The European starch industry is a long-established part of the agri-food value chain, built on constant innovation to meet societal demands and consumer expectations

A HISTORY OF INNOVATIONS

Starch has been extracted and used for thousands of years, its uses evolving through time. From the Egyptians who used it to strengthen papyrus over 6000 years ago to the early-1800s discovery of hydrolysis to produce sugars from starch for pharmaceuticals, and later food, the evolution is still constant, for this amazingly versatile ingredient.

Reference to strips of Egyptian papyrus being stuck together with a starchy adhesive date back to 4000 BC

312 AD starch was shown to provide resistance to ink penetration in Chinese paper

16th Century starch was being widely used in Western Europe, primarily in the textile industry as a stiffener

In 1811, Kirchoff discovered that sugar could be produced from potato starch by hydrolysis with acid, thus bringing into being the first starch sweeteners

DEDICATED TO DELIVER

The EU starch industry serves as a vital outlet for roughly 60.000 European farmers, sourcing the 24 million tonnes of agricultural raw materials almost exclusively in Europe.

The EU starch industry serves a great variety of outlets across Europe, with roughly 60% going to Food and 40% to non-food outlets.

Produced from EU-grown agricultural raw materials, the European starch industry is dedicated to deliver a wide variety of safe, high-quality and nutritious ingredients to our partners every day.

A CONSTANTLY EVOLVING INDUSTRY

In order to continue to meet the evolving societal demands and consumer expectations – the industry constantly innovates.

The EU starch industry invests €535M, including €75M in Research & Innovation each year

Examples of innovative solutions include the continuous development of plant-based proteins products to cater for changing consumer diets, as well as development of fibres and other alternative solutions to allow for product reformulation and sugar reduction

We support customer innovation with technical services, regulatory affairs, production process expertise

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OTHER KEY MESSAGES

2. Rural Strength

We strengthen rural areas with essential sources of income and employment

We strengthen rural areas by providing an essential source of income and employment, both directly and to the farmers who supply the raw materials used to make our ingredients.

3. Plant-based

We offer a vast range of plant-based ingredients improving food and drink.

We offer a vast range of plant-based ingredients, including carbohydrates, proteins and fibres, to make food and drink taste better, last longer, and be more sustainable and nutritious.

4. Bioeconomy

We develop bio-based materials and alternatives to fossil-based products

We develop bio-based materials and alternatives to fossil-based products in industrial applications from renewable resources, offering functional properties and CO2 emission reductions.

5. Sustainability

The EU starch industry is a pillar of the sustainable food system.

By valorising the entire crop to serve food, feed and industrial customers, while reducing our environmental footprint, the EU starch industry is a pillar of the sustainable food system.