The global cassava market size 2026 was valued at USD 127.56 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 133.93 billion in 2026 to USD 202.90 billion by 2034, reflecting a steady CAGR of 5.33% over the forecast period (2026–2034). This growth is underpinned by cassava's remarkable adaptability — its drought tolerance, high carbohydrate yield, and suitability for low-input farming systems make it one of the world's most strategically important crops.

Governments across developing and developed nations are increasingly promoting cassava for food security, value-added processing, and industrial applications. Rising consumer demand for gluten-free products, natural sweeteners, biodegradable materials, and processed food ingredients is further propelling cassava adoption across sectors including food & beverages, textiles, paper, and biofuels.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Processed Cassava Derivatives is the primary engine of market growth. Cassava starch — valued for its binding, thickening, stabilizing, and gelling properties — is especially in high demand across food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and industrial applications. In Western markets, rising health consciousness is driving a shift toward cassava-based gluten-free alternatives. Notably, approximately 25% of the U.S. population consumes gluten-free products, according to a 2025 Centre for Science and Environment report, far exceeding the share of people with celiac disease or wheat sensitivity.

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Market Restraints

Limited awareness and raw material availability remain significant barriers. In developed markets such as the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, and Japan, cassava has minimal commercial presence outside specialty food channels. Since cassava cannot grow in cold climates, these nations depend entirely on imports of flour, starch, and chips — limiting mainstream retail visibility and commercial expansion.

Emerging Opportunities

The market is unlocking new growth through increased industrial use in bio-plastics, bioethanol, and paper processing. Cassava starch's biodegradability makes it an attractive substitute for petroleum-based plastics. In bioethanol, cassava serves as a key renewable feedstock — countries like Thailand and Brazil are investing heavily in bioethanol plants. Indonesia's state energy company PT Pertamina, through its renewables arm, signed cooperation agreements in 2023 to advance bioethanol production using cassava and other feedstocks, underscoring the crop's clean energy potential.

Market Trends

The rapid global expansion of tapioca pearls and cassava-based beverages is significantly reshaping the industry. Tapioca pearls, derived from cassava starch, are the cornerstone of the bubble tea phenomenon — a trend that has captivated younger consumers worldwide. This is further supported by the clean-label food movement and growing preference for natural, functional food ingredients.

Segmentation Highlights

• By Product Type: Cassava starch leads, valued at USD 48.56 billion in 2025, growing at a ~5.66% CAGR. Cassava flour is the fastest-growing sub-segment at a 6.74% CAGR.
• By Nature: Conventional cassava dominates at USD 108.09 billion in 2025, driven by affordability and scale. Organic cassava is growing faster at a 6.29% CAGR.
• By Form: Processed cassava leads the market at approximately USD 107.3 billion in 2026, rising to USD 165.75 billion by 2034, driven by food manufacturing, animal feed, and industrial demand.
• By End-Use: Food & Beverages is the largest segment at USD 77.15 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 127.39 billion by 2034 (5.77% CAGR). Cosmetics & Personal Care is the fastest-growing end-use at a 6.79% CAGR.

Regional Outlook

• Asia Pacific dominates with a 60.09% market share in 2025 (USD 76.65 billion), driven by major producers Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China, and projected to reach USD 119.99 billion by 2034.
• North America records the highest regional CAGR of 6.99%, growing from USD 9.00 billion (2026) to USD 15.46 billion (2034), fueled by gluten-free and plant-based food trends.
• Europe grows at a 6.36% CAGR, driven by industrial starch demand and cassava-based biofuel adoption.
• South America grows at 5.85% CAGR, led by Brazil, Paraguay, and Colombia across ethanol, feed, and starch industries.
• Middle East & Africa grows at 4.75% CAGR; Africa is the world's largest cassava consumer but faces limited industrial processing capacity.

Competitive Landscape

The global cassava market is led by:

1. Thai Wah Public Co. Ltd. (Thailand)
2. Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
3. Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.)
4. Roquette Frères (France)
5. Emsland Group (Germany)

These companies dominate through processing scale, global distribution networks, and strong product portfolios spanning food ingredients to industrial starches.

Recent Industry Developments

• November 2025: AVC Investment Co., Ltd. planned a new USD 25 million agro-industrial factory in Cambodia to process cassava into flour and chips.
• October 2025: NAMILCO (Guyana) invested ~USD 40 million in a new processing mill to commercialize cassava flour and improve food self-sufficiency.
• October 2024: Flour Mills of Nigeria announced plans to invest USD 100 million to establish a cassava-processing plant, targeting an end to cassava starch imports.
• June 2025: AGRANA and INGREDION formed a joint venture with a EUR 35 million investment to expand starch production in Romania.