Asia-Pacific Millets Market Outlook, 2028

The Asia-Pacific region has long been a hub of diverse culinary traditions and agricultural practices. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in dietary preferences towards healthier and more sustainable food choices. This shift has propelled the millet market into the spotlight, with millets emerging as a nutritional powerhouse and an eco-friendly alternative to conventional grains. Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses that belong to the Poaceae family. It includes various species such as pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, and barnyard millet. These grains are ancient crops that have been cultivated for thousands of years across Asia-Pacific countries like India, China, Nepal, Thailand, and many others. Millets are gaining popularity in modern times due to their exceptional nutritional profile. They are a rich source of essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins (B-complex vitamins), and minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc). Furthermore, millets are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. These crops are grown in the semi-arid tropics because they are naturally very drought tolerant. For centuries, millet has been an important staple in Asia and Africa. The rich nutritional content of millet helps maintain a healthy life. Millet is an ideal food for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Millet is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and can ease intestinal problems. Regular consumption of millet helps prevent gastrointestinal problems and other diseases related to the kidneys and liver.

According to the research report, Asia-Pacific Millets Market Outlook, 2028 the market is anticipated to grow with 3.89% CAGR by 2023-28. Millet holds significant cultural importance in several Asian-Pacific countries, where it is not merely seen as a dietary staple but also an integral part of traditions and celebrations. In India, for instance, various millet-based dishes are prepared during religious festivals and auspicious occasions. Bajra (pearl millet) is commonly consumed in Rajasthan and Gujarat, while ragi (finger millet) is a popular choice in South India, particularly Karnataka. Similarly, in China, millet has been consumed for centuries, especially in the northern regions, where it is used in porridges, dumplings, and other traditional dishes. The culinary diversity of millet is evident in the plethora of delicious recipes and preparations found across the region. From savoury dishes like millet pilafs and curries to sweet treats like millet-based desserts, these grains offer a versatile canvas for creative and nutritious meals. The urbanization of society has resulted into the prominence of these foods in the modern diet; e.g., there has been an increase in the trend of consumption of millets mixed with carbonated water, coffee, pancakes, waffles, tea, cake, etc., in breakfast. Furthermore, the increase in population, coupled with a rising economic standards; hike in disposable incomes; and diversification in food habits are surging the demand for convenience foods, including millets. To meet such increasing and varied demands, companies are coming up with improved varieties of millets and efficient distribution channels to serve the wider customer base.

Based on the countries, India is dominating the market with over 75% market share in 2022 in Asia-Pacific millets market.

Millet, an ancient grain with a rich history in India, is experiencing a renaissance in modern times. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware, millets are gaining popularity as a nutritious and sustainable alternative to traditional staples like rice and wheat. Recognizing the potential of millets in addressing nutritional challenges and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Indian government has taken significant steps to support their cultivation and consumption. In 2018, the Indian government declared millets as Nutri-Cereals and launched the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) to encourage their cultivation. Under the NMSA, various states receive financial assistance for promoting millet cultivation, creating awareness among farmers, and establishing millet-based enterprises. These initiatives aim to improve farm incomes, enhance soil health, and contribute to food and nutritional security in the country. With continued government support, awareness campaigns, and investment in infrastructure, millets have the potential to revolutionize India's food landscape. By embracing these ancient grains, India can not only promote healthier eating habits but also ensure the long-term sustainability of its agriculture and preserve its rich culinary heritage for future generations.

Based on product type, pearl millets are expected to dominate the Asia-Pacific millets market with more than USD 3 Billion market size by 2028.

Pearl millet, also known as bajra, is one of the most widely consumed millet varieties in the Asia-Pacific region. It is particularly popular in countries like India, where it has been a dietary staple for centuries. Pearl millet is well-suited to arid and semi-arid regions and is known for its resilience to drought and high temperatures. India is the largest producer and consumer of pearl millet in the Asia-Pacific region. Pearl millet is commonly used to make rotis (flatbreads), khichdi (a savory porridge), and various sweet dishes. Growing awareness of its health benefits, including its high fiber and iron content, is driving the demand for pearl millet products. The rising income levels and altering dietary preferences of consumers in these nations have led to an increase in demand for nutritious and healthy food products such as Pearl Millets. In recent years, the consumer trend and behaviour regarding the Pearl Millets Segment have been positive. Massive demand share of pearl millets is due to its rich nutritional value as it has 8 times higher iron content than rice. Finger millets are popular among several cultures and have demand from processors. Foxtail, proso and other millets are also rich in fiber, calcium and other minerals. Increasing fibrous food demand for breakfast meals in shall positively impact on the industry growth over the forecast timeframe.

Based on the nature, organic millets segment is expected to grow with prominent CAGR of more than 6% by 2023-28.

Organic millets refer to grains that are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They are grown using traditional and sustainable agricultural practices, promoting soil health and biodiversity. The demand for organic millets is on the rise as consumers become more conscious of the potential harmful effects of synthetic chemicals in their food. Health-conscious individuals, including those following organic and eco-friendly lifestyles, prefer organic millets due to their perceived superior nutritional value and environmental benefits. The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed a growing number of organic millet producers and certifications, catering to the increasing demand from health-conscious consumers. Organic millets refer to millet grains that are cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. Instead, organic farming practices rely on natural methods to promote soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. Governments in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly recognizing the importance of organic farming and promoting its adoption through various initiatives and incentives. They offer subsidies, certification support, and training programs to encourage farmers to switch to organic practices. As a result, more farmers are transitioning to organic millet cultivation, thereby expanding the availability and accessibility of organic millet products in the market. In many countries across the Asia-Pacific region, millets have been an integral part of traditional diets for generations. As consumers seek to preserve their cultural heritage, organic millets have gained renewed importance. Organic cultivation methods align with traditional and sustainable agricultural practices, making them more appealing to consumers seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots.

Based on the application, ready to eat food segment is leading the market in 2022 with over 20% market share in Asia-Pacific millets market.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) food is gaining popularity in the fast-paced lifestyle of the Asia-Pacific region. As consumers seek convenient and time-saving meal solutions, the demand for RTE products has soared. Millets, with their exceptional nutritional benefits and culinary versatility, have found a place in the RTE food segment, offering a healthy and sustainable alternative to traditional options. The ready to eat millet products are a healthy and convenient option for consumers seeking fast and simple meals. The Ready to eat millet products include breakfast cereals, munchies, and baked goods made with millet. These items are typically pre-cooked and ready for immediate consumption or minimal preparation. The adoption of the ready to eat segment in the global millets market has been propelled by the economic growth of emerging economies. The increasing urbanization and altering lifestyles of consumers in these nations have led to an increase in demand for convenient and nutritious food options, such as ready to eat millet products. In recent years, the consumer trend and behaviour toward the ready to eat segment have been positive. Convenient and nutritious foods that can be ingested on the go are sought after by consumers. In Asia-Pacific, millets can be incorporated into various RTE food products, such as millet-based snacks, ready-to-eat porridges, millet-based instant noodles, and even millet-based meals. They offer a versatile canvas for creating innovative and delicious RTE options that cater to different taste preferences.

However, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, and in the Asia-Pacific region, there is a growing trend of incorporating millets into breakfast options. Millets, with their exceptional nutritional content and versatility, offer a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional breakfast staples. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, millets are a blessing. As millets are naturally gluten-free, they offer a safe and nutritious alternative for those who need to avoid gluten in their diet. Also, the versatility of millets allows for experimentation in Western-style breakfast dishes. For instance, millet porridge or millet overnight oats can be prepared with a range of flavours and toppings, catering to a diverse palate. In various Asian countries, millet-based street food breakfast options have gained popularity. For example, millet-based dosas or savoury crepes are a common street food breakfast choice in South India. In addition to that, as the demand for healthier breakfast options grows, restaurants and cafes are introducing millet-based breakfast dishes on their menus to attract health-conscious customers.

Based on the distribution channel, traditional grocery stores are dominating the market with market size of more than USD 2 Billion in 2022.

Millets in traditional grocery stores in the Asia-Pacific region have become increasingly prominent as consumers rediscover the nutritional and environmental benefits of these ancient grains. Traditional grocery stores play a significant role in making millet products accessible to a wide range of consumers, including those who may not be actively seeking health foods. Traditional grocery stores in the Asia-Pacific region have expanded their product offerings to include a diverse range of millet-based products. These may include whole millet grains, millet flours, millet-based snacks, breakfast cereals, and even ready-to-eat millet meals. The availability of various millet products attracts different consumer segments, from health-conscious individuals to those looking for new and nutritious meal options. Traditional grocery stores typically give adequate shelf space and visibility to millet products. They are often placed alongside conventional grains like rice and wheat, making it easier for consumers to spot and explore millet options. Product displays and labeling may highlight the nutritional benefits of millets, enticing consumers to try them out. Also, in traditional grocery stores, millet products are often competitively priced, making them accessible to a broader audience. The affordability of millet grains and millet-based products encourages consumers to include them in their regular grocery purchases.

Market Drivers

Nutritional Benefits and Health Consciousness: One of the primary drivers for the growing demand for millets in the Asia-Pacific region is the increasing health consciousness among consumers. Millets are rich in nutrients, including dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to diets. As consumers seek healthier and more balanced food options, millets have gained popularity as a superfood with numerous health benefits, including managing blood sugar levels, aiding digestion, and supporting heart health. The prevalence of gluten sensitivities and celiac disease has prompted many consumers in the Asia-Pacific region to seek gluten-free alternatives in their diets. Millets, being naturally gluten-free, have become an attractive option for individuals with gluten-related disorders. The availability of gluten-free millet products in various forms, such as millet flours and ready-to-eat meals, has fueled the demand among this consumer segment.

Export Potential: The Asia-Pacific region's millet market also benefits from export opportunities to other regions and countries with a growing demand for healthy and sustainable foods. The export potential for millet products contributes to the overall growth and economic viability of millet cultivation in the region. Several countries in the APAC region have recognized the export potential of millets and have supported the millet sector through government initiatives and promotional campaigns. These efforts aim to enhance millet production, processing capabilities, and quality standards, thereby increasing the region's export competitiveness.

Market Challenges

High Cost: Millet crops generally have lower yields compared to conventional grains like rice and wheat. This lower yield results in higher production costs for millet farmers, which may translate to higher prices for millet products in the market. Additionally, economies of scale may not be fully realized in millet production due to their niche status, further affecting cost efficiency. Also, the lack of modern processing facilities for millets can impact their production efficiency and quality. Insufficient processing infrastructure leads to higher costs involved in cleaning, dehulling, and milling millet grains. These added costs are eventually passed on to consumers, making millet products more expensive compared to processed conventional grains. Millet cultivation is often concentrated in specific regions within the Asia-Pacific, and transportation costs can be higher when supplying millet products to distant markets. The transportation and distribution expenses add to the final retail price of millet products, affecting their affordability for consumers.

Limited Shelf life: Millets, like many whole grains, are prone to spoilage and deterioration over time due to factors such as moisture, insects, and rancidity. The perishable nature of millets can lead to food waste and supply chain inefficiencies, which can negatively impact their availability and affordability in the market. Millets contain natural oils and fats that can turn rancid when exposed to air, light, and heat. This oxidation process reduces the shelf life of millets and affects their quality. Moisture in millet grains can lead to mold growth, insect infestations, and degradation of nutritional content. Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintaining the quality and shelf life of millet products. Also, inadequate storage facilities at various points, including during transportation, warehousing, and retail, can contribute to spoilage and deterioration of millets.

Market Trends

Millets as a Climate-Smart Crop: Millets have gained recognition as a climate-smart crop in the Asia-Pacific region due to their unique agronomic characteristics and their ability to withstand and adapt to various climatic conditions. As the region faces increasing climate change impacts, millets offer several advantages that make them well-suited to climate-resilient agriculture. Millets are known for their exceptional drought resistance, making them ideal for regions with irregular or limited water availability. They require substantially less water compared to conventional grains like rice and wheat, making them more suitable for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. Millets have a relatively short growing season, enabling farmers to harvest them sooner than many other crops. This allows farmers to plan and adapt their planting schedule to changing climate conditions, reducing the risk of crop loss due to extreme weather events. Also, in many parts of the Asia-Pacific, millets have been cultivated for generations, and farmers have developed traditional knowledge and practices for managing them in changing climatic conditions. This knowledge can be valuable in adapting to climate-related challenges.

A Rising Trend in Agriculture: As the demand for nutritious and climate-resilient crops like millets increases, farmers are embracing innovative agricultural techniques and technologies to enhance millet production and overall farm sustainability. Climate-smart agriculture focuses on adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Millets, with their inherent drought resistance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, align well with climate-smart agricultural practices. Farmers are implementing water-saving techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, to optimize water usage during millet cultivation. Conservation agriculture techniques, such as minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diversified crop rotations, are being adopted for millet cultivation. These practices enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and conserve moisture, benefiting millet yields and the overall agro-ecosystem. Farmers are integrating millets into crop diversification and rotation strategies to enhance farm resilience and mitigate risks associated with climate variability. By rotating millets with other crops, farmers can improve soil health, control pests, and reduce disease pressure.

Key Players

Companies such as Nestle SA, General Mills Inc., and Kellogg Company are some of the main players in the millets market. These businesses are all multinational food corporations with a substantial market presence in multiple nations. They are producing a variety of millet-based foods and beverages, including cereals, munchies, and beverages. In addition, a number of lesser businesses have emerged and are competing on the market to meet the growing demand for organic and non-GMO millets.

Recent Developments

• On May 12, 2023, ITC Foods, an India-based company, launched its first millets cookies as part of Sunfeast Farmlite. Available in two variants - Multi Millet and Choco-chip Multi Millet, the millet cookies are made from a blend of millets, including ragi, jowar (sorghum) and contain no added maida. Additionally, the inclusion of choco-chips in the Choco-chip Multi Millets variant adds a touch of indulgence.
• On April 10, 2023, Britannia, a renowned Indian food company, launched millet bread, which contains zero added maida. Packed with ragi, jowar, bajra, and oats, the bread includes fiber and minerals that provide consumers a convenient way to include millet-based options in their meals.
• On March 4, 2023, in Dehradun, with an initial investment of Rs 200 crore, Ivar Agro intends to set up a state-of-the-art millet-based food products project which would provide large-scale employment to local people. IvarAgro’s millet-based products like Bajra Biscuits and Cookies, along with other items are expected to hit domestic and international markets during festive seasons in 2023 (IYM).
• In November 2022, the Indian Government formulated a five-year strategic plan to promote millet in the international market. The plan includes the involvement of Indian missions abroad and global retail supermarkets such as Carrefour, Walmart, Al Ruya, Lulu Group, etc., to export millets to increase domestic export millets worldwide.
• In April 2022, in a bid to revive millet production in the state, the Orissa Government has approved the second phase of the 'Odisha Millet Mission' at an estimated investment of over USD 340 million over six years. The project aims to increase the production of millet in 19 districts of the state.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Asia-Pacific
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Asia-Pacific Plant-based Food with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Plant-based Food market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• China
• India
• Pakistan
• Nepal

By Product Type

• Pearl Millet
• Foxtail Millet
• Sorghum
• Finger Millet
• Others (Kodo millet, Proso millet, barnyard millet )

By Nature

• Conventional
• Organic

By Application

• Ready to eat food
• Bakery
• Beverages
• Breakfast
• Direct Consumption

By Distribution Channel

• Traditional Grocery Stores
• Trade Associations & organizations
• Supermarkets
• Online Stores
• Others (Speciality Stores)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organisations related to the Plant-based Food industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.