Cassava Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Conventional, Organic), By Type (Flour, Chips, Pellets, Pearls), By Application (Food & Beverage, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Paper & Textile, Others), By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The global Cassava market was valued at USD 157.56 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 208.74 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. The global cassava market is experiencing steady growth driven by its versatility as a food, feed, and industrial raw material, coupled with rising demand for gluten-free and cost-effective carbohydrate sources. Increasing urbanization, population growth, and dietary shifts in emerging economies are expanding cassava consumption in both processed and unprocessed forms. In the food and beverage industry, the surge in demand for gluten-free flours, snacks, and starch-based products is boosting cassava utilization, while its low production cost compared to cereals strengthens its competitiveness.

Additionally, cassava’s role in bioethanol production and industrial starch applications is gaining traction as industries and governments emphasize renewable resources and sustainable raw materials. Technological advancements in cultivation, processing, and storage, along with greater mechanization, are improving yield and supply chain efficiency, enabling farmers to meet growing domestic and export demand. Rising adoption of organic farming practices and government initiatives to support smallholder farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are further accelerating market development. Trade liberalization and infrastructure improvements in key producing countries are facilitating broader international trade flows of cassava-based products, especially to Europe and North America. Nigeria remains the world’s largest cassava producer, commanding about 20% of global output and roughly 34% of Africa’s production, with a yield of just under 10 t/ha—well below its potential of up to 40 t/ha. Furthermore, growing awareness of cassava’s nutritional benefits, including its rich carbohydrate content and potential for fortification, is driving product innovation across industries. Despite challenges such as climate variability, price fluctuations, and limited processing capacity in some regions, the global cassava market is poised for sustained expansion through 2030, supported by diversified applications, increasing investments in R&D, and rising consumer preference for natural, plant-based alternatives.

Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Gluten-Free and Affordable Carbohydrate Sources

One of the most significant drivers of the global cassava market is the growing consumer preference for gluten-free, plant-based, and affordable carbohydrate alternatives. With the prevalence of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and increasing health-consciousness, consumers are actively seeking substitutes for wheat, barley, and rye-based products. Cassava, naturally gluten-free and rich in carbohydrates, has become an attractive option for food processors and consumers alike. Its flour and starch derivatives are increasingly used in bakery products, snacks, noodles, and convenience foods across developed and developing markets. This trend is particularly strong in North America and Europe, where demand for specialty and clean-label products is rising rapidly. In addition, cassava products are competitively priced compared to traditional cereal-based inputs, making them more accessible for mass-market food production. The affordability of cassava, coupled with its versatility in food formulation and ability to meet dietary restrictions, is expanding its application beyond traditional markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This steady shift in consumer preference toward gluten-free and cost-effective alternatives has become a powerful engine for the cassava market’s sustained growth.

Expanding Industrial Applications and Bio-Based Economy

Beyond its use as a staple food, cassava is witnessing rising adoption in industrial sectors such as biofuels, paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives, driven by the global pivot toward renewable and sustainable raw materials. Cassava starch, with its high purity and viscosity, is widely used in the paper and textile industries for coating, finishing, and sizing applications. Similarly, its role as a feedstock for bioethanol production is gaining prominence, especially in countries prioritizing energy security and carbon reduction targets. As governments and industries across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America promote bio-based economies, cassava offers an abundant and cost-competitive alternative to maize and sugarcane for biofuel production. Pharmaceutical and chemical industries are also leveraging cassava derivatives for producing excipients, sweeteners, and biodegradable polymers. The versatility of cassava starch and its ability to replace synthetic or petroleum-based inputs support the market’s growth as companies invest in greener production methods. Moreover, advances in processing technologies—such as improved starch extraction, modified starch development, and efficient waste utilization—are enhancing cassava’s suitability for high-value industrial uses. This expansion of cassava’s role beyond food security into industrial supply chains is significantly broadening its market base and strengthening its global demand outlook.

Government Initiatives, Infrastructure Development, and Export Opportunities

Another key driver of the cassava market’s growth is the increasing support from governments and international organizations aimed at boosting cassava production, processing, and trade. In major producing regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, cassava is a vital crop for rural livelihoods, and policymakers are focusing on improving yields, post-harvest handling, and market access for smallholder farmers. Initiatives include the provision of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties, training programs on sustainable farming practices, and financing schemes to modernize processing facilities. Infrastructure development—such as better rural roads, storage facilities, and transport networks—is also enhancing the efficiency of cassava supply chains and reducing post-harvest losses, which have traditionally been a major bottleneck. These improvements are opening up new export opportunities, particularly for value-added cassava products like flour, starch, pellets, and chips, which are in demand in Europe, North America, and East Asia. Perhaps the most ambitious project came from Tanzania, with the construction of a $110 million cassava-based paper factory set to begin operations by mid-2026. Initially processing 50,000 tons of cassava annually and scalable to 300,000 tons, the factory illustrates cassava’s increasing relevance in industrial materials and packaging, expanding the crop’s role in inclusive industrial development. Trade liberalization policies, regional trade agreements, and partnerships between local processors and international buyers are further accelerating global cassava flows. This supportive ecosystem is transforming cassava from a subsistence crop into a globally traded commodity, enabling producers in developing countries to tap into lucrative international markets and reinforcing the long-term growth trajectory of the global cassava industry.

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Key Market Challenges

Vulnerability to Climate Change and Pests/Diseases

Despite its reputation as a hardy and drought-tolerant crop, cassava production remains highly susceptible to the effects of climate change and biological threats. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures in major producing regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America can significantly reduce yields and compromise crop quality. Cassava is also vulnerable to pests and diseases such as cassava mosaic disease, brown streak virus, and mealybugs, which can devastate plantations if not managed properly. Limited access to improved, disease-resistant planting materials and lack of extension services in rural areas exacerbate these risks for smallholder farmers. While research institutions are developing more resilient varieties, adoption is uneven and often constrained by poor seed distribution systems. These environmental and biological challenges create production instability, leading to fluctuating supply and price volatility in the global market. As climate variability intensifies, the cassava industry will need substantial investment in climate-smart practices, integrated pest management, and resilient value chains to ensure reliable growth.

Inadequate Processing Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Losses

Another major obstacle to the cassava market’s expansion is the inadequate processing infrastructure and high level of post-harvest losses in key producing countries. Cassava roots are highly perishable, with a shelf life of only 24–48 hours after harvest, making efficient processing and storage critical to preserving their value. However, many rural areas lack sufficient processing plants, cold storage facilities, and transport networks to handle large volumes of harvested roots. Small-scale farmers often depend on rudimentary methods that limit quality consistency and output capacity, reducing their competitiveness in international markets. This infrastructural gap also restricts the production of high-value derivatives such as starch, flour, and pellets, which are in growing demand globally. Moreover, high logistics costs and weak distribution channels further erode margins and discourage private investment in large-scale cassava processing. Unless addressed through coordinated public-private partnerships and technology adoption, these infrastructure challenges will continue to constrain the cassava market’s ability to move up the value chain and meet expanding industrial and export demand.

Price Volatility, Market Fragmentation, and Limited Value Addition

Price volatility and fragmented market structures present another key challenge for the global cassava industry. In many producing countries, cassava remains largely a subsistence crop grown by smallholders with limited bargaining power, resulting in inconsistent supply volumes and quality standards. This fragmentation makes it difficult to establish stable, long-term contracts with industrial buyers or exporters. In addition, the lack of standardized grading systems and limited investment in quality certification undermine the ability of producers to access premium international markets. Price swings caused by weather events, transportation bottlenecks, and shifts in competing commodity markets (such as maize or wheat) also make planning difficult for processors and traders. Furthermore, while cassava holds significant potential for value addition, especially in modified starches, bio-based products, and fortified foods, many producing countries still focus on low-value raw or semi-processed exports due to limited technological capacity and investment. This underutilization of cassava’s full potential reduces profitability and slows industry maturation. Addressing these structural and pricing challenges is essential for the global cassava market to achieve sustainable and equitable growth.

Key Market Trends

Rising Shift Toward Value-Added and Processed Cassava Products

A major trend shaping the global cassava market is the increasing shift from raw cassava roots toward value-added and processed products. While cassava has traditionally been consumed fresh or in basic forms in producing countries, there is a growing emphasis on producing high-quality derivatives such as refined starch, modified starch, high-protein cassava flour, pellets, pearls, and snack-ready chips. This trend is driven by both domestic demand for convenient food options and international demand for standardized industrial inputs. Food and beverage companies are increasingly sourcing cassava-based ingredients to meet functional, clean-label, and gluten-free requirements, while industrial users are seeking tailored starches for pharmaceuticals, paper, textiles, and adhesives. The movement toward processing also helps reduce post-harvest losses by extending cassava’s shelf life and creating export-ready products with higher profit margins. Governments and private investors in countries like Thailand, Nigeria, and Brazil are setting up modern processing plants to meet this evolving demand. As a result, cassava is steadily transitioning from a low-value subsistence crop into an industrial commodity integrated into global value chains, reinforcing the long-term trend of market sophistication.

Increased Adoption of Digitalization and Technology in Cassava Supply Chains

Another emerging trend is the adoption of digital tools, precision agriculture, and mechanization to modernize cassava cultivation and distribution. Traditionally, cassava farming has been labor-intensive and dependent on smallholders using minimal inputs. However, mobile-based platforms, satellite imaging, and farm management apps are now being used to provide farmers with real-time weather forecasts, pest alerts, market price updates, and agronomic advice. Mechanized planting, harvesting, and peeling technologies are also being introduced to increase efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. In processing and logistics, digital traceability systems are enabling processors and exporters to meet stringent quality and sustainability standards demanded by global buyers. This shift is particularly visible in Africa and Southeast Asia, where development agencies and agri-tech startups are collaborating to digitize cassava value chains. Over time, these innovations are expected to improve productivity, ensure consistent quality, and strengthen market linkages, positioning cassava as a more competitive crop in the global food and industrial sectors.

Growing Focus on Sustainability and Climate-Resilient Practices

Sustainability has emerged as a central theme in the cassava market as stakeholders recognize the need to balance production growth with environmental stewardship and climate resilience. Producers and processors are increasingly adopting practices such as intercropping, soil conservation, water-efficient farming, and integrated pest management to reduce the ecological footprint of cassava cultivation. International donors and research institutions are also promoting the dissemination of improved, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant cassava varieties to safeguard yields in the face of climate change. In the industrial space, there is a rising preference for bio-based materials, which enhances cassava’s appeal as a renewable alternative to petroleum-based starches and polymers. Certification schemes and sustainability labels for cassava-derived products are beginning to emerge, particularly in export markets, as buyers demand greater transparency and compliance with environmental and social standards. This trend toward sustainable and climate-resilient cassava production is not only critical for securing long-term supply but also for enhancing the crop’s reputation as a responsible ingredient in global industries.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

Conventional cassava continues to dominate the market because of its widespread cultivation by smallholder farmers and its cost-effectiveness compared to other carbohydrate crops. It is the default option for staple consumption in producing countries and for industrial buyers seeking consistent supply at competitive prices. This segment benefits from well-established farming practices, abundant planting materials, and mature processing infrastructure, particularly in Asia and Africa. Its versatility in producing starch, flour, and chips at scale makes it the go-to option for industries such as food and beverage, animal feed, paper, and textiles. Despite growing interest in organic production, conventional cassava remains the mainstay due to its price advantage and higher yields, which ensure greater availability for both domestic use and export markets.

Type Insights

Cassava flour is the most prominent product type due to its versatility in food applications and its position as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It is widely used in bakery products, snacks, pasta, and convenience foods, both in producing countries and export markets. With the growing trend of clean-label and allergen-free diets, cassava flour has become a staple for consumers looking for natural and functional ingredients. Industrial users also prefer cassava flour for its neutral taste and ability to blend seamlessly into different formulations. The relatively straightforward production process and increasing investment in milling facilities are expanding the availability of high-quality cassava flour, reinforcing its leadership among cassava-derived products.

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Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific was the leading region in the global cassava market, driven primarily by large-scale production, processing infrastructure, and export capacity in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Thailand remains the world’s top exporter of cassava starch and derivatives, supplying industries across food, feed, and bioethanol. Well-developed logistics, mechanized farming, and high-yielding varieties have enabled the region to maintain consistent supply and quality, making it the center of global cassava trade. Moreover, Asia-Pacific’s strong domestic demand—both as a staple food and as an industrial input—reinforces its dominance. Investments in modern processing facilities and R&D on modified starches further cement the region’s leadership.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Zambia inaugurated its first-ever cassava processing facility in Chitambo District, developed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) with support from the African Development Bank’s Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). The plant will process up to 120 metric tonnes of cassava daily into starch, meal, and animal feed. This initiative, which will benefit over 6,200 local farmers and generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, marks a significant leap in local cassava value addition.
• In 2024, The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) unveiled a novel cassava processing technology that enables production of high-quality cassava flour without peeling. This innovation represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s efforts to industrialize cassava processing, reducing labor and improving efficiency.
• In 2025, Uganda’s president inaugurated a $5 million cassava starch plant by Pura Organic Agro-Tech in Nakasongola. The factory processes 40,000 metric tons of high-grade cassava starch annually—serving pharmaceutical, textile, feed, packaging, and biofuel industries. The plant sources cassava from over 1,800 outgrower farmers, supporting both agricultural livelihoods and local industrial development.
• In  2025, Goodwill Tanzania initiated construction of a $110 million cassava-based paper manufacturing facility in Mkuranga District. Set to start processing around 50,000 tons annually (scaling up to 300,000 tons), the plant will convert cassava into paper and packaging material. The project intends to diversify cassava utilization, link smallholder farmers to industry, and drive inclusive industrialization.

Key Market Players

• Agrideco Vietnam Co., Ltd.
• American Key Food Products Inc.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Grain Millers Inc.
• Ingredion Inc.
• Parchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals
• Psaltry International Ltd.
• Tate & Lyle Plc
• Venus Starch Suppliers

Report Scope:

In this report, the global Cassava market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

·          Cassava Market, By Product:

o   Conventional

o   Organic

·         Cassava Market, By Type:

o   Flour

o   Chips

o   Pellets

o   Pearls

·         Cassava Market, By Application:

o   Food & Beverage

o   Animal Feed

o   Pharmaceuticals

o   Paper & Textile

o   Others

·         Cassava Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  Spain

§  Italy

§  United Kingdom

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

§  Kuwait

§  Egypt

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the global Cassava market.

Available Customizations:

Global Cassava market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

·         Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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