Global Instant Cereal Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Instant Cereal Market reached US$ 26.12 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 43.73 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.60% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The market is witnessing a growing trend towards health and wellness, with consumers increasingly seeking nutritious and functional foods. Instant cereals fortified with vitamins, minerals, and high-fiber ingredients are gaining popularity. This trend is driven by a heightened awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the role of breakfast in overall health.

Innovation in flavors, ingredients, and packaging is a significant trend in the instant cereal market. Manufacturers are introducing new variants, including organic, gluten-free, and low-sugar options, to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences. Unique flavor combinations and the inclusion of superfoods like chia seeds and quinoa are attracting health-conscious consumers and expanding the market.

For instance, on December 9, 2023, Kwality, renowned for its Masalas, Instant mixes, and Breakfast cereals under the umbrella of Pagariya Food Product Pvt. Ltd., launched its latest offering: a range of ready-to-eat healthy and flavorful breakfast cereals priced at Rs 49. This new assortment, available at an affordable price point, encompasses a variety of options including Kwality Corn Flakes, Kwality Choco Flakes, Kwality Fruit Rings, Kwality Choco Fills, Kwality Muesli Crunchy Almond & Raisins, and Kwality Muesli Fruit n Nut.

There is a growing health consciousness among consumers in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to increased demand for nutritious and health-oriented instant cereals. Products fortified with vitamins, minerals, and fibers are particularly popular as consumers seek healthier breakfast options. This trend is driving market growth as manufacturers develop cereals that align with these health priorities.

Dynamics

Changing Consumer Lifestyles

Modern consumers, especially urban dwellers and young professionals, often prioritize convenience and portability in their food choices. Instant cereals, available in single-serve packaging and requiring only hot water or microwave heating, align perfectly with this trend, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. This shift towards convenient, on-the-go eating habits further fuels the demand for instant cereals in the market.

Market players are continuously innovating and diversifying their product offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences and lifestyles. This includes introducing a wide range of flavors, variants, and packaging formats to appeal to different consumer segments. By offering diverse product options that align with changing consumer lifestyles, manufacturers can effectively capture market share and drive the growth of the instant cereal market.

For instance, on May 31, 2021, General Mills, Inc. expanded its portfolio by introducing Big G Instant Oatmeals, extending some of its beloved ready-to-eat cereals into the oatmeal category. The Big G Instant Oatmeals will offer a variety of flavors including Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix, and Cocoa Puffs, providing consumers with familiar tastes in a convenient oatmeal format.

Expanding Retail Channels

Expanding retail channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, allow instant cereals to reach a broader consumer base, both locally and globally. Consumers can purchase instant cereals conveniently during their routine grocery shopping trips or through online platforms, ensuring easy access to these products. This convenience factor encourages impulse purchases and fosters repeat buying behavior, driving market demand.

Retail channels provide opportunities for targeted marketing and merchandising strategies, allowing manufacturers to showcase their instant cereal products prominently and attract consumer attention. Eye-catching displays, promotional offers, and product placements in strategic locations within retail outlets can effectively influence consumer purchasing decisions, thereby driving market sales and growth.

Perception of Taste and Texture

The global instant cereal market is heavily influenced by consumer expectations regarding taste and texture. The instant cereals fail to meet these expectations, consumers are less likely to repurchase or recommend these products. This negative perception can limit market growth as consumers opt for alternative breakfast options perceived to have better taste and texture, restraining market growth.

While product innovation is essential for market growth, negative perceptions of taste and texture can complicate these efforts. Manufacturers must invest significantly in research and development to improve the sensory qualities of instant cereals, which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. Failure to innovate effectively can result in stagnant market growth due to persistent consumer dissatisfaction.

Segment Analysis

The global instant cereal market is segmented based on product type, packaging, distribution channel, and region.

Rising Awareness of Consumer Preferences and Continuous Innovations

The organic honey spread segment is poised to hold the largest share of the global honey spread market. There is a growing market awareness about the health benefits of organic products among consumers globally. This is leading to a marked preference for organic honey spreads, which are perceived as more natural and beneficial compared to non-organic variants, propelling the segment's growth.

The demographic that prioritizes health and wellness is expanding, and this segment of the market is particularly receptive to organic honey spreads. The perceived health benefits of organic honey, such as its antioxidant properties and absence of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, make it an attractive choice. Manufacturers are responding to market demands by increasing the availability of innovative organic honey spread products.

Geographical Penetration

Rising urbanization and Changing Lifestyles and Technologies in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the global instant cereal market. There is a noticeable cultural shift towards Western eating habits, particularly among younger populations in Asia-Pacific. Breakfast cereals, traditionally not a staple in many Asian diets, are becoming increasingly popular as Western food influences permeate the region. This shift is supported by extensive marketing campaigns by global and local brands, highlighting the convenience and nutritional benefits of instant cereals.

Manufacturers are introducing a variety of flavors and ingredients that resonate with regional consumers, such as matcha, red bean, black sesame, and tropical fruits. These localized product offerings appeal to traditional tastes and also attract adventurous consumers seeking new and unique breakfast options. The ability to blend traditional flavors with modern convenience allows manufacturers to capture a larger market share and drive growth. The region's innovation in product development thus plays a crucial role in its market dominance.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The global instant cereal market faced significant supply chain challenges during the pandemic, including disruptions in the production and distribution of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products. These disruptions impacted market stability, leading to temporary shortages and increased production costs. However, lockdowns and restrictions limiting dining out and increasing the need for home-cooked meals, and easy breakfasts, driving the instant cereal market growth.

The pandemic accelerated the shift towards online shopping as consumers avoided physical stores due to health concerns and lockdown measures. This shift benefited the instant cereal market, as e-commerce platforms became crucial distribution channels. Manufacturers and retailers adapted by enhancing their online presence and offering direct-to-consumer delivery options, expanding market growth.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The war has disrupted grain production and exports from Ukraine, leading to supply shortages and increased raw material costs. The war has caused significant logistical challenges, including transportation disruptions and port closures, affecting the movement of goods. These supply chain issues have hindered the timely delivery of raw materials and finished products, causing delays and shortages in the global instant cereal market.

The war has forced many countries to re-evaluate their trade dependencies and seek alternative sources for grains and other raw materials. This shift in trade patterns may lead to new market dynamics, with some regions experiencing improved supply chains while others face continued disruptions. In response to the challenges posed by the war, instant cereal manufacturers are focusing on diversifying their supply chains, seeking alternative grain sources, and investing in more resilient logistics networks.

By Product Type

• Wheat-based Cereals
• Rice-based Cereals
• Corn-based Cereals
• Multi-grain Cereals
• Others

By Packaging

• Box
• Packet/Sachet
• Cup/Bowl
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In March 2023, Nutifood launched its entry into the instant cereal drink market with the introduction of three functional cereal products tailored to address distinct consumer needs. It is leveraging Europe's cutting-edge nutritional science and a deep understanding of Vietnamese consumers' nutritional requirements, these products are formulated to be natural and 'unflavored', receiving an endorsement from the Nutifood Nutrition Research Institute in Sweden.
• On September 9, 2022, Kellogg's introduced its latest innovation, Instabowls, offering a hassle-free breakfast solution that requires only cold water and a quick stir to enjoy real milk instantly. It is available in four classic varieties, each portable bowl is pre-portioned and mess-free, catering to consumers' on-the-go lifestyles. Chris Stolsky, Marketing Director at Kellogg Company, highlighted the growing trend towards food portability, particularly in response to busy schedules and the unpredictability of daily life.
• On August 28, 2023, Nongshim Kellogg Co. launched its entry into the domestic instant rice market with the introduction of "Whole Oat Rice," a product crafted entirely from 100% oats groats. This milestone signifies the inaugural venture of a cereal brand into South Korea's instant rice sector, marking a significant development in the market landscape.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the food service market include Viet Dai Instant Cereal, Jieyang Haoyu Food Co., Ltd., Inscrereal Sdn. Bhd, Bahrain Dalla For Food Factory Co., Gnubkins, Syarikat Thong Guan Trading Sdn. Bhd, Alter Farmacia, Nutraboom, Maven Wholefoods Ltd, and Kellanova.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global instant cereal market segmentation based on product type, packaging, distribution channel, and region, as well as understand critical commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous global instant cereal market-level data points with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of critical products of all the major players.

The global instant cereal market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 56 figures, and 213 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies