- Summary
- Table Of Content
- Methodology
Corn Gluten Meal Market Size:
The corn gluten meal market size is growing with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2025-2032), and the market is projected to be valued at USD 10,078.65 Million by 2032 from USD 6,949.96 Million in 2024. Additionally, the market value for the 2025 attributes to USD 7,258.95 Million.
Corn Gluten Meal Market Scope & Overview:
Corn gluten meals are a natural byproduct from the wet milling process of corn. It is in yellow powder form with high fibre, protein and other nutritional content. Corn gluten meal is processed conventionally or organically. It is used in several sectors such as animal feed, pet food, agriculture, and others due to high nutritional value. Corn gluten meal is distributed through direct sales, retail sales, and online sales to farmers, livestock producers, and pet food manufacturers. With the growing focus towards sustainability and eco-friendly farming practices, farmers are widely adopting corn gluten meals in organic fertilizers further creating market potential.
Corn Gluten Meal Market Dynamics - (DRO) :
Key Drivers:
Rising Animal Feed Production is Driving Corn Gluten Meal Market Growth
Animal feed refers to food provided to domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and poultry to support their development, health, and productivity. Corn gluten meal is widely used as healthy ingredient in animal feed due to its high protein, fiber, and other nutritional content. The production of animal feed is rising due to increasing global preference for animal-based products, rising dairy consumption, and advancements in feed technology further driving the market.
- In 2023, according to United States Department of Agriculture, animal feed production in China is increased by 6.4% as compared to the year 2022. It is leading to more adoption of corn gluten meals to provide high energy content and to support overall development in the animals.
Thus, animal feed production is growing due to advancements in feed technology leading to corn gluten meal market demand supported by nutritional animal feed.
Growing Incorporation of Corn Gluten Meal in Pet Food is Creating Corn Gluten Meal Market Demand
Pet food is a specialty food for domesticated animals that is formulated according to their nutritional needs. The corn gluten meal is used in the production of pet food to provide high protein content. It supports muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health in the pets. Pet food sales is increasing due to growing pet ownership and increasing consumer awareness of pet nutrition, thereby driving the market.
- In 2023, according to American Pet Product Association, pet food sales in the United States is increased by 7.5% as compared to the year 2022.This growing adoption of pet food is leading to more use of corn gluten meal to provide protein source and supporting muscle development in animals.
Thus, corn gluten meal is incorporated in pet food to support overall development in pets which is leading to corn gluten meal market expansion.
Key Restraints:
Rising Adoption of Alternative Meal is Constraining Corn Gluten Meal Market Growth
Adoption of alternative meals such as soybean meals, fishmeal, and other plant-based protein is growing. They provide similar protein and nutritional content in pet food and animal feed. Soybean meals have higher digestibility as compared to the corn gluten meal, making it more suitable for livestock and poultry feed. Fishmeal is the preferred protein source in aquaculture feed due to its superior amino acid content. Further, gluten content in corn gluten meals leads to digestive distress and reduces production performance in animals. Hence, adoption of alternative meal such as soybean meal, fishmeal is constraining the market growth due to better digestibility and superior amino acid content.
Future Opportunities :
Expanding Fertilizer Sector is Expected to Create Corn Gluten Meal Market Opportunities
The fertilizer sector refers to the production, distribution, and sale of nutrients essential for plant development. The corn gluten meal is used in this sector as a natural, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and pre-emergent herbicide. Due to climate change and rising food production, the fertilizer sector is witnessing significant growth.
- In 2024, according to India Brand Equity Foundation, fertilizer sector in India is projected to grow with a compound annual rate of 4.2% by 2032. This growth will create opportunities for the market due to growing preference for natural fertilizer and herbicides for weed control and soil management.
Hence, expansion of fertilizer sector due to climate change and rising food production is expected to create corn gluten meal market opportunities.
Corn Gluten Meal Market Segmental Analysis :
By Nature:
Based on nature, the market is categorized into conventional and organic.
Trends in Nature
- According to corn gluten meal market trends, conventional meals are largely used in animal feed, pet food due to low cost and high nutritional content.
- Adoption of organic corn gluten meal is growing due to sustainability and chemical-free option as per market trends.
The conventional segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.
- Conventional corn gluten meal refers to the corn meal sourced from standard corn, typically produced with traditional farming methods.
- It is highly utilized by farmers, livestock producers due to its affordability, widespread availability, and strong preference.
- This conventional meal is available widely in specialty stores, hypermarkets and online retail outlets.
- Conventional corn gluten meal is utilized in agriculture as a fertilizer by famers for weed control in the field.
- It is also used in the biofuel production due to its high protein content and relatively low cost.
- Hence, conventional corn gluten meal segment is dominating in the market due to high protein content and widespread availability.
The organic segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Organic corn gluten meal refers to the meal sourced from organic corn produced without using any chemicals or non-organic materials.
- The demand for this meal is growing due to increasing consumer preference for healthier, chemical-free and ethically sourced products.
- Additionally, health awareness and growing organic farming is further fueling the production of this meal.
- For instance, in 2022, according to Organic Research Centre, the organic farming in European Union is increased by 5.1% as compared to the year 2021. This is leading to more production of organic corn gluten meal without any chemical and pesticides.
- Hence, organic farming practices are growing due to increasing consumer preference for chemical-free products further driving the segment.
By End-Use:
Based on end-use, the market is categorized into animal feed, pet food, agriculture, and others.
Trends in End-Use
- As per corn gluten meal market trends, animal feed widely used corn gluten meal to provide protein, fiber, and starch to the animals.
- Use of corn gluten meal as organic herbicides and fertilizer is expanding to control crabgrass and other lawn weeds as per market trends.
The animal feed segment accounted for the largest market share of 61.22% in the year 2024.
- Animal feed refers to food provided to domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and poultry to support their development, health, and productivity.
- The corn gluten meal is the byproduct of the corn wet mill production which is used in animal feed to provide protein, fiber, and starch to the animals.
- Due to increasing demand for corn gluten meal in animal feed, companies are investing in the production of corn well mill.
- For instance, in 2022, Cargill, Incorporated launched corn wet mill production facility in Indonesia. It includes an investment of USD 100 million. This production facility is contributing to an increase in manufacturing of corn gluten meal.
- Hence, animal feed segment is dominating in the market supported by growing production of corn wet mill.
The agriculture segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- The agriculture industry refers to the production and processing of crops, harvesting fish and other animals.
- The corn gluten meal is used in agriculture as organic herbicides and fertilizer to control crabgrass and other lawn weeds.
- It contains 10% nitrogen which leads to its use as a slow releasing fertilizer to improve soil fertility.
- Further, corn gluten meals enhance soil microbial activity and reduce the risk of over fertilization.
- It also prevents weed seed germination by inhibiting root development.
- Hence, the use of corn gluten meals is growing in the agriculture as organic herbicides thereby driving the segment.
By Distribution Channel:
Based on distribution channel, the market is categorized into direct sales, retail sales, and online sales.
Trends in Distribution Channel
- Corn gluten meal is widely distributed through direct sales to farmers, livestock producers ensuring bulk and consistent product supply.
- Adoption of online sales is growing for the distribution of corn gluten meal due to wider reach and customer convenience as per market trends.
The direct sales segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.
- Direct sales is a type of distribution channel where products are sell directly to the customers without any intermediaries.
- Corn gluten meal is widely distributed through direct sales to farmers, livestock producers, and pet food manufacturers directly.
- Direct sales helps to build strong relationships with customers and ensures control over entire sales process, from pricing to delivery, ensuring higher margins and personalized offerings.
- It provides bulk amount of meal to fertilizer manufactures ensuring better product quality and consistent supply.
- Thus, direct sales segment dominates in the market supported by bulk supply and providing better product quality to the customers.
The online sales is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Online sales is a type of distribution channel refers to the selling of goods and services online through digital platforms and marketplaces.
- Adoption of online sales is growing in the distribution of corn gluten meal due to wider reach and customer convenience.
- Further, digitalization and greater access to global market has led to the widespread adoption of online sales to compare product of various brands with detailed description and user reviews.
- For instance, in 2022, according to Ecommerce Europe, online sales in Europe is increased by 5.8% as compared to the year 2021. This includes corn gluten meal which is distributed through online sales to farmers, livestock producers, and pet food manufacturers.
- Thus, online sales is growing due to wider customer reach and detailed product descriptions further driving the segment.
Regional Analysis:
The regional segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.
In 2024, Asia-Pacific accounted for the highest market share at 42.33% and was valued at USD 2,941.92 Million and is expected to reach USD 4,087.64 Million in 2032. In Asia-Pacific, the China accounted for the highest market share of 37.03% during the base year of 2024. The corn gluten meal market share of the Asia Pacific region is major due to growing agricultural industry. The corn gluten meal is used in organic fertilizers and herbicides to improve soil fertility and weed control. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are major contributors in the market with growing agriculture sector.
- In 2024, according to Ministry of Finance, agriculture sector in India represented annual growth rate of 4.18% from the year 2019 to year 2024. This is driving the adoption of corn gluten meal in agriculture sector for weed control and improving soil fertility.
Therefore, the Asia Pacific region is dominating in the market supported by expanding agriculture sector and preference for organic fertilizers as per analysis.
North America is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period of 2025-2032. According to corn gluten meal market analysis, North America is growing considerably driven by advancements in technology. Advances in processing technologies are improving the efficiency and quality of corn gluten meal production. Further, enhanced extraction methods and refining processes are enabling manufacturers to deliver higher purity and consistency in their products, meeting the stringent standards of diverse end-users. Hence, corn gluten meal market share of North America is expected to emerge rapidly through advanced farming practices and increasing animal feed production as per analysis.
As per corn gluten meal market analysis, the Europe region is growing rapidly driven by rising adoption of advanced farming practices and strong focus on sustainability. Farmers are increasingly utilizing organic corn gluten meal to support overall development in the animals. Stringent environmental regulations such as European Green Deal promotes the use of eco-friendly and sustainable corn gluten meal minimizing the environmental impact.
The Middle East & Africa region is experiencing moderate growth in the market driven by increasing animal feed production, exports, and government initiatives. The region is focusing on boosting animal feed production to meet rising animal-based food products demand and strengthen exports. Governments are providing subsidies to agricultural organizations and private firms for the adoption of organic fertilizers. This is leading to corn gluten meal market expansion as per analysis.
As per market analysis, the Latin America is growing steadily in the market driven by rising disposable incomes and steady economic development across the region. Increasing purchasing power enables farmers to invest in corn gluten meal as organic fertilizers and to provide high protein content in animal feed. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are leading the market supported by government initiatives and funding for sustainable farming practices.
Top Key Players and Market Share Insights:
The corn gluten meal industry is highly competitive with major players providing products to the national and international markets. Key players are adopting several strategies in research and development (R&D) and product innovation to hold a strong position in the global corn gluten meal market. Key players in corn gluten meal industry include-
- Ingredion Incorporated (United States)
- Cargill, Incorporated (United States)
- Roquette Frères (France)
- The Andersons (United States)
- Ag Processing Inc (United States)
- Grain Processing Corporation (United States)
- Tate & Lyle (United Kingdom)
- Archer Daniels Midland Company (United States)
- Agrana Group (Austria)
- Tereos Syral (France)
Corn Gluten Meal Market Report Insights :
| Report Attributes | Report Details |
| Study Timeline | 2019-2032 |
| Market Size in 2032 | USD 10,078.65 Million |
| CAGR (2025-2032) | 4.8% |
| By Nature |
|
| By End-Use |
|
| By Distribution Channel |
|
| By Region |
|
| Key Players |
|
| North America | U.S. Canada Mexico |
| Europe | U.K. Germany France Spain Italy Russia Benelux Rest of Europe |
| APAC | China South Korea Japan India Australia ASEAN Rest of Asia-Pacific |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC Turkey South Africa Rest of MEA |
| LATAM | Brazil Argentina Chile Rest of LATAM |
| Report Coverage |
|
Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the corn gluten meal market? +
In 2024, the corn gluten meal market is USD 6,949.96 million.
Which is the fastest-growing region in the corn gluten meal market? +
North America is the fastest-growing region in the corn gluten meal market.
What specific segmentation details are covered in the corn gluten meal market? +
Nature, End-Use, and Distribution Channel are covered in the corn gluten meal market.
Who are the major players in the corn gluten meal market? +
Ingredion Incorporated (United States), Cargill, Incorporated (United States), and Grain Processing Corporation (United States) are some of the major players in the market.
