Global Flour Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The global flour market is projected to grow from USD 173.5 billion in 2024 to USD 259.85 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 4.59% between 2025 and 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for baked goods, convenience foods, and processed food products. Rapid urbanization, population growth, evolving dietary patterns, and rising disposable incomes are further accelerating industry expansion.

Flour remains one of the most fundamental ingredients in the global food system, forming the base of staple diets and processed food manufacturing worldwide.

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Global Flour Market Outlook

Flour is a finely milled powder derived from cereal grains, legumes, or nuts, with wheat flour being the most widely consumed variety globally. It serves as a foundational ingredient in bread, pastries, pasta, noodles, flatbreads, and a variety of traditional dishes across cultures.

Different regions adapt flour to local culinary preferences:

• Semolina flour is widely used for pasta in Italy.
• Whole wheat flour is predominant in India for chapatis and rotis.
• Rice flour is common in East Asian cuisines.
• Almond and coconut flours are popular in gluten-free and keto diets.

The increasing popularity of alternative flours reflects changing consumer preferences toward health-conscious, gluten-free, and plant-based eating habits.

Flour’s affordability and accessibility make it essential not only for household consumption but also for large-scale commercial food manufacturing. Beyond its economic role, flour-based foods remain deeply embedded in cultural traditions and social gatherings across the globe.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Convenience and Processed Foods

Urban lifestyles and time-constrained consumers are driving demand for ready-to-eat meals, bakery products, instant noodles, and snack foods. Flour is a critical ingredient in most processed food categories.

As global retail chains and quick-service restaurants expand, flour consumption continues to rise in both developed and emerging economies.

2. Population Growth and Urbanization

Expanding urban populations in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are boosting per capita consumption of packaged and baked goods. The growing middle class in emerging economies further supports demand for premium flour products.

3. Health and Specialty Flour Trends

Growing awareness of dietary health is encouraging demand for:

• Whole grain flours
• High-protein flour variants
• Gluten-free alternatives
• Organic and non-GMO products

Consumers increasingly seek clean-label and minimally processed ingredients, prompting manufacturers to innovate in specialty flour segments.

Top Companies in the Global Flour Market

1. King Arthur Baking Company

Established: 1790
Headquarters: United States

King Arthur is one of America’s oldest flour brands, recognized for quality and sustainability. The company offers baking flours, mixes, and tools catering to both home bakers and professionals.

Its commitment to responsible grain sourcing and environmental stewardship strengthens brand loyalty, while digital engagement and baking education initiatives reinforce community connection.

2. Associated British Foods Plc

Established: 1935
Headquarters: United Kingdom

ABF operates across diversified segments including sugar, grocery, ingredients, and retail. Its flour and bakery ingredient businesses support global food manufacturing operations.

The company’s broad geographic presence across Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas enhances supply chain resilience.

3. Hindustan Unilever Limited

Established: 1933
Headquarters: India

HUL operates within the FMCG sector, offering packaged foods and household brands. Its presence in staple food categories supports flour-based product demand in India and neighboring markets.

Strong distribution networks and brand recognition enable HUL to maintain competitive positioning.

4. Archer Daniels Midland Company

Established: 1902
Headquarters: United States

ADM is a global agribusiness leader producing flour, sweeteners, vegetable oils, and food ingredients. Its vertically integrated supply chain—from grain sourcing to distribution—provides cost efficiency and operational stability.

ADM’s international logistics network strengthens its position in both industrial and consumer flour markets.

5. Conagra Brands

Established: 1919
Headquarters: United States

Conagra manufactures branded food products including frozen meals and baking mixes. Through its value-added food portfolio, it drives demand for flour in retail and foodservice channels.

Product Launch Highlights

Cargill

July 2024: Cargill introduced SimPure 92260, a soluble rice flour designed to replace maltodextrin as a cleaner-label bulking agent. The product enhances texture and functionality while meeting consumer demand for recognizable ingredients.

ITC Limited

September 2025: ITC launched a high-protein atta variant under its Aashirvaad brand. Three rotis made from the new flour reportedly meet approximately 25% of daily protein requirements, aligning with rising health-conscious consumer trends.

SWOT Analysis Highlights

Wilmar International Limited

Strength – Integrated Supply Chain
Wilmar benefits from vertical integration across grain sourcing, milling, and distribution. Its operational scale ensures cost efficiency, quality consistency, and reliable supply across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods Inc.

Strength – Premium Whole-Grain Positioning
Bob’s Red Mill is recognized for stone-milled, organic, and gluten-free flour products. Strong brand identity and commitment to nutritional integrity drive loyalty among health-conscious consumers.

Recent Industry Developments

General Mills Inc.

August 2025: Announced a USD 54 million investment to expand its James Ford Bell Technical Center, increasing pilot plant space by over 20% to enhance innovation and product development.

Bunge Limited

February 2025: Completed its merger with Viterra Limited, strengthening its global agribusiness capabilities across food, feed, and fuel supply chains.

Sustainability Goals

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

The company focuses on reducing carbon emissions, improving water efficiency, and promoting sustainable wheat sourcing. Renewable energy adoption and waste reduction initiatives align operations with global sustainability standards.

Ardent Mills LLC

Ardent Mills emphasizes regenerative agriculture partnerships, energy efficiency, and circular resource management. Its “Nourish What’s Next” strategy supports sustainable grain systems and community engagement.

Market Segmentation Overview

By Type:

• Wheat Flour
• Rice Flour
• Corn Flour
• Specialty and Alternative Flours

By Application:

• Bakery Products
• Noodles and Pasta
• Snacks and Convenience Foods
• Household Consumption
• Industrial Food Processing

By Region:
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

The global flour market includes established multinational corporations and regional milling leaders such as:

• King Arthur Flour Company
• Associated British Foods Plc
• Hindustan Unilever Ltd
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Conagra Brands
• Cargill
• ITC Limited
• General Mills
• Bunge Limited
• Wilmar International Limited
• Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods
• Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.
• Ardent Mills LLC
• GrainCorp Limited
• Olam International Limited
• Manildra Group Pty Ltd
• Seaboard Corporation
• Acarsan Holding
• Hodgson Mill, Inc.
• Interflour Group Pte Ltd

Each company is analyzed across multiple dimensions including strategic initiatives, sustainability performance, SWOT evaluation, product benchmarking, and revenue analysis.

Final Thoughts

The global flour market is on a steady upward trajectory, projected to reach USD 259.85 billion by 2033. Growth is anchored in rising consumption of convenience foods, expanding bakery industries, and evolving dietary preferences.

While traditional wheat flour remains dominant, innovation in specialty, high-protein, gluten-free, and clean-label products is reshaping the competitive landscape. Sustainability, supply chain resilience, and health-oriented product development will define the next decade of growth.

As flour continues to serve as a universal culinary foundation, companies that combine operational efficiency, product innovation, and environmental responsibility will be best positioned to lead in this expanding global market.