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

DRIVING RURAL ECONOMIES

The European starch industry is traditionally based at the heart of the rural areas from which it sources its agricultural raw materials. Directly employing more than 15.000 men and women across 19 members states and the UK, we help drive rural economies throughout Europe.

From 75 plants in 19 EU Member States

Processing and adding value to 24 million tonnes of EU agricultural raw materials

Producing 10,7 million tonnes of starches and starch-derivatives and over 5 million tonnes of plant-based proteins and fibres as ingredients for food, feed and industrial customers

Generating revenues of €7.4 Billion

VITAL OUTLET FOR FARMS

Processing 8.5M tonnes of Wheat, 8.5M tonnes of maize, and 7M tonnes of starch potatoes

Wageningen Study for PFP (2015) states that 160.000 farmers are indirectly employed by the starch industry (60.000 on a full-time equivalent basis)

Sourcing the 24 million tonnes of agricultural raw materials - notably wheat, maize, starch potatoes, barley, rice and peas - needed to make our plant-based ingredients, mainly local or always local when possible, the EU starch industry serves as a vital outlet for roughly 60.000 European farmers.

SUPPORTING FARMERS

Through innovation we support farmers diversifying their income and we work together to find solutions that deliver both on ever-changing consumer demand and protecting the environment.

According to the EU, bio-based industries could create up to 1 million green jobs by 2030 especially in rural and coastal areas. The European Starch industry is a pioneer of the biorefinery concept, using biomass to produce a range of functional ingredients for both food a non-food outlets.

RELATED RESOURCES

OTHER KEY MESSAGES

1. Innovation

The European starch industry is built on constant innovation

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.

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.