Starch sourcing for food manufacturers
Published On: March 25, 2025

In today’s competitive food industry, manufacturers must prioritize the quality of raw materials used in production—especially starch, a fundamental ingredient that directly affects product quality. For small and medium-sized food manufacturers, integrating food ingredient sourcing consolidation and partnering with experts in high-quality raw material procurement is essential. A reliable partner can provide comprehensive supply chain management for food manufacturers, including financial support, to ensure sustainable business growth.

Understanding Starch in the Food Industry

Starch is a crucial raw material in the food industry. It is available in various types, each with unique properties and applications:

  • Corn Starch : Known for its strong gelling properties and high viscosity, it is widely used as a thickener and stabilizer in soups, sauces, and desserts to provide a smooth texture and consistency.
  • Tapioca/Cassava Starch : With its clear gel, elasticity, and excellent thickening properties, it is commonly used in noodles, vermicelli, rice noodles, and various Thai desserts. It is also a key ingredient in sweeteners such as glucose syrup and fructose syrup.
  • Modified Starch : Chemically or physically altered to suit specific applications, such as heat-resistant starch for sterilized food production, freeze-thaw-resistant starch for frozen foods, and cold-soluble starch for instant beverages.

Other common types include Rice Starch, which has fine granules, a smooth mouthfeel, and is commonly used in bakery and snacks, while Wheat Starch, which offers high protein content and elasticity, is ideal for bread and pasta. Potato Starch, on the other hand, is effective in absorbing water and maintaining moisture in food products. The selection of starch depends on the properties required for food products, such as clarity, viscosity, stability, and texture.

SCG International is a leading food-grade starch supplier in Asia, which offers comprehensive supply chain solutions. Our starches are available in food grade for direct consumption and industrial grade for other applications.

High-Quality Starch from Leading Asian Manufacturers

The starch market in Asia continues to grow, with several countries excelling in high-quality starch production. For example, Thailand is the world’s top exporter of tapioca starch, known for its high purity, fine granules, and excellent gelling properties. In addition, other countries in Asia are recognized for their expertise in starch production, including:

  • Vietnam specializes in high-quality rice starch production using advanced technology.
  • Indonesia is known for its expertise in sago starch.
  • China has large-scale production of corn starch.

Choosing the right source of starch is crucial. Manufacturers should consider the type of starch required for their applications and the production capabilities of each country. As a leading food-grade starch supplier in Asia with an extensive regional network, SCG International can efficiently help businesses source high-quality starch that meets their needs from leading production sources.

Challenges Faced by Food Manufacturers

1. Access to Diverse Raw Material Sources

Access to diverse and high-quality raw materials is one of the major challenges faced by food manufacturers. Finding reliable suppliers who can consistently provide quality ingredients from various domestic and international sources requires expertise and a strong network.

2. Quality Variance in Imported Starch

Food manufacturers often face challenges with inconsistent starch quality when imported from different countries. For example, tapioca starch from Vietnam may have a different color compared to Thai tapioca starch, or corn starch from China may have a different viscosity than that imported from the United States. This leads manufacturers to constantly adjust their production formulas, which can affect production efficiency and increase costs.

3. Financial and Budget Constraints

Many manufacturers struggle with cash flow management and funding for bulk raw material purchases, especially when scaling up production or handling large orders. A food ingredient sourcing consolidation service with financial solutions is ideal for addressing the needs of food manufacturers.

4. Comprehensive Supply Chain Management and Warehousing

Managing warehousing and comprehensive supply chain management is another challenge. Many manufacturers still lack efficient inventory management systems, leading to complexities in handling stock and timely delivery of raw materials for food production. A comprehensive supply chain system, on the other hand, can ensure smooth business operations by integrating every step from raw material sourcing to warehousing, logistics, and coordination between suppliers and manufacturers. This reduces complexity and enhances efficiency throughout the production process.

5. Quality and Reliability

Starch is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, such as moisture that can cause clumping, leading to a loss in quality, or temperature fluctuations that could alter its chemical structure. There is also the risk of contamination from foreign objects or microorganisms during transport and storage. Additionally, the properties of starch are sensitive to changes during the production process, where even minor adjustments can significantly impact the texture, taste, and overall quality of food products.

Therefore, the quality and reliability of raw materials for food production are crucial factors in business success. This is why quality control in starch sourcing is essential, as even minor defects can result in the loss of entire batches of raw materials, causing delays in production and affecting costs and long-term brand reliability. Food manufacturers must opt for supply chain management solutions that prioritize starch quality control and ensure consistency in product quality to maintain consumer trust and operational efficiency.

High-quality starch sourcing and supply chain management for food manufacturers

Why Choose SCG International as Your Sourcing Partner?

1. One-Stop Sourcing Service Partner

SCG International is your one-stop supply chain integrator, offering a comprehensive range of raw materials, from various types of starch to food additives and finished products. We specialize in sourcing and delivering high-quality ingredients, covering every step from sourcing validation, consolidation of materials, to flexible logistics management based on your business needs.

2. Strong Presence in Asia and Other Regions

SCG International has a strong presence in Asia and other regions worldwide, particularly in Thailand, which is the world’s top exporter of tapioca starch. We also have strong connections with leading suppliers in many countries, both for main ingredients and food additives. This global network allows us to bring significant advantages to your business, such as reliability and competitive pricing, to enhance your competitiveness in the global market.

3. Reliable Sourcing

SCG International guarantees reliable sourcing by leveraging a trusted network of suppliers and strict quality control measures. We ensure that you receive consistent, high-quality products through a comprehensive quality control system covering pre-production, production, and post-production stages and an effective traceability system throughout the supply chain. This helps your business avoid issues such as quality inconsistencies between production batches or delays in deliveries that could affect the production timeline.

4. Quality Ingredients

SCG International works with a carefully selected and thoroughly vetted network of suppliers, covering all types of starch, from corn starch and tapioca starch to specially modified starch. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the food industry’s needs, our supply chain management for food manufacturers ensures high-quality ingredients that meet international food safety standards. The traceability system we employ helps avoid issues like quality inconsistency between batches or delivery delays that may impact production schedules.

5. Seamless Local Sales Service

SCG International offers convenience and local accessibility when buying or selling products with us. Our local sales teams understand market-specific demands and offer flexibility in order sizes and logistics management, which helps reduce costs and manage the complexities of various requirements. We provide prompt consultation and solutions to facilitate smooth and efficient transactions.

6. Streamlined Supply Chain Solutions

For small and medium-sized manufacturers, managing logistics, warehousing, and sourcing materials can be resource-intensive. SCG International offers efficient services and a variety of warehouse management options, including a supply chain integration system for small manufacturers. We help reduce your logistics burden by overseeing inventory management, ensuring timely delivery of raw materials according to production schedules, and keeping your supply chain running smoothly.

Enhance Your Food Business with SCG International: A Leading Starch Food Grade Supplier in Asia

Looking to enhance your food business with high-quality starch sourcing and food ingredient sourcing consolidation? As a leading starch food-grade supplier in Asia, SCG International is known for delivering comprehensive services and consultancy in every aspect, from sourcing raw materials and warehousing to financial support. With our experience and expertise as a trusted business partner, we are ready to help your business grow sustainably and steadily.

In addition to a wide range of starch products, SCG International also supplies many other food ingredients, including sweeteners such as maltodextrin and glucose, seasoning powders like chili, pepper, garlic, onion, curry powder, and a variety of sauces, as well as stabilizers like gellan gum and xanthan gum. For more information about all the food ingredients available, you can explore our full list of food ingredients on our website.

We also offer customized research and development services to help tailor food ingredient formulations to specific needs and ensure the best results for your products. Learn more about supply chain management for food manufacturers and high-quality starch sourcing from Asia. Consult our experts today!

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SCG International Corporation

With over 45 years of experience in international raw material trading, we have developed deep expertise across industries ranging from industrial supply, construction, home & living, paper & packaging, food & beverage, recycled materials, to energy. This extensive knowledge makes us a trusted partner in global supply chains, enabling us to provide valuable insights and reliable market information. Our blog reflects this commitment, offering content drawn from decades of experience to help you confidently navigate the complexities of supply chain management.