Rice Flour Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Type, By Grain Type, Nature, Sales Channel, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Rice Flour Market is accounted for $1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Rice flour is a finely ground powder made from milled rice grains. It is commonly used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in various culinary applications, including baking, cooking, and food thickening. Rice flour is available in different varieties, such as white rice flour and brown rice flour, each offering distinct flavors and textures suitable for different recipes and dietary preferences.

According to the FAO, India, with its cultivation of high-yielding rice varieties like IR 64, CR 2301, Kudrat 5, accounted for 178.3 million metric tons of rice production in 2020. This positions India as the second-largest rice producer globally, trailing only behind China, with a share of over 11.0% of the global production.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand for gluten-free products

The increasing demand for gluten-free products acts as a significant driver in the rice flour market. As awareness of gluten intolerance, celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity rises, consumers are actively seeking alternative ingredients to wheat flour. Rice flour serves as an excellent gluten-free substitute, allowing individuals with gluten-related disorders to enjoy a wide range of baked goods and culinary creations. This growing health-conscious trend drives the demand for rice flour in the food industry.

Restraint:

Fluctuations in the prices of rice

Rice is the primary raw material for producing rice flour. Any fluctuations in its price directly impact the cost of rice flour production. Price volatility can disrupt supply chains, leading to uncertainties in production costs and pricing strategies for rice flour manufacturers. Additionally, sudden increases in rice prices can make rice flour less competitive compared to other flour alternatives, potentially reducing consumer demand.

Opportunity:

Rising prevalence of rice-based diets

The rising prevalence of rice-based diets presents a significant opportunity in the rice flour market. As rice remains a staple food for millions of people worldwide, particularly in Asian countries, there is a growing demand for rice flour as a versatile ingredient in various cuisines and food products. Additionally, the increasing popularity of gluten-free and alternative diets further drives the adoption of rice flour as a substitute for wheat flour, expanding its market potential.

Threat:

Competition from alternative flours

Increasing consumer interest in alternatives and gluten-free options acts as a restraint to the market. Flours made from grains such as wheat, corn, almond, coconut, and quinoa offer diverse nutritional profiles and flavor profiles, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, the rising popularity of specialty flours like chickpea flour and tapioca flour further intensifies competition, which will hamper market expansion.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the rice flour market in various ways. While there has been an increase in home cooking and baking activities, leading to higher demand for rice flour as a gluten-free alternative, disruptions in supply chains and logistical challenges have affected production and distribution. Additionally, economic uncertainty and changes in consumer purchasing behavior have influenced market dynamics and consumption patterns for rice flour.

The white rice flour segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The white rice flour segment is projected to lead the rice flour market during the forecast period. Rice flour is widely used in various culinary applications, including baking, cooking, and food thickening, making it a versatile ingredient. Additionally, its neutral flavor and fine texture make it suitable for a wide range of recipes, appealing to a broad consumer base. Moreover, the growing demand for gluten-free products also contributes to the segment's dominance.

The long grain segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The long grain segment is anticipated to achieve the highest compound annual growth rate in the rice flour market during the forecast period. Long grain rice varieties, such as Basmati and Jasmine, are popular for their distinct flavor, texture, and aroma, making them preferred choices for rice flour production. Additionally, the increasing consumer demand for premium-quality rice products and the rising popularity of ethnic cuisines further drive the growth of the long grain segment.

Region with largest share:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to have the largest market share. Asia Pacific countries such as China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam are major producers and consumers of rice, contributing to a significant portion of global rice flour production. Additionally, the region's rich culinary heritage, diverse food culture, and widespread use of rice flour in traditional dishes drive demand. Furthermore, increasing adoption of gluten-free diets and rising consumer awareness about the nutritional benefits of rice flour further boost market growth in the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is poised to register robust growth in the rice flour market. These include the region's significant rice production, growing population, and increasing consumer preference for gluten-free alternatives. Additionally, rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing dietary habits contribute to the increased demand for rice flour-based products in countries like China, India, and Thailand, driving market growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Rice Flour Market include Amul, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Associated British Foods plc, Bay State Milling Company, Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc., Brar Natural Flour Milling Inc., Ebro Foods, S.A., General Mills, Inc., Harinera del Valle S.A., Ingredion Incorporated, Koda Farms, Kroner-Starke GmbH, Minsa Corporation, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (RB), Shipton Mill Ltd., Sturminster Newton Mill, Tata Consumer Products Limited, Thai Flour Industry Co., Ltd and Wuhu Deli Foods Co., Ltd.

Key Developments:

In May 2022, Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF) that sells products under the Amul brand has forayed into organic whole wheat flour, and plans to expand the range to include organic pulses and rice, the cooperative said.

In February 2020, Tata Consumer Products Limited is all set to introduce a new line of products. Its innovation center in Pune is constantly working towards developing around 30 new products including rice flour and poha, as told by Amit Chincholikar, Global Chief Human Resource Officer, according to a report.

Types Covered:

• Black Rice Flour
• Brown Rice Flour
• Glutinous Rice Flour
• White Rice Flour
• Other Rice Flour Types

Grain Types Covered:

• Long Grain
• Medium Grain
• Short Grain

Natures Covered:

• Organic
• Conventional

Sales Channels Covered:

• Direct Sales
• Indirect Sales

Applications Covered:

• Bakery and Confectionery
• Beverages
• Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals
• Industrial Applications
• Processed Food
• Snacks and Convenience Foods
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
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• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances