Global Flour Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The global flour market is on a steady upward trajectory, reflecting the essential role flour plays in both traditional diets and modern food processing. The 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% during 2025–2033.

This growth is primarily driven by rising demand for convenience foods, bakery products, and processed foods worldwide. Urbanization, population growth, evolving eating habits, and increased consumption of ready-to-eat meals are reshaping the flour industry into a dynamic and innovation-driven sector.

The Backbone of Global Cuisine

Flour is a finely milled powder produced by grinding cereal grains, legumes, or nuts. Among all varieties, wheat flour remains the most commercially dominant product globally. It forms the foundation of numerous staple foods such as bread, pasta, noodles, pastries, tortillas, cakes, and biscuits.

Its adaptability across culinary traditions makes flour indispensable. For instance:

·        Semolina flour is widely used in Italy for pasta production.

·        Whole wheat flour is central to Indian flatbreads like chapatis.

·        Corn flour dominates Latin American and African cuisines.

·        Almond, coconut, and rice flours are gaining traction in gluten-free and specialty diets.

Flour’s affordability and accessibility further reinforce its position as a dietary cornerstone across both developed and emerging economies. Beyond its functional use, flour-based foods are deeply embedded in cultural and social traditions, from festive baking to daily household meals.

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Market Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Convenience Foods

Busy urban lifestyles have increased consumption of ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, and frozen baked goods. Flour remains the base ingredient for most of these products.

2. Urbanization and Population Expansion

Growing urban populations in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America are driving demand for packaged flour and processed grain products.

3. Health and Specialty Diet Trends

Consumers are increasingly seeking whole grain, organic, high-protein, and gluten-free alternatives. This has opened avenues for innovation in specialty flours such as almond, oat, sorghum, and chickpea flour.

4. Expansion of the Bakery Industry

The global bakery sector continues to flourish, supported by café culture, premium bakery chains, and artisanal products.

5. Growth of Food Processing and FMCG

Large-scale food manufacturers require consistent flour quality for mass production, strengthening industrial flour demand.

Top Companies Shaping the Global Flour Market

1. King Arthur Flour Company

Established: 1790
Headquarters: United States

As one of the oldest flour companies in the United States, King Arthur Flour Company has built a reputation for premium quality and sustainability. Headquartered in Vermont, the company offers flours, baking mixes, and baking tools tailored to home bakers and professionals.

Its commitment to organic sourcing, environmental responsibility, and community engagement has strengthened brand loyalty. Through recipes, baking classes, and digital engagement, King Arthur continues to inspire baking culture globally.

2. Associated British Foods Plc.

Established: 1935
Headquarters: United Kingdom

Associated British Foods (ABF) is a diversified food and retail group operating across sugar, grocery, agriculture, ingredients, and retail segments. Its flour and grain-based operations support food manufacturers and retail consumers worldwide.

ABF’s global presence across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific positions it as a key force in the flour and ingredients ecosystem.

3. Hindustan Unilever Ltd

Established: 1933
Headquarters: India

A subsidiary of Unilever Plc, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of FMCG products. While widely known for personal care and household brands, HUL also operates within packaged food categories, contributing to flour-based product distribution across India and neighboring markets.

4. Archer Daniels Midland Company

Established: 1902
Headquarters: United States

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is a global agribusiness leader engaged in processing and merchandising agricultural commodities. ADM produces flour and grain-derived ingredients while managing extensive storage, transportation, and logistics networks worldwide.

Its integrated supply chain provides competitive advantages in cost efficiency and quality assurance.

5. Conagra Brands Inc.

Established: 1919
Headquarters: United States

Conagra manufactures and distributes branded consumer foods across retail and foodservice channels. Its portfolio includes flour-based frozen meals, bakery mixes, and processed products sold under established brand names.

The company’s diversified manufacturing footprint across North America and Asia enhances global reach.

Product Innovation and Launches

Cargill, Incorporated

In July 2024, Cargill launched SimPure 92260, a soluble rice flour designed to replicate maltodextrin’s texture and functionality while appealing to clean-label consumers. This innovation reflects rising demand for recognizable, minimally processed ingredients.

ITC Ltd

In September 2025, ITC introduced a high-protein variant of atta under its Aashirvaad brand. The product targets health-conscious consumers, claiming that three rotis made from the flour can meet approximately 25% of daily protein requirements.

SWOT Highlights

Wilmar International Limited

Strength: Integrated Supply Chain and Agribusiness Scale

Wilmar’s vertically integrated model—from grain sourcing to distribution—ensures operational efficiency and consistent product quality. Its strong presence across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East reinforces its market dominance.

Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc.

Strength: Premium Whole-Grain and Gluten-Free Expertise

Bob’s Red Mill stands out for its commitment to whole-grain nutrition, organic production, and stone-milling processes. Strong brand identity and clean labeling resonate with health-conscious consumers worldwide.

Recent Developments

General Mills, Inc.

In August 2025, General Mills announced a USD 54 million investment to expand its James Ford Bell Technical Center. The expansion enhances R&D capabilities and supports long-term innovation in flour-based and grain products.

Bunge Limited

In February 2025, Bunge completed its merger with Viterra Limited, strengthening its global agribusiness footprint and expanding capabilities in food, feed, and fuel markets.

Sustainability Goals Across the Industry

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

Nisshin Seifun focuses on reducing carbon emissions, optimizing water use, promoting sustainable wheat sourcing, and improving packaging efficiency. The company also emphasizes food security and nutrition education.

Ardent Mills LLC

Ardent Mills’ “Nourish What’s Next” strategy centers on sustainable agriculture, regenerative wheat sourcing, energy efficiency, and community support initiatives. Transparent reporting and measurable ESG goals strengthen stakeholder trust.

Market Segmentation and Analytical Coverage

The Global Flour Market report provides in-depth coverage including:

·        Historical Trends

·        Forecast Analysis (2025–2033)

·        Market Share Analysis

·        Company Profiles

·        SWOT and Strategic Assessments

·        Revenue Analysis

·        Sustainability Evaluation

·        Product Benchmarking

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

Future Outlook

The global flour market is poised for consistent expansion through 2033, driven by innovation in specialty flours, sustainable sourcing, and evolving dietary preferences.

Key future trends include:

·        Growth of plant-based and gluten-free alternatives

·        Smart milling technologies for improved efficiency

·        Sustainable wheat sourcing initiatives

·        Expansion of fortified and protein-enriched flours

·        Increasing e-commerce distribution channels

With a projected value of USD 259.85 billion by 2033, the flour market remains foundational to the global food system while continuously adapting to modern consumer expectations.

Final Thoughts

Flour may be one of humanity’s oldest food ingredients, but its market story is far from static. As urban lifestyles, health awareness, and global trade reshape consumption patterns, the flour industry is evolving from a traditional commodity business into a value-added, innovation-driven sector.

Companies that invest in sustainability, nutritional enhancement, and supply chain efficiency will secure long-term competitive advantages.

From artisanal bakeries to industrial food manufacturing plants, flour continues to nourish billions daily—proving that even the simplest ingredients can drive a multibillion-dollar global market.