Global Millets Market: Key Drivers, Regional Insights & Forecast to 2033

Global Millets Market Size, Share, Trends & Forecast Analysis (2025–2033)

Published by Renub Research

Market Overview

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% from 2025 to 2033. Millets, known for their high nutritional value, drought-resistance, and low environmental impact, are witnessing a global resurgence as consumers increasingly prefer healthy, gluten-free, and plant-based diets.

Strong government backing, especially in India, Africa, and Europe, along with the rising demand in the food & beverage, infant nutrition, and organic food sectors, is steering the market’s expansion.

Key Questions Answered in this Report

What is the projected market size of the global millets market by 2033?
Which regions are leading in millet production and consumption?
What are the key factors driving global millet demand?
How are government initiatives supporting millet cultivation and commercialization?
Which product types (organic vs. regular) are gaining traction?
What challenges are limiting the global millets market’s growth?
How is millet adoption growing in developed countries like the US and Germany?
What is the role of online stores in millet distribution?
Which millet-based applications are expanding rapidly (e.g., infant food, breakfast)?
How is innovation influencing consumer preferences in the millets industry?

1. Introduction to Millets

Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses cultivated extensively for both human consumption and livestock feed. Some commonly known millets include Pearl Millet, Finger Millet, Foxtail Millet, and Proso Millet. Their resilience to dry climates, short growing cycle, and rich nutritional profile make them ideal for sustainable agriculture.

2. Market Drivers

a. Health Awareness and Functional Food Appeal

The surge in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity is prompting consumers to shift towards functional and gluten-free foods. Millets are high in fiber, protein, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and digestion. For instance, Nestlé India launched a+ Masala Millet porridge in 2023, aligning with both local taste and nutrition.

b. Government Policies and Global Initiatives

The International Year of Millets (2023), declared by the UN and championed by India, gave a massive push to millet awareness globally. India’s PLISMBP (Rs. 800 Crore Scheme) and millet inclusion in public nutrition programs are examples of how policy is reshaping the market.

c. Rising Demand for Organic and Sustainable Foods

As sustainability becomes a core consumer value, millets—being water-efficient and climate-resilient—are ideal crops. Organic millets are thriving in urban areas of North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, where clean-label and non-GMO products are in high demand.

3. Market Restraints

a. Limited Awareness and Poor Perception

In many regions, millets are still seen as a “poor man’s grain.” Lack of culinary innovation, insufficient branding, and consumer unfamiliarity with their benefits hinder growth, especially in Western countries.

b. Infrastructure and Supply Chain Gaps

Millets face post-harvest challenges like inadequate storage, lack of modern milling facilities, and short shelf life. These issues raise costs and limit export scalability.

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4. Market Segmentation

A. By Product Type

Organic Millets: Gaining popularity due to clean-label demands. Prominent in online stores and urban retail outlets.
Regular Millets: Widely used in developing economies like India, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Affordable and culturally integrated into daily meals.

B. By Application

Infant Food: Ideal for weaning diets due to digestibility and hypoallergenic nature.
Bakery Products & Breakfasts: Millets are used in muesli, granola, pancakes, porridges, etc., especially among urban, health-focused consumers.
Beverages: Millet-based drinks are being explored for their functional and plant-based properties.
Fodder and Others: Millets also serve as important feedstock in animal husbandry.

C. By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets: Driving visibility with packaged millet products.
Online Stores: Offering niche varieties and subscription models; critical post-COVID-19.
Traditional Grocery Stores: Essential in rural and developing regions.
Trade Associations/Organizations: Supporting farmer education and global promotion of millets.

5. Country-Level Analysis

United States

Gluten-free trends and the clean-label movement have driven millet adoption. The Indo-US Millets Initiative (2024) has given a boost to trade, research, and cultivation efforts, involving stakeholders like Sorghum United and the North American Millets Alliance.

Germany

Millets are rising in demand across organic shops and vegan stores. Germany relies on imports from India and Africa to meet demand. EU’s policies promoting sustainable agriculture further encourage millet cultivation.

India

As the world’s largest millet producer, India’s market is growing rapidly due to government incentives, increased urban demand, and public distribution programs. Innovations like millet-based pizzas, burgers, and breads (Bonn Group) show strong market dynamism.

Saudi Arabia

Health-focused consumers in Saudi Arabia are choosing millets in gluten-free and diabetic-friendly diets. Most imports come from India and Africa, and millet-based products are gaining traction in health food stores and e-commerce.

6. Competitive Landscape

Major companies and startups are investing in product innovation, packaging, and marketing to appeal to modern consumers. Strategic collaborations, export-oriented farming, and value-added millet products (e.g., snacks, flours, baby food) are at the core of competition.

7. Future Outlook and Opportunities

The global millets market is expected to gain further traction owing to:

Urbanization and demand for convenient, healthy food.
Expansion of millet-based RTE (Ready-to-Eat) meals.
Technological investments in processing and storage.
Growing exports from India, Africa to the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

? Conclusion

Millets are moving beyond their traditional roots and entering the global mainstream food and health sectors. With a mix of nutritional richness, sustainable agriculture, and strong policy push, the millets market is poised for consistent, long-term growth.

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