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities-

Investments are rising in cassava processing facilities, especially in West Africa and Southeast Asia. Demand for sustainable raw materials in packaging and food innovation is attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and public-private partnerships.

New Product Development-

Companies are innovating cassava starch-based films, vegan gelatin alternatives, and biodegradable tableware. Functional starch blends for gluten-free baking are also gaining momentum.

Five Recent Developments-

1. Ingredion launched a new non-GMO native tapioca starch line in 2025.

2. Cargill opened a cassava starch R&D center in Vietnam.

3. Tereos expanded its cassava starch plant capacity in Thailand.

4. SPAC Starch Products launched pharma-grade native starch for tablet binding.

5. Avebe introduced hybrid cassava-potato starch for improved stability.

Report Coverage-

This report includes market value estimates (2025–2033), CAGR, segment analysis, market trends, regional insights, competitive landscape, product innovation, trade data, and growth opportunities. It is ideal for investors, manufacturers, and policy makers targeting sustainable ingredient markets.