Market Size
The Global Wheat Flour Market reached US$ 212.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 308.7 billion by 2030 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031. Hard flour, or bread flour, is high in gluten, with 12% to 14% gluten content, and its dough has elastic toughness that holds its shape well once baked.
Wheat flour is a powder made from the grinding of wheat used for human consumption. Wheat varieties are called "soft" or "weak" if gluten content is low, and are called "hard" or "strong" if they have high gluten content. Soft flour is comparatively low in gluten and thus results in a loaf with a finer, crumbly texture. Soft flour is usually divided into cake flour, which is the lowest in gluten, and pastry flour, which has slightly more gluten than cake flour.
The gluten-free trend is gaining traction, with a growing number of consumers following gluten-free diets due to gluten sensitivity or other health reasons. According to Regain Your Sparkle, 57% of people who are gluten-free were diagnosed with Celiacs. 37% considered themselves to have a gluten intolerance. 10% were to manage an autoimmune condition. And 7% were to heal a leaky gut. This has led to an increased demand for gluten-free wheat flour alternatives, such as flour made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains.
Market Summary
| Metrics | Details |
| CAGR | 4.8% |
| Size Available for Years | 2022-2031 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2031 |
| Data Availability | Value (US$) |
| Segments Covered | By Type, By Application, By End-User |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and Acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, Porter’s Analysis, Pricing Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis and Other key Insights. |
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Market Dynamics
Increasing Consumer Demand for Baked Goods will Promote Market Expansion
Bread is one of the most widely consumed baked goods globally, and it heavily relies on wheat flour. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global bread consumption has been steadily increasing over the years. For example, in 2021, the world produced around 770 million metric tons of wheat, and this figure is expected to rise in the coming years. The growing demand for bread contributes to the need for wheat flour production.
The bakery industry plays a vital role in driving the demand for wheat flour. Bakeries, both large-scale industrial operations and small local establishments, rely on wheat flour to produce a variety of baked goods. According to data from the International Association of Plant Bakeries (AIBI), the European bakery market alone generated over 124 billion dollars in revenue in 2020, indicating the significant market size and demand for wheat flour in the bakery sector.
Growing Demand for Wheat Flour will Drive Market Expansion
The world population is steadily increasing, leading to a larger consumer base for food products, including wheat flour. According to the United Nations, the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This population growth drives the demand for staple food items like bread, pasta, and bakery products, which are major consumers of wheat flour.
Changes in dietary preferences, influenced by factors such as westernization, exposure to different cuisines, and evolving consumer tastes, have led to an increased demand for wheat flour products globally. For instance, in many Asian countries where rice has traditionally been a staple, there is a growing acceptance and demand for wheat-based products like bread and noodles. This shift expands the market for wheat flour.
Health Concerns and Gluten Sensitivity of Consumers Can Hamper the Market
Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are medical conditions characterized by an adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. According to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology, the prevalence of celiac disease has increased significantly over the past few decades. It is estimated that around 1% of the global population has celiac disease, while the prevalence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity is even higher. This growing segment of the population needs to avoid wheat flour-based products, which can limit the market potential for traditional wheat flour.
The food industry has responded to the demand for gluten-free options by introducing a wide range of gluten-free products made from alternative flour. These products include gluten-free bread, pasta, cookies, and cakes. The availability and variety of gluten-free products provide consumers with more choices, further impacting the market for traditional wheat flour.
Market Segmentation Analysis
The global wheat flour market is segmented based on type, application, and region.
Refined Wheat Flour Segment Holds the Largest Market Share
Refined wheat flour is widely consumed globally and serves as a staple ingredient in various culinary traditions. It is a versatile flour used in a wide range of applications, including baking, cooking, and food manufacturing. This widespread consumption contributes to its larger market share.
Refined wheat flour is the primary ingredient in many bread and bakery products. These products have a significant market share in the food industry. According to data from the International Association of Plant Bakeries (AIBI), bread is the most widely consumed bakery product globally. The demand for bread and bakery products made from refined wheat flour supports its dominant market share.
Market Geographical Share
Asia Pacific Dominates the Market Owing to the Growing Prevalence of Obese Population in the United States
Asia Pacific is home to a large population, making it a key consumer region for wheat flour. According to the United Nations, Asia has the highest population in the world, with China and India being the two most populous countries. The sheer size of the population in Asia Pacific drives the demand for wheat flour as a staple food ingredient.
Bread and noodles are major contributors to the consumption of wheat flour in the region. Many Asian countries have a strong culinary tradition of consuming wheat-based products such as bread, buns, steamed buns, and various types of noodles. For instance, in China, wheat-based noodles, dumplings, and steamed buns are widely consumed. Similarly, countries like Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia have a significant consumption of bread and noodles. This high consumption of wheat flour-based products in the Asia Pacific supports its dominant market share.
Market Companies
The major global players in the market include Ardent Mills, General Mills, Acarsan Flour, Hodgson Mills, Inc., Allied Pinnacle Pty Ltd., ADM Company, Korfez Flour Mill, Wudeli Flour Mill Group, Manildra Milling Pvt. Ltd., and George Weston Foods Ltd.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
Global Recession/Ukraine-Russia War/COVID-19, and Artificial Intelligence Impact Analysis:
During the pandemic, with lockdowns and restrictions in place, many people turned to home baking as a way to pass the time and enjoy homemade meals. This led to a surge in demand for wheat flour as consumers stocked up on baking essentials. For example, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, flour sales in the United States increased by more than 50% in March 2020 compared to the previous year. A similar trend was observed in other parts of the world as well.
By Type
- Whole
- Refined
By Application
- Bread
- Bakery Products
- Noodles & Pasta
- Others
By Region
- North America
- The U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- 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 May 2022, Dairy major GCMMF, which markets its products under the Amul brand, announced entry into the organic food market with the launch of organic wheat flour.
- In March 2023, Bay State Milling Company, an innovative plant-based ingredient supplier, announced today the launch of Wingold Wellness multi-purpose flour, a better-for-you blend that offers three times the gut-healthy fiber of traditional refined wheat flour with the same taste, functionality, and quality.
- In June 2021, Packaged Foods company Parle Products announced its entry into the branded wheat flour market with the launch of ‘Parle G Chakki Atta’ which will compete with ITC's Aashirvaad flour brand.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global wheat flour market segmentation based on type, application, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities in the market by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous data points of wheat flour market-level with all segments.
- The PDF report consists of cogently put-together market analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and in-depth market study.
- Product mapping is available as Excel consists of key products of all the major market players.
The global Wheat Flour market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 47 figures, and 190 Pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
