Research Report: Applications of Agricultural Commodities & Industry Landscape
Applications of Agricultural Commodities & Industry Landscape in Pakistan
Abstract:
This paper explores the diverse applications of core agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, rice, and
tomato in industrial, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and energy domains. It further provides a corporate
landscape of leading agribusinesses in Pakistan - Rafhan Maize, Matco Foods, Habib Rice Products, ACT
Polyols, and Shafi Gluco Chem - highlighting their product portfolios, export strategies, technological
adoption, and sustainability commitments.
1. Introduction
Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan's economy, contributing significantly to GDP and export
revenue. Among the key crops, corn, wheat, rice, and tomato are not only food staples but also serve as raw
material for a variety of industrial and consumer products. This paper examines these agricultural applications
and profiles major value-added manufacturers driving innovation and growth in the sector.
2. Applications of Key Agricultural Products
Corn-Based Products:
Corn is one of the most industrially versatile crops, processed into a range of food, fuel, pharmaceutical, and
industrial products.
- Corn Starch: A core thickening agent in sauces and soups, also used in textiles and paper.
- Corn Flour / Cornmeal: Base for tortillas, cornbread, and snack production.
- Corn Syrup / HFCS: Widely used sweetener in beverages, bakery, and confectionery.
- Corn Oil: Used for frying, salad dressings, and margarine.
- Corn Grits & Corn Flakes: Used in ready-to-eat cereals and snacks.
- Bioethanol: A key biofuel blended with gasoline to reduce emissions.
- Bioplastics (PLA): Used in compostable packaging and cutlery.
- Lysine & Sorbitol: Fermentation products used in animal nutrition and pharma.
- DDGS & Gluten Meal: High-protein animal feed by-products.
Tomato-Based Products:
Tomatoes are processed into culinary and nutraceutical products, providing lycopene and extended shelf-life
ingredients.
- Tomato Paste, Puree, Ketchup, Sauce: Used in global cuisines for flavor and texture.
Research Report: Applications of Agricultural Commodities & Industry Landscape
- Tomato Juice: Health beverage and cocktail base.
- Dried Tomato & Powder: Used in seasoning and snacks.
- Lycopene: Antioxidant supplement in heart and skin health.
- Tomato Seed Oil: Cosmetic formulations.
- Tomato Waste Compost: Used for soil enrichment.
Rice-Based Products:
Rice provides high-value derivatives from grain and by-products with uses in nutrition, cosmetics, pharma,
and industry.
- Rice Flour, Syrup, and Bran Oil: Used in gluten-free foods and healthy cooking.
- Rice Protein: A hypoallergenic protein for supplements and sports nutrition.
- Maltodextrin & Syrup Solids: Texturizers and carriers in snacks, drinks, and capsules.
- Biochar, Husk Ash: Used in construction and agriculture.
- Rice Milk & Vegan Beverages: Non-dairy alternatives for lactose-intolerant consumers.
Wheat-Based Products:
Wheat is a major staple crop transformed into food, feed, fuel, and industrial raw materials.
- Wheat Flour, Semolina, Gluten: Key for baking, pasta, and meat substitutes.
- Wheat Germ & Bran: Nutritional additives and digestive health enhancers.
- Wheat Starch & Bioethanol: Widely used in food and renewable fuel sectors.
- Wheat Straw: Used in compost, packaging, and biodegradable alternatives.
3. Leading Agribusinesses in Pakistan
Rafhan Maize Products Ltd.:
Rafhan Maize, an affiliate of Ingredion USA, has been a leader in corn processing since 1953.
- Starches and Sweeteners: Supplying to food, beverage, textile, paper, and pharma sectors.
- Manufacturing Sites: Three large plants in Pakistan with modern R&D and quality systems.
- Sustainable Focus: Aflatoxin control and regenerative farming via SAI platform membership.
Matco Foods Ltd.:
Matco is a vertically integrated basmati rice exporter and ingredient producer active in over 65 countries.
- Offers conventional and organic rice, syrups, maltodextrins, proteins, and Himalayan salts.
- Maize Division (MAT series): Produces pharma, food-grade, and industrial starch solutions.
- Private Labeling and Global Supply Chains: Serves over 150 corporate clients.
Research Report: Applications of Agricultural Commodities & Industry Landscape
Habib Rice Products Ltd. (HRPL):
Founded in 1982, HRPL is the most diversified producer of rice-based functional ingredients in Pakistan.
- High-fructose rice syrups, maltodextrin, rice proteins, and dietary fiber products.
- ISO, HACCP, and Organic certified, with robust R&D and custom manufacturing capabilities.
- Fully vertically integrated-from raw rice to final processed goods for global markets.
ACT Polyols:
ACT Polyols was formed in 2017 to serve global demand for clean-label and organic rice-based ingredients.
- Produces rice-based maltodextrin, syrup solids, sorbitol, proteins, and maltitol.
- Annual capacity exceeds 50,000 TPA of functional ingredients.
- Compliant with major food safety and ethical certifications including GMP+, ISO, Organic.
Shafi Gluco Chem:
Shafi Gluco Chem is a global leader in organic sweeteners and proteins, exporting to 90+ countries.
- Rice & Tapioca Syrups, Solids, Proteins, Flours, and Milk Powders for food, pharma, and health industries.
- Advanced automated systems and global certifications ensure clean-label, additive-free solutions.
- Strong global partnerships (e.g., Suzanne's USA, Navitalo EU) and in-house innovation drive growth.
4. Conclusion
The industrial application of agricultural commodities in Pakistan presents tremendous value addition and
export potential. With companies like Rafhan Maize, Matco, ACT Polyols, and Shafi Gluco Chem pioneering
in starches, sweeteners, proteins, and bio-based materials, the sector is transitioning from basic processing to
integrated, sustainable, and innovation-driven supply chains. Enhancing value-added processing and
certification, while improving farmer-industry linkages, remains key to global competitiveness.
