Market Trends of Pea Starch Industry
Consumer Preference for Free-from Food is Driving the Pea Starch Demand
As consumers have grown more health-conscious, clean-label alternatives to modified starches are being developed. A more comprehensive focus on minimally processed food products, more authentic ingredients, no synthetic additives, and antibiotic-free food products drives the demand for clean-label starches globally. Due to the increased demand for healthy products, companies have launched processed food products, including pea starch-based products. The rising popularity of veganism, dietary supplements, and flexitarian diet is the major accelerator for the growth of the pea starch market.
The growing number of people quitting meat and the influence of social media impacted the market's growth as people are increasingly becoming aware of the side effects of meat and dairy products. The market players are launching new products to grab consumer attention. For instance, in March 2021, Roquette Frères collaborated with Delpharm Evereux to develop a new soft gel capsule with a plant-based shell. Based on Roquette's LYCAGEL pea starch soft gel technology, this vegetarian soft gel is composed of hydroxypropyl pea starch, carrageenan, and other functional ingredients.
Europe Dominates the Pea Starch Market
European countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Russia, and France are the major contributors to the overall market growth. Consumers in the region are opting to consume gluten-free products due to the increasing prevalence of celiac disease. According to the Coeliac UK data, 1 in 100 people in the United Kingdom have celiac disease. The growing popularity of gluten-free products, followed by the ongoing trend of veganism, is one of the major factors resulting in the active penetration of pea starch in the country. According to the US Department of Agriculture data in 2021, 2% of people in Germany are vegan, and 10 % are vegetarians. Market players in the region are adopting new strategies like acquisitions and partnerships to expand their product reach.
