In 2019, the wheat starch market was valued at approximately US$ 1,016.95 million and is anticipated to grow to around US$ 1,203.32 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3% from 2020 to 2027.
Wheat starch is renowned for its excellent gelling, stabilizing, and thickening characteristics. In the food sector, it plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and viscosity, facilitating gel formation, binding, and moisture retention. Primarily, it serves as a thickening agent in various food products. The thickening process occurs through retrogradation and gelatinization, where heat causes the starch to absorb water and swell, enhancing clarity and viscosity. However, once the maximum viscosity is reached, the starch molecules begin to separate, resulting in a decrease in viscosity. As the mixture cools, viscosity increases again, leading to cloudiness and gel formation. This unique property makes wheat starch a preferred ingredient among food and beverage manufacturers. Additionally, its application in baking is on the rise, with modified wheat starch providing enhanced emulsifying properties in certain food items. It is also utilized in confectionery products like Turkish delight and is effective in improving head retention in beer. Furthermore, wheat starch is integral to pasta, constituting about 70% of its weight. Compared to other starches, it enhances the volume and tenderness of cakes and aids in fat absorption in doughnuts. Wheat starch is also commonly found in sweeteners such as glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and dextrose, and serves as a stabilizer in sauces and puddings.
The wheat starch market is categorized into two main types: native wheat starch and modified wheat starch. In 2019, native wheat starch held the largest market share. This type is obtained through the physical extraction of wheat starch, which separates gluten and other proteins. Native wheat starch is a plant-based ingredient characterized by a white to off-white powder with a neutral taste and odor. It has an energy value of 4 kcal/g, similar to other carbohydrates. This starch is utilized as a thickening, stabilizing, clouding, and glazing agent, and is also effective for binding and moisture retention. Its applications span across sugar confectioneries, bakery items, snacks, dairy products (including cheese), alcoholic beverages, sauces, soups, pasta, ready-to-eat meals, and meat and seafood products like surimi.
Geographically, the wheat starch market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). In 2019, Asia Pacific accounted for a significant market share, followed by Europe and North America. North America, which includes developed economies like the US and Canada, as well as developing nations such as Mexico, is witnessing a surge in health consciousness and lifestyle changes that are driving the demand for wheat starch. The growing preference for convenience foods, including baked goods and ready-to-cook (RTC) and ready-to-eat (RTE) items, is a key factor propelling the wheat starch market in this region. Additionally, the use of wheat starch as a fat substitute due to its gluten-free properties further supports its market growth. In Europe, which includes major economies like Germany, France, Italy, the UK, and Russia, evolving lifestyle trends in the food and beverage sector have significantly impacted the wheat starch market. The presence of established companies such as Roquette Fr?res, Cargill Incorporated, and Archer Daniels Midland Company also bolsters the market in this region.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has rapidly spread worldwide. By December 2020, countries such as the US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, the UK, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico were among the most affected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 80,773,033 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,783,619 deaths globally by December. The pandemic has severely impacted economies and industries due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures. The food and beverage sector, a major global industry, has faced significant disruptions, including supply chain interruptions, cancellations of technology events, and office shutdowns. As China is a key manufacturing hub and primary supplier of raw materials for various industries, the lockdown of factories there has adversely affected global supply chains, leading to delays in product deliveries and a decline in future sales. Furthermore, international travel bans have hindered business collaborations and partnership opportunities.
Key players in the global wheat starch market include Cargill Incorporated, Roquette Fr?res, Manildra Group, MGP Ingredients, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Agrana Group, Tereos SA, Crespel and Deiters, New Zealand Starch Company, and Sacchetto S.p.A.
The overall size of the global wheat starch market has been determined through both primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, multiple primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the information and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants typically included industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the wheat starch market.
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