The global pea starch market is set for remarkable expansion, projected to grow from US$0.146 Bn in 2025 to US$0.348 Bn by 2032. With a projected CAGR of 13.2% over the forecast period, pea starch is emerging as a crucial ingredient in the food, cosmetics, and industrial sectors due to its sustainability and functionality.
Market Insights
- The growing shift towards plant-based and gluten-free diets is driving demand for pea starch.
- North America is expected to hold over 48% of the global market share by 2032.
- The food and beverages segment dominates the market, with food-grade pea starch leading with a 45% share.
- Pea starch is gaining traction in the bioplastics industry due to its biodegradable properties.
- The cosmetics sector is incorporating pea starch as a natural thickener and oil absorber in clean beauty formulations.
Market Drivers
1. Rising Demand for Gluten-Free and Plant-Based Products
Increasing cases of gluten intolerance and celiac disease boost the demand for pea starch in food applications.
The rising popularity of plant-based diets and clean-label products accelerates market growth.
Reports indicate that 63% of consumers prefer products with a clean label.
2. Sustainability and Regulatory Support
Pea starch is an environmentally friendly ingredient, requiring less water and fertilizers than other starch sources like corn.
Governments and organizations promote sustainable agriculture and plant-based ingredients to combat climate change.
Nearly 73% of global consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products.
Business Opportunities
1. Growing Utilization in Pet Nutrition and Livestock Feed
Pea starch is increasingly used in pet food and animal feed due to its digestibility, energy content, and gluten-free nature.
Sustainable and natural pet food options are witnessing high demand, presenting a lucrative market opportunity.
2. Expanding Applications in Cosmetics
The clean beauty trend is driving the adoption of pea starch as a natural thickener and stabilizer in skincare and makeup products.
71% of consumers prefer natural ingredients in cosmetics, while 45% consider sustainability credentials when purchasing beauty products.
3. Emerging Role in Bioplastics
The increasing demand for biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly alternatives supports the expansion of pea starch applications in the bioplastics sector.
Companies are focusing on innovative starch-based packaging solutions, which is anticipated to fuel demand.
Regional Analysis
North America:
- Expected to experience significant growth due to evolving consumer dietary preferences and a well-established plant-based food industry.
- Canada, a major pea producer, strengthens the region's leadership in the pea starch industry.
- Increased investments in plant-based meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, and gluten-free products drive demand.
Asia Pacific:
- Rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes in China, India, and Japan are increasing demand for processed and convenience foods containing pea starch.
- The region's growing cosmetics industry further supports market expansion.
- Expanding applications in industrial sectors, including adhesives and textiles, contribute to significant growth prospects.
Key Market Players
The pea starch market features a mix of established and emerging players, including:
- Roquette Freres
- Cargill
- Ingredion Incorporated
- ADM
- Emsland-Starke Gesellschaft
- Meelunie B.V.
- Nutri-Pea
- DSM-Firmenich
- The Scoular Company
These companies are investing in research and development, strategic partnerships, and sustainable sourcing practices to maintain their market positions.
Recent Industry Developments
- April 2024: Roquette introduced LYCAGEL Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical softgel capsules, expanding its customer base.
- June 2024: Bunge partnered with Golden Fields to establish a specialized production facility in Liepaja, Latvia, aimed at delivering innovative protein concentrates.
Expert Insights
- Pea starch is increasingly being recognized as a sustainable, gluten-free, and clean-label ingredient.
- The growing demand for eco-friendly solutions is expected to drive the adoption of pea starch in bioplastics and packaging applications.
- Analysts foresee significant opportunities in non-food sectors, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, contributing to market expansion.
- Regulatory frameworks supporting plant-based and allergen-free ingredients are expected to further accelerate market penetration.
Market Segmentation
The global pea starch market is segmented as follows:
By Grade:
- Food Grade
- Feed Grade
- Industrial Grade
By Nature:
By Application:
- Food & Beverage
- Animal Feed
- Paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textiles
By Function:
- Gelling
- Thickeners
- Texturizing
- Film Forming
By Region:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa