Cassava Market: Market Size & Forecast 2026

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a starchy root crop that serves as a dietary staple for over 800 million people worldwide and functions as a versatile industrial raw material. The global market encompasses fresh roots, processed starches, flours, animal feed, and biofuel derivatives traded across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. While the Food and Agriculture Organization tracks production volumes in metric tonnes rather than dollar values, independent research firms estimate commercial market size based on pricing and volume data. The 2025 market sits at approximately $143 billion, reflecting the crop's expanding role beyond subsistence farming into commercial supply chains.

• •The FAO tracks cassava production volume in metric tonnes rather than publishing USD market values
• •Multiple research providers estimate 2025 global market values ranging from roughly $87 billion to $180 billion
• •Global cassava production exceeds 330 million metric tonnes annually

Demand for cassava-derived starches and sweeteners in the food and beverage industry continues to expand, driven by consumer preferences for gluten-free, non-GMO, and clean-label products. Industrial applications in paper manufacturing, textiles, adhesives, and biofuels provide additional demand streams, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets. The crop's inherent drought tolerance and ability to grow in marginal soils make it an increasingly strategic food security crop amid climate variability, supporting expanded cultivation and investment across tropical regions.

• •Rising demand for gluten-free food products and clean-label ingredients in developed markets
• •Government agricultural research funding supporting yield improvements and pest resistance
• •Expanding use of cassava in biofuel production and biodegradable materials

Africa dominates global cassava production, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Thailand among the leading producers, while Asia-Pacific commands the largest processed product market share by value. The market is segmented into fresh cassava, industrial starch, flour, animal feed, and specialty derivatives, with processed segments growing faster than fresh root sales due to value addition opportunities. Latin America represents an emerging production and export region, while North America and Europe primarily serve as high-value import markets for starches, syrups, and specialty ingredients used in food manufacturing.

• •Africa produces roughly half of global cassava output by volume, led by Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo
• •Processed cassava starch and flour segments are outpacing fresh root market growth rates
• •Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, accounts for the majority of cassava export trade volumes

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The cassava market is expected to continue expanding toward approximately $220 billion by 2030, supported by growing industrial applications and sustained demand for food-grade starches and flours. Precision agriculture techniques, improved high-yield seed varieties, and digital supply chain platforms are gradually transforming cassava farming productivity and market access for smallholder producers. Climate resilience positioning and rising consumer and industry interest in plant-based, sustainable raw materials position cassava favorably for long-term demand growth, though price volatility and logistics infrastructure constraints remain challenges in key producing regions.

• •Projections from multiple research firms suggest the global market could approach $220 billion by 2030
• •Sustainable sourcing and traceability certifications are gaining importance for cassava export markets
• •Cassava's role as a climate-adaptive crop is driving renewed investment in agricultural research and breeding programs