Rice Flour Market

Rice Flour Market Size:

The global rice flour market size reached USD 851 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 1,189.9 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.80% during 2025-2033. The market is propelled by the rising consumer preferences for gluten-free diets, consumers seeking healthier alternatives to wheat flour, increased use of rice flour in processed foods, growing consumption of rice-based products, and introduction of organic and fortified rice flour products.

Rice Flour Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Increasing consumer preferences for gluten-free diets, rising number of individuals seeking healthier alternatives to wheat flour, and rising sage of rice flour in processed foods are some of the major market drivers.
• Key Market Trends: Some of the key market trends include the launch of organic and fortified rice flour products, expanding e-commerce platforms, rising preference for minimally processed additive-free rice flour.
• Geographical Trends: The increasing consumption of traditional dietary staple, rising population leading to increasing demand for food products, such as rice flour, and rapid urbanization driving the need for convenient and processed food products driving the rice flour demand across the Asia Pacific region.
• Competitive Landscape: Associated British Foods PLC, Belourthe SA, Caremoli Group, Ebro Foods S.A., EDME Limited, General Mills Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, Kroner-Starke GmbH, Shipton Mill Ltd., Whitworth Bros. Ltd, are among some of the key players in the rice flour industry. 
• Challenges and Opportunities: Some of the challenges include rapid changes in rice prices affecting production costs and profitability, rising competition from alternative gluten-free flours such as almond and coconut flour, and vulnerability to disruptions in the supply chain on account to natural disasters or geopolitical issues. Whereas, increasing advancements of new rice flour-based products, enhanced milling and processing techniques to improve quality and efficiency, and increasing consumer preference for organic and non-GMO rice flour, are offering positive rice flour market insights.

Rice Flour Market Trends:

Rising Demand for Gluten-Free Products

The global shift toward gluten-free diets, is one of the most important rice flour market trends, and has significantly impacted the rice flour market. This trend is driven by the rising prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity among consumers. According to the CELIAC DISEASE FOUNDATION, celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, affects approximately 1% of the global population. As a result, the demand for gluten-free products, including rice flour, has increased. Moreover, the gluten-free trend is not limited to individuals with gluten-related disorders. Many consumers perceive gluten-free diets as healthier and beneficial for weight management and overall well-being. This perception further fuels the demand for rice flour, as consumers seek out gluten-free alternatives to traditional wheat-based products. Consequently, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating rice flour into their product formulations to cater to this growing consumer segment, thereby creating a positive rice flour industry outlook.

Increasing Health Consciousness

The global rise in health consciousness has been a significant driver for the rice flour market. Consumers are becoming more aware of the nutritional benefits of various food ingredients and are actively seeking healthier alternatives. Rice flour, being a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients such as B vitamins and iron, is perceived as a healthier option compared to refined wheat flour. One of the critical factors contributing to this trend is the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. According to the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, over 1.9 billion adults were overweight in 2016, with 650 million classified as obese. This alarming statistic has led consumers to adopt healthier eating habits, including the consumption of whole grains and minimally processed foods, leading to a positive rice flour market growth. Rice flour, particularly brown rice flour, which retains the bran and germ, aligns with these dietary preferences due to its higher fiber content and nutritional profile.

Expansion of the Food Processing Industry

In the current business environment, where competition is fierce and resources are scrutinized, optimizing marketing expenditures and maximizing ROI are paramount for sustainable growth. Rice flour plays a pivotal role by enabling companies to streamline operations and achieve greater efficiency. According to a report by ASCEND2, a research-based guide for marketers, 65% of marketers are leveraging rice flour as a part of their email marketing efforts. By automating repetitive tasks such as email scheduling, social media posting, and consumer segmentation, businesses can allocate their human resources to more strategic activities that require creativity and critical thinking. Segmenting audiences based on behavior and demographics allows marketers to deliver highly targeted messages that resonate with specific consumer needs and preferences, thereby increasing engagement and conversion rates. Moreover, rice flour platforms provide robust analytics and reporting capabilities that enable data-driven decision-making, thereby creating a favorable rice flour industry outlook. By analyzing campaign performance metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and consumer lifetime value, marketers can identify trends, optimize strategies in real-time, and allocate budgets more effectively toward initiatives that yield the highest ROI.

Rice flour Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the source, category, type, application, and sales channel.

Breakup by Source:

• White Rice
• Brown Rice
   

White rice accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes white rice and brown rice. According to the report, white rice represented the largest segment.

White rice holds the largest segment in the market breakup by source due to several critical factors that cater to both consumer preferences and industrial demands. White rice is widely recognized for its neutral taste, smooth texture, and versatility in culinary applications. This makes it a preferred choice for both home cooks and professional chefs who value its ability to seamlessly integrate into various dishes without overpowering other ingredients. White rice flour, derived from milled white rice, retains these properties, making it highly desirable for a broad range of food products, including baked goods, snacks, and processed foods. Moreover, the production process of white rice flour is relatively straightforward and cost-effective compared to other types of rice flour, such as brown or specialty rice flours. This results in lower production costs and higher availability, further reinforcing its dominant market position, thus positively contributing to the rice flour industry revenue.

Breakup by Category:

• Organic
• Conventional
   

Conventional holds the largest share in the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the category have also been provided in the report. This includes organic and conventional. According to the rice flour industry report, conventional accounted for the largest market share.

Conventional holds the largest market share due to several compelling factors. Primarily, conventional rice flour is more widely available and cost-effective compared to its organic counterpart. This affordability makes it the preferred choice for both consumers and manufacturers, especially in regions where cost sensitivity is high. The conventional farming methods allow for higher yields and more extensive production, ensuring a steady and ample supply to meet the market demand. Additionally, the established supply chains for conventional rice flour are more robust, providing consistent quality and reliable distribution networks globally. This extensive availability supports large-scale food processing industries, which rely on the regular and bulk purchase of ingredients such as rice flour. Moreover, consumer preference for conventional products is often driven by familiarity and trust, as these products have been used for generations and are perceived as reliable staples, thereby creating a positive rice flour market outlook.

Breakup by Type:

• Long Grain
• Medium and Short Grain
• Pregelatinized
   

Medium and short grain represent the leading market segment 

The rice flour market research report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes long grain, medium and short grain, and pregelatinized. According to the report, medium and short grain represented the largest segment.

Medium and short grain rice flour is the largest segment in the market due to several compelling reasons tied to its unique properties and widespread culinary applications. Medium and short grain rice varieties have a higher starch content compared to long grain rice, which results in a stickier and more cohesive texture when cooked. This characteristic makes them highly desirable for a variety of traditional and ethnic dishes, especially in Asian cuisines where texture plays a crucial role, thereby depicting a positive rice flour market dynamic. Foods such as sushi, risotto, and certain types of desserts such as rice puddings and mochi rely heavily on the sticky and creamy texture provided by medium and short grain rice. The popularity of these dishes across the globe has significantly boosted the demand for medium and short grain rice flour.

Breakup by Application:

• Bakery and Confectionary
• Breakfast Cereals and Premixes
• Baby Foods
• Sweet and Savory Snacks
• Others
   

Bakery and confectionary accounts for the majority of the market share

The rice flour market research report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes bakery and confectionary, breakfast cereals and premixes, baby foods, sweet and savory snacks, and others. According to the report, bakery and confectionary represented the largest segment.

The bakery and confectionery segment dominate the rice flour market due to several compelling reasons. The unique properties of rice flour make it an ideal ingredient for various bakery and confectionery applications. Its fine texture and neutral flavor allow it to blend seamlessly into recipes, providing the desired consistency and taste without overpowering other ingredients. This adaptability is particularly valuable in creating gluten-free products, where rice flour serves as an excellent substitute for wheat flour. Given the growing consumer demand for gluten-free bakery items, such as bread, cakes, cookies, and pastries, the utilization of rice flour has increased. According to GITNUX, the global gluten-free bakery product sales increased by 15% in 2020.

Breakup by Sales Channel:

• Direct Sales
• Indirect Sales
   

Direct sales hold the largest share in the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the sales channel have also been provided in the report. This includes direct sales and indirect sales. According to the report, direct sales accounted for the largest market share.

Direct sales emerge as the largest segment in the rice flour market by sales channel due to several compelling factors. One of the primary reasons is the increasing preference for purchasing directly from manufacturers or specialized retailers, which ensures product quality and authenticity. Consumers are becoming more discerning and prefer direct sales channels to avoid counterfeit or substandard products that might proliferate in more generalized retail settings. This preference is particularly significant in the food industry, where trust in the origin and quality of the product is paramount. Moreover, direct sales channels provide manufacturers with better control over their brand image and consumer experience. By selling directly, companies can offer detailed product information, usage recommendations, and personalized consumer service, enhancing consumer satisfaction and loyalty. This direct interaction also allows manufacturers to gather valuable consumer feedback, enabling them to refine their products and marketing strategies more effectively.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific leads the market, accounting for the largest rice flour market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific was the largest market for rice flour.

Asia Pacific is the largest segment in the rice flour market by region primarily due to several interrelated factors, including high consumption patterns, economic growth, and cultural significance of rice in the diet. Rice is a staple food for a significant portion of the population in Asia Pacific countries, including China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations. This widespread dietary reliance on rice translates into a substantial demand for rice-based products, including rice flour, which is extensively used in traditional cooking and baking. Additionally, rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes have spurred the growth of the processed food industry in the region. Additionally, rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes have spurred the growth of the processed food industry in the region. As consumers increasingly seek convenient and ready-to-eat food options, the food processing industry has responded by incorporating rice flour into a variety of products, ranging from snacks and bakery items to baby foods and gluten-free products.

Competitive Landscape:

• The rice flour market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the rice flour industry include Associated British Foods PLC, Belourthe SA, Caremoli Group, Ebro Foods S.A., EDME Limited, General Mills Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, Kroner-Starke GmbH, Shipton Mill Ltd., Whitworth Bros. Ltd., etc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• Key players in the rice flour market are undertaking various strategic efforts to strengthen their market position and meet the growing demand. Companies such as General Mills, Bob’s Red Mill, and Ingredion are investing in research and development to innovate and enhance their product offerings. These innovations include the development of organic and fortified rice flour products to cater to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, these companies are expanding their production capacities and optimizing supply chains to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality rice flour. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are also a significant focus, enabling these players to broaden their product portfolios and enter new geographic markets. For instance, Bob’s Red Mill has expanded its gluten-free product line to include a variety of rice flour-based items, while General Mills has introduced rice flour into its baking mixes and snack products. Moreover, according to the rice flour market forecast sustainability initiatives are being prioritized, with companies adopting eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing practices to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Latest News: 

• February, 2024: USA RICE and E MART, the largest retailer of South Korea, collaborated to launch Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products using U.S. rice flour in December. This aimed to cater to the growing demand for convenient and high-quality meals in the Korean market, influenced by trends such as the rise in single-person households.

Rice Flour Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global rice flour market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global rice flour market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global rice flour market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive rice flour market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the source?
• Which is the most attractive source in the rice flour market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the category?
• Which is the most attractive category in the rice flour market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the rice flour market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the application?
• Which is the most attractive application in the rice flour market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the sales channel?
• Which is the most attractive sales channel in the rice flour market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global rice flour market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the rice flour market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global rice flour market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the rice flour industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.