Global Millets Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

Global Millets Market Outlook

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 CAGR of 5.88% from 2025 to 2033. This steady growth is being fueled by rising health awareness, increasing demand for gluten-free and plant-based foods, and strong government support for sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Download Free Sample Report

Once considered traditional or regional grains, millets are now gaining global recognition as nutrient-rich, climate-resilient superfoods. Their growing use in food, beverages, and nutritional supplements is reshaping the global grain industry and positioning millets as a cornerstone of future food security.

According to Renub Research, the Global Millets Market & Forecast Report (2025–2033) covers analysis by Product Type, Application, Distribution Channel, Countries, and Company Profiles, reflecting the rapidly evolving nature of this market.

Overview of the Millets Market

Millets are small-seeded cereal grains cultivated mainly in Asia and Africa, known for their exceptional nutritional value and environmental sustainability. Common varieties include pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), foxtail millet, proso millet, and sorghum. These grains are naturally gluten-free, rich in dietary fiber, protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, making them ideal for modern health-conscious consumers.

What sets millets apart is their ability to grow in arid climates with minimal water, making them a highly sustainable alternative to water-intensive crops like rice and wheat. As climate change intensifies and water scarcity becomes a global concern, millets are emerging as a strategic crop for long-term food resilience.

Increasingly, millets are being used in porridge, bakery products, snacks, breakfast cereals, beverages, and infant food, while also serving as important animal feed in rural economies.

Key Growth Drivers of the Global Millets Market

1. Rising Health Awareness and Demand for Nutritious Foods

The global rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders has triggered a shift toward healthier diets. Millets, with their low glycemic index and high fiber content, help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and support heart health.

Urban consumers are actively seeking whole grains, plant-based, and gluten-free alternatives, driving demand for millet-based foods across supermarkets, online stores, and health food outlets. Influencers, nutritionists, and wellness platforms are further accelerating awareness, positioning millets as “functional foods” rather than traditional staples.

In 2023, Nestlé India launched a+ Masala Millet Porridges, combining traditional millets with local spices to meet taste and nutrition expectations of Indian households. Such innovations are transforming millets into convenient, modern food options.

2. Strong Government Initiatives and Policy Support

Government programs are playing a critical role in boosting millet cultivation and consumption. India declared 2023 as the “International Year of Millets,” leading to increased production, export opportunities, and consumer awareness globally.

The Indian Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) launched the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) with an investment of INR 800 crore (USD 96.8 million) to encourage value-added millet processing between 2022–2027. Millets have also been officially classified as “Nutri-Cereals” in India.

Similar support initiatives are being observed across Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East, enhancing supply chain infrastructure and encouraging farmers to adopt millet cultivation.

3. Growth of Plant-Based and Sustainable Food Movements

Sustainability is now a key driver in food purchasing decisions. Millets require 30–40% less water compared to rice and wheat, thrive in poor soil conditions, and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.

As global consumers shift toward eco-friendly and low-carbon diets, millets align perfectly with sustainable living values. This has also encouraged organic farming, with over 96 million hectares globally under organic cultivation and global organic food sales exceeding €135 billion in 2022.

Food companies are leveraging this trend by introducing millet-based snacks, breakfast cereals, bakery items, and beverages targeted at eco-conscious consumers.

Challenges Facing the Global Millets Market

1. Limited Consumer Awareness and Traditional Perception

Despite their nutritional superiority, millets are still perceived as “poor man’s food” in several regions. In developed countries, consumers are more familiar with quinoa, oats, and brown rice, while millets remain underutilized.

Lack of product innovation, limited marketing, and poor brand visibility are slowing mainstream adoption. Overcoming this perception will require stronger campaigns, education, and modern product positioning.

2. Supply Chain and Processing Limitations

Millets face post-harvest challenges including poor storage facilities, limited milling infrastructure, and short shelf life, leading to quality losses and price instability. In many developing regions, fragmented supply chains restrict large-scale distribution and export potential.

Investments in modern processing, packaging, and logistics will be essential to unlock the full market potential of millets.

Segment Analysis

Organic Millets Market

Organic millets are gaining rapid popularity among health-conscious and clean-label consumers. Demand is strongest in North America, Europe, and urban Asia-Pacific, where consumers are willing to pay a premium for chemical-free grains.

Retailers are expanding their organic millet offerings in the form of flours, snacks, breakfast cereals, and ready-to-eat foods. With increasing government incentives and higher farmer profitability, the organic millet segment is expected to witness sustained long-term growth.

Regular Millets Market

Regular millets continue to dominate global supply and consumption, especially in India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and other developing economies. They are affordable, nutritious, and deeply embedded in traditional diets.

With improvements in processing and packaging, regular millets are also entering organized retail and foodservice channels, supporting gradual market expansion.

Millets Infant Food Market

Millet-based infant foods are gaining acceptance due to easy digestibility, high mineral content, and gluten-free nature. Pediatricians frequently recommend millets as first solid foods.

Manufacturers are introducing fortified millet cereals and porridge blends, targeting both urban and rural markets. This segment is expected to grow rapidly with increasing awareness of early childhood nutrition.

Millets Breakfast Market

Millets are increasingly used in breakfast cereals, muesli, pancakes, porridges, and energy bars. Busy urban consumers prefer ready-to-eat millet products that provide long-lasting energy and health benefits.

Strong demand is observed in North America and Europe, where gluten-free and protein-rich breakfasts are gaining popularity.

Distribution Channel Analysis

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Supermarkets remain the dominant distribution channel due to better visibility, brand variety, and promotional activities. Organized retail is expanding shelf space for millet-based foods, encouraging mainstream adoption.

Online Stores

E-commerce platforms are rapidly emerging as key sales channels, offering convenience, variety, and nutritional transparency. Subscription models and digital marketing campaigns have significantly increased online millet sales, especially after COVID-19.

Country-Level Market Insights

United States Millets Market

In the U.S., demand for millets is rising due to gluten-free and sustainable diet trends. Organic millets dominate, supported by health-conscious consumers and clean-label preferences.

In January 2024, the Indo-U.S. Millets Initiative was launched to promote millet awareness and research collaboration. Major institutions involved include the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and North American Millets Alliance.

Germany Millets Market

Germany is a major European consumer of millets, driven by strong demand for organic, vegan, and health foods. Millets are commonly used in bread, muesli, and breakfast cereals. Imports from India and Africa are rising steadily.

India Millets Market

India remains the largest producer and consumer of millets globally. Government-backed initiatives and integration of millets into public nutrition programs have significantly boosted domestic demand.

In May 2023, Bonn Group of Industries launched millet-based bread, pizza, and burgers under its “Go Healthy With Millets” campaign, reflecting growing urban acceptance.

Saudi Arabia Millets Market

In Saudi Arabia, demand is increasing due to health awareness, gluten-free diets, and food security policies. Millets are mainly imported from India and Africa, with expanding distribution through health stores and online platforms.

In March 2023, Saudi Arabia signed an agricultural cooperation agreement with Mozambique to enhance food security and diversify grain imports.

Millets Market Segmentation

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

Key companies analyzed across five parameters—Overview, Key Person, Recent Developments, Product Portfolio, and Revenue—include:

Amgen Inc.

AstraZeneca

Bayer AG

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Pfizer Inc.

Novartis AG

Johnson & Johnson

Eli Lilly and Company

Seattle Genetics Inc.

(Note: These companies are covered as part of broader nutrition, research, and health-related portfolios in the market ecosystem.)

Final Thoughts

The global millets market is entering a golden era of revival, driven by nutrition awareness, sustainability goals, and government support. What was once considered a traditional grain is now transforming into a global superfood with applications across food, beverages, and health products.

As investments in processing, branding, and consumer education increase, millets are set to play a crucial role in global food security, climate resilience, and preventive healthcare. With steady growth projected through 2033, the millets market represents a promising opportunity for farmers, food companies, policymakers, and health-conscious consumers worldwide.