Considerable progress continues to be made on Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone’s cassava project, and we are pleased to report that during our quarterly review of the nursery, the cassava yield far exceed expectation. This gives significant confidence to proceed with our ambition of implementing cassava value-chain technologies to enable the production of cassava flour, starch and high maltose syrup (“HMS“).
In preparation, the nursery team continue to multiply the best performing cassava varieties that meet our criteria for starch yield and disease resistance.
Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone cassava variety multiplication.
The nursery team also continue to evaluate new varieties of sugarcane for the sunbird Bioenergy Estate in Sierra Leone.
Sugarcane Nursery, Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone.
The Market for Cassava Derived Products
The global cassava starch market size was USD 40.53 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 66.84 billion by 2026 according to Fortune Business Insights:
“Rising Gluten-intolerant Population to Spur Demand for Cassava Starch in Food Products ”
Cassava starch is utilized by various food and beverage manufacturers as it contains various natural properties such as antioxidants. It is predominantly used in a variety of food products such as meat products, bakery, ready-to-eat food products, dairy, functional food & beverages, cereals, snacks, and others. The starch is a natural gluten-free product, which is utilized in various gluten/celiac-free food products. Gluten intolerant population is one of the major factors for the growth of the starch market.
“Sweeteners Type is expected to hold the Largest Market Share Globally, Due to the demand for it in Various Industries”
Globally, sweetener derived from cassava starch is expected to hold the largest market share as it is being used as a natural sweetener in various food and beverage products across the world. The rising trend for clean-label and natural food ingredients among the consumers has led to the increased demand for sweeteners in several food and beverages sector such as bakery, health drinks, carbonated drinks, convenience foods, and others. The consumers are becoming more health-conscious and aware of the benefits of natural sweeteners such as low calorie, sugar-free intake, a rich source of energy, and others. The increasing demand for non-caloric and natural sweeteners is the primary factor that are encouraging the food and beverage manufacturers to innovate new and effective replacements of sugar.
“Food & Beverages holds the Largest Market Share, Owing to the Rapid Growth of the Convenience Food Products”
The food and beverages end-use is expected to hold the largest market share throughout the forecast period, owing to the increase in the busy lifestyle.
However, tapioca starch is also utilized in different non-food industries such as paper, packaging, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and others. The increasing demand in various food sectors such as processed food, packaged foods, beverages, convenience foods, and others is influencing the food and beverage industry positively.
The paper and packaging industries are utilizing a significant quantity of tapioca starch for the purpose of binding agents, consistency, and to produce biodegradable packaging substance. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical is also utilizing a huge quantity of starch to formulate their medicines with the healthier effects of cassava and adding sweetness to reduce the bitterness and sourness of the products.