Okara Market

Okara Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global okara market is projected to reach USD 1,520.0 million by 2035, recording an absolute increase of USD 540.0 million over the forecast period. The market is valued at USD 980.0 million in 2025 and is set to rise at a CAGR of 4.5% during the assessment period.

The overall market size is expected to grow by nearly 1.6 times during the same period, supported by increasing demand for plant-based protein alternatives and growing utilization of food processing byproducts across agricultural and food industries worldwide, driving demand for advanced protein recovery solutions and increasing investments in waste-to-value conversion technologies globally. However, limited shelf life of wet okara and complex processing requirements for value-added applications may pose challenges to market expansion.

Quick Stats for Okara Market

• Okara Market Value (2025): USD 980.0 million
• Okara Market Forecast Value (2035): USD 1,520.0 million
• Okara Market Forecast CAGR: 4.5%
• Leading Form in Okara Market: Dry
• Key Growth Regions in Okara Market: Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe
• Top Players in Okara Market: Oisix, Marusan Ai, Morinaga, Pulmuone, House Foods, Sapporo Holdings, Kikkoman, Takasago Foods, Soy Innovations, Danone, Tofu Co., AgriLife Japan, Ito En, Fujioil, Sundine

Okara Market Year-over-Year Forecast (2025-2035)

Between 2025 and 2030, the okara market is projected to expand from USD 980.0 million to USD 1,224.0 million, resulting in a value increase of USD 244.0 million, which represents 45.2% of the total forecast growth for the decade. This phase of development will be shaped by rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives and specialized food processing applications, product innovation in drying technologies and preservation methods, as well as expanding integration with modern food processing systems and agricultural waste management programs. Companies are establishing competitive positions through investment in processing capabilities, high-performance extraction technologies, and strategic market expansion across feed, food, and fertilizer applications.

From 2030 to 2035, the market is forecast to grow from USD 1,224.0 million to USD 1,520.0 million, adding another USD 296.0 million, which constitutes 54.8% of the overall ten-year expansion. This period is expected to be characterized by the expansion of specialized processing formulations, including advanced drying systems and integrated value-added solutions tailored for specific industry requirements, strategic collaborations between processors and end-user companies, and an enhanced focus on regulatory harmonization and standardized quality practices. The growing emphasis on circular economy principles and comprehensive waste valorization will drive demand for comprehensive okara processing systems across diverse industrial applications.

Okara Market Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
Market Value (2025)	USD 980.0 million
Market Forecast Value (2035)	USD 1,520.0 million
Forecast CAGR (2025-2035)	4.5%

Why is the Okara Market Growing?

The okara market grows by enabling food processors and agricultural companies to optimize waste utilization while accessing advanced protein recovery technologies without substantial infrastructure requirements. Food processing companies and agricultural facilities face mounting pressure to improve resource efficiency and comply with strict waste management regulations, with specialized okara processing systems typically providing 80-90% protein recovery efficiency comparable to conventional disposal alternatives, making advanced recovery solutions essential for competitive operational positioning. The food industry's need for versatile protein sources and cost-effective processing control creates demand for comprehensive okara systems that can provide superior nutritional value, maintain consistent quality, and ensure regulatory compliance without compromising performance standards or processing requirements.

Government initiatives promoting circular economy practices and alternative protein development drive adoption in feed, food, and agricultural applications, where protein recovery has a direct impact on operational efficiency and environmental advancement. However, system complexity constraints during processing phases and the technical requirements for specialized preservation deployment may limit accessibility among smaller processing companies and developing regions with limited infrastructure for advanced waste management systems.

Segmental Analysis

The market is segmented by form, application, distribution channel, and region. By form, the market is divided into dry and wet. Based on application, the market is categorized into animal feed, food, fertilizer, and others. By distribution channel, the market includes B2B and retail. Regionally, the market is divided into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and other key regions.

By Form, the Dry Segment Accounts for a Dominant Market Share

Dry okara is likely to capture 55.0% of the total market share in 2025. This established processing category encompasses solutions featuring sophisticated dehydration technologies and preservation methods, including advanced drying combinations and specialized treatment processes that enable superior shelf stability and application performance across all industrial conditions. The dry segment's market leadership stems from its superior storage capabilities, with products capable of handling diverse transportation challenges while maintaining consistent nutritional standards and operational reliability across all processing environments.

The wet segment maintains a substantial 45.0% market share, serving processing facilities that require immediate utilization with enhanced freshness features for direct applications and specialized feed formulations. These products offer premium nutritional solutions for high-performance conditions while providing sufficient versatility capabilities to meet regional quality control and regulatory demands.

Key technological advantages driving the dry segment include:

• Advanced dehydration technologies with integrated preservation mechanisms that reduce spoilage complexity and ensure consistent quality performance
• Multi-application compatibility options allowing simultaneous utilization across different end-use sectors without nutritional degradation
• Enhanced storage features, targeting specific preservation conditions while maintaining normal processing functions
• Improved logistics profiles enabling extended shelf intervals and enhanced distribution compliance requirements

By Application, the Animal Feed Segment Accounts for the Largest Market Share

Animal feed applications dominate the application segment with approximately 45.0% market share in 2025, reflecting the critical role of protein supplements in supporting global livestock production and animal nutrition operations worldwide. The animal feed segment's market leadership is reinforced by increasing research and development in nutritional enhancement mechanisms, feed technology advances, and rising requirements for protein diversity in comprehensive livestock programs across developed and emerging markets.

The food segment represents the second-largest application category, capturing 30.0% market share through specialized human consumption products for targeted nutritional control, protein enrichment formulations, and functional food applications. This segment benefits from growing consumer preference for plant-based proteins that meet specific dietary requirements, performance standards, and health protocols in competitive food markets.

The fertilizer segment accounts for 15.0% market share, serving specialized applications including organic farming, soil enhancement, and agricultural nutrient applications across various farming sectors. The others segment captures 10.0% market share, encompassing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Key market dynamics supporting application growth include:

• Animal feed application expansion driven by protein enhancement advances and nutrition development, requiring specialized processing facilities in emerging markets
• Food application modernization trends require high-quality, standardized products for nutritional consistency and regulatory compliance
• Integration of fertilizer technologies enabling precision agricultural development and monitoring systems
• Growing emphasis on application diversity driving demand for comprehensive, multi-purpose okara solutions

By Distribution Channel, the B2B Segment Accounts for the Largest Market Share

B2B distribution dominates the channel segment with approximately 70.0% market share in 2025, reflecting the critical role of business-to-business relationships in supporting global okara supply chains and industrial procurement operations worldwide. The B2B segment's market leadership is reinforced by increasing partnerships between processors and end-users, advanced logistics capabilities, and rising requirements for bulk supply diversity in integrated commercial programs across developed and emerging industrial markets.

The retail segment represents the secondary distribution category, capturing 30.0% market share through specialized consumer products for targeted household applications, small-scale processing services, and direct-to-consumer applications. This segment benefits from growing consumer preference for specialty ingredients that meet specific cooking requirements, quality standards, and convenience protocols in competitive consumer markets.

Key market dynamics supporting distribution growth include:

• B2B expansion driven by industrial advances and processing development, requiring specialized logistics facilities in emerging markets
• Retail modernization trends require high-quality, standardized packaging for consumer consistency and regulatory compliance
• Integration of e-commerce technologies enabling precision distribution and monitoring systems
• Growing emphasis on channel diversity driving demand for comprehensive, multi-platform distribution solutions

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the Okara Market?

Increasing demand for plant-based protein alternatives and specialized food processing initiatives create increasing demand for okara systems, with protein processing projects expanding by 12-15% annually in major developing regions worldwide, requiring comprehensive processing infrastructure.

Government initiatives promoting circular economy practices and waste-to-value conversion drive increased adoption of okara solutions, with many regions implementing comprehensive waste reduction goals for processing advancement by 2030.

Technological advancements in drying technology and preservation methods enable more effective and cost-competitive okara solutions that reduce processing burden while improving nutritional performance and quality capabilities.

Market restraints include high processing and development costs for okara products that can deter new market entrants from developing comprehensive processing capabilities, particularly in developing regions where funding for technology development remains limited. Regulatory complexity and approval requirements pose another significant challenge, as food products demand extensive testing and safety documentation, potentially causing increased development costs and market entry delays. Food processor education and technical support requirements across different regions create additional operational challenges for product adoption, demanding ongoing investment in processing education and application training programs.

Key trends indicate accelerated adoption in Asia-Pacific markets, particularly India and China, where food processing expansion and protein demand requirements drive comprehensive okara management adoption. Technology integration trends toward precision processing systems with targeted extraction, nutritional compatibility assessments, and integrated monitoring solutions enable proactive processing approaches that optimize performance and minimize quality defects. However, the market thesis could face disruption if significant advances in alternative protein sources or major changes in processing approaches reduce reliance on traditional okara technologies.

Analysis of the Okara Market by Key Country

Country	CAGR (2025-2035)
India	5.2%
China	4.6%
South Korea	4.2%
Brazil	4.1%
Japan	4.0%
USA	3.9%
Germany	3.8%

The okara market is expanding steadily, with India leading at a 5.2% CAGR through 2035, driven by food processing infrastructure expansion, government-backed protein development programs, and advanced processing adoption. China follows at 4.6%, supported by processing modernization and large-scale agricultural initiatives.

South Korea records 4.2% and Brazil posts 4.1%, reflecting rising adoption of specialized protein processing materials in urban centers. Japan and USA advance at 4.0% and 3.9% respectively, anchored by advanced processing facilities and federal support programs. Germany advances at 3.8%, maintaining leadership in precision processing and EU compliance.

India Leads Global Market Expansion

India demonstrates the strongest growth potential in the okara market with a CAGR of 5.2% through 2035. The country's leadership position stems from food processing infrastructure expansion, government-backed protein development programs, and increasing processing expertise driving the adoption of advanced okara solutions.

Growth is concentrated in major processing centers, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, where food facilities and specialized processing projects are implementing advanced okara solutions for enhanced protein recovery and processing compliance.

Distribution channels through agricultural distributors and food networks expand deployment across specialized processing projects and comprehensive protein initiatives. The country's Food Processing Mission provides policy support for processing modernization, including advanced okara adoption.

Key market factors:

• Processing expansion concentrated in food centers and specialized processing zones with comprehensive protein development programs
• Government support through food processing programs and agricultural infrastructure initiatives
• Comprehensive okara technology ecosystem, including established processor providers with proven track records
• Technology integration featuring advanced processing platforms, extraction systems, and quality optimization technologies

China Emerges as High-Growth Market

In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, the adoption of comprehensive okara solutions is accelerating across processing networks and specialized food facilities, driven by processing modernization targets and government agricultural programs. The market demonstrates strong growth momentum with a CAGR of 4.6% through 2035, linked to comprehensive processing modernization and increasing focus on specialized protein solutions.

Chinese food processors are implementing advanced okara systems and integrated processing platforms to enhance operational outcomes while meeting growing demand in expanding food services and domestic processing sectors. The country's agricultural modernization initiatives create persistent demand for okara solutions, while increasing emphasis on processing advancement drives adoption of advanced protein systems.

Key development areas:

• Processing facilities and food centers leading okara technology adoption with comprehensive modernization programs
• Agricultural channels providing integrated solutions with 85% processing improvement rates
• Technology partnerships between processor companies and food enterprises are expanding market reach
• Integration of advanced processing technologies and comprehensive agricultural management systems

South Korea Shows Strong Regional Leadership

South Korea's market expansion is driven by diverse processing demand, including specialized food centers in Seoul and Busan, and comprehensive processing adoption across multiple provinces. The country demonstrates promising growth potential with a CAGR of 4.2% through 2035, supported by government food processing investment programs and provincial agricultural development initiatives. Korean food processors face implementation challenges related to technology financing constraints and processing expertise availability, requiring phased deployment approaches and support from international suppliers. However, growing protein demands and processing requirements create compelling business cases for okara adoption, particularly in processing areas where protein recovery has a direct impact on operational competitiveness.

In South Korea, the animal feed segment maintains market leadership with 50.0% share, driven by advanced livestock industry and established feed practices. The food segment captures 30.0% market share, while fertilizer applications account for 20.0%, reflecting the country's focus on specialized protein solutions for diverse agricultural requirements.

Market characteristics:

• Specialized food processing and agricultural segments showing fastest growth with 20% annual increase in okara utilization
• Regional expansion trends focused on processing areas in central and southern provinces
• Future projections indicate the need for local technical support infrastructure and processing specialist training programs
• Growing emphasis on processing competitiveness in agricultural operations

Brazil Demonstrates Agricultural Innovation

Brazil's okara market leads in agricultural processing innovation based on integration with large-scale farming systems and specialized processing technologies for enhanced operational performance. The country shows strong potential with a CAGR of 4.1% through 2035, driven by the modernization of existing agricultural infrastructure and the expansion of specialized processing facilities in major agricultural centers, including São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul. Brazilian processors are adopting intelligent okara systems for agricultural enhancement and processing improvement, particularly in regions with advanced farming requirements and specialized applications demanding comprehensive processing upgrades. Technology deployment channels through established agricultural distributors and processing management companies expand coverage across farming facilities and agriculture-focused operators.

Leading market segments:

• Specialized agricultural modernization projects in major processing centers are implementing comprehensive okara upgrades
• Farming partnerships with technology providers, achieving 90% processing performance improvement rates
• Strategic collaborations between processor companies and agricultural operations are expanding market presence
• Focus on high-performance systems and specialized agricultural requirements

Japan Emphasizes Advanced Processing Integration

Japan's okara market demonstrates mature and technology-focused landscape, characterized by sophisticated integration of okara systems with existing processing infrastructure across food facilities, agricultural networks, and specialized processing initiatives. Japan's emphasis on advanced food processing practices and quality standards drives demand for high-reliability okara solutions that support comprehensive processing initiatives and regulatory compliance requirements in food operations. The market benefits from strong partnerships between international processor providers and domestic food leaders, creating comprehensive service ecosystems that prioritize system performance and processing training programs. Processing centers in major food regions showcase advanced okara implementations where food systems achieve 92% performance through integrated monitoring programs.

In Japan, the dry segment maintains market leadership with 60.0% share, driven by advanced processing preferences and established preservation practices. The wet segment captures 40.0% market share, reflecting the country's focus on fresh applications for immediate processing requirements.

United States Emphasizes Processing Modernization

In major processing centers including California, Iowa, Illinois, and Texas, food facilities are implementing comprehensive okara solutions to modernize existing processing infrastructure and improve protein recovery accuracy, with documented case studies showing a 30% improvement in processing outcomes through advanced okara systems. The market shows strong growth potential with a CAGR of 3.9% through 2035, linked to the ongoing modernization of processing facilities, food networks, and emerging specialized processing projects in major regions. American food processors are adopting intelligent okara and monitoring platforms to enhance processing reliability while maintaining quality standards demanded by regulatory authorities and food industries. The country's established processing infrastructure creates persistent demand for system upgrade and modernization solutions that integrate with existing food systems.

Market development factors:

• Processing facilities and food networks leading okara modernization initiatives across United States
• Processing modernization programs providing federal funding support for food and agricultural infrastructure upgrades
• Strategic partnerships between American processing companies and international technology providers are expanding technical capabilities
• Emphasis on advanced processing practices and quality standards compliance across food applications

Germany Shows Technology-Driven Growth

The German market leads in advanced okara innovation based on integration with precision processing systems and specialized food technologies for enhanced operational performance. The country shows strong potential with a CAGR of 3.8% through 2035, driven by the modernization of existing processing infrastructure and the expansion of specialized food facilities in major processing centers, including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. German food processors are adopting intelligent okara systems for regulatory compliance and processing improvement, particularly in regions with advanced processing requirements and specialized applications demanding comprehensive food upgrades. Technology deployment channels through established food distributors and processing management companies expand coverage across processing facilities and food-focused operators.

Leading market segments:

• Specialized processing modernization projects in major food centers are implementing comprehensive okara upgrades
• Food partnerships with technology providers, achieving 95% processing performance improvement rates
• Strategic collaborations between processor companies and food operations are expanding market presence
• Focus on high-performance systems and specialized processing requirements

Europe Market Split by Country

The okara market in Europe is projected to grow from USD 200.0 million in Germany in 2025, maintaining a 22.2% market share, supported by its extensive specialized processing infrastructure, advanced food facilities, and comprehensive okara networks serving major European markets.

France follows with USD 160.0 million and a 17.8% share in 2025, driven by comprehensive food processing programs in major agricultural regions implementing advanced okara management systems. The UK holds USD 130.0 million with a 14.5% share through the ongoing development of specialized processing facilities and advanced food networks. Italy commands USD 110.0 million with a 12.2% share, while Spain accounts for USD 90.0 million with a 10.0% share in 2025. The Rest of Europe region maintains USD 210.0 million with a 23.3% collective share, attributed to increasing okara adoption in Nordic regions and emerging Eastern European processing facilities implementing advanced agricultural programs.

Competitive Landscape of the Okara Market

The okara market features approximately 10-15 meaningful players with moderate concentration, where the top three companies control roughly 25-35% of global market share through established processing product portfolios and extensive food industry relationships. Competition centers on product quality, processing efficiency, and nutritional innovation rather than price competition alone.

Market leaders include Oisix, Marusan Ai, and Morinaga, which maintain competitive advantages through comprehensive okara solution portfolios, regional distribution networks, and deep expertise in the food processing and specialized agricultural sectors, creating moderate switching costs for customers. These companies leverage established processor relationships and ongoing technical support services to defend market positions while expanding into adjacent protein and integrated food applications.

Oisix commands approximately 12.0% market share through advanced processing capabilities and comprehensive technical support services, establishing strong market presence across feed, food, and fertilizer applications.

Challengers encompass Pulmuone and House Foods, which compete through specialized processing formulations and strong regional presence in key food markets. Processing specialists, including Sapporo Holdings, Kikkoman, and Takasago Foods, focus on specific okara technologies or specialized applications, offering differentiated capabilities in protein processing, formulation technology, and application-specific solutions.

Regional players and emerging processing companies create competitive pressure through innovative formulations and rapid market deployment capabilities, particularly in high-growth markets including India and China, where local presence provides advantages in processor support and regulatory compliance. Market dynamics favor companies that combine advanced processing technologies with comprehensive technical services that address the complete food lifecycle from product development through ongoing application support and performance management.

Global Okara Market - Stakeholder Contribution Framework

Okara solutions represent a critical processing technology that enables food providers, agricultural institutions, and processing departments to enhance protein recovery accuracy and operational effectiveness without substantial infrastructure requirements, typically providing 80-90% protein extraction rates comparable to conventional disposal alternatives while improving processing outcomes.

With the market projected to grow from USD 980.0 million in 2025 to USD 1,520.0 million by 2035 at a 4.5% CAGR, these solutions offer compelling advantages - superior nutritional outcomes, enhanced protein recovery, and waste reduction capabilities - making them essential for specialized processing practices (growing segment), comprehensive food operations (expanding adoption), and diverse industrial applications seeking reliable protein solutions. Scaling market penetration and processing capabilities requires coordinated action across food policy, industry standards, processor manufacturers, okara technology providers, and research institutions.

How Governments Could Spur Local Production and Adoption?

• Processing Development Programs: Include okara capabilities in national food development initiatives, providing targeted funding for specialized processing facilities in underserved regions and supporting local processor companies through innovation grants and development support.
• Tax Policy & R&D Support: Implement accelerated depreciation schedules for processing production equipment, provide tax incentives for companies investing in advanced okara and processing technologies, and establish favorable research accounting standards that encourage okara adoption over conventional disposal approaches.
• Regulatory Framework Development: Create streamlined okara registration processes across specialized and general food applications, establish clear performance testing frameworks for okara operation, and develop international harmonization protocols that facilitate cross-border product trade.
• Skills Development & Training: Fund vocational programs for processing technicians, food specialists, and agricultural professionals. Invest in technology transfer initiatives that bridge academic research with commercial okara development and processing optimization systems.
• Market Access & Competition: Establish procurement policies that favor advanced okara solutions for government food applications, support small and medium processing operations through preferential lending programs, and create regulatory environments that encourage innovation in processing technologies.

How Industry Bodies Could Support Market Development?

• Performance Standards & Certification: Define standardized performance metrics for okara systems across specialized, general, and integrated food applications, establish universal performance and safety protocols, and create certification programs for product performance that food providers can rely on.
• Market Education & Best Practices: Lead messaging that demonstrates okara advantages, emphasizing improved processing outcomes, enhanced nutritional effectiveness, and superior quality compatibility compared to conventional disposal alternatives.
• Technology Integration Standards: Develop interoperability standards for okara systems, comprehensive processing compatibility guidelines, and advanced food platforms, ensuring seamless integration across different processing environments and food requirements.
• Professional Development: Run certification programs for food practitioners, processing specialists, and technical service teams on optimizing okara performance, quality management, and advanced processing in competitive food markets.

How Manufacturers and Technology Players Could Strengthen the Ecosystem?

• Advanced Okara Development: Develop next-generation okara products with enhanced nutritional capabilities, improved preservation stability, and application-specific processing features that enhance food reliability while improving nutritional outcomes.
• Intelligence Platforms: Provide comprehensive processing software that integrates quality monitoring, extraction timing, predictive modeling, and performance optimization, enabling food providers to maximize system performance and operational efficiency.
• Service & Support Networks: Offer flexible support programs for processing operations and food departments, including technical training options, processing consultation services, and performance optimization pathways that keep okara systems current with industry demands.
• Research & Development Networks: Build comprehensive R&D capabilities, collaborative processing innovation programs, and food development systems that ensure okara technologies maintain high performance rates and consistent quality across diverse processing environments.

Key Players in the Okara Market

• Oisix ra Daichi Inc.
• Marusan Ai Co. Ltd.
• Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd.
• Pulmuone Co. Ltd.
• House Foods Group Inc.
• Sapporo Holdings Limited
• Kikkoman Corporation
• Takasago Foods Corporation
• Soy Innovations LLC
• Danone S.A.
• Tofu Co. Ltd.
• AgriLife Japan Co. Ltd.
• Ito En Ltd.
• Fujioil Co. Ltd.
• Sundine Co. Ltd.

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units (2025)	USD 980.0 Million
Form	Dry, Wet
Application	Animal Feed, Food, Fertilizer, Others
Distribution Channel	B2B, Retail
Regions Covered	Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Countries Covered	India, China, South Korea, Brazil, Japan, USA, Germany, and 40+ countries
Key Companies Profiled	Oisix, Marusan Ai, Morinaga, Pulmuone, House Foods, Sapporo Holdings, Kikkoman, Takasago Foods, Soy Innovations, Danone, Tofu Co., AgriLife Japan, Ito En, Fujioil, Sundine
Additional Attributes	Dollar sales by form and application categories, regional adoption trends across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America, competitive landscape with processing solution providers and food companies, processing facility requirements and specifications, integration with advanced food processing initiatives and specialized agricultural platforms.

Okara Market by Segments

• Form :

  • Dry
  • Wet

• Application :

  • Animal Feed
  • Food
  • Fertilizer
  • Others

• Distribution Channel :

  • B2B
  • Retail

• Region :

  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Nordic
    • BENELUX
    • Rest of Europe
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Chile
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    • Other GCC Countries
    • Turkey
    • South Africa
    • Other African Union
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa