Starches and inulin market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish starches and inulin market experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. After a dip in 2019, production and market volume recovered strongly in 2020 and 2021. This recovery was supported by foundational developments: in 2018, the ingredient company KMC launched a new potato starch-based product, signaling innovation, while agricultural focus on protein-rich plant crops expanded the raw material base for starch production. The Danish Medicines Agency's strategy for enhanced regulatory cooperation, formulated in 2020, likely improved the business environment, and high food safety standards maintained consumer confidence. By 2021, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration's dietary guidelines influenced labeling, helping to shape consumer demand for starch and inulin ingredients.

A drought across Central and Southern Europe in 2022 reduced potato yields, directly pressuring starch production and contributing to a market contraction that year. Simultaneously, the new EU fertiliser regulation introduced additional compliance steps for agricultural inputs. However, the market rebounded from 2023 onward. Continued growth in protein crop cultivation provided a steady supply stream, and KMC's investment in a new food innovation center, inaugurated in 2024, accelerated product development. Furthermore, research highlighting the benefits of resistant starches from the University of Copenhagen and ongoing regulatory focus on food safety and labeling underpinned renewed market expansion through 2024.

Production starches and inulin in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Denmark's production of starches and inulin has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 138.8 million US dollars, marking a strong 16.3% growth compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 43.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 90.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.6%. In contrast, the biggest increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 32.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Denmark's production of starches and inulin has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 279.8 thousand tonnes, which is 24.1% more than in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 38.2%, translating to an average annual rate of 11.4%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 188.3 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports starches and inulin from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Denmark's exports of starches and inulin declined in 2021. The country exported 175 tonnes, down 10.1% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports overall increased by 10.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The peak was in 2020 at 194 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 22.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden and Italy together accounted for 92.3% of Denmark's total exports of starches and inulin by volume, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's exports of starches and inulin in value terms reached 589 thousand US dollars, showing a significant 17.0% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 15.5%, with an average annual decline of 5.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 710 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden and Italy jointly absorbed 92.1% of Denmark's total exports of starches and inulin by value, with the rest spread across smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports starches and inulin to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Denmark imported 35 214 tonnes of starches and inulin, a 7.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 9.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.1%. The largest increase was in 2020, with a rise of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Norway (37.7% of import volume), Germany (16.0%), and Belgium (14.0%) formed the main group of sources for Denmark's imports of starches and inulin by volume, together accounting for 67.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Denmark imported starches and inulin valued at 25 689 thousand US dollars in 2021, which is 16.6% higher than the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 16.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 25 689 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium (31.4% of import value), the Netherlands (15.3%), and Norway (14.3%) together accounted for 61.0% of Denmark's total imports of starches and inulin by value, making them the primary sources.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021