Global Flour Market Overview, 2024-29

The international market for flour is a fundamental component of the food business and is used in many different cuisines all over the world. Grains like wheat, maize, rice, and others are the main sources of flour, which is used in bakeries, kitchens, and food processing facilities all over the world. Its flexibility reflects the vast range of tastes and preferences of people globally and ranges from the production of basic essentials like bread, pasta, and pastries to an assortment of creative gourmet creations. The need for flour is increasing along with population growth, urbanisation, and acceptance of a wider range of dietary choices, creating a dynamic and constantly changing market environment.

Furthermore, regional cuisines, culinary traditions, and cultural customs all have an impact on patterns of flour consumption; after all, every part of the world adds its own special flavours and cooking methods to the global culinary mosaic. The flour market confronts difficulties due to climatic instability, supply chain disruptions, regulatory complications, and shifting dietary habits, despite its crucial role in food production and consumption. Notwithstanding, global flour market stakeholders persistently surmount these obstacles through inventiveness, cooperation, and adjustment, guaranteeing uninterrupted accessibility, excellence, and variety of flour goods for customers around the globe. The flour market is still in a position to develop and innovate as the world's population continues to rise and become more urbanised. It will play a crucial role in supplying the changing dietary requirements of a varied and linked globe.

According to the report “Global Flour Market Overview, 2029,”, the market is anticipated to cross USD 390 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 264.17 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a 6.76% CAGR by 2024-29. As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for staple food products like flour. With more mouths to feed, there is a corresponding increase in the consumption of flour-based products such as bread, pasta, noodles, and baked goods. Dietary habits are evolving worldwide, driven by factors such as urbanization, globalization, and increasing health consciousness.

Consumers are seeking healthier alternatives and exploring diverse cuisines, leading to a greater demand for flour-based products that cater to these preferences. Economic prosperity in many regions has led to higher disposable incomes, allowing consumers to spend more on convenience foods and premium flour products. This trend drives demand for specialty flours, organic flours, and higher-quality flour-based products. Global urbanisation is speeding up, which causes people to lead busy lives and depend more on convenience meals. The convenience of wheat-based items such as bread, pastries, and ready-to-eat meals for city people has led to a rise in the demand for flour.

Globalisation has facilitated the exchange of culinary ideas and ingredients, leading to greater diversity in food consumption patterns. Flour is a versatile ingredient used in cuisines from around the world, contributing to its widespread demand across diverse cultural contexts. Since flour is a necessary component of many processed foods, the food processing sector is a major driver of the demand for flour. Flour is used in the creation of a broad variety of packaged meals, from breakfast cereals and snacks to sauces and soups.

Market Drivers

• Baking and Cooking Enthusiasm: The passion that people throughout the world have for baking and cooking drives a large portion of the global flour business. Cooking programmes, social media influencers, and internet recipes have made it increasingly popular for consumers to experiment with making handmade baked goods, pastas, and other foods that need flour. The demand for different types of flour, from all-purpose to specialty flours like almond flour or chickpea flour, is fueled by people's increased interest in culinary pursuits and their need to find ingredients for their favourite recipes. The need for flour is further fueled by the growing popularity of baking as a pastime or creative outlet during free time, which supports the expansion of the worldwide flour market.
• Sustainable Agriculture: A growing number of countries are adopting sustainable agriculture methods in their flour supply chains due to worries about food security, climate change, and environmental damage. Customers are looking for items that are produced in an ecologically responsible manner as they become more conscious of the effects of their food choices on the environment. In response, in an effort to lessen their ecological impact, flour producers are implementing sustainable agriculture techniques such as crop rotation, soil conservation, and lower chemical input levels. Furthermore, there is a rising market for fair-trade and certified organic flours, which are made with an emphasis on social justice, environmental conservation, and long-term sustainability.

Market Challenges

Climate Change and Weather Volatility: Climate change poses a significant threat to flour production by affecting weather patterns, precipitation levels, and temperature extremes. Erratic weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves can disrupt crop cultivation, reduce yields, and impact the quality of grains used for flour production. Climate-related challenges contribute to supply shortages, price volatility, and uncertainty in the global flour market.

Agricultural Constraints: Despite technological advancements, agricultural constraints such as limited arable land, soil degradation, water scarcity, and pest infestations continue to pose challenges to flour production worldwide. These constraints hinder agricultural productivity, increase production costs, and affect the availability and affordability of grains used for flour milling.

Based on the report, the types are segmented into wheat, maize, rice, oats, and others. In terms of the report, nature is segmented into conventional and organic.

At the global level, the oats market is growing, and the demand for oat-based goods, such as oat flour, is rising as consumers become more conscious of the health advantages of oats. Because they are high in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, oats are a nutrient-dense option for customers who are concerned about their health. Oat flour is becoming more and more popular as a healthier substitute for regular flour as more people place a higher priority on their health and well-being. Oats are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

As gluten-free diets gain popularity, particularly among those with gluten-related disorders, there is a growing demand for gluten-free flour alternatives like oat flour. Additionally, oats are free from common allergens such as wheat, making them appealing to individuals with food allergies or intolerances. Oats are quite adaptable and may be used in baking and cooking, among other culinary uses. In a variety of recipes, such as those for bread, cookies, pancakes, and more, oat flour can be used in place of wheat flour. It is a well-liked option for gluten-free and health-conscious consumers looking for alternative flours because of its mild flavour and capacity to bring moisture and texture to baked items.

In terms of the nature types, organic flour is a growing market. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing preference for organic food products perceived as healthier and more natural. Organic flour is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making it an attractive option for those seeking to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in their diet. Consumers are increasingly interested in the origins of their food and the production practices involved. Organic certification ensures transparency and traceability throughout the production process, providing consumers with assurance that the product meets strict organic standards from farm to table. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in organic flour products, driving demand for them in the global market.

According to the report, the market is bifurcated into bread and bakery products, pasta and noodles, snacks, baby food, animal food, and others. Furthermore, the sales channels are divided into direct and indirect.

Snacks significantly contribute to the flour market; there are many different snacks available on the market that use flour as a main ingredient or component. The texture and structure of many snack foods, including chips, crackers, pretzels, and savoury biscuits, are frequently derived from flour. Additionally, those looking for decadent sweets frequently choose flour-based foods like cakes, brownies, and cookies. Snack foods are favoured for their convenience and portability, making them suitable for on-the-go consumption and snacking occasions. Flour-based snacks provide a satisfying and portable option for consumers looking for quick energy boosts or flavorful bites throughout the day.

In terms of the sales channel, the indirect is the growing market. Urbanisation is leading to changes in consumer shopping behaviours, with more people living in urban areas and relying on supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores for their grocery needs. The expansion of urban retail infrastructure creates opportunities for flour producers to reach a wider consumer base through indirect sales channels. Globalisation has facilitated the expansion of international trade and the movement of goods across borders. Indirect sales channels play a crucial role in distributing imported flour products to local markets, allowing consumers to access a wide variety of flour brands and products from around the world.

Based on the report, the major countries covered include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Middle East and Africa significantly contribute to the flour market. Many nations in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) area depend heavily on flour in their diets since bread, flatbreads, and other goods made from flour are staple foods. Everyday use of traditional bread variants such as pita, naan, and injera throughout the area is indicative of the significance of flour in local culinary customs and cultural legacies. The MEA region is home to a large and rapidly growing population with diverse dietary preferences and consumption habits. The sheer size of the population contributes to substantial flour consumption, as flour-based products are consumed by millions of people on a daily basis.

The MEA region's economic expansion and urbanisation have changed lifestyle and consumption habits, driving up demand for processed goods and convenience meals. Bread, pasta, and pastries are examples of items made with flour that are widely available in cities, which increases consumption and propels the expansion of the flour market. Many countries in the MEA region provide government subsidies for wheat production and flour milling, ensuring the availability of affordable flour for their citizens. Government support for the agricultural sector helps maintain stable flour prices and stimulates consumption, further contributing to the growth of the flour market.

Companies launch new products to increase their market penetration. About 38% of the studied strategies were product launches in the flour industry. Bread & bakery products, noodles & pasta, animal feed (including pet food), wafers, crackers & biscuits, non-food applications (including bio-plastics, biomaterials and glue) are gaining increased traction across world, which has led to increased number of flour manufacturers. Key players such as Ardent Mills, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Associated British Foods plc, ConAgra Foods, Inc., General Mills Inc., Hindustan Unilever Limited, Willmar International Limited, and Cargill enhance their product portfolios by launching flour with different qualities for different applications.

For instance, in 2016, Ardent Mills announced its intent to acquire the Mondelz Canada flour mill, located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The mill produces hard and soft wheat flour for its Canadian bakeries and a number of food manufacturing customers. The transaction is expected to close in the next few weeks. In addition, in 2015, Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and Ingredients Company, partnered with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS) for a season-long giving program to benefit Food Bank of the Rock.

Increased number of consumers is on the lookout for healthier foods that are made with natural ingredients, and have a good taste. ADM is already helping customers meet that growing demand with its comprehensive portfolio of ingredients and flavors. Currently, it is expanding its portfolio even further by offering customers worldwide with a wide array of great stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. They are pleased to partner with GLG, which has a demonstrated advantage in developing non-GMO stevia varietals and a pipeline of future innovative products.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, Bay State Milling Company launched Wingold® Wellness multi-purpose flour.
• In May 2022, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), known for its products under the Amul brand, introduced organic whole wheat flour. Amul organic wheat flour will be offered in two different pack sizes and will be launched at Amul Parlors and prominent retail stores throughout Gujarat, India.
• In June 2022, Archer Daniels Midland Company acquired Prairie Pulse Inc., the owners of a milling, pulse crop cleaning, and packaging facility in Vanscoy, Saskatchewan. This acquisition effectively doubles its regional pulse footprint.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Flour market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type

• Wheat
• Maize
• Rice
• Oats
• Others (Chickpea flour, Lentil flour, Coconut flour, Almond flour)

By Nature

• Conventional
• Organic

By Application

• Bread and Bakery Products
• Pasta and Noodles
• Snacks
• Baby Food
• Animal Food
• Others

By Sales Channel

• Direct
• Indirect

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Flour industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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