Expanded Corn Gluten Meal Market Projections at USD 9.7 Billion by 2034
The global corn gluten meal market is experiencing a gradual yet significant growth, driven by various factors including increasing investments in livestock development and the booming pet food market. According to recent data, the market was valued at USD 6.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately $10.87 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.9%.
The pet food market, valued at USD 115 billion globally in 2023, is a key contributor to the demand for digestible plant-based proteins like corn gluten meal. The high protein content of corn gluten meal (60-65%) makes it a preferred choice over lower-protein alternatives like soybean meal (44-48% protein) for its efficiency in improving weight gain and animal health.
Major players in the market, such as Bunge Ltd. and Cargill, Inc., have increased their exports to Asia and Europe, and have launched new product lines to meet the growing demand for plant-based protein supplements. For instance, Cargill, Inc. has launched a new corn gluten meal product line for livestock and pet food, emphasizing traceability and sustainability.
Asia Pacific represents a significant growth hub for the corn gluten meal market, driven by rising feed demand from expanding animal farming sectors. The region's market is expected to reach USD 9.7 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2034. Latin America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, also play a crucial role in global corn gluten meal supply through active corn cultivation and processing for export.
The market is influenced by a shift toward sustainable farming and plant-based feed ingredients, particularly in the European market. Companies like Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) are investing in corn gluten meal research, focusing on its use as a natural herbicide and high-protein feed ingredient.
In terms of end-use segments, livestock feed remains the dominant sector, accounting for 67.9% of total market consumption in 2024. The granulated form of corn gluten meal leads the market due to its ease of mixing in feed. The wet milling process dominates the market with a 72.8% share.
Interestingly, corn gluten meal is also finding its place in organic weed control products, as demonstrated by Fox Forest Agriculture's introduction of it as a key ingredient. The market is also expected to benefit from penetration into emerging economies, increased use in aquaculture feed, and demand for natural and organic products.
While direct data projections for 2025 to 2034 are not explicitly provided, the 5.9% CAGR forecast up to 2029 suggests continued steady growth over the decade following 2025. Given this trend, it is reasonable to expect the market to surpass $10 billion by the early 2030s.
[1] Market Research Report on Global Corn Gluten Meal Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2025 - 2034) [2] Market Research Report on Global Corn Powder Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2025 - 2034) [3] Market Research Report on Global Gluten-Free Food Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2025 - 2034)
The pet food market, valued at USD 115 billion globally, emphasizes the use of digestible plant-based proteins like corn gluten meal, due to its high protein content. Major players in the market have launched new corn gluten meal product lines for livestock and pet food, highlighting the potential role of sports nutrition applications, as corn gluten meal is rich in proteins essential for muscle development and overall health.
