Specialty Flours Global Market Report 2024

The global specialty flours market has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $10.91 billion in 2023 to $12.02 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to several factors, including the expansion of artisanal and specialty bakeries, the increasing popularity of ethnic and international cuisines, continuous innovation in food product development, the surge in home baking trends, and a heightened focus on sustainable and organic products.

The global specialty flours market is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.98 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be linked to several key factors, notably the rising popularity of functional flour trends, the increasing adoption of plant-based diets and veganism, the incorporation of ancient grains into food products, the demand for custom blends and mixes, investments directed towards sustainable sourcing practices, and a concentrated emphasis on gut health. Additionally, major trends projected for this period encompass innovations in gluten-modified flours, the expanding reach of online retail channels, the adherence to clean label and non-GMO trends, a heightened focus on sustainable and ethical sourcing practices, advancements in milling technology, and the amplification of health and wellness messaging in the industry.

The specialty flours market is expected to experience growth driven by the increasing demand for premium foods. Premium foods, characterized by high quality and elevated pricing, are sought after for their benefits in terms of aroma, texture, and completeness. In the case of specialty flour, the demand is fueled by its ability to provide unique attributes to food products. A notable trend, highlighted in May 2021 by IRI, a US-based software company, indicates a significant shift towards premium ingredients, with the spices and seasoning segment witnessing an 11.4% increase in premiumization in 2020 compared to the previous year. The demand for premium or specialty food items, including specialty flours, has been particularly prominent among start-up households, where 11.8% spent more on such items to prepare restaurant-style meals at home, compared to 5.2% of total respondents. This underscores the growing demand for premium foods, contributing to the anticipated growth of the specialty flours market.

The growth of the specialty flours market is further propelled by the increasing demand for health trends. Health trends reflect shifts in consumer behavior and preferences related to health and wellness. Specialty flours, known for their versatility and adaptability to various dietary needs, align with different health trends. These flours cater to individuals with specific nutritional goals, contributing to the development of healthier and more diverse food choices. For instance, data from March 2022, sourced from the Office for National Statistics in the UK, reveals that a significant percentage of the population (75.3% of males and 75.7% of women) reported being in good or very good health. This health-conscious trend is expected to drive the growth of the specialty flours market as consumers seek nutritious options to support their well-being.

A key trend gaining popularity in the specialty flours market is product innovation. Major players in the market are actively developing innovative products to maintain their positions. A noteworthy example is Ardent Mills, a premier flour milling and ingredient company, which, in March 2021, launched the Keto Certified Net Carb Flour Blend. Positioned as the industry's first major net carb flour blend for keto and low net carb baked applications, this innovative product allows for a replacement of conventional flour without compromising taste, texture, or functionality. The emphasis on product innovation underscores the commitment of market players to cater to evolving consumer preferences and sustain their competitiveness in the specialty flours market.

Prominent companies in the specialty flours market are actively engaged in innovating new products featuring sustainable grains to enhance their profitability and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Specialty flours derived from sustainable grains not only offer unique nutritional profiles but also align with environmentally conscious sourcing practices. A case in point is The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a US-based food processing company, which, in May 2023, launched HarvestEdge Oro. This range of pizza flours is produced from sustainably sourced wheat, providing an upscale and authentic pizza experience. HarvestEdge Oro includes premium and customized pizza flours, mixes, blends, low-carb flour substitutes, and specialty grains. The product line reflects Archer-Daniels-Midland's commitment to the harvest, emphasizing simple, nutritious ingredients sourced directly from farmers. The launch of HarvestEdge Oro is in response to the growing consumer demand for more ecologically friendly food products, with 76% of US consumers expressing the belief that food companies should prioritize environmental friendliness.

In 2021, Ardent Mills, a Denver-based flour miller, made a strategic acquisition by purchasing Firebird Artisan Mills for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition allows Ardent Mills to vertically integrate gluten-free and specialty ingredients into its extensive supply chain, while also adding a dedicated gluten-free milling facility. Firebird Artisan Mills, founded in 2014, is a gluten-free flour milling company. This acquisition aligns with Ardent Mills' strategic vision to expand its capabilities in the specialty flours market, especially in the gluten-free segment, meeting the evolving preferences and demands of consumers. The move underscores Ardent Mills' commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry by incorporating innovative and sustainable practices into its product offerings.

Major companies operating in the specialty flours market report are Cargill Inc., King Arthur Flour Company Inc., Giusto's Specialty Foods LLC, Swiss Bake Ingredients Private Limited, General Mills Inc., Lindley Mills Inc., MAURI, Bob’s Red Mill, The Scoular Company, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Natural Foods and Rogers Food Limited, Conagra Brands Inc., Capricorn Food Products India Limited, Alfa Laval AB, Capuzzo SRL, Freudenberg Group, Saraf Foods Limited, Bunge Limited, Associated British Foods PLC, The Hain Celestial Group Inc., SunOpta Inc., Parrish and Heimbecker Limited, Rogers Foods Limited, The Caremoli Group, Unicorn Grain Specialties B.V., ITW Food Equipment Group, ITC Limited, Ingredion Incorporated, CerealVeneta S.r.l.

North America was the largest region in the specialty flours market in 2023. The regions covered in the specialty flours market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the specialty flours market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Specialty flours are categorized primarily as organic and conventional. Organic specialty flour is a high-gluten variant crafted from natural ingredients like red hard winter wheat berries. These flours are distributed through diverse channels including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty outlets, online retail platforms, and other distribution channels. They find applications across a wide range of products including bakery goods, noodles, pasta, animal feed, pet food, meat products, snacks, savory items, tortillas, soups, sauces, and various other culinary applications.

This report provides specialty flours market statistics, including specialty flours industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a specialty flours market share, detailed specialty flours market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the specialty flours industry. This specialty flours market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The specialty flours market consists of sales of white whole wheat flour, self-rising flour, and vital wheat gluten flour. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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