Corn Starch Industry Trends and Market 2025

Corn starch is a versatile ingredient derived from corn kernels in the production process and plays a pivotal role in various industries all across the world.

The corn starch industry has grown considerably because of its usage in different industries, such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and paper production.

In 2024, the global corn starch market size reached about 88.3 Million Tons and is estimated to grow only more and more in the future.

The corn starch industry was initially introduced to culinary practices for its thickening nature, primarily used in soups, sauces, and baked foods.

Thanks to technology and new studies done on corn starch, today, many factories use it in different industries ranging from paper manufacturing to bioplastics production.

As we delve deeper into market trends, regional insights, and industry challenges, this article will provide a comprehensive 2025 overview of the corn starch industry’s current landscape and how it can change prospects in the future.

Learn more: corn starch production

Global Corn Starch Market Overview 2025

The corn starch industry has made quite an impression on the global market, marking 88.3 million tons in 2024.

The global market size is expected to reach 109.3 Million Tons by 2033, with a 2.16% corn starch market growth between the years 2025 to 2033, while the United States remains the market leader, holding the largest market share.

In recent years, corn starch has been applied in convenience foods, biodegradable materials, and ethanol production. Therefore, the industry’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to climb steadily.

What are The Key Trends Driving Growth in The Corn Starch Industry?

The industry’s most significant trend driving growth is the consumers’ need for organic and natural food. Corn starch acts as a thickener and binder in different foods and beverages and is favored by most because of its naturality.

However, it does not stop here. There is a huge demand for corn starch in different sectors, such as paper and textile production.

One of the new trends that is becoming increasingly noticed is the use of corn starch in sustainable practices, which minimizes carbon footprint.

Food & Beverage Sector

Corn starch is widely used in the process of many foods and beverages, acting as a thickener and stabilizer. Processed food manufacturers, in particular, benefit from this magical corn starch to provide food with better texture and flavor. Corn starch is also used in frozen products to prevent fat crystallization and extend its shelf life.

Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry uses corn starch as a binder and stabilizer in tablets, syrups, and capsules. However, this is not the only way corn starch serves the pharmaceutical industry.

Corn starch contains a high amount of fiber, which is believed to be very beneficial in reducing the risks of colorectal cancer. So, consuming corn starch in pharmaceutical products might reduce cancer risks and protect your body against various dangers.

Sustainable Practices

Times have changed, and now one of the most essential sustainable uses of corn starch is producing biodegradable and compostable plastics, serving as a better alternative than the traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels.

As you already know, traditional plastics are not very eco-friendly and can be a great danger to our earth.

Bioplastics not only minimize pollution but create an opportunity for farmers to explore innovative approaches toward corn starch and, as a result, increase their income.

Corn Starch Segmentation By Type

Based on type, corn starch is categorized into three main categories: modified, native, and sweeteners.

Sweeteners

The sweetener segment is one of the most important contributors to the market, which is expected to grow at about 5.70% CAGR until 2031.

There are different kinds of sweeteners that contain a considerable amount of starch, such as dextrose, glucose syrup, and high fructose syrup. Each of these sweeteners has its own usage.

Glucose syrup, for instance, is primarily used in candies, gums, jellies, and the confectionery sector as a sweetener and a thickener.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), on the other hand, was introduced in the late 1960s to enhance the functionality and stability of various foods and beverages.

Modified

The modified corn starch is used significantly in different sectors, making up 12% of the revenue share in 2023.

As the demand for convenience and processed foods rises, the use of modified corn starch also rises. Modified corn starch is used in different foods and beverages to enhance the flavor, extend the shelf life of products, increase the quality and effectiveness, and, most importantly, reduce the food production cost.

Native

The native starch is derived from wheat, corn, rice, potatoes, and cassava and has a thickening and gelling nature used primarily on bakery mixes, batters, and as a dry mixer in soups and salad dressings.

Global Corn Starch Market Regional Insights

The corn starch industry has four central and key regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and LAMEA.

North America leads with advanced starch production capabilities and strong supply chain networks. At the same time, Asia Pacific comes in second, with two of the biggest countries in the world—China and India.

North America: Dominance in Corn Starch Industry

It comes as no surprise that North America is the dominating region among all others and is projected to grow a CAGR of 14.5% in the forecast year.

The United States is known as one of the largest corn-producing countries with high quality. This makes corn starch production in North America an optimal and cost-effective business, driving revenue.

Manufacturers in North America use high-quality and advanced corn starch production machinery to satisfy the ever growing needs of customers in food and other industries.

For instance, Cargill Corporation announced a $150M investment in expanding the maize starch plants in the US to meet the demands of various industries and increase the process efficiency.

Moreover, the government also very much supports the maize production businesses by posing policies (grants and subsidies) that benefit both the companies and maintain North America’s dominance in the global maize starch market.

Asia Pacific: A Growing Powerhouse

Asia Pacific is the second-largest region in the corn starch industry and is projected to attain a revenue of $ 35,613.2M by 2030.

In Asia Pacific, corn starch is mainly used in food and beverage sectors as a thickener and texture stabilizer.

China and India, the region’s two largest economies, are at the forefront of this expansion.

 

Aspect	China	India
Key Drivers	Food & beverage sector.	Increasing demand for packaged foods, pharma, and textiles.
Industrial Applications	●      Paper ●      Textiles ●      Adhesives ●      Biodegradable plastics.	●      Pharmaceuticals ●      Textiles ●      Paper ●      Adhesives.
Food Applications	●      Processed and convenience foods ●      Sweeteners ●      Thickeners.	●      Packaged food products ●      Bakery items ●      Confectionery.
Growth Factors	Rising middle class, export opportunities, and advanced production.	Urbanization, government agro-processing initiatives, rising incomes.
Challenges	Fluctuating corn prices and the need for sustainability in production are common challenges in China’s corn starch market.	Limited raw material availability and import dependency are key challenges in India’s corn starch market.

Leading Corn Starch Industry Manufacturers

There has been a remarkable improvement in the corn starch industry and manufacturers are trying out new ways and technology to increase the corn starch functionality and stability. Tradition corn starch, for instance, did not used to have tolerance under heat or in acidic environments, back in the day. That’s why manufacturers developed modified corn starch that can now perform well in those circumstances.

It does not matter if you want corn starch in your kitchen or for industrial purposes. The corn starch you purchase must be from a manufacturer that ensures stability, decent texture, and high quality.

Some of the best manufacturers in today’s corn starch industry are:

• Cargill, Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• Ingredion Incorporated
• Roquette Frères
• Tereos SA

Market Challenges: 2024 Price Fluctuations

Surprising as it may be, corn starch, widely used in various industries, experienced a crash price around August 2024.

The price fluctuations during quarter 3 were mainly due to the oversupply of corn, alongside the sluggish demand on domestic and international fronts.

There was so much corn starch produced while so little was demanded. This incoherence in supply and demand was further worsened when manufacturers couldn’t adjust their production with the cautious purchase of end-users.

Rising Competition from Alternatives

Amid price fluctuations, rice starch was chosen as a preferred option in the food and beverage industry due to its smooth texture and hypoallergenic properties.

Similarly, potato starch gained attraction from the paper and textile industries for its superb adhesive and thickening qualities.

Tapioca starch, known for its versatility and lower production costs, also became popular in the pharmaceutical and packaging sectors.

Strategies to Overcome Rising Competition and Market Challenges

To remain competitive, companies in the corn starch industry must address supply chain inefficiencies and innovate by leveraging value-added products and sustainable production practices.

They enhanced product quality and efficiency by diversifying product lines, embracing sustainable production methods, and leveraging advanced technologies like enzymatic processing.

The price fluctuations were resolved by the end of the quarter, when the market followed a price-declining method, resulting in a price correction in the sector.

Exploring Innovations and Emerging Trends in the Corn Starch Industry

The industry is going through changes by employing new corn starch industry trends and advancements in the production line, consequently increasing sustainability and productivity in the companies.

From developing high-amylose and waxy starch varieties to breakthroughs in genetic modification, the industry uses various advancements to meet evolving market demands and adapt to consumers changing preferences.

Increased Demand For Clean-label and Organic Starches

Clean-label starch means it hasn’t been modified with the chemical added ingredients. Consumers are demanding clean-label-friendly products more than before. Therefore, manufacturers prefer to use native starches or starch blends in the products to satisfy the consumers’ needs more.

How Does the Future Look Like For the Corn Starch Industry?

Corn starch is an essential ingredient used in many sectors, from food and beverages to industrial uses such as paper and textile production, pharmaceutical uses, etc.

In the modern age, people are shifting to natural products to ensure cleanness and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Corn starch, acts as a natural stabilizer and thickener widely used in various foods. According to ChemAnalyst, food and beverage is the dominating sector, holding roughly 65% of the global corn starch market in 2023.

Regarding the technological advancements in starch extraction, agro-processing equipment suppliers are developing machinery to increase efficiency and productivity in the production line.

As a result, soon specialty starches will be produced to provide their costumers with unique functional properties.

FAQ

1- Why is corn starch considered a key ingredient in the food industry?

Corn starch is highly valued in the food industry for its ability to thicken, stabilize, and improve texture. It’s commonly used in soups, sauces, puddings, and bakery products to enhance consistency and shelf life. Its neutral taste and compatibility with various ingredients make it a versatile option. Moreover, as consumers lean toward clean-label and plant-based products, corn starch’s natural origin aligns well with these preferences, boosting its demand.

2- How does the corn starch production process impact its quality and applications?

The production process for corn starch significantly influences its quality, purity, and end-use applications. The process begins with wet milling, where corn kernels are steeped, separated into components, and processed to extract starch. The purity of the starch depends on the efficiency of the separation process. High-quality corn starch is nearly free of proteins and fats, making it suitable for sensitive applications such as pharmaceuticals and baby foods.

The level of modification during processing (e.g., acid-thinning, oxidation, or cross-linking) also affects its functional properties. For instance, modified corn starch is preferred in food products that require enhanced stability under heat or acidic conditions, while unmodified starch is more common in basic applications like thickening sauces or soups.

Advancements in processing technologies, such as enzymatic treatments and sustainable production methods, are now enabling manufacturers to produce more versatile, high-purity starches that cater to the evolving needs of various industries.

3- What are the environmental and economic benefits of using corn starch in industrial applications?

Corn starch is increasingly valued for its environmental benefits as a renewable and biodegradable material, especially in industries focused on reducing their carbon footprint. In the bioplastics industry, it serves as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions and waste accumulation in landfills.

Economically, the versatility of corn starch lowers production costs for manufacturers by serving multiple roles—such as a stabilizer, binder, and thickener—within the same product line. Additionally, its abundant availability and scalability make it a cost-effective raw material for industries.