The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Ingredion has announced a joint venture with Indian corn-based speciality products manufacturer Sanstar Limited, along with a 9% equity investment in the company, as the global ingredients supplier looks to strengthen its position in India’s fast-growing speciality ingredients market.

The partnership combines Ingredion’s global formulation and innovation expertise with Sanstar’s local manufacturing and sourcing capabilities to target growth opportunities across food, beverage and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Under the agreement, the companies will establish a joint venture focused on vertically integrated speciality ingredient solutions, supported by a planned greenfield manufacturing facility in India.

The new site will produce a diversified portfolio of speciality pharmaceutical and food-ingredient products for high-value applications.

Jim Zallie, chairman, president and CEO of Ingredion, said: “India represents an increasingly important growth market for Ingredion. Our partnership with Sanstar expands our presence with a reputable local partner that complements our existing businesses in India with the opportunity to scale a broad speciality ingredients platform.”

Zallie added that the partnership would allow the companies to better serve evolving consumer and customer demands in India while also creating export opportunities.

India’s speciality starch and functional ingredients sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising domestic demand, expanding pharmaceutical exports and increasing interest in clean-label and sustainable formulations. The country has also become an increasingly strategic manufacturing and innovation hub for multinational ingredient suppliers seeking to expand across Asia-Pacific markets.

Ingredion said the venture will establish a science-led platform serving customers across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, home and beauty categories.

Sanstar, one of India’s leading manufacturers of corn-derived speciality ingredients, produces starches, glucose, modified starches, dextrose and related products for sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, paper, textiles and animal nutrition.

The move further expands Ingredion’s footprint in high-growth international markets as the company continues to invest in speciality ingredients and value-added solutions beyond traditional starch commodities.

Headquartered near Chicago, Ingredion reported 2025 annual net sales of approximately $7.2bn and operates across more than 120 countries. The company employs over 11,000 people globally and serves food, beverage, brewing, pharmaceutical and industrial markets.

Sanstar is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India and has positioned itself as a technology-driven manufacturer focused on sustainable production and speciality ingredient innovation.