The deep grain processing market in Russia: results of 2024

In 2024, production of maltodextrin in Russia increased by 25.5%, modified food starches by 7.1%, and native corn starch by 4.9% compared to the previous year.

Native starches

In total, Russia produced 406,845 tons of native starches (corn, wheat, and potato) in 2024. This is 2.9% more than in the previous year—in 2023, the volume was 395,514 tons.
Total production of native starches in 2024 increased due to growth in corn starch production, which reached 348,550 tons, up 4.9% than the previous year. The steady increase in corn starch production reflects a sustained trend of growing demand from domestic consumer industries.
Wheat starch traditionally ranked second in terms of production volume, with 46,600 tons produced in 2024, 7.8% less than in 2023 (50,562 tons). “Wheat and corn starches are in the same price category. However, in terms of recipe preferences, native corn starch is more popular among consumer companies. At the same time, the decline in wheat starch production at the plant in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania affected the overall production dynamics,” explained Oleg Radin, president of the Starch Union.
Potato starch production also declined slightly: 11,510 tons in 2024 and 12,394 tons in 2023. The shortage of raw materials — potatoes — in 2024 was the main factor. However, there are significantly more small potato starch producers than official statistics show.
Modified starches and dextrins
The production of modified starches amounted to more than 123,278 tons. This is 4.6% more than in 2023, when 117,841 tons were produced. The growth is mainly due to the largest manufacturers of industrial modifications: Amylco LLC and Aston Starch Products LLC. In Russia, the production of industrial modifications used in the oil and gas, pulp and paper, textile, and construction industries continues to predominate.
Of the total volume of modified starches, food modified starches showed more intensive growth—7.1%. In 2024, it was 12,013 tons, and in 2023, it was 11,216 tons. “In 2024, the first domestic hybrid of waxy corn called Rustark AP was registered. Food modified starches are produced exactly from waxy corn varieties. I hope that in the next 3-5 years, the issue of raw materials — waxy corn — will be resolved. Nevertheless, this is still an insignificant share of the total starch production in Russia. But it is an extremely promising area in terms of self-sufficiency and government policy priorities in terms of technological leadership,” commented Oleg Radin.

Sweeteners (starch-based sugars)

Starch-based sugars have a wide range of applications, including the production of baby food, ice cream, food concentrates, non-alcoholic beverages, bakery products, dairy products, confectionery, and pharmaceuticals.
The production of glucose syrups changed insignificantly, reaching 503,050 tons in 2024, compared to 499,212 tons a year earlier.
In 2024, 283,947 tons of glucose-fructose syrups (GFS) were produced in Russia. Compared to 2023 (294,497 tons), production volumes decreased by 3.6%. This is primarily due to the introduction of an indirect tax (excise tax), which has led beverage manufacturers to reduce the proportion of full-sugar products in their production, including purchases of glucose-fructose syrups. “This is a kind of signal to food ingredient manufacturers that there is a need to diversify their product lines, in particular sugary products that are not subject to regulations, which will only become stricter,” added Oleg Radin.

The largest growth was recorded in the maltodextrin category — in 2024, by 25.5% compared to the previous year. In the reporting year — 60,015 tons, and in 2023 — 47,823 tons. The increase in volumes was mainly due to the increased production of Newbio LLC. At the same time, domestic demand for maltodextrin has grown significantly. This is partly due to the competent promotion of their products by manufacturing companies. 

By-products (plant proteins)

Wheat gluten production has remained at the same level for the last two years — 84,768 tons in 2024 and 84,993 tons in 2023.

Corn gluten showed growth of 10.3% — 65,401 tons in the reporting year, compared to 59,277 tons a year earlier. Companies in the industry increased starch production, and gluten production grew accordingly, as it is a by-product of processing. 

Amino acid lysine

The production of L-lysine sulfate also increased by 22%. Russian companies produced 136,290 and 111,739 tons in 2024 and 2023, respectively.  

New projects

At present, the “Starchunion” notes the implementation of several large-scale projects in the field of deep grain processing. In Rostov Region, Amirost LLC is a plant for the processing of corn and the production of starches and starch-based sugars. In Belgorod region, there is KPC AMIDON LLC, a plant for the processing of corn and the production of starch and syrup products. In Tyumen region, there is Proteinsib JSC, a factory for the processing of peas and the production of pea isolate, starch, and fiber.

Biotechnology projects have been announced. In Tula Region, Organic Acids LLC is a plant for the processing of wheat and the production of organic acids. In Voronezh Region, Citron LLC is a plant for the processing of corn and the production of citric acid. In Rostov region, there is Donbiotech JSC, a plant for the processing of wheat grain and the production of the amino acid lysine.

“Currently, the industry consists of 22 factories, not counting small-scale production facilities. Thanks to interest from businesses and the government, we expect significant growth over the next five years. Several large projects are already underway that could make a major contribution to the production of high value-added products, as well as replace imports of components and ingredients that are important for the country. Our industry is one of the most important components of Russia’s bioeconomy,” said Oleg Radin, president of the “StarchUnion”.