Summary

South Korea's strong cultural tradition of rice consumption drives the demand for rice-based starches. Rice remains a dietary staple, featured in almost every meal and as a key ingredient in numerous traditional dishes. Growing health consciousness among South Korean consumers has led to an increased demand for healthier starch options. Whole grains and alternative starch sources like sweet potatoes are favored for their perceived health benefits. The fast-paced modern lifestyle in South Korea has boosted the demand for convenience foods, many of which rely on starches as thickeners and stabilizers. Instant noodles, microwaveable meals, and packaged snacks are prominent examples. South Korea's diverse culinary traditions, including traditional dishes like bibimbap and kimchi, incorporate various starches. The rich culinary tapestry contributes to the versatility and demand for different starch sources. South Korea's vibrant street food culture features an array of starch-rich snacks and dishes, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes). These street foods contribute to the popularity of starch-based street vendors. The expanding baking industry in South Korea, which produces bread, pastries, and cakes, has increased the consumption of wheat-based starches and starch-derived ingredients. The demand for functional foods and nutraceuticals has resulted in the use of starches to create products promoting specific health benefits. Resistant starches, for instance, are used to support digestive health. South Korean food producers have expanded their exports to international markets. This has led to an increased demand for starch-based ingredients that meet global quality and safety standards. On-going research and innovation in starch processing, formulation, and applications have led to the development of new and improved starch-based products, meeting evolving consumer preferences and industry demands. South Korea's growing restaurant and food service industry includes a wide range of establishments featuring starch-rich dishes, traditional and international, catering to diverse consumer tastes.

According to the research report "South Korea Starch Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Starch market is anticipated to add more than USD 370 Million from 2023 to 2028. South Korean consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness. This trend has led to a preference for healthier starch options, such as whole grains and starches with functional benefits like high fiber or low glycemic index. The demand for gluten-free and allergen-free food products is on the rise in South Korea, leading to the production of starches like rice flour and cornstarch, which are used in gluten-free recipes and products. The growing interest in plant-based diets and meat alternatives has resulted in the development of starch-based meat substitutes, appealing to the increasing number of vegetarians and vegans in South Korea. Traditional Korean snacks and sweets, which often feature starch-rich ingredients like rice, are popular among both locals and tourists, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage. Traditional Korean snacks and sweets, which often feature starch-rich ingredients like rice, are popular among both locals and tourists, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage. Food bloggers and social media influencers play a significant role in shaping consumer trends in South Korea. They frequently feature starch-rich dishes, contributing to the popularity and visibility of these dishes and inspiring home cooks to experiment. Craft breweries and distilleries in South Korea use starch-rich grains, such as barley and rice, to produce craft beers, soju, and other spirits, contributing to the growth of the craft beverage industry. The development of starch-based biodegradable plastics for packaging and disposable products aligns with South Korea's efforts to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.

Starch derivatives offer a wide range of functional properties, making them versatile ingredients in various industries. They are used as thickeners, stabilizers, texturizers, binders, and emulsifiers in food, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors. Starch derivatives undergo modification processes that enhance their processability, making them suitable for a broader range of applications. These modifications can include physical, chemical, or enzymatic treatments. Starch derivatives often exhibit improved stability compared to native starches. This stability is essential in applications where products need to withstand factors like temperature fluctuations, pH changes, or extended shelf life. Starch derivatives are valuable in the production of processed foods, where they contribute to the desired texture and mouthfeel, ensuring a consistent eating experience for consumers. Starch derivatives are often biodegradable and renewable, aligning with sustainability initiatives and environmental concerns. This makes them an attractive choice in eco-friendly products. Based on function the market is divided into thickening agent, stabilizing agent, binding agent, gelling agent, film-forming agent and emulsifying agent. Starch-based gelling agents are valued for their exceptional gelling properties, which make them crucial in various industries. They have the ability to form stable and consistent gels when combined with water, contributing to the texture and structure of products. Starch-based gelling agents are essential in the confectionery sector for making gummy candies, fruit jellies, and gelled confections. They help achieve the chewy and gel-like texture that consumers associate with these products. The dessert industry, including products like puddings and custards, relies on gelling agents to create the firm yet smooth texture that characterize these sweet treats. In the dairy industry, gelling agents are used in yogurt and pudding formulations to improve texture and stability. They help prevent syneresis (separation of liquid) and ensure a consistent product.

Corn is one of the most widely grown crops in South Korea. The country has a substantial domestic production of corn, ensuring a stable and consistent supply of corn-based starch. Corn starch is a versatile source of starch that can be used in various applications across different industries. It serves as a thickener, stabilizer, texturizer, and binding agent in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes. Corn starch is commonly used in processed foods to provide the desired texture and consistency. It helps improve the overall quality of products by enhancing their mouthfeel and stability. Corn starch is used in confectionery products to create gels, binders, and coatings for candies, gummies, and snack items. It contributes to the texture and appearance of these products. Corn starch is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in tablet and capsule production. It aids in the binding and disintegration of tablets and capsules. In addition based on application, Starch is a valuable raw material for adhesive and glue production. It is used in the formulation of various types of adhesives, including paper adhesives, corrugated box adhesives, and wood adhesives. Starch-based adhesives are preferred for their natural and renewable characteristics. Starch-based materials are used in the production of biodegradable plastics. These plastics are eco-friendly and break down naturally, reducing environmental impact. The demand for biodegradable plastics is on the rise due to environmental concerns. The packaging industry uses starch-based materials for manufacturing biodegradable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Starch-based packaging materials are compostable and reduce plastic waste. Starch can be used as an ingredient in animal feed formulations, contributing to the nutritional content and binding properties of the feed pellets. Some starch-based products are used in water treatment applications, particularly in wastewater treatment processes where they aid in flocculation and separation of solid particles.

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

Aspects covered in this report:
• South Korea 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.

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