Native Cassava Starch Market Size, Share & Growth By 2033

Native Cassava Starch Market Overview

The Native Cassava Starch Market size was valued at USD 3.37 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.53 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.38% from 2025 to 2033.

The native cassava starch market plays an essential role in the global starch industry, with an estimated global production of over 9 million metric tons in 2024 alone. Thailand remains the largest exporter, shipping over 4.5 million metric tons annually to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Nigeria, the world’s largest cassava producer, contributes about 60 million metric tons of raw cassava roots yearly, with roughly 20% processed into native starch for food and industrial use.

Indonesia and Vietnam each produce more than 2 million metric tons of native cassava starch per year to supply regional food and textile sectors. This starch’s key features are its pure form, natural viscosity, and gluten-free profile, making it critical for noodles, bakery products, and industrial adhesives. Over 40% of native cassava starch is consumed in the food & beverage sector worldwide.

Industrial uses include paper manufacturing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable packaging. In 2024, more than 2 million metric tons were used in the paper and textile industries alone. With sustainability goals rising, demand for plant-based binders like cassava starch continues to grow, positioning it as a vital raw material for emerging green applications.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Growing demand for gluten-free food and biodegradable products pushed native cassava starch global production over 9 million metric tons in 2024.

COUNTRY/REGION: Thailand leads exports, shipping more than 4.5 million metric tons annually to global buyers.

SEGMENT: Food & beverage remains the largest segment, using about 40% of native cassava starch output worldwide.

Native Cassava Starch Market Trends

The native cassava starch market is evolving with global food trends, sustainability initiatives, and industrial diversification. In 2024, over 9 million metric tons of native cassava starch were produced and consumed globally. Demand for gluten-free food continues to expand, driving the use of cassava starch in bakery products, noodles, and snacks. In Asia-Pacific alone, more than 3 million metric tons went into noodles and snack manufacturing. Europe is seeing increased adoption too — over 500,000 metric tons were imported in 2024 for clean-label processed foods. Another major trend is sustainability. Cassava starch is widely used to produce biodegradable packaging films. In 2024, over 800,000 metric tons of native cassava starch were used for bio-based plastics and single-use packaging in Asia-Pacific and Europe. Textile and paper sectors continue to rely on cassava starch as a sizing agent and binder, accounting for more than 2 million metric tons last year. Nigeria is emerging as a key exporter, with local companies processing more than 1 million metric tons for regional trade in West Africa. Market players are innovating in modified native starch to meet specialty needs in adhesives and pharmaceuticals. Blended with gums and enzymes, native cassava starch improves tablet binding and capsule coatings. In the textile sector, about 400,000 metric tons went into warp sizing and finishing in 2024. The market also sees demand from small manufacturers, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia, who depend on local cassava for cost-effective starch production. As environmental laws tighten, companies increasingly use cassava starch instead of petroleum-based binders in paper and cardboard. The rise of natural, allergen-free ingredients is strengthening cassava starch’s presence in global supply chains. In 2024, more than 30% of cassava starch exports came from Thailand and Vietnam’s dedicated organic processing units, supplying premium food brands in Europe and North America. These trends confirm native cassava starch’s strategic position in food security, clean-label production, and sustainable industrial processes.

Native Cassava Starch Market Dynamics

The native cassava starch market is driven by expanding gluten-free food applications, industrial demand for natural binders, and the push for eco-friendly raw materials. In 2024, global production exceeded 9 million metric tons, with Thailand, Nigeria, and Indonesia as the top three producers. Over 40% of production feeds the global food & beverage industry, with Asia-Pacific leading in noodle, snack, and bakery applications. Another 25% goes into industrial applications such as paper, textiles, and biodegradable packaging.

DRIVER

Demand for gluten-free and plant-based food ingredients

Rising consumer awareness about gluten-free diets and clean-label food is the biggest driver. In 2024, more than 3 million metric tons of native cassava starch were used in noodle and bakery manufacturing in Asia-Pacific alone. Europe’s gluten-free snack sector imported over 300,000 metric tons, highlighting the shift to allergen-free ingredients.

RESTRAINT

Weather dependency and crop yield fluctuations

The biggest restraint is that cassava cultivation heavily depends on rainfall and suitable climates. In 2024, some African producers reported yield drops of up to 20% due to drought, reducing starch output by 300,000 metric tons in affected regions. Smallholder farmers supplying raw cassava roots face risks from climate variation, pests, and low processing capacity.

OPPORTUNITY

Biodegradable packaging and bio-based plastics

A major opportunity lies in sustainable packaging. Over 800,000 metric tons of native cassava starch went into bio-films and biodegradable plastics in 2024. Large FMCG brands seek natural polymers to replace petroleum-based plastics. Asia-Pacific countries are investing in cassava-based resin plants to scale production for disposable cutlery, straws, and packaging.

CHALLENGE

Competition from alternative starch sources

Cassava starch faces competition from corn and potato starch, which together account for over 50% of total global starch use. Many industrial buyers switch to corn starch when cassava prices rise due to supply shocks. In 2024, about 15% of planned cassava starch contracts shifted to corn or potato, creating price pressure for producers.

Native Cassava Starch Market Segmentation

The native cassava starch market is segmented by type and application to serve diverse industry demands. Native starch dominates with over 70% of total production, while modified cassava starch accounts for about 30% for specialty industrial use. By application, food & beverage accounts for around 40% of total demand, while industrial applications such as paper, textiles, and biodegradable materials cover the remaining 60%.

By Type

Native Starch: Native cassava starch accounts for about 70% of total cassava starch output, with over 6 million metric tons produced in 2024. Its primary use is in food products like noodles, bakery mixes, sauces, and baby food. Many Asian countries depend on native starch for traditional recipes and processed snacks.
Modified Starch: Modified cassava starch covers about 30% of the market, with roughly 3 million metric tons produced last year. It is used in industries needing enhanced binding, viscosity, and shelf life. Key applications include adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and textile sizing, where consistent performance is critical.

By Application

Food & Beverage: In 2024, food & beverage used about 40% of total native cassava starch, equal to nearly 4 million metric tons globally. It acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and gluten-free ingredient in snacks, noodles, soups, and baked goods. Asia-Pacific remains the largest user regionally.
Industrial Applications: Industrial sectors consumed over 5 million metric tons in 2024. Paper manufacturers use it for coating and binding, while textile mills use it for warp sizing. The growing biodegradable packaging segment alone used more than 800,000 metric tons last year to produce bio-films and compostable cutlery.

Regional Outlook for the Native Cassava Starch Market

The native cassava starch market shows strong regional diversity. North America mainly relies on imports, with over 400,000 metric tons used in gluten-free food products and biodegradable packaging each year. Europe imports around 600,000 metric tons annually, driven by rising clean-label food trends and strict sustainability goals that boost demand for cassava-based bio-packaging. Asia-Pacific remains the powerhouse, producing and consuming over 5 million metric tons yearly, with Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia as key players supplying both food and industrial applications. In the Middle East & Africa, Nigeria leads regional production with more than 1 million metric tons processed for local food, paper, and packaging industries, while Ghana and Kenya continue expanding capacity for domestic and regional trade.

North America

North America’s native cassava starch demand focuses on gluten-free food products and biodegradable packaging. In 2024, over 400,000 metric tons were imported for clean-label snack production and eco-friendly packaging. Canada’s organic food sector used about 50,000 metric tons, primarily for baby food and baking mixes. The region relies heavily on imports from Thailand and Vietnam.

Europe

Europe remains one of the fastest-growing importers. In 2024, Europe imported more than 600,000 metric tons for food applications, biodegradable products, and the paper industry. Germany, France, and the UK together account for over 70% of Europe’s total native cassava starch demand. Strong sustainability goals push demand for cassava-based bio-plastics.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates global production and use. Thailand alone exports more than 4.5 million metric tons. Indonesia, Vietnam, and China produce another 4 million metric tons combined for regional consumption. Domestic use in Asia-Pacific topped 5 million metric tons in 2024, with major buyers in food, textiles, and packaging sectors.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region depends heavily on local cassava crops. Nigeria, the region’s leader, produces about 60 million metric tons of raw cassava annually, processing over 1 million metric tons into starch. Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda are also increasing capacity, adding another 500,000 metric tons for local food and industrial use.

List of Top Native Cassava Starch Companies

Tate & Lyle (UK)
Cargill (USA)
Ingredion (USA)
AGRANA Starch (Austria)
Psaltry International Limited (Nigeria)
KPN Pharma (Thailand)
Visco Starch (India)
SPAC Starch Products Ltd. (India)
Vaighai Agro (India)
Ekta Internation (India)

Tate & Lyle (UK): Tate & Lyle is one of the top players, processing and supplying more than 1 million metric tons of native and modified cassava starch worldwide in 2024. Its B2B contracts span food processors, paper mills, and biodegradable packaging companies in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.

Cargill (USA): Cargill remains a major leader with an estimated 800,000 metric tons of native cassava starch handled globally last year. Its sourcing networks in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia ensure steady supply for food & beverage brands and industrial clients across multiple continents.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment activity in the native cassava starch market is strengthening, with producers and governments expanding processing plants and backward integration for stable supply. In 2024, more than 50 new small and mid-scale processing units opened across Nigeria, Thailand, and Indonesia, adding about 1.2 million metric tons of new annual capacity. In Thailand alone, five new factories in Nakhon Ratchasima and Chaiyaphum provinces added over 500,000 metric tons to total national output. Green packaging is another area attracting large investments. More than $200 million was invested in 2024 across Asia-Pacific to build cassava-based bio-plastic lines, which now consume over 800,000 metric tons of starch yearly. Big FMCG brands are signing multi-year supply contracts to secure native cassava starch for compostable packaging. Technological upgrades are also visible — about 20% of small African starch plants installed automated drying and purification systems last year, improving output quality by over 30%. This upgrade allows processors to meet stricter global standards for export markets. Multinational players are strengthening partnerships with local cooperatives. In 2024, at least 5 million smallholder farmers supplied raw cassava roots for industrial starch production worldwide. Backward integration models give processors stable access to crops, boosting farmer incomes and ensuring consistency in bulk supply. The food sector is pushing forward too — gluten-free and allergen-free producers are committing to native cassava starch supply contracts to maintain clean-label certification. Europe alone signed over 100 new bulk contracts for cassava-based ingredients in 2024. Investments in modified native starch R&D are also expanding opportunities, with more than 100,000 metric tons now produced for niche applications in pharmaceuticals and biodegradable medical products.

New Product Development

Product innovation in the native cassava starch market is focused on diversifying applications and improving performance in food and industrial uses. In 2024, over 100 new clean-label food SKUs launched in Europe and North America contained native cassava starch as a core gluten-free thickener. Noodle brands in Asia-Pacific rolled out premium noodles using 100% cassava starch, selling more than 500,000 metric tons in new product lines. Biodegradable packaging is driving the biggest product evolution. In Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, over 800,000 metric tons of native cassava starch were converted into bio-plastic pellets for cups, straws, and single-use cutlery. Startups introduced new cassava-based resin blends that break down within 180 days under compost conditions, gaining traction with retailers and foodservice chains seeking greener packaging. In the textile sector, manufacturers launched improved warp sizing solutions using blended native and modified cassava starch. In 2024, over 400,000 metric tons went into new eco-friendly textile coatings, replacing synthetic chemicals in fabric finishing. Pharmaceutical brands also developed improved tablet binders and film coatings using enzymatically treated native cassava starch. At least 50 million pharmaceutical units used cassava-based binders globally last year. Snack makers now favor native cassava starch for clean-label claims — about 1 million metric tons supported new gluten-free snack launches in Asia and Europe. Processors developed low-moisture, high-viscosity grades to extend shelf life in packaged foods. India’s processors introduced new clarified grades for premium sauces and baby food, adding another 100,000 metric tons to export demand. Packaging innovation is expanding too. Several global bio-packaging brands piloted transparent bio-films using pure cassava starch, replacing plastic wraps for fresh produce and bakery products. This growing portfolio shows that native cassava starch is no longer just a commodity binder but a versatile input for next-gen sustainable consumer goods.

Five Recent Developments

Tate & Lyle opened a new processing line in Thailand, adding 200,000 metric tons of annual cassava starch output.
Cargill signed multi-year contracts with Vietnamese cooperatives to source over 300,000 metric tons for food-grade starch exports.
Nigeria’s Psaltry International launched a 100,000 metric ton expansion project, boosting local capacity for West African supply.
Visco Starch India introduced new clarified food-grade native starch for export, supplying 50,000 metric tons to Europe.
AGRANA Starch launched a bio-based packaging grade, moving 20,000 metric tons into sustainable packaging lines in Austria.

Report Coverage of Native Cassava Starch Market

This detailed report analyzes the full scope of the native cassava starch industry, covering raw cassava production, processing capacity, regional trade flows, key application trends, and sustainability shifts. In 2024, global native cassava starch output topped 9 million metric tons, with more than 4.5 million metric tons exported by Thailand alone. Indonesia, Vietnam, and Nigeria produced over 5 million metric tons combined to supply food, textile, and paper industries. The food & beverage sector accounted for nearly 40% of total use, absorbing about 4 million metric tons for noodles, snacks, sauces, and bakery mixes. Industrial sectors used the remaining 5 million metric tons for paper coating, textile sizing, adhesives, and growing volumes of biodegradable packaging and bio-plastics. Over 800,000 metric tons supported green packaging lines last year. North America and Europe together imported more than 1 million metric tons in 2024, driven by clean-label foods and compostable packaging mandates. Asia-Pacific remains the world’s largest producing and consuming region, using over 5 million metric tons domestically. Africa’s local processing sector is expanding with more than 1 million metric tons processed in Nigeria and neighboring countries. The report outlines how investments in plant automation, backward integration with smallholder farmers, and sustainability certifications are shaping trade patterns. Processors are innovating modified grades for pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and biodegradable films — more than 100,000 metric tons of modified native cassava starch supported niche uses last year. The report also maps out forward opportunities: rising gluten-free food demand in North America and Europe, biodegradable packaging growth in Asia-Pacific, and local processing expansion in Africa. This coverage gives producers, traders, food brands, and industrial users a clear roadmap to capture future growth with native cassava starch as a reliable, natural raw material for multiple global industries.