United Arab Emirates (UAE) Starch Market Overview, 2028

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) starch market has experienced significant growth and diversification in recent years. This expansion can be attributed to several factors, including the country's robust economy, changing consumer preferences, and increased industrial applications of starch-based products. One key driver of growth in the UAE starch market is the country's thriving food and beverage industry. As the UAE continues to attract a diverse population, there is a growing demand for a wide range of food products, including those that incorporate starch as a key ingredient. Starch is commonly used in food processing for its thickening, gelling, and binding properties, making it a crucial component in products such as baked goods, confectionery, and sauces. In terms of starch exports, the UAE primarily exports starch to countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.

According to the research report "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Starch Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Starch market is expected to grow with more than 3.59% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Starch manufacturing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen significant growth and development in recent years, reflecting the country's commitment to diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas. The UAE's starch industry primarily revolves around the production of corn and wheat starch, with a focus on meeting both domestic and international demand. One of the key factors contributing to the success of starch manufacturing in the UAE is its strategic location as a global trade and logistics hub. This facilitates the import of raw materials and the export of finished starch products to various markets around the world. Additionally, the UAE's advanced infrastructure and world-class facilities ensure the efficient processing and packaging of starch products. The UAE's starch manufacturers adhere to strict quality and safety standards, making their products highly competitive in international markets. Dubai, as the commercial and economic hub of the UAE, hosts numerous food processing companies and manufacturing facilities. Many of these businesses incorporate starch in their production processes, including the production of snacks, baked goods, and sauces. Dubai's strategic location and well-developed infrastructure make it a central hub for the import of raw materials used in starch production. Sharjah, another emirate in the UAE, has a growing industrial sector and houses several food processing and manufacturing units. ebel Ali Free Zone is a significant industrial and logistics hub that attracts numerous manufacturing companies, including those involved in food processing.

The UAE starch market exhibits a clear segmentation based on the type of starch, primarily classified into two categories: native starch and derivatives of starch. Native starch, being unmodified and sourced directly from plants, aligns well with this trend and is preferred by consumers seeking more natural and less processed food products. Additionally, the demand for gluten-free and allergen-free products is on the rise, and native starches, often free from allergens, can play a pivotal role in meeting these dietary preferences. Currently, the derivatives of starch segment take the lead in market share. This dominance can be attributed to the versatility and wide range of applications that starch derivatives offer in various industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and paper manufacturing.

In the UAE starch market, derivatives of starch are further categorized into several types, including Glucose syrup, Modified starch, hydrolysates, Maltodextrin, and cyclodextrin. Among these categories, Glucose syrup takes the lead by holding the largest market share, followed by Modified starch and other types. Glucose syrup, with its diverse range of applications, stands as the dominant category in the UAE starch market. It is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a sweetening agent, texturizer, and for its ability to control crystallization in confectionery products. Additionally, Glucose syrup is a key ingredient in the production of various processed foods and beverages, making it a staple in the UAE food manufacturing sector. Modified starch is the second-largest category, following closely behind Glucose syrup. Modified starches are highly versatile and find applications across multiple industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. They are valued for their ability to enhance texture, stability, and consistency in a wide range of products. This adaptability has contributed to Modified starch's substantial market share in UAE. Other types of starch derivatives, such as hydrolysates, Maltodextrin, and cyclodextrin, also play essential roles in various sectors. Hydrolysates, for instance, are utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for their solubility and digestibility properties. Maltodextrin is prized in the food industry as a filler, thickener, and bulking agent. Cyclodextrin has applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries due to its ability to encapsulate and stabilize active ingredients. In conclusion, the UAE starch market's derivatives segment showcases a diverse range of starch-based products, each catering to specific industry needs. While Glucose syrup takes the lead in terms of market share, Modified starch and other starch types also play crucial roles, demonstrating the adaptability and versatility of starch-based derivatives across various sectors in UAE.

Corn starch is highly favored for its excellent thickening and binding properties, making it a crucial ingredient in a wide range of products, including baked goods, confectionery, sauces, and processed foods. Its role as a gluten-free alternative also contributes to its popularity, aligning with the growing consumer demand for gluten-free products. However, it's important to note that other sources of starch also make significant contributions to the UAE starch market's overall growth. Cassava/tapioca, for instance, is a valuable source for gluten-free starch and is utilized in various culinary applications and gluten-free food products. Wheat, potatoes, waxy maize, and other unconventional sources like sweet potatoes and peas are used in specialized food formulations and industrial processes, diversifying the range of starch products available in the market. The diverse availability of starch sources allows manufacturers and processors in the UAE to cater to different consumer preferences and meet specific product requirements. As consumer tastes evolve and demand for specialty and clean-label products continues to rise, the contribution of various starch sources to the UAE starch market is expected to remain significant, ensuring a well-rounded and adaptable starch industry in the region.



In the UAE starch market, the role of applications is indeed pivotal in shaping the demand and utilization of starch-based products. This market is multifaceted, with various sectors driving the consumption of starch-based materials. Among these sectors, the food and beverage industry stands out as the dominant force. The food and beverage industry in the UAE relies heavily on starch-based products, with applications spanning a wide range of products. Starch serves as a crucial ingredient in numerous food items, including baked goods, snacks, sauces, dressings, and confectionery. Its properties as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and binder make it indispensable for achieving the desired textures and qualities in these products. Additionally, starch is widely used in the production of gluten-free and allergen-free food items, catering to the diverse dietary preferences of consumers in the UAE.

While the food and beverage sector takes the lead, other industries also contribute significantly to the utilization of starch-based products in the UAE. These include the industrial sector, where starch is used in processes like paper manufacturing and adhesive production, and the weaving and textile industry, where starch is employed for sizing and finishing fabrics. Furthermore, the animal feed industry relies on starch as an energy source and binder in feed formulations. The paper industry utilizes starch for its binding and coating properties, enhancing the quality of paper products. Starch also finds applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where it is used in the formulation of medicines, creams, and lotions, as well as in foundry applications for creating molds and cores. As the UAE continues to diversify its economy and undergo demographic changes, the demand for starch-based products across these sectors is expected to grow further. This underscores the critical role of the food and beverage industry while highlighting the versatility of starch in meeting the varied needs of multiple industries in the UAE starch market.

The UAE starch market is characterized by the versatility of starch-based products, which serve a multitude of functions across various industries. Among its multifaceted roles, its primary function as a thickening agent takes center stage, dominating the market. Thickening agents are indispensable in the formulation of a myriad of food products, ranging from soups and sauces to gravies and desserts. Starch's ability to impart desired consistency and texture to these culinary creations makes it a cornerstone in the food industry. Following closely behind, starch plays a significant role as a stabilizing agent. Stabilizers are essential in maintaining the uniformity and texture of a variety of products, including salad dressings, ice creams, and dairy products. Starch's stabilizing properties help prevent ingredient separation and maintain product quality over time. Additionally, starch serves as a binding agent, crucial in food processing for holding ingredients together in products like processed meats and meat analogs. Its gelling properties are also valued in the confectionery industry, where it contributes to the formation of gummy candies and jellies. Furthermore, starch is employed as a film-forming agent in industries such as packaging, creating biodegradable and edible films to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. Lastly, as an emulsifying agent, starch plays a role in ensuring the uniform dispersion of fats and oils in products like salad dressings and mayonnaise.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: UAE (United Arab Emirates)
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:
• UAE (United Arab Emirates) 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 Type:
• Native
• Derivative
• Glucose syrup
• Modified
• hydrolysates
• Maltodextrin
• cyclodextrin

By Source:
• Corn
• Cassava/Tapioca
• Wheat
• Potatoes
• waxy Maize
• Others (Waxy Maize, 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 Market 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.