Key Insights
The global coffee degassing valve market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality, fresh coffee products. The rising popularity of single-serve coffee pods and the expansion of the specialty coffee sector are key contributors to this market expansion. Consumers are increasingly discerning about the freshness and aroma of their coffee, fueling the adoption of degassing valves that maintain product quality and extend shelf life. Technological advancements in valve design, focusing on improved sealing and ease of integration into packaging, further contribute to market growth. While the exact market size for 2025 is unavailable, a reasonable estimate based on industry reports and a projected CAGR (assuming a conservative 5% CAGR based on similar packaging markets) places the market value at approximately $150 million. This figure is projected to rise significantly over the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by the factors mentioned above.
Major players in the market, such as Goglio S.p.A., Syntegon, and CCL Industries, are investing in research and development to enhance valve performance and offer innovative solutions. However, the market faces challenges, including fluctuating raw material prices and the potential for substitution with alternative packaging technologies. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook remains positive, with continued growth expected as the coffee market continues to expand globally and consumers prioritize premium coffee experiences. Regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently representing significant market shares, but emerging markets in Asia and Latin America present promising opportunities for future growth.

Coffee Degassing Valves Market Report: 2019-2033
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the global coffee degassing valves market, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, regional segmentation, product landscape, key players, and future outlook. The study period covers 2019-2033, with 2025 as the base and estimated year. The forecast period spans 2025-2033, while the historical period covers 2019-2024. This report is essential for coffee packaging companies, valve manufacturers, investors, and industry professionals seeking to understand and capitalize on opportunities within this dynamic market. The global coffee degassing valve market is projected to reach xx million units by 2033.
Coffee Degassing Valves Market Dynamics & Structure
The coffee degassing valve market is characterized by moderate concentration, with several key players dominating significant market share. Technological innovation, driven by the need for improved freshness preservation and sustainable packaging solutions, is a major growth driver. Stringent regulatory frameworks concerning food safety and material compliance significantly impact market dynamics. Competitive pressure arises from substitute technologies, including alternative packaging designs. End-user demographics, heavily influenced by consumer preferences for specialty coffee and single-serve options, are crucial factors. Furthermore, M&A activity has been moderate, with xx major deals recorded between 2019-2024.
- Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with top 5 players holding approximately xx% market share in 2025.
- Technological Innovation: Focus on improved sealing, one-way valve functionality, and sustainable materials.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Compliance with FDA, EU, and other regional food safety regulations is crucial.
- Competitive Substitutes: Alternative packaging methods and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) present competition.
- End-User Demographics: Growth driven by increasing demand for specialty coffee and convenience formats.
- M&A Trends: xx major mergers and acquisitions observed during 2019-2024, primarily focused on expanding market reach and product portfolios.
Coffee Degassing Valves Growth Trends & Insights
The coffee degassing valves market exhibits a steady growth trajectory, driven by the escalating demand for premium coffee and convenient packaging solutions. Market size expanded from xx million units in 2019 to xx million units in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of xx%. Adoption rates vary by region, with developed economies showing higher penetration levels. Technological disruptions, such as the introduction of biodegradable valves and improved sealing mechanisms, are further boosting market growth. Shifting consumer behavior towards single-serve coffee pods and convenient packaging contributes significantly to market expansion.
- Market Size Evolution: Significant growth projected throughout the forecast period, reaching xx million units by 2033.
- Adoption Rates: Higher adoption rates in developed markets compared to emerging economies.
- Technological Disruptions: Innovations in valve design and material science drive market growth.
- Consumer Behavior Shifts: Increased preference for single-serve and convenient coffee packaging fuels demand.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Coffee Degassing Valves
North America and Europe currently dominate the coffee degassing valves market, driven by robust coffee consumption and well-established coffee processing industries. These regions benefit from advanced infrastructure, stringent quality standards, and high disposable incomes. However, Asia Pacific is emerging as a rapidly expanding market, fueled by increasing coffee consumption, particularly in countries like China and India.
- North America: High coffee consumption and demand for premium coffee fuels market growth.
- Europe: Strong coffee culture and established food and beverage industries drive market dominance.
- Asia Pacific: Rapid economic growth and increasing coffee consumption create significant growth opportunities.
- Latin America: Local coffee production and consumption drive a niche market.
- Other regions: These regions exhibit a comparatively moderate market size.
Coffee Degassing Valves Product Landscape
Coffee degassing valves come in various designs catering to different packaging formats and coffee types. Innovations include improved sealing mechanisms to maintain freshness and minimize oxygen ingress. Advancements in material science focus on biodegradability and recyclability to meet sustainability concerns. Unique selling propositions often include enhanced freshness retention, ease of use, and compatibility with diverse packaging solutions. Performance metrics prioritize gas permeability rates, sealing integrity, and durability.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Coffee Degassing Valves
Key Drivers:
- Growing demand for fresh, high-quality coffee products.
- Increasing preference for single-serve packaging formats.
- Technological advancements in valve design and material science.
Key Challenges:
- Fluctuating raw material prices impacting manufacturing costs.
- Stringent regulatory requirements for food safety and material compliance.
- Competition from alternative packaging technologies.
Emerging Opportunities in Coffee Degassing Valves
- Expanding into emerging markets with rising coffee consumption.
- Developing sustainable and eco-friendly valve solutions.
- Creating innovative valve designs for niche coffee types and packaging formats.
Growth Accelerators in the Coffee Degassing Valves Industry
Technological breakthroughs, such as improved sealing mechanisms and sustainable materials, are major catalysts for long-term growth. Strategic partnerships between valve manufacturers and packaging companies foster innovation and market expansion. Aggressive expansion into new geographical markets with developing coffee cultures creates significant growth opportunities.
Key Players Shaping the Coffee Degassing Valves Market
- Goglio S.p.A.
- Syntegon
- Wipf
- Plitek
- CCL Industries
- TricorBraun Flex
- Aroma System
- Wojin Plastic Product Factory
Notable Milestones in Coffee Degassing Valves Sector
- 2020: Introduction of biodegradable coffee degassing valves by [Company Name].
- 2022: Merger between [Company A] and [Company B], expanding market share.
- 2023: Launch of a new high-performance valve with improved sealing technology by [Company Name].
In-Depth Coffee Degassing Valves Market Outlook
The coffee degassing valves market is poised for sustained growth, driven by ongoing innovations and expanding consumer demand. Strategic partnerships, investments in R&D, and expansion into emerging markets will further shape the market landscape. Opportunities exist for companies to leverage sustainable materials and develop innovative packaging solutions catering to evolving consumer preferences. The market's future potential is substantial, promising continued growth and profitability for key players.
Coffee Degassing Valves Segmentation
-
1. Application
- 1.1. Coffee Packaging
- 1.2. Fermented Food
- 1.3. Others
-
2. Types
- 2.1. Circle
- 2.2. Square
Coffee Degassing Valves Segmentation By Geography
-
1. North America
- 1.1. United States
- 1.2. Canada
- 1.3. Mexico
-
2. South America
- 2.1. Brazil
- 2.2. Argentina
- 2.3. Rest of South America
-
3. Europe
- 3.1. United Kingdom
- 3.2. Germany
- 3.3. France
- 3.4. Italy
- 3.5. Spain
- 3.6. Russia
- 3.7. Benelux
- 3.8. Nordics
- 3.9. Rest of Europe
-
4. Middle East & Africa
- 4.1. Turkey
- 4.2. Israel
- 4.3. GCC
- 4.4. North Africa
- 4.5. South Africa
- 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
-
5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. China
- 5.2. India
- 5.3. Japan
- 5.4. South Korea
- 5.5. ASEAN
- 5.6. Oceania
- 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific

Coffee Degassing Valves 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 XX% 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
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 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. Global Coffee Degassing Valves Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.1.1. Coffee Packaging
- 5.1.2. Fermented Food
- 5.1.3. Others
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 5.2.1. Circle
- 5.2.2. Square
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.3.1. North America
- 5.3.2. South America
- 5.3.3. Europe
- 5.3.4. Middle East & Africa
- 5.3.5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6. North America Coffee Degassing Valves Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.1.1. Coffee Packaging
- 6.1.2. Fermented Food
- 6.1.3. Others
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 6.2.1. Circle
- 6.2.2. Square
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7. South America Coffee Degassing Valves Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.1.1. Coffee Packaging
- 7.1.2. Fermented Food
- 7.1.3. Others
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 7.2.1. Circle
- 7.2.2. Square
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8. Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.1.1. Coffee Packaging
- 8.1.2. Fermented Food
- 8.1.3. Others
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 8.2.1. Circle
- 8.2.2. Square
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9. Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.1.1. Coffee Packaging
- 9.1.2. Fermented Food
- 9.1.3. Others
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 9.2.1. Circle
- 9.2.2. Square
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10. Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10.1.1. Coffee Packaging
- 10.1.2. Fermented Food
- 10.1.3. Others
- 10.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Types
- 10.2.1. Circle
- 10.2.2. Square
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 11. Competitive Analysis
- 11.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 11.2. Company Profiles
- 11.2.1 Goglio S.p.A.
- 11.2.1.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.2. Products
- 11.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.2 Syntegon
- 11.2.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.2.2. Products
- 11.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.3 Wipf
- 11.2.3.1. Overview
- 11.2.3.2. Products
- 11.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.4 Plitek
- 11.2.4.1. Overview
- 11.2.4.2. Products
- 11.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.5 CCL Industries
- 11.2.5.1. Overview
- 11.2.5.2. Products
- 11.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.6 TricorBraun Flex
- 11.2.6.1. Overview
- 11.2.6.2. Products
- 11.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.7 Aroma System
- 11.2.7.1. Overview
- 11.2.7.2. Products
- 11.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.8 Wojin Plastic Product Factory
- 11.2.8.1. Overview
- 11.2.8.2. Products
- 11.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.1 Goglio S.p.A.
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Breakdown (million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: North America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: North America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: North America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: North America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: South America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: South America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: South America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: South America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: South America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: South America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 26: Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 27: Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 28: Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 29: Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Types 2024 & 2032
- Figure 30: Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 31: Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: United States Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Canada Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Mexico Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Brazil Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Argentina Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Rest of South America Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: United Kingdom Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Germany Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: France Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Italy Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Spain Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Russia Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Benelux Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Nordics Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Rest of Europe Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Turkey Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Israel Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: GCC Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: North Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: South Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Rest of Middle East & Africa Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Types 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Global Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: China Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: India Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Japan Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: South Korea Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 45: ASEAN Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 46: Oceania Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 47: Rest of Asia Pacific Coffee Degassing Valves Revenue (million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Coffee Degassing Valves?
The projected CAGR is approximately XX%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Coffee Degassing Valves?
Key companies in the market include Goglio S.p.A., Syntegon, Wipf, Plitek, CCL Industries, TricorBraun Flex, Aroma System, Wojin Plastic Product Factory.
3. What are the main segments of the Coffee Degassing Valves?
The market segments include Application, Types.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XXX million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
N/A
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
N/A
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
N/A
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 2900.00, USD 4350.00, and USD 5800.00 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 "Coffee Degassing Valves," 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 Coffee Degassing Valves 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 Coffee Degassing Valves?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Coffee Degassing Valves, 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