Top 10 Companies Dominating the Global Corn Starch Market Landscape

Cargill, Incorporated., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Ingredion Incorporated, Tate & Lyle PLC, Roquette Freres S.A., Tereos SA, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, Grain Processing Corporation, HL Agro Products Pvt. Ltd., and Associated British Foods plc, among others, are the major players in the global corn starch market. 

The global corn starch market reached a volume of about 87.15 million tons in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach around 110.77 million tons by 2032. As per the analysis by Expert Market Research, the market is expected to be driven by the global high rate of corn production.

Corn starch, extracted from corn kernels' endosperm, is a versatile carbohydrate utilised across various industries. Through a milling process that separates protein and fibre, the starch is refined into a white, powdery substance. Widely employed in food production, it serves as a thickening agent in soups and sauces. Additionally, it finds application in diverse sectors such as paper manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and cosmetics. Renowned for its neutral flavour, stability in different temperatures, and hypoallergenic properties, corn starch is a cost-effective and gluten-free ingredient.

The food industry is contributing to the  corn starch market growth, with corn starch serving as a prevalent thickening agent in various culinary applications, including gravies, soups, and sauces. Moreover, its versatility extends to its use as a coating for deep-fried foods, imparting a desirable crispy texture, as well as enhancing moisture and texture in baked goods.

The expansion of this industry is fuelled not only by its utilisation in food sectors but also by its growing presence in non-food sectors such as textiles and paper manufacturing. Countries such as China, the US, and Japan are experiencing heightened paper consumption, thereby driving market momentum. Additionally, corn starch plays a significant role in the production of latex products like gloves and diaphragms. Moreover, the increasing demand for corn starch in the biofuels industry is anticipated to contribute to  corn starch market expansion in the forecast period.

In January 2022, DFE Pharma expanded its nutraceutical offerings by introducing three starch-based excipients, responding to heightened consumer focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. The products included Nutroféli ST100, a native starch; Nutroféli ST200, a partially pregelatinised starch; and Nutroféli ST300, a fully gelatinised starch. These versatile excipients catered to various formulation needs, particularly in the nutraceutical sector, serving as binders for oral solid dosage forms. Notably, the items were naturally sourced, multifunctional, and compliant with both food and pharmaceutical standards.

Top 10 Corn Starch Companies in the World:

Cargill, Incorporated

Cargill, a family-owned company, provides essential food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products worldwide in a safe, responsible, and sustainable manner. With over 158 years of experience, the company collaborates with producers and customers across 70 countries to deliver vital resources for daily living. Sustainability is at the core of the operations, guiding the long-term vision as anticipated and addressed through evolving needs. The company’s 155,000 employees are committed to nourishing the world responsibly, minimising environmental impact, and enhancing local communities.

ADM

ADM, a global nutrition powerhouse, leads in both human and animal nutrition. Leveraging nature's potential, the company converts crops into ingredients and solutions for worldwide consumption. With a focus on enhancing quality of life, the company pioneers advancements in health and well-being through innovative products. Additionally, the company spearheads the transition to plant-based alternatives, reducing reliance on petroleum-based products. As a trusted agricultural supply chain manager, the company ensures food security by bridging local needs with global resources. Committed to sustainability, the company drives industry-wide decarbonisation efforts to protect the planet.

Ingredion Incorporated

Ingredion, a global leader in ingredient solutions, provides sweeteners, starches, and nutrition ingredients for a variety of products. From foods and beverages to pharmaceuticals, its ingredients enhance everyday items like crackers, candy, and lotions. Grounded in core values, the company employ approximately 12,000 individuals worldwide and serve customers across 120 countries in diverse sectors. With nearly USD 8 billion in annual sales, Ingredion collaborate with customers through innovation centres to harness the potential of people, nature, and technology, improving lives globally.

Tate & Lyle

Tate & Lyle, a global leader in ingredient solutions for over 160 years, aims to improve lives through food science. With a focus on healthier food and beverages, their purpose is evident in their products and practices. They enhance taste and nutrition by reducing sugar and calories, fortifying food with fibres for better digestion, and creating stabilising systems for longer shelf-life. By addressing consumer health needs and global food challenges, Tate & Lyle continues to make a positive impact on society through their innovative ingredient solutions.

Roquette Freres S.A.

Roquette, a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients, collaborates with customers and partners to address societal challenges through nature's potential. Founded in 1933, operating in over 100 countries with 30+ manufacturing sites, and generating a turnover of approximately 5 billion euros, Roquette employs about 10,000 people worldwide. By leveraging natural raw materials, Roquette pioneers plant-based cuisine, provides vital pharmaceutical solutions, and develops innovative ingredients for food, nutrition, and health markets, contributing to global well-being through constant innovation and a long-term vision.

Tereos SA

With a focus on agricultural raw materials and product quality in the food, health, and renewable energy sectors, Tereos leads in sugar, alcohol, and starch markets. The cooperative, comprising over 11,200 members, specialises in beet, sugarcane, cereals, alfalfa, and potatoes processing across 43 sites in 15 countries. With 15,800 employees, Tereos prioritises societal and environmental commitments, enhancing long-term performance. In 2022-23, the Group reported a €6.6 billion turnover, emphasising innovation, traceability, competitiveness, and sustainability across its diverse product range to meet global consumer demands.

AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG

AGRANA, an Austrian industrial firm with international operations, specialises in refining agricultural raw materials for industrial use. Renowned for top-notch product quality, innovative ideas, and expertise in product development, AGRANA caters to global and regional clients alike. With approximately 9,000 employees across 55 global production sites, AGRANA generates nearly €2.9 billion in consolidated revenues. Listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1991, AGRANA serves clients in the Fruit, Starch, and Sugar segments, supplying both local producers and major players in the food processing industry under brands like Wiener Zucker.

Grain Processing Corporation

Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, is a leading producer and global supplier of corn-based products spanning various industries including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Privately-owned and founded on a solid history of innovation, GPC maintains a customer-centric approach, prioritising quality, and value. As a subsidiary of Kent Corporation, GPC benefits from a legacy of leadership in the hands of the Kent family's third generation. Affiliated with companies like Kent Nutrition Group and Kent Pet Group, GPC remains committed to excellence and customer satisfaction.

HL Agro Products Pvt. Ltd.

HL Agro Products Pvt. Ltd, a cornerstone of the HL Group of companies based in Kanpur, India, has been a key player in the food processing sector for over six decades. Established in 2010, the company specialises in producing and globally supplying plant-based raw materials for the food and beverage industries, including sesame seeds, starch, and corn derivatives. Recognised for its excellence, HL Agro Products has earned accolades such as the "Agri-Company of the Year" for its contributions to the agricultural economy and market expansion efforts. Leveraging innovation and technology, the company remains committed to delivering top-quality ingredients to enhance the food industry's offerings.

Associated British Foods plc

Associated British Foods, a diversified conglomerate, encompasses various food and ingredient businesses alongside the renowned retail brand Primark. Committed to providing safe, nutritious, and affordable food and clothing, the company focuses on long-term value creation for stakeholders. With a presence in 53 countries and over 132,000 employees, Associated British Foods strives for sustainable leadership in key markets, offering quality products and services globally. Generating £17 billion in sales, the company aims for profitable growth and operates across Europe, southern Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.