China Starch Market Overview, 2028

China has the world's largest population, and rapid urbanization has led to increased demand for convenience foods and processed products that often use starch as an ingredient. Starch is a versatile ingredient used in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, and more. As these industries expand and diversify, the demand for starch as a key component continues to grow. The processed food industry in China has witnessed significant growth. Starch is widely used in processed foods for its thickening, gelling, and binding properties, contributing to the expansion of this sector. China's participation in international trade agreements and its position as a major global player in trade facilitate the import and export of starch products. This global trade contributes to the growth of the starch market in China Changing consumer preferences for convenience foods and processed products have led to increased demand for starch in the manufacturing of snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and other convenience items. Starch has been a staple in the Chinese diet for thousands of years. Historical records indicate the cultivation of various starch-rich crops, including rice and millet, as early as 5000 BC in China. Rice is the most widely consumed staple in China, serving as a primary source of starch. Chinese culture has a deep connection with rice, and it is a key ingredient in numerous dishes, particularly in southern China. Wheat-based starches, such as noodles and dumplings, are integral to Chinese cuisine. Noodle-making is considered an art form, and different regions of China have their own unique styles of noodles and dumplings. Long noodles symbolize longevity and are often served during celebrations and festivals, such as birthdays and weddings. The tradition of eating noodles on specific occasions reflects their cultural importance. Tofu, made from soybeans, is a vital part of Chinese cuisine. Starch is used in the coagulation process to create tofu, making it a versatile and protein-rich food.

According to the research report "China Starch Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the China Starch market was valued USD 6.25 Billion in 2022. With the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the vegan movement in China, there is an increasing demand for starches as key ingredients in plant-based meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and other vegan products. The market for functional starches in China is expanding, driven by the desire for healthier and nutritionally enhanced food products. Functional starches are used to improve texture, increase fiber content, and enhance the nutritional profile of various foods and beverages. Starch-based binders are gaining attention in the emerging field of 3D food printing in China. These binders are used to create intricate food designs and structures, catering to both culinary creativity and personalized nutrition. Starch-based ingredients are used in the formulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products, particularly herbal pills, powders, and medicinal pastes. Starches serve as carriers for herbal compounds, making them easier to administer. The sports and fitness industry in China is incorporating starch-based ingredients into sports nutrition products to provide energy and promote muscle recovery among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. As pet ownership grows in China, the use of starches in pet food formulations is also increasing. Starches provide energy and texture to pet food products. Starches are crucial ingredients in infant and baby foods, providing texture and nutrition. The demand for safe and high-quality starches for baby food formulations is on the rise. The texture of food products, often influenced by starches, plays a significant role in Chinese cuisine. Food textures vary widely, from crispy and crunchy to soft and chewy, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Native starches, such as corn, potato, and wheat starch, have diverse applications across various industries. They are used in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper production, adhesives, and more. This versatility allows them to cater to a broad spectrum of needs, driving their demand. Many traditional Chinese dishes and culinary practices rely on native starches to achieve the desired textures and consistency in various recipes. This cultural preference for traditional foods contributes to the consistent demand for native starches. Native starches are utilized as sizing agents in the paper and textile industries. They contribute to improved printability, surface quality, and strength in paper and textile products. With the growth of these sectors in China, the demand for native starches is expected to increase. As China continues to urbanize and Westernize, there is a greater adoption of Western-style diets and processed foods. Native starches are commonly used in a variety of Western-style food products, including baked goods, pastas, and convenience foods, which are becoming more popular in urban areas. In addition based on source, China is one of the world's largest producers of wheat. The country's vast agricultural resources and favorable climate for wheat cultivation ensure a stable and abundant supply of wheat, making it a reliable source for starch production. Many traditional Chinese dishes and culinary practices rely on wheat starch to achieve the desired textures and consistencies in recipes like dim sum, dumplings, and steamed buns. These dishes remain popular in China, contributing to the consistent demand for wheat starch. As consumer awareness about dietary choices and health increases in China, wheat starch is perceived as a natural, wholesome ingredient. It aligns with the preference for minimally processed foods.

China's pharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding, driven by factors such as a growing population, increasing healthcare needs, and government initiatives to boost the domestic pharmaceutical sector. Starch plays a vital role in this industry, primarily as an excipient in tablet and capsule formulations. Starch is employed in cosmetics for various purposes, such as improving the texture and consistency of creams, lotions, and powders. It helps create desirable sensory properties and enhances the overall product performance, which is crucial in the highly competitive cosmetics market. Chinese consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are willing to invest in skincare and personal care products. This trend has driven growth in the cosmetics sector, with starch playing a role in product development. China has a rapidly aging population, leading to increased healthcare needs and a growing market for pharmaceuticals and anti-aging cosmetics. Starch is used in various formulations to address these specific concerns. In addition based on function, China’s food and beverage industry is vast and diverse, with a wide range of products such as soups, sauces, gravies, dressings, dairy products, and desserts. Thickening agents are essential in this sector to achieve the desired consistency and texture. Starch, being a natural and versatile thickening agent, is widely used in food formulations. Many traditional Chinese dishes and recipes require thickening agents to achieve the desired textures, particularly in dishes like stir-fries, hotpots, and various sauces. The rich culinary heritage of China relies on thickening agents like starch. The demand for healthier food products is on the rise in China. Starch-based thickening agents, when used in appropriate quantities, allow manufacturers to create healthier, reduced-fat, and reduced-calorie versions of various food products without compromising texture and taste.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028



Aspects covered in this report:
• China Starch market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Types
• Starch Derivatives
• Native

By Source
• Corn
• Cassava/Tapioca
• Wheat
• Potatoes
• Waxy Maize
• Others (Pregelatinized Starch, Rice Bran, Sweet potato, Pea etc.)

By Application
• Food and Beverage
• Industrial
• Weaving & textile
• Animal Feed
• Paper Industry
• Pharmaceuticals & cosmetics
• Others (adhesives, foundry)

By Function
• Thickening Agent
• Stabilizing Agent
• Binding Agent
• Gelling Agent
• Film-Forming Agent
• Emulsifying Agent

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Starch industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.