Global Millets Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033
Millets Gain Global Momentum as Health, Sustainability, and Food Security Take Center Stage
Global Millets Market Overview
The Global Millets Market was valued at USD 11.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.65 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.88% from 2025 to 2033, according to Renub Research.
This growth is being driven by rising consumer awareness of millet-based nutrition, increasing demand for gluten-free diets, and strong government support for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. Millets are rapidly transitioning from traditional staple grains to modern “superfoods,” finding applications across food, beverage, infant nutrition, and dietary supplement industries worldwide.
What Are Millets?
Millets are a group of small-seeded cereal grains cultivated primarily in Asia and Africa. Common varieties include pearl millet, finger millet (ragi), foxtail millet, and proso millet. These grains are known for their high fiber content, plant-based protein, essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, and complete absence of gluten.
What sets millets apart is their exceptional resilience. They grow in arid climates, require minimal water, and thrive in poor soil conditions—making them a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and food security strategies.
Rising Global Demand for Millets
Across the globe, millets are gaining popularity due to their role in combating lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly incorporating millets into porridge, bread, breakfast cereals, snacks, and beverages, while food companies innovate to meet changing dietary preferences.
Governments and global organizations are also promoting millets as part of nutrition security and climate-smart agriculture initiatives, strengthening their position in the global food system.
Key Growth Drivers Shaping the Market
1. Increasing Health Awareness and Functional Nutrition
Growing awareness around nutrition is one of the strongest drivers of millet consumption. High fiber content supports digestion, while low glycemic index properties help manage blood sugar levels. As urban consumers shift toward whole grains and gluten-free foods, millets are emerging as a preferred alternative to refined cereals.
Major food brands are actively responding to this trend. In 2023, Nestlé India launched a+ Masala Millet Porridges, blending traditional millets with vegetables and spices to deliver both taste and nutrition, tailored to local preferences.
2. Government Initiatives and Policy Support
Government-backed programs have played a critical role in boosting millet production and consumption. India’s declaration of 2023 as the “International Year of Millets” significantly elevated global awareness.
The Indian Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) introduced the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP), allocating INR 800 crore (USD 96.8 million) for the period 2022–2027. Additionally, millets have been officially classified as “Nutri-Cereals,” reinforcing their nutritional importance.
Such initiatives enhance farmer participation, strengthen supply chains, and encourage product innovation across domestic and international markets.
3. Growth of Sustainable and Plant-Based Food Movements
Millets align seamlessly with global sustainability goals. They consume less water, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and support biodiversity. As environmentally conscious consumers seek sustainable food options, millets are gaining traction as climate-friendly grains.
The global organic food sector further amplifies this trend. Organic farming is practiced across 188 countries, covering over 96 million hectares and involving approximately 4.5 million farmers. In 2022, global organic food and beverage sales reached nearly EUR 135 billion, providing fertile ground for organic millet expansion.
Challenges Limiting Market Growth
Limited Consumer Awareness and Traditional Perception
Despite their benefits, millets still face a perception challenge. In many regions, they are viewed as “traditional” or “low-income” foods. In developed markets, consumers are more familiar with quinoa or oats, leaving millets underutilized.
Overcoming this barrier requires consumer education, modern branding, and culinary innovation from both governments and private players.
Supply Chain and Processing Constraints
Inadequate post-harvest infrastructure—such as poor storage, milling, and processing facilities—continues to restrict market potential. Shorter shelf life and fragmented supply chains also affect pricing stability and export opportunities, particularly in emerging economies.
Segment Analysis
Organic Millets Market
Organic millets are gaining strong momentum as consumers seek chemical-free, clean-label grains. With increasing certifications and retail availability, organic millets are expanding rapidly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific urban markets. Premium pricing and government incentives further support farmer adoption.
Regular Millets Market
Regular millets dominate global supply and remain essential to food security in countries like India, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Affordable pricing and cultural integration ensure sustained demand, especially among rural and middle-income households.
Infant Food Applications
Millet-based infant foods are increasingly favored due to easy digestibility, gluten-free properties, and rich micronutrient content. Pediatric nutrition trends and demand for organic baby foods are accelerating growth across both developed and developing regions.
Breakfast and Ready-to-Eat Foods
Millets are becoming mainstream in breakfast cereals, pancakes, porridges, and muesli. Busy urban lifestyles and interest in protein-rich, low-carb foods are driving demand for ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat millet products globally.
Distribution Channel Insights
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Modern retail outlets play a key role by offering branded, packaged millet products with strong visibility. In-store promotions and sampling have helped increase consumer adoption.
Online Stores
E-commerce platforms are emerging as a major growth driver, offering product variety, convenience, subscriptions, and nutritional transparency. Online sales surged post-COVID-19 and continue to grow steadily.
Regional Market Highlights
United States
The U.S. millet market is expanding rapidly due to growing interest in gluten-free and sustainable grains. In January 2024, India and the U.S. launched the Indo–US Millets Initiative, involving institutions such as the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and the North American Millets Alliance.
Germany
Germany leads millet adoption in Europe, driven by strong demand for organic, vegan, and health foods. Imports of certified organic millets from India and Africa continue to rise.
India
India remains the world’s largest producer and consumer of millets. Government-backed initiatives, innovation in packaged foods, and urban demand are transforming millets into a modern health staple. In May 2023, Bonn Group of Industries launched millet-based breads, pizzas, and burgers under the campaign “Go Healthy With Millets.”
Saudi Arabia
Rising health awareness and demand for gluten-free diets are boosting millet imports, primarily from India and Africa. In March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Mozambique signed an agreement to strengthen agricultural cooperation, indirectly supporting millet supply diversification.
Market Segmentation Overview
By Product
Organic
Regular
By Application
Infant Food
Bakery Products
Breakfasts
Beverages
Fodder
Others
By Distribution Channel
Trade Associations & Organizations
Supermarkets
Traditional Grocery Stores
Online Stores
Others
Competitive Landscape
Companies are analyzed across:
Company Overview
Key Personnel
Recent Developments
Product Portfolio
Revenue Performance
Key Companies Covered
Amgen Inc.
AstraZeneca
Bayer AG
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Pfizer Inc.
Novartis AG
Johnson & Johnson
Eli Lilly and Company
Seattle Genetics Inc.
Final Thoughts
The global millets market is entering a transformational growth phase, driven by health consciousness, sustainability priorities, and strong policy backing. As millets move from traditional diets into mainstream global consumption, innovation in processing, branding, and distribution will be critical.
With rising demand across food, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture sectors, millets are well-positioned to become a core component of the future global food system—benefiting consumers, farmers, and the planet alike.
About the Creator
Marthan Sir
Educator with 30+ years of teaching experience | Passionate about sharing knowledge, life lessons & insights | Writing to inspire, inform, and empower readers.
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