Global Millets Market Analysis

The Global Millets Market was valued at USD 11.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.65 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.88% between 2025 and 2033. The demand for millets is rising worldwide due to the increasing shift toward nutrient-dense foods, the popularity of gluten-free diets, and government support for sustainable farming practices. Millets are gaining notable traction in food, beverages, nutritional supplements, and animal feed industries, particularly in emerging and health-conscious markets.

Full Access Report:https://www.renub.com/millets-market-p.php

Overview of the Millets Market

Millets refer to a group of small-seeded cereal grains cultivated primarily in Africa and Asia. These grains are valued for their resilience to drought, low water requirements, and ability to thrive in semi-arid climates, making them vital for sustainable agriculture. Popular millet varieties include pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and proso millet.

Millets contain high levels of dietary fiber, protein, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and calcium, and they are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Their nutritional profile positions them as a functional food beneficial for preventing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Increasing urban health awareness, rising demand for plant-based dietary alternatives, and sustainable farming advocacy programs are driving consumption. Millets are now used not only in traditional dishes but also in modern packaged foods, snacks, breakfast cereals, beverages, and nutraceuticals.

Key Market Growth Drivers

Rising Health Consciousness and Nutritional Awareness

The growing global emphasis on health and wellness is a major driver of millet consumption. Millets help regulate blood sugar, improve digestion, and support heart health. Nutritionists and dieticians are increasingly recommending millet-based meals, while food brands are positioning millet as a superfood. Consumer interest in whole grains and natural foods is creating opportunities for diversified millet-based product lines.

An example in product innovation is Nestlé India’s launch of “a+ Masala Millet Porridges” in 2023, blending taste and nutrition with regional grains and spices to appeal to local preferences.

Government Support for Millet Cultivation and Adoption

Government initiatives are significantly influencing market expansion. India declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, boosting awareness, domestic consumption, and international demand. Policy measures include subsidies, export support, and integration of millets in public nutrition programs like mid-day meals.

The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) under India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries, budgeted at ₹800 crores (USD 96.8 million), aims to expand industrial-scale millet processing and product innovation.

Growing Demand for Sustainable and Plant-Based Foods

Millets are considered a climate-smart crop, supporting global efforts toward eco-friendly agriculture. They require fewer chemical inputs and adapt well to degraded soils. With consumer preferences shifting toward environmentally responsible foods, millets align with sustainability-driven dietary movements.

Food and beverage companies are actively introducing millet-based bakery products, beverages, snacks, and convenience foods to appeal to eco-conscious and health-focused consumers. The expansion of organic farming, covering over 96 million hectares globally, supports the growth of organic millet product lines.

Market Challenges

Low Consumer Awareness and Traditional Image

Despite strong nutritional value, millets are still perceived as an inexpensive or traditional food in some regions. Limited product variety, taste acceptability, and insufficient marketing reduce consumer willingness to adopt millets, especially when compared with globally popular grains like quinoa and oats.

Effective branding, consumer education, and promoting millet-based cuisine are essential for changing perceptions and expanding premium market adoption.

Supply Chain, Processing, and Storage Limitations

Millets require specialized post-harvest handling to maintain quality. Weak storage, milling, packaging, and distribution capabilities lead to spoilage and inconsistent supply. Shorter shelf life and fragmentation in agricultural systems restrict large-scale commercialization and global exports. Investments in modern processing technology are critical to enhancing value-added millet products.

Global Organic Millets Market

The organic millets segment is expanding rapidly among consumers seeking clean-label, chemical-free food products. Growth in organic certifications, health retail chains, and online specialty stores supports premium millet product sales. Farmers are increasingly adopting organic cultivation techniques, supported by subsidies and guaranteed buy-back programs. Urban markets across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are the primary growth drivers for this segment.

Global Regular Millets Market

Regular millets constitute the largest share of global production and consumption, especially in countries like India, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. These millets continue to be staple dietary grains due to affordability and availability. As food processing and packaging become more modernized, regular millets are gaining shelf presence in retail chains, expanding their reach into urban consumer markets.

Millets in Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition

Millet-based infant foods are gaining acceptance due to their high digestibility and nutritional density. Pediatricians increasingly recommend millet porridges and cereals for infants beginning complementary feeding. Brands are launching fortified millet baby foods enriched with iron, vitamins, and essential minerals. Growing consumer preference for natural, minimally processed infant nutrition is expected to accelerate this market.

Millets in Breakfast and Convenience Foods

Millets are becoming mainstream ingredients in breakfast products such as cereal blends, granola, pancakes, porridge mixes, and ready-to-cook meal kits. The shift toward high-protein, low-glycemic breakfast habits supports this trend. Food brands and restaurants are incorporating millet-based breakfast recipes to attract health-driven urban consumers.

Millets in Supermarkets and Organized Retail Channels

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are increasing millet product visibility through dedicated health food aisles and branded promotional displays. These retail environments play a key role in educating consumers through packaging information and in-store sampling campaigns.

Millets in Online Retail and E-Commerce

Online retail is becoming a major distribution channel, especially for specialty and premium millet products. E-commerce platforms enable diverse product offerings, subscription models, and health influencer marketing, which are boosting awareness and repeat purchases. The pandemic accelerated online millet sales as consumers shifted to home-based healthy eating.

👉 Want to explore detailed market trends, segment insights, and c? 🔗 Request Sample Report

Regional Market Insights

United States

The U.S. market is expanding due to increased demand for gluten-free grains and sustainable agriculture. Millet is being introduced in snacks, cereals, and baby foods. The Indo-US Millets Initiative launched in January 2024 aims to promote millet cultivation, knowledge collaboration, and product development.

Germany

Germany’s millet market is led by strong demand for organic, vegan, and health-focused foods. Millet-based bakery and breakfast products are particularly popular. Imports of certified organic millets continue to rise to meet consumer demand.

India

India is the largest producer and consumer of millets globally. Government-backed campaigns, urban health movements, and food industry innovation are driving rapid product diversification, including millet breads, pizzas, burgers, and beverages. Millet integration in public nutrition and restaurant menus is growing across the country.

Saudi Arabia

Millet imports are increasing as health-conscious consumers adopt gluten-free and traditional foods. Government initiatives to strengthen agricultural diversification and rural development influence demand.

Market Segmentation

By Product

·        Organic

·        Regular

By Application

·        Infant Food

·        Bakery Products

·        Breakfast Foods

·        Beverages

·        Fodder

·        Others

By Distribution Channel

·        Trade Associations and Organizations

·        Supermarkets

·        Traditional Grocery Stores

·        Online Stores

·        Others

Regional Coverage

·        North America (United States, Canada)

·        Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey)

·        Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand)

·        Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico)

·        Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa)

Competitive Landscape (Company Profiles Reviewed by Overview, Leadership, Recent Developments, Product Portfolio, Revenue)

·        Amgen Inc.

·        AstraZeneca

·        Bayer AG

·        Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

·        Pfizer Inc.

·        Novartis AG

·        Johnson & Johnson

·        Eli Lilly Company

·        Seattle Genetics Inc.

👉 For deeper analysis, detailed segment data, and company insights: 🔗 Request Customization Report

Note: If you need details, data, or insights not covered in this report, we are glad to assist. Through our customization service, we will collect and deliver the information you require, tailored to your specific needs. Share your requirements with us, and we will update the report to align with your expectations.