Cassava Processing Plant

Report Overview: 

IMARC Group’s report titled “Cassava Processing Plant Project Report 2025: Industry Trends, Plant Setup, Machinery, Raw Materials, Investment Opportunities, Cost and Revenue” provides a complete roadmap for setting up a cassava processing plant. It covers a comprehensive market overview to micro-level information such as unit operations involved, raw material requirements, utility requirements, infrastructure requirements, machinery and technology requirements, manpower requirements, packaging requirements, transportation requirements, etc. The cassava project report provides detailed insights into project economics, including capital investments, project funding, operating expenses, income and expenditure projections, fixed costs vs. variable costs, direct and indirect costs, expected ROI and net present value (NPV), profit and loss account,

What is Cassava?

Cassava is a carbohydrate-rich tuber originally from South America, extensively grown in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. It serves as a major source of carbohydrates and is a dietary staple for millions of people, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The plant produces tuberous roots that can be processed into products like cassava flour, tapioca, and starch. Cassava is drought-resistant and thrives in poor soils, making it an important crop for food security. However, it contains natural toxins that must be removed through proper processing before consumption.

Cassava Processing Plant: Key Highlights

• Process Used: Cassava starch extraction process
• End-use Industries: Food and beverage, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, paper and textiles, biofuels, and adhesives
• Applications: Used in food products, animal feed, biofuels, starch production, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and paper manufacturing

A cassava processing plant is a building used to transform raw cassava roots into value-added products like starch, flour, chips, or ethanol using mechanical and biochemical processes. The plants need effective cleaning, peeling, grating, dewatering, drying, and milling systems to produce high-quality products and maintain food safety. Major equipment in the plant comprises root washers, raspers, screw presses, flash dryers, and starch separating units. Environmental management and effective wastewater treatment are necessary due to the heavy organic loads from cassava waste. Cassava processing facilities serve a variety of industries, such as food and beverages, animal feed, bioenergy, textiles, paper, and pharmaceuticals.

Cassava Industry Outlook 2025:

The market for cassava is growing, spurred by rising demand in the food and beverages, animal feed, biofuels, and other industrial starches sectors. Rising customer demand for plant-based and gluten-free food products has increased the use of cassava flour as a substitute for gluten-free products, which remains in its infancy form in Europe and North America. Cassava is also an important staple crop in most developing nations due to its high caloric content (starchy carbohydrate) and its ability to survive in poor soils. It is also used increasingly in the biofuel industry as feedstock for ethanol production, and we are beginning to see it being discovered as an exploitable feedstock in other nations (i.e., Thailand and Nigeria). Furthermore, cassava starch finds extensive applications in textiles, which is in increasing demand from industries such as the technical textile industry with end-uses in the automotive industry. As per the IBEF report, the market size is expected to double from 2020 USD 2.4 Billion to reach an expected USD 3.7 Billion by 2027 in India, which also contributes to the base industries of cassava and is associated with it.

Cassava Market Trends and Growth Drivers:

Increasing Demand from the Food Processing Sector

The global cassava market is experiencing consistent growth led by the expansion of the food processing industry, particularly in emerging economies. The growing use of cassava derivatives in processed foods (particularly starch and flour) is primarily driven by the functional properties of the products and as an increasingly popular gluten-free option. Considering India's food processing sector is expected to witness the most growth (due to the population, growth of population and expected growth of food processing to USD 1,100 Billion by FY35) - IBEF, there is an expectation of robust opportunities for cassava ingredients globally, and tremendous growth across several food and beverage sectors.

Rising Demand for Biofuels

The global cassava market's upward trajectory will increasingly be influenced by the demand for biofuels, given that cassava has the potential to become a productive and renewable feedstock for ethanol. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the demand for biofuels is expected to increase by 38 billion liters of biofuel between 2023 and 2028, which will mean an increase of nearly 30% over the last five years. The increase in biofuel use (primarily due to energy transition ambitions and reduction in emissions) is now prompting countries in Asia and Africa to increase cassava production and processing capability, making cassava a significant crop in the global renewable energy market.

Latest Industry Developments:

• March 2024: Olam Group established a new cassava processing facility in Nigeria to meet the rising demand for cassava starch across food and industrial sectors in West Africa.
• January 2024: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) initiated collaborations with agricultural ministries across sub-Saharan Africa to promote the adoption of high-yield cassava varieties. These efforts aim to enhance food security and boost regional economic development through improved cassava cultivation.
• December 2023: The Cassava Exporters Association of Nigeria (CEAN) reported a projected 15% rise in cassava exports for 2024. This increase is supported by new international trade partnerships targeting expanding markets for cassava starch and flour in Europe and North America.
• November 2023: PT. JF Nusantara, a leading cassava processor in Indonesia, acquired a starch processing plant in Central Java as part of its strategic expansion. The acquisition is intended to support the growing demand for cassava-based ingredients in the food and beverage sector.

Leading Cassava Manufacturers:

Leading manufacturers in the global cassava industry include several multinational agribusiness and food processing companies with extensive cassava cultivation. Key players include:

• Agrideco Vietnam Co., Ltd.
• American Key Food Products Inc.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Grain Millers Inc.
• Ingredion Inc.

all of which operate large-scale facilities and serve end-use sectors such as food and beverage, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, paper and textiles, biofuels, and adhesives.

Cassava Plant Setup Requirements

Detailed Process Flow:

The manufacturing process is a multi-step operation that involves several unit operations, material handling, and quality checks. Below are the main stages involved in the cassava manufacturing process flow:

• Unit Operations Involved
• Mass Balance and Raw Material Requirements
• Quality Assurance Criteria
• Technical Tests

Key Considerations for Establishing a Cassava Processing Plant:

Setting up a cassava processing plant requires evaluating several key factors, including technological requirements and quality assurance. Some of the critical considerations include:

• Site Selection: The location must offer easy access to key raw materials such as fresh cassava roots, clean water, and processing aids such as sodium metabisulfite (optional for preservation). Proximity to target markets will help minimize distribution costs. The site must have robust infrastructure, including reliable transportation, utilities, and waste management systems. Compliance with local zoning laws and environmental regulations must also be ensured.​
• Plant Layout Optimization: The layout should be optimized to enhance workflow efficiency, safety, and minimize material handling. Separate areas for raw material storage, production, quality control, and finished goods storage must be designated. Space for future expansion should be incorporated to accommodate business growth.​
• Equipment Selection: High-quality, corrosion-resistant machinery tailored for cassava production must be selected. Essential equipment includes cassava washers, peelers, graters or crushers, dewatering machines (e.g., screw presses), flash dryers or rotary dryers, hammer mills, sifters, and storage silos or tanks. All machinery must comply with industry standards for safety, efficiency, and reliability.​
• Raw Material Sourcing: Reliable suppliers must be secured for raw materials like fresh cassava roots, clean water, and processing aids such as sodium metabisulfite (optional for preservation). Minimizing transportation costs by selecting nearby suppliers is essential. Sustainability and supply chain risks must be assessed, and long-term contracts should be negotiated to stabilize pricing and ensure a steady supply.
• Safety and Environmental Compliance: Safety protocols must be implemented throughout the manufacturing process of cassava. Advanced monitoring systems should be installed to detect leaks or deviations in the process. Effluent treatment systems are necessary to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance with emission standards.​
• Quality Assurance Systems: A comprehensive quality control system should be established throughout production. Analytical instruments must be used to monitor product concentration, purity, and stability. Documentation for traceability and regulatory compliance must be maintained.

Project Economics:

​Establishing and operating a cassava processing plant involves various cost components, including:​

• Capital Investment: The total capital investment depends on plant capacity, technology, and location. This investment covers land acquisition, site preparation, and necessary infrastructure.
• Equipment Costs: Equipment costs, such as those for cassava washers, peelers, graters or crushers, dewatering machines (e.g., screw presses), flash dryers or rotary dryers, hammer mills, sifters, and storage silos or tanks, represent a significant portion of capital expenditure. The scale of production and automation level will determine the total cost of machinery.​
• Raw Material Expenses: Raw materials, including fresh cassava roots, clean water, and processing aids such as sodium metabisulfite (optional for preservation), are a major part of operating costs. Long-term contracts with reliable suppliers will help mitigate price volatility and ensure a consistent supply of materials.​
• Infrastructure and Utilities: Costs associated with land acquisition, construction, and utilities (electricity, water, steam) must be considered in the financial plan.
• Operational Costs: Ongoing expenses for labor, maintenance, quality control, and environmental compliance must be accounted for. Optimizing processes and providing staff training can help control these operational costs.​
• Financial Planning: A detailed financial analysis, including income projections, expenditures, and break-even points, must be conducted. This analysis aids in securing funding and formulating a clear financial strategy. 

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and Operational Expenditure (OpEx) Analysis:

Capital Investment (CapEx): Machinery costs account for the largest portion of the total capital expenditure. The cost of land and site development, including charges for land registration, boundary development, and other related expenses, forms a substantial part of the overall investment. This allocation ensures a solid foundation for safe and efficient plant operations.

Operating Expenditure (OpEx): In the first year of operations, the operating cost for the cassava processing plant is projected to be significant, covering raw materials, utilities, depreciation, taxes, packing, transportation, and repairs and maintenance. By the fifth year, the total operational cost is expected to increase substantially due to factors such as inflation, market fluctuations, and potential rises in the cost of key materials. Additional factors, including supply chain disruptions, rising consumer demand, and shifts in the global economy, are expected to contribute to this increase.

Capital Expenditure Breakdown:

Operational Expenditure Breakdown:

Profitability Analysis: 

Report Coverage:

Report Customization

While we have aimed to create an all-encompassing report, we acknowledge that individual stakeholders may have unique demands. Thus, we offer customized report options that cater to your specific requirements. Our consultants are available to discuss your business requirements, and we can tailor the report's scope accordingly. Some of the common customizations that we are frequently requested to make by our clients include:

• The report can be customized based on the location (country/region) of your plant.
• The plant’s capacity can be customized based on your requirements.
• Plant machinery and costs can be customized based on your requirements.
• Any additions to the current scope can also be provided based on your requirements.

Why Buy IMARC Reports?

• The insights provided in our reports enable stakeholders to make informed business decisions by assessing the feasibility of a business venture.
• Our extensive network of consultants, raw material suppliers, machinery suppliers and subject matter experts spans over 100+ countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Our cost modeling team can assist you in understanding the most complex materials. With domain experts across numerous categories, we can assist you in determining how sensitive each component of the cost model is and how it can affect the final cost and prices.
• We keep a constant track of land costs, construction costs, utility costs, and labor costs across 100+ countries and update them regularly.
• Our client base consists of over 3000 organizations, including prominent corporations, governments, and institutions, who rely on us as their trusted business partners. Our clientele varies from small and start-up businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
• Our strong in-house team of engineers, statisticians, modeling experts, chartered accountants, architects, etc. have played a crucial role in constructing, expanding, and optimizing sustainable processing plants worldwide.