Specialty Flours Global Market Report 2025

The specialty flours market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.02 billion in 2024 to $13.11 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of artisanal and specialty bakeries, ethnic and international cuisine trends, innovation in food product development, rise of home baking trends, focus on sustainable and organic products.

The specialty flours market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to " $19.61 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to functional flour trends, plant-based diets and veganism, adoption of ancient grains, custom blends and mixes, investments in sustainable sourcing, focus on gut health. Major trends in the forecast period include innovation in gluten-modified flours, online retail channel growth, clean label and non-GMO trends, focus on sustainable and ethical sourcing, advancements in milling technology, health and wellness messaging.

The forecast of 10.6% growth over the next five years reflects a slight reduction of 0.2% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by increasing prices for gluten-free and organic baked goods, as alternative flours like almond and chickpea are imported from Spain and Italy.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The rising demand for premium foods is anticipated to drive the growth of the specialty flours market in the coming years. Premium foods refer to high-quality products that come with a higher price tag. This demand stems from growing consumer awareness about health and wellness, a preference for organic and high-quality ingredients, and a willingness to invest in products perceived to offer better taste and nutritional advantages. Specialty flours are particularly sought after because they provide unique benefits such as aroma, texture, and shape, and they are complete and balanced, containing all the essential nutrients that pets require in appropriate proportions while being highly digestible. For example, in February 2024, the GOV.UK reported that the UK produced nearly 24.3 million tonnes of cereals, including wheat, barley, oats, and minor cereals (like rye, triticale, and mixed grain) in 2022, marking an 8% increase from 2021. Thus, the increasing demand for premium foods is expected to significantly boost the specialty flours market in the years ahead.

The growing interest in health trends is projected to further stimulate the growth of the specialty flours market in the near future. Health trends refer to popular movements or shifts in consumer behavior regarding health and wellness. Specialty flours are versatile and can cater to a wide array of dietary needs and preferences, aligning with various health trends and offering options for individuals with specific nutritional goals. These flours contribute to the creation of healthier and more diverse food choices for those seeking to maintain or enhance their overall well-being. For instance, in March 2022, the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based government body, reported that a majority of people in the UK (75.3% of males and 75.7% of females) considered themselves to be in good or very good health. Therefore, the rising demand for health trends is driving the growth of the specialty flours market.

Leading companies in the specialty flours market are prioritizing the introduction of new products, such as cereal-based flour, to diversify their offerings and appeal to health-conscious consumers. Cereal-based flour is derived from various cereals, including wheat, rice, corn, or oats, and is commonly utilized in baking and cooking to enhance texture and nutritional value. For example, in June 2023, Renewal Mill, a US-based food and beverage services company, launched Upcycled White Corn Flour. This nutrient-dense ingredient is made from byproducts of the cornmeal milling process and is gluten-free. It is designed for food manufacturing and pairs well with other upcycled flours to boost nutritional profiles in a variety of products, such as snacks and baked goods.

Specialty flour encompasses a variety of flours such as whole wheat, rye, oat, graham, buckwheat, and soy. These flours are commonly blended with all-purpose flour in baking recipes due to their individual lack of sufficient gluten content, which is necessary for elasticity.

Specialty flours are categorized primarily as organic and conventional. Organic specialty flour is a high-gluten variant crafted from natural ingredients like red hard winter wheat berries. These flours are distributed through diverse channels including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty outlets, online retail platforms, and other distribution channels. They find applications across a wide range of products including bakery goods, noodles, pasta, animal feed, pet food, meat products, snacks, savory items, tortillas, soups, sauces, and various other culinary applications.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid implementation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a notable impact on the food and beverage sector. Rising costs for imported ingredients such as olive oil, cheese, and tropical fruits are pressuring food manufacturers to either reformulate their products or absorb reduced profit margins. Beverage producers are similarly affected, with tariffs on aluminum cans driving up packaging costs. Meanwhile, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports like soybeans and pork are disrupting farm-to-processor supply chains. In response, companies are adjusting recipes, increasing local sourcing, and using commodity hedging strategies to manage price volatility.

The specialty flours market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides specialty flours market statistics, including specialty flours industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a specialty flours market share, detailed specialty flours market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the specialty flours industry. This specialty flours market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Prominent companies in the specialty flours market are creating innovative products using sustainable grains to enhance their profitability. Sustainable grains are grown through eco-friendly practices, improving their nutritional value and distinctive flavor profiles, which contribute to the development of high-quality specialty flours. For instance, in May 2023, The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a US-based food processing firm, launched HarvestEdge Oro. This line of pizza flour is made from sustainably sourced wheat and aims to provide an upscale, authentic pizza experience. The HarvestEdge Oro range includes premium and customized pizza flours, mixes, blends, low-carb flour substitutes, and specialty grains. The HarvestEdge line underscores the company's commitment to sustainability by combining simple, nutritious ingredients sourced directly from farmers. This launch is particularly relevant as 76% of US consumers believe that food companies should strive to make their products more environmentally friendly.

In September 2024, Grain Craft, a US-based flour milling company, acquired Central Milling for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is intended to strengthen Grain Craft's organic flour supply and expand its market presence while promoting sustainable practices for farmers and bakers. The strategic partnership will utilize combined resources to foster growth and innovation within the organic sector. Central Milling, also based in the US, is a flour and grain company that produces high-quality specialty flours by sourcing premium grains and utilizing artisanal milling methods. This dedication enhances the flavor, texture, and nutritional profiles of its products, meeting various baking requirements.

Major companies operating in the specialty malt market are Muntons Malt plc, Malteurop, Cargill, Incorporated, Castle Malting, Briess Malt & Ingredients Co., Weyermann Malting, Soufflet Group, Simpson’s Malt, BSG Craft Brewing Supplies, Rahr Corporation, CoorsTek, Inc., A. W. H. Malt, D. E. M. A., maltsters.com, Crisp Malting Group, Boortmalt, J. Stout & Co., Lindeboom Brewery, Great Western Malting, Pilsner Urquell, Haystack Mountain, Old Dominion Brewing Company, H. D. H. Malting, D. A. B. Malting, Castle Rock Brewery, Thomas Fawcett & Sons, MaltEurop Group.

North America was the largest region in the specialty flours market in 2024. The regions covered in the specialty flours market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the specialty flours market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The specialty flours market consists of sales of white whole wheat flour, self-rising flour, and vital wheat gluten flour. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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