Ancient Grains Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Crop Type (Wheat, Barley, Rice, Sorghum, Millets, and Others), By Grain Type (Gluten Containing and Gluten-Free), By Application (Bakery, Confectionery, Beverages, Frozen Food, Infant Formula, Pet Food, Animal Feed, and Others), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global ancient grains market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing consumer preference for natural and healthy food products worldwide. Furthermore, the surge in industrial development of innovative food and beverage products containing ancient grains is projected to drive the market during the forecast period.

The various initiatives undertaken by governments are promoting the cultivation, processing, and consumption of ancient grains, thereby increasing the market growth. In February 2023, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a multinational conglomerate company, Lulu Hypermarket LLC, at the World India Food (WIF). This initiative was undertaken to foster the export of Indian agricultural products, including a focus on millets, to the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs).

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the market. The worldwide imposition of lockdown resulted in disruptions in supply chains and logistical challenges. This has greatly affected the production and distribution of ancient grains, leading to inconsistency in availability and increased prices. The closer of food service industries notably reduced the market demand, which further affected the dynamics of the global market during the pandemic period.

Ancient Grains Market Driver

Increasing Demand for Healthy Food Grains to Fuel the Market

The increasing health consciousness among consumers is attributed to the rising demand for ancient grains at the global level. The grains are recognized as an adequate source of vital elements (vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants) and natural and healthy food ingredients that can be used in various industries. Whole-grain foodstuffs effectively help in controlling cholesterol levels, maintaining weight, and managing blood pressure. It also helps to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues. Furthermore, the growing demand for plant-based and vegan food products among consumers is expected to drive the growth of the market over the upcoming years.

Ancient Grains Market Restraint

High Cost of Labor May Hamper the Growth

The production of ancient grains requires intensive cultivation and harvesting methods compared to conventional crops. Therefore, the cultivation of these varieties also requires skilled labor. Ancient grains are often grown in specific regions, which raises labor costs. The producers, therefore, face the increase in prices, which further exacerbates the issue by making these grains less competitive against cheaper alternatives. Therefore, the high cost of labor is expected to restrict the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Ancient Grains Market Opportunity

Growing Popularity of Superfood Products to Aid the Demand

Rising demand for superfoods is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the growth of the ancient grains market during the forecast period. Consumers are increasingly preferring ancient varieties of grains and pseudo-grains such as millets and sorghum, which are considered to be good sources of essential nutrients, vitamins, and fibers. Therefore, these varieties are recognized as superfoods and are gaining traction for the production of innovative nutrition foods.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Global Parent Market


• Supply Chain Analysis


• Regulatory Analysis


• Industry SWOT Analysis


• Key Industry Developments


• Qualitative Analysis Related to COVID-19

Analysis by Crop Type

Based on crop type, the market is fragmented into rice, sorghum, millets, and others.

The wheat segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The segment growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of specialty and ancient wheat varieties among food manufacturers, bakeries, and restaurants. Ancient varieties of wheat, such as einkorn, farro, and kamut, are often incorporated with bread, pasta, baked goods, and other wheat-based products. Farmers and small-scale producers are increasingly cultivating specialty and ancient wheat varieties to cater to the growing demand for traditional and high-quality products.

The sorghum segment is anticipated to show significant growth during the forecast period. The segment growth is attributed to the increasing demand for sorghum-based products owing to its versatility, which makes it suitable for applications in a wide range of staple foods. Sorghum is naturally gluten-free and is, therefore, suitable choice for individuals who follow gluten-free diets due to gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or other health-related reasons.

Analysis by Grain Type

Based on grain type, the market is segmented into gluten-containing and gluten-free ancient grains.

The gluten-containing segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and other varieties are good sources of protein, fiber, and nutrients. Therefore, these grains are widely used in the production of bakery items, confectioneries, breakfast cereal, frozen foodstuffs, and others.

The gluten-free segment is anticipated to show significant growth during the forecast period. The growth of segment is attributed to the increasing demand for gluten-free products in the food industry. Moreover, the growing trend of ancient grain-based food and beverage products among consumer preferences for healthier food choices is expected to drive the growth of the market.

Analysis by Application

Based on application, the ancient grains market is segmented into bakery, confectionery, beverages, frozen food, infant formula, pet food, animal feed, and others.

The bakery segment holds the largest share of the market. Increasing artisanal bakeries, production of bakery products, and adoption of Western food culture in Asian countries are primarily driving the product demand from the bakery segment.

The frozen foods segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The segment growth is primarily driven by an increasing consumer shift toward convenience products, packed snacks, and the popularity of prepared and ready-to-eat food products. Ancient grains are one of the key ingredients in the production of prepared foods and snacks. According to Frozen Food Europe, the frozen food sales in Germany have increased by 3.6% to reach a volume of 3.909 million tonnes in 2022. Emerging demand for prepared foods and frozen meals will drive product demand in the near future.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to account for the largest share of the market during the forecast period. The growth of the market in the region is attributed to the presence of a large number of key manufacturers incorporating varieties of wheat into their products to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Moreover, the major players in the food industry continuously develop innovative products using ancient grains, thereby further fueling the expansion of the market in the region. Increasing consumer demand for healthy and convenient food options is expected to propel the growth of the market in the region during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The market growth in the region is attributed to the rising popularity of ancient grains and the growing consumer awareness regarding health and wellness in the region.

Key Players Covered

The report provides the profiles of the following key players:

• Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (U.S.)


• Great River Organic Milling (U.S.)


• Ardent Mills, LLC (U.S.)


• The Scoular Company (U.S.)


• Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc. (U.S.)


• Healthy Food Ingredients, LLC (U.S.)


• Glanbia plc (Ireland)


• Nature Bio Foods Ltd. (India)


• Terra Ingredients, LLC (U.S.)


• Grand Teton Ancient Grains (U.S.)


• VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc. (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• In August 2023, Seeds of Change, a brand by Mars, Inc., announced the launch of its new innovation called Super Grains.  The company aimed to line up its rice-based and grain-based meal offerings, thereby making organic meals delicious and accessible through three cuisine-based flavor varieties of ancient grains, including sorghum, quinoa, and millet.


• In January 2020, the leading agribusiness company, J.R. Simplot Co., acquired an agricultural retail distribution business, Pinnacle Agriculture. Through this acquisition, the company began distributing agricultural crop inputs and related services. The company is currently offering its products and services to over 40,000 farmers in North America.