Key Insights
The North American beverage ingredient market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. The increasing demand for functional beverages, including those offering health benefits like improved immunity or enhanced energy, is a major catalyst. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and clean-label ingredients, prompting manufacturers to reformulate products with sustainable and ethically sourced options. This trend is further fueled by the growing popularity of plant-based beverages and the expanding functional food and beverage market. The market's segmentation reflects diverse consumer preferences, with functional food ingredients, specialty starches and sweeteners, and flavors and colorants holding significant market share. Growth is also fueled by innovation in product development and the rising adoption of advanced technologies in beverage manufacturing.
However, the market faces certain challenges. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly for agricultural commodities used in beverage production, can impact profitability. Stricter regulatory compliance requirements regarding food safety and labeling also pose challenges for manufacturers. Nevertheless, the overall market outlook remains positive, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.51% from 2025 to 2033. Key players such as Cargill, ADM, DuPont, Sensient Technologies, Tate & Lyle, BASF, Ingredion, and Kerry Group are strategically positioned to capitalize on these trends through product diversification, research and development, and strategic partnerships. The increasing focus on convenient and ready-to-drink beverages further contributes to the market's expansion, particularly within the bakery products, beverages, dairy products, confectionery, and sauces and condiments segments.
North America Beverage Ingredient Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the North America beverage ingredient market, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders, investors, and strategic decision-makers. Covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 as the base year, this report offers a meticulous examination of market dynamics, growth drivers, challenges, and emerging opportunities. The study period spans the historical period (2019-2024), the estimated year (2025), and the forecast period (2025-2033). The market size is presented in Millions across all segments.

North America Beverage Ingredient Market Concentration & Innovation
The North American beverage ingredient market exhibits a moderately concentrated structure, with a few dominant players holding significant market share. Cargill Incorporated, The Archer Daniels Midland Company, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Sensient Technologies, Tate & Lyle PLC, BASF SE, Ingredion Incorporated, and Kerry Group plc are some of the key players shaping the market landscape. Their combined market share in 2025 is estimated at xx%, indicating significant consolidation. However, the presence of several smaller, specialized players contributes to a dynamic competitive environment.
Innovation is a key driver, fueled by the rising demand for functional beverages, clean-label ingredients, and customized flavor profiles. Significant investments in R&D are observed across the value chain, leading to the introduction of novel ingredients and improved processing technologies. Regulatory frameworks, including food safety standards and labeling requirements, influence ingredient choices and innovation strategies. The market witnesses continuous development of product substitutes, particularly in the areas of natural sweeteners and coloring agents. Consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable options drive innovation towards plant-based ingredients and reduced sugar content. M&A activities are prevalent, with deal values reaching xx Million in 2024, reflecting the ongoing consolidation and expansion strategies of key players.
- Market Share: Cargill Incorporated (xx%), ADM (xx%), DuPont (xx%), Others (xx%) (2025 estimates)
- M&A Deal Value (2024): xx Million
- Innovation Focus: Functional ingredients, clean labels, natural alternatives, sustainable sourcing.
North America Beverage Ingredient Market Industry Trends & Insights
The North American beverage ingredient market is experiencing robust growth, driven by several factors. The increasing demand for ready-to-drink beverages, functional drinks, and premium beverages fuels the demand for high-quality ingredients. Technological advancements in food processing and ingredient modification are leading to improved product quality, extended shelf life, and enhanced functionalities. Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier and more natural options, driving the demand for organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced ingredients. The rising health consciousness is leading to increased consumption of functional beverages, which boosts the demand for ingredients that offer specific health benefits. The competitive landscape is characterized by intense competition among established players and the emergence of new entrants, leading to innovation and price competition. The market is projected to experience a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), with significant market penetration expected in emerging beverage categories.

Dominant Markets & Segments in North America Beverage Ingredient Market
Within the North American beverage ingredient market, the Beverages application segment holds the dominant position, accounting for xx% of the total market value in 2025. This dominance is fueled by the significant growth of the ready-to-drink beverage industry and the increasing consumption of various beverage types. Among product types, Flavors and Colorants represent the largest segment, reflecting the importance of taste and visual appeal in the beverage market. The United States constitutes the leading national market, driven by high per capita consumption of beverages and a well-established food and beverage industry.
Key Drivers for Beverages Application Segment: Growth in ready-to-drink beverages, increasing consumer demand for diverse flavor profiles, and convenience.
Key Drivers for Flavors and Colorants Product Type: Consumer preference for visually appealing and flavorful beverages, technological advancements in flavor creation, and innovation in natural colorants.
Key Drivers for United States Market: Large and mature beverage market, robust economy, and well-developed food processing infrastructure.
Geographic Dominance: United States (xx% market share in 2025), followed by Canada and Mexico.
Product Type Dominance: Flavors and Colorants (xx% market share in 2025)
Application Dominance: Beverages (xx% market share in 2025)
North America Beverage Ingredient Market Product Developments
Recent product innovations focus on clean-label ingredients, natural flavors, and functional components. Companies are developing and launching novel ingredients that cater to consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable options. Advancements in extraction and processing technologies are improving the efficacy and quality of ingredients. Many companies are focusing on expanding their product portfolio to cater to growing demand in specific beverage applications and consumer segments. These developments contribute significantly to the competitive advantage of firms in the market.
Report Scope & Segmentation Analysis
This report segments the North America beverage ingredient market by Product Type (Functional Food Ingredient, Specialty Starch and Sweetener, Flavors and Colorants, Acidulants, Preservatives, Enzymes, Specialty Oil and Fats, Others) and Application (Bakery Products, Beverages, Dairy Products, Confectionery, Sauces, Dressings and Condiments, Other Applications). Each segment is analyzed in detail, providing market size, growth projections, and competitive dynamics. The Beverages application segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing consumption of diverse beverages. Similarly, the Flavors and Colorants product type segment is expected to maintain its market leadership driven by consumer preference and innovation in natural color and flavor solutions.
Key Drivers of North America Beverage Ingredient Market Growth
Several factors contribute to the growth of the North America beverage ingredient market. These include increasing consumer demand for healthier and more convenient beverage options, technological advancements enabling improved product quality and functionality, rising disposable incomes leading to increased spending on premium beverages, and favorable regulatory environments promoting innovation in the food and beverage sector. The expanding ready-to-drink beverage market and growing interest in functional beverages further drive market expansion.
Challenges in the North America Beverage Ingredient Market Sector
The North America beverage ingredient market faces several challenges, including stringent regulatory requirements for food safety and labeling, fluctuations in raw material prices impacting cost structures, intense competition among established players and the emergence of new entrants, and concerns regarding ingredient sourcing and sustainability. These factors contribute to price volatility and pressure on profit margins within the industry.
Emerging Opportunities in North America Beverage Ingredient Market
Emerging opportunities exist in areas such as the growing demand for natural, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients, the increasing popularity of functional beverages with health benefits, technological advancements offering improved ingredient functionalities, and the rise of personalized and customized beverages. Further exploration into plant-based ingredients and alternative sweeteners presents significant growth potential.
Leading Players in the North America Beverage Ingredient Market Market
- Cargill Incorporated
- The Archer Daniels Midland Company
- DuPont de Nemours Inc
- Sensient Technologies
- Tate & Lyle PLC
- BASF SE
- Ingredion Incorporated
- Kerry Group plc
Key Developments in North America Beverage Ingredient Market Industry
- 2024 Q4: Cargill Incorporated launched a new line of plant-based protein ingredients for beverages.
- 2023 Q3: ADM acquired a smaller specialty ingredient producer, expanding its portfolio of natural flavors.
- 2022 Q2: DuPont introduced a new high-intensity sweetener with reduced aftertaste. (Further developments to be added based on actual data)
Strategic Outlook for North America Beverage Ingredient Market Market
The North America beverage ingredient market is poised for continued growth, driven by sustained demand for healthier and more innovative beverage products. The focus on clean-label ingredients, natural flavors, and functional components will remain a key driver of innovation. Companies that successfully adapt to changing consumer preferences and effectively manage supply chain challenges will be well-positioned to capture significant market share during the forecast period. The ongoing focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing will also play a crucial role in shaping the market's future.
North America Beverage Ingredient Market Segmentation
-
1. Product Type
- 1.1. Functional Food Ingredient
- 1.2. Specialty Starch and Sweetener
- 1.3. Flavors and Colorants
- 1.4. Acidulants
- 1.5. Preservative
- 1.6. Enzyme
- 1.7. Specialty Oil and Fats
- 1.8. Others
-
2. Application
- 2.1. Bakery Products
- 2.2. Beverages
- 2.3. Dairy Dairy Products
- 2.4. Confectionery
- 2.5. Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
- 2.6. Other Applications
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. United States
- 3.2. Canada
- 3.3. Mexico
- 3.4. Rest of North America
North America Beverage Ingredient Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Canada
- 3. Mexico
- 4. Rest of North America

North America Beverage Ingredient Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 4.51% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Demand for Low-Fat and Low-Calorie Food; Increasing Product Innovation
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. ; Threat of New Entrants; Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers; Bargaining Power of Suppliers; Threat of Substitute Products; Degree Of Competition
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Innovative Product Offerings Necessitate The Use Of Specialty Food Ingredients
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 5.1.1. Functional Food Ingredient
- 5.1.2. Specialty Starch and Sweetener
- 5.1.3. Flavors and Colorants
- 5.1.4. Acidulants
- 5.1.5. Preservative
- 5.1.6. Enzyme
- 5.1.7. Specialty Oil and Fats
- 5.1.8. Others
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.2.1. Bakery Products
- 5.2.2. Beverages
- 5.2.3. Dairy Dairy Products
- 5.2.4. Confectionery
- 5.2.5. Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
- 5.2.6. Other Applications
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. United States
- 5.3.2. Canada
- 5.3.3. Mexico
- 5.3.4. Rest of North America
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. United States
- 5.4.2. Canada
- 5.4.3. Mexico
- 5.4.4. Rest of North America
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 6. United States North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 6.1.1. Functional Food Ingredient
- 6.1.2. Specialty Starch and Sweetener
- 6.1.3. Flavors and Colorants
- 6.1.4. Acidulants
- 6.1.5. Preservative
- 6.1.6. Enzyme
- 6.1.7. Specialty Oil and Fats
- 6.1.8. Others
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.2.1. Bakery Products
- 6.2.2. Beverages
- 6.2.3. Dairy Dairy Products
- 6.2.4. Confectionery
- 6.2.5. Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
- 6.2.6. Other Applications
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. United States
- 6.3.2. Canada
- 6.3.3. Mexico
- 6.3.4. Rest of North America
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 7. Canada North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 7.1.1. Functional Food Ingredient
- 7.1.2. Specialty Starch and Sweetener
- 7.1.3. Flavors and Colorants
- 7.1.4. Acidulants
- 7.1.5. Preservative
- 7.1.6. Enzyme
- 7.1.7. Specialty Oil and Fats
- 7.1.8. Others
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.2.1. Bakery Products
- 7.2.2. Beverages
- 7.2.3. Dairy Dairy Products
- 7.2.4. Confectionery
- 7.2.5. Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
- 7.2.6. Other Applications
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. United States
- 7.3.2. Canada
- 7.3.3. Mexico
- 7.3.4. Rest of North America
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 8. Mexico North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 8.1.1. Functional Food Ingredient
- 8.1.2. Specialty Starch and Sweetener
- 8.1.3. Flavors and Colorants
- 8.1.4. Acidulants
- 8.1.5. Preservative
- 8.1.6. Enzyme
- 8.1.7. Specialty Oil and Fats
- 8.1.8. Others
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.2.1. Bakery Products
- 8.2.2. Beverages
- 8.2.3. Dairy Dairy Products
- 8.2.4. Confectionery
- 8.2.5. Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
- 8.2.6. Other Applications
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. United States
- 8.3.2. Canada
- 8.3.3. Mexico
- 8.3.4. Rest of North America
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 9. Rest of North America North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 9.1.1. Functional Food Ingredient
- 9.1.2. Specialty Starch and Sweetener
- 9.1.3. Flavors and Colorants
- 9.1.4. Acidulants
- 9.1.5. Preservative
- 9.1.6. Enzyme
- 9.1.7. Specialty Oil and Fats
- 9.1.8. Others
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.2.1. Bakery Products
- 9.2.2. Beverages
- 9.2.3. Dairy Dairy Products
- 9.2.4. Confectionery
- 9.2.5. Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
- 9.2.6. Other Applications
- 9.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 9.3.1. United States
- 9.3.2. Canada
- 9.3.3. Mexico
- 9.3.4. Rest of North America
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 10. United States North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Canada North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Mexico North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Rest of North America North America Beverage Ingredient Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14. Competitive Analysis
- 14.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 14.2. Company Profiles
- 14.2.1 Cargill Incorporated
- 14.2.1.1. Overview
- 14.2.1.2. Products
- 14.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.2 The Archer Daniels Midland Company
- 14.2.2.1. Overview
- 14.2.2.2. Products
- 14.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.3 DuPont de Nemours Inc
- 14.2.3.1. Overview
- 14.2.3.2. Products
- 14.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.4 Sensient Technologies*List Not Exhaustive
- 14.2.4.1. Overview
- 14.2.4.2. Products
- 14.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.5 Tate & Lyle PLC
- 14.2.5.1. Overview
- 14.2.5.2. Products
- 14.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.6 BASF SE
- 14.2.6.1. Overview
- 14.2.6.2. Products
- 14.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.7 Ingredion Incorporated
- 14.2.7.1. Overview
- 14.2.7.2. Products
- 14.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.8 Kerry Group plc
- 14.2.8.1. Overview
- 14.2.8.2. Products
- 14.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.1 Cargill Incorporated
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: United States North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Canada North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Mexico North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Rest of North America North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: North America Beverage Ingredient Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Beverage Ingredient Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 4.51%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Beverage Ingredient Market?
Key companies in the market include Cargill Incorporated, The Archer Daniels Midland Company, DuPont de Nemours Inc, Sensient Technologies*List Not Exhaustive, Tate & Lyle PLC, BASF SE, Ingredion Incorporated, Kerry Group plc.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Beverage Ingredient Market?
The market segments include Product Type, Application, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Demand for Low-Fat and Low-Calorie Food; Increasing Product Innovation.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Innovative Product Offerings Necessitate The Use Of Specialty Food Ingredients.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
; Threat of New Entrants; Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers; Bargaining Power of Suppliers; Threat of Substitute Products; Degree Of Competition.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Beverage Ingredient Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Beverage Ingredient Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Beverage Ingredient Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Beverage Ingredient Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence