Industrial Markets for UK-grown Starch

Abstract

Starch is an important ingredient in a wide range of foods. It is used as a thickener, to adjust texture, to improve appearance or to act as a filler. The starch industry also supplies a diverse range of non-food industries with starch and starch derivatives. These markets account for almost half of the total production of the European starch Industry, but only 25% of the total UK starch supply. Of the 216 221 † of starch used for Industrial markets in the UK, 30% is imported potato starch, 57% is maize starch processed in the UK from imported maize, and only 13% is wheat starch, which may be both grown and processed in the UK. This article surveys some of the industrial markets for starch, highlighting recent changes which have occurred and pinpointing areas of potential development which may increase non-food use of UK-grown starch in the future. This article is based on the findings of a LINK project which was funded under the Crops for Industrial Use Programme by the BBSRC, EPSRC, SOAFD, HGCA and PMB.