Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2033

Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Size

• The Middle East and Africa pea starch market size was valued at USD 14.78 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 23.21 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fuelled by increasing demand for plant-based and clean-label ingredients in food and beverage products
• Rising applications in bakery, confectionery, dairy, and meat alternatives are supporting market expansion

Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Analysis

• Pea starch is increasingly used as a natural thickener, stabilizer, and texture enhancer across food and beverage industries
• Its functional properties, such as high water-holding capacity and gel-forming ability, contribute to product quality and shelf-life improvement
• U.A.E. dominated the Middle East pea starch market with the largest revenue share in 2025, driven by increasing demand for natural and functional ingredients in food, beverage, and industrial applications
• ​Saudi Arabia is expected to witness the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the Middle East and Africa pea starch market due to increasing investments in food manufacturing, rapid growth of the plant-based and health-focused food segment, and government initiatives aimed at improving food security and local value-added processing. Rising consumer awareness regarding functional and sustainable ingredients is further expected to accelerate market growth
• The organic/non-GMO segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by growing consumer preference for natural, sustainable, and non-GMO ingredients in food, beverage, and nutraceutical products. Organic/non-GMO pea starch is widely adopted for its perceived safety and health benefits, supporting clean-label and functional product formulations

Report Scope and Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Segmentation 

Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Trends

Rising Demand for Plant-Based And Clean-Label Ingredients

• The increasing consumer focus on natural, minimally processed, and plant-based products is significantly influencing the pea starch market. Pea starch is gaining traction for its ability to improve texture, stability, and functionality in food formulations without compromising clean-label positioning. This trend is encouraging manufacturers to develop innovative pea starch applications across bakery, dairy, meat alternatives, and beverages
• Growing awareness of health, wellness, and sustainability has accelerated demand for pea starch in gluten-free, protein-enriched, and plant-based products. Health-conscious consumers are actively seeking products formulated with naturally sourced ingredients, prompting brands to emphasize environmentally friendly sourcing and production processes. This also fosters collaboration between ingredient suppliers and food manufacturers to enhance functional and nutritional benefits
• Clean-label and sustainability considerations are shaping purchasing decisions, with manufacturers prioritizing transparent sourcing, eco-friendly processing, and certifications. These factors help brands differentiate products in a competitive market and build consumer trust while driving the adoption of organic and sustainable labeling. Marketing campaigns are increasingly used to highlight these benefits, reinforcing brand loyalty and consumer preference
  • For instance, in 2024, leading manufacturers expanded their product offerings by incorporating pea starch in bakery, snacks, and plant-based protein products. These launches were driven by rising consumer preference for natural, functional, and clean-label ingredients, with distribution across retail, online, and specialty channels. Products were promoted as sustainable and healthy alternatives, enhancing brand recognition and repeat purchases
• While demand for pea starch is increasing, long-term market growth depends on continuous R&D, cost-effective production, and maintaining functional performance comparable to other starches. Manufacturers are also focusing on scalability, supply chain efficiency, and innovative formulations that balance cost, quality, and sustainability to meet growing global demand

Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Preference for Plant-Based And Clean-Label Ingredients

• Rising consumer demand for natural, plant-based ingredients is a major driver for the pea starch market. Manufacturers are increasingly replacing synthetic or modified starches with pea starch to meet clean-label requirements, improve product appeal, and comply with regulatory standards. This trend also drives research into novel pea starch applications for diverse food products, supporting product diversification
• Expanding applications in bakery, dairy, meat alternatives, snacks, and beverages are boosting market growth. Pea starch enhances texture, moisture retention, and shelf life while maintaining a natural and clean-label positioning, allowing manufacturers to meet consumer expectations for high-quality and functional products
• Food and beverage manufacturers are promoting pea starch-based formulations through product innovation, marketing campaigns, and certifications. Growing consumer preference for health-oriented and sustainable products supports these efforts while encouraging collaboration between suppliers and brands to improve performance and reduce environmental impact
  • For instance, in 2023, key industry players increased the use of pea starch in bakery and plant-based protein products, responding to higher demand for clean-label, non-GMO, and functional ingredients. Marketing campaigns emphasized sustainability, traceability, and natural origin, helping strengthen consumer trust, loyalty, and product differentiation
• Although clean-label and plant-based trends support market growth, wider adoption depends on cost efficiency, raw material availability, and scalable production processes. Investment in supply chain optimization, sustainable sourcing, and advanced formulation technology will be critical to meet global demand and maintain competitive advantage

Restraint/Challenge

Higher Cost And Functional Limitations Compared To Conventional Starches

• The relatively higher cost of pea starch compared to conventional corn, wheat, or potato starch limits adoption among price-sensitive manufacturers. Complex processing methods and fluctuating raw material availability further contribute to elevated pricing
• Limited awareness and understanding of pea starch functional benefits restrict adoption across certain product categories, particularly in emerging markets. This also leads to slower innovation uptake where educational initiatives on plant-based ingredients are minimal
• Supply chain and distribution challenges impact market growth, as pea starch requires reliable sourcing, quality consistency, and adherence to stringent safety standards. Logistical complexities and storage conditions can increase operational costs, requiring investment in proper handling and efficient transportation
  • For instance, in 2024, distributors supplying bakery, plant-based, and snack manufacturers reported slower uptake due to higher prices and limited knowledge of pea starch benefits compared to conventional starches. Storage requirements and certification compliance posed additional barriers, affecting product visibility and sales
• Overcoming these challenges will require cost-efficient production, broader distribution networks, and educational initiatives for manufacturers and consumers. Collaboration with retailers, foodservice operators, and certification bodies can unlock the long-term growth potential of the global pea starch market. Developing cost-competitive formulations and emphasizing functional and sustainable benefits will be essential for widespread adoption

Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of modification methods, source, product, form, grade, function, and application

• By Source

On the basis of source, the Middle East and Africa pea starch market is segmented into inorganic/GMO and organic/non-GMO. The organic/non-GMO segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by growing consumer preference for natural, sustainable, and non-GMO ingredients in food, beverage, and nutraceutical products. Organic/non-GMO pea starch is widely adopted for its perceived safety and health benefits, supporting clean-label and functional product formulations.

The inorganic/GMO segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, fueled by demand for cost-effective production and high-yield starch applications in industrial, feed, and processed food sectors. GMO-derived pea starches provide consistent quality and functional performance, making them attractive to large-scale manufacturers.

• By Product

On the basis of product, the Middle East and Africa pea starch market is segmented into native pea starch and modified pea starch. The modified pea starch segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by its enhanced functional properties such as thickening, binding, and texturizing in bakery, dairy, and plant-based products. Modified pea starch is widely adopted for its versatility and performance across diverse applications.

The native pea starch segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, fueled by rising demand for minimally processed, clean-label ingredients in health-focused food products. Native pea starch retains its natural composition while providing functional benefits, making it popular among manufacturers prioritizing natural formulations.

• By Form

On the basis of form, the Middle East and Africa pea starch market is segmented into powder and liquid. The powder segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by its ease of storage, long shelf life, and applicability across bakery, confectionery, and industrial products. Powdered pea starch is widely preferred for its convenience and stability in various processing conditions.

The liquid segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, fueled by better solubility, faster dispersion, and ease of incorporation into beverages, sauces, and functional food formulations. Liquid pea starch is gaining traction among manufacturers seeking process efficiency and improved product performance.

• By Grade

On the basis of grade, the Middle East and Africa pea starch market is segmented into food, feed, and industrial. The food grade segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by high demand in bakery, snacks, plant-based proteins, and functional food products. Food grade pea starch is widely adopted for its safety, functionality, and compatibility with clean-label formulations.

The industrial grade segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, fueled by applications in adhesives, paper, textiles, and other non-food industries requiring specialty functional properties. Industrial grade pea starch provides reliable performance and consistency for large-scale industrial processes.

• By Function

On the basis of function, the Middle East and Africa pea starch market is segmented into binding & thickening, gel forming, texturizing, film forming, coating, swelling & solubility, enzymatic & acidic hydrolysis, and others. The binding & thickening segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by its role in enhancing product texture, viscosity, and stability across food and industrial applications.

The gel forming segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, fueled by increasing adoption in plant-based dairy alternatives, functional foods, and processed products requiring gel-like textures. Gel forming pea starch supports innovation in textural and sensory properties for new product development.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the Middle East and Africa pea starch market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceutical & nutraceuticals, industrial, feed, and others. The food & beverages segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by increasing consumer demand for clean-label, functional, and plant-based products. Pea starch is widely used to enhance texture, stability, and nutritional profile in food applications.

The pharmaceutical & nutraceuticals segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, fueled by applications in dietary supplements, encapsulation, controlled-release formulations, and other health-oriented products. Pea starch supports functional and process benefits in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing.

Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Regional Analysis

• U.A.E. dominated the Middle East pea starch market with the largest revenue share in 2025, driven by increasing demand for natural and functional ingredients in food, beverage, and industrial applications
• Consumers and manufacturers in the U.A.E. prioritize plant-based, clean-label, and sustainable ingredients, promoting product innovation in bakery, snacks, and processed foods
• Growing awareness of health and nutrition trends, coupled with rising disposable incomes, is further boosting the adoption of pea starch in the country

Saudi Arabia Pea Starch Market Insight

The Saudi Arabia pea starch market is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, driven by rising trends in plant-based diets and increasing demand for clean-label and functional ingredients. The growing adoption of bakery, snacks, and plant-based protein products is further fueling the demand for pea starch across food, beverage, and nutraceutical applications. Manufacturers are focusing on product innovation, sustainable processing, and diversification of offerings to align with evolving consumer preferences, supporting robust market expansion.

Middle East and Africa Pea Starch Market Share

The Middle East and Africa pea starch industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Tongaat Hulett (South Africa)
• Sanstar Bio‑Polymers Ltd (South Africa)
• MUBY CHEMICALS (South Africa)
• Birkamidon (South Africa)
• Herba Ingredients BV (South Africa)
• Kenya CPC Ltd (Kenya)
• Tapioca Ltd (Kenya)
• Partner‑M (South Africa)
• AGT Food and Ingredients Inc (South Africa)
• Axiom Foods, Inc. (South Africa)
• The Scoular Company (South Africa)
• Vestkorn Milling AS (South Africa)
• Meelunie B.V. (South Africa)
• Dakota Dry Bean, Inc. (South Africa)
• Silal (U.A.E.)

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