Millet Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Pearl Millet, Finger Millet, Proso Millet, Foxtail Millet, Others (Barnyard, Little, Kodo Millet)), By Nature (Organic, Conventional), By Application (Food & Beverage, Bakery, Snacks, Breakfast Cereals, Beverages, Animal Feed, Nutraceuticals, Personal Care & Cosmetics), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online Retail, Speciality Stores, Convenience Stores, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Millet Market Size

The global millet market size was valued at USD 11.24 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 11.76 billion in 2025 to USD 16.93 billion in 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.66% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

The global millet market is witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of millet consumption. Millets are rich in essential nutrients, gluten-free, and have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. The rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases has further propelled the demand for healthier grain alternatives like millets. Government initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture and the inclusion of millets in public distribution systems have also contributed to market growth.

Additionally, the adaptability of millets to arid climates and their low water requirements make them a preferred crop in regions facing climate change challenges. The market is also benefiting from the increasing use of millets in various food products, including bakery items, snacks, and beverages, catering to consumers' evolving tastes and preferences. The expansion of online retail channels has further facilitated the accessibility of millet-based products to a broader consumer base.

Emerging Market Trends

Rising demand for gluten-free and nutrient-rich grains

The global shift towards healthier eating habits has significantly influenced the demand for gluten-free and nutrient-rich grains, with millets emerging as a prominent choice. Millets are inherently gluten-free and packed with essential nutrients like fibre, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance and those seeking healthier dietary options. The increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, has prompted consumers to seek alternatives to traditional grains like wheat and rice. Food manufacturers are responding to this trend by incorporating millets into various products, including cereals, snacks, bakery items, and ready-to-eat meals.

• For instance, in September 2024, The Organic World expanded its millet product range with 11 new categories, including breads, snacks, and ready-to-cook meals, aiming to make millet a staple in every household. This expansion introduced over 70 unique SKUs, reflecting the company's commitment to offering healthier and diverse food options.

Moreover, the rise of e-commerce platforms has made millet-based products more accessible, allowing consumers to conveniently explore and purchase a diverse range of millet-infused foods. This accessibility, combined with increased awareness campaigns highlighting the health benefits of millets, is expected to sustain and further drive the market growth in the coming years.

Millet Market Growth Factors

Government initiatives promoting millet cultivation

Government initiatives are pivotal in promoting millet cultivation and consumption, driving market growth. Recognising millets' nutritional value and environmental benefits, several governments have implemented policies and programs to encourage their production and integration into diets. In India, the government has been at the forefront of promoting millets. The declaration of 2023 as the "International Year of Millets" aimed to raise awareness about the health benefits of millets and encourage their inclusion in daily diets. Additionally, financial incentives and support for farmers cultivating millets have been introduced to boost production.

• For instance, in September 2024, India announced a ₹750 crore ($90 million) 'AgriSure' fund to support agriculture startups, including those focusing on millet cultivation and processing infrastructure.

Internationally, organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have recognised the importance of millets in achieving food security and nutrition goals. FAO's One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative identified millets as a special agricultural product for India, aiming to promote sustainable production and consumption of climate-resilient millets. Such initiatives not only support farmers and promote sustainable agriculture but also cater to the growing consumer demand for healthy and nutritious food options, thereby driving the growth of the global millet market.

Market Restraint

Low farmer remuneration and high consumer prices

Despite the growing demand for millets, challenges persist in the supply chain, particularly concerning farmer remuneration and consumer pricing. One of the primary issues is the unprofitable nature of millet cultivation compared to other staple crops like rice and maize. Farmers often receive at least 50% less income from millet cultivation, leading to a decline in the area under millet cultivation, from over 20 million hectares to just 12 million in India. This reduction not only affects the livelihoods of farmers but also impacts the overall supply of millets in the market.

On the consumer end, the high prices of millet-based products can be attributed to factors such as limited processing infrastructure, supply chain inefficiencies, and the niche positioning of millets in the health food segment. These elevated prices can deter price-sensitive consumers, limiting the widespread adoption of millets in daily diets. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including providing better support and incentives to millet farmers, investing in processing and distribution infrastructure, and implementing policies that make millet products more affordable for consumers. Such measures are essential to ensure the sustainable growth of the millet market.

Key Market Opportunity

Integration of millets into carbon credit frameworks

Integrating millets into carbon credit frameworks presents a significant opportunity for the global millet market. Millets are inherently sustainable crops, requiring less water and being more resilient to climate change than other grains. These characteristics position millets as ideal candidates for regenerative agriculture practices, which focus on improving soil health and sequestering carbon. At the Millets Summit 2025, stakeholders discussed leveraging carbon credits through regenerative agriculture to enhance the economic viability of millet farming. By adopting environmentally friendly practices that sequester carbon in the soil, farmers can generate carbon credits, providing them with an additional income stream. This approach not only benefits the environment but also supports the livelihoods of farmers.

Furthermore, with stringent global regulations like the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) set to be fully operational by 2026, there is an increasing demand for verifiable sustainability credentials in agricultural exports. Integrating millets into carbon credit frameworks can enhance their appeal in international markets, opening new avenues for growth. Overall, the intersection of sustainable agriculture and carbon finance offers a promising opportunity to boost millet cultivation and market expansion.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific leads the global millet market, with over 60% share in 2025, primarily driven by India, China, and Nepal. India remains the largest producer and consumer, supported by initiatives like the “Millets for Health” mission and state subsidies for millet farmers. According to the Indian Ministry of Agriculture, millet production grew by 12% year-over-year in 2025. China’s health-conscious urban population has driven increased millet consumption in functional foods and beverages. National nutrition programs have integrated millet into hospitals and schools. Nepal, meanwhile, promotes millet to reduce dependency on rice imports. Public-private partnerships, including those with agritech firms, are expanding millet value chains. These dynamics make Asia-Pacific central to both production and innovation in millet-based products.

China Millet Market Trends

China is a major millet producer and a growing consumer market, particularly for foxtail and proso millet. Millet has been a dietary staple in northern provinces such as Shanxi, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia for centuries. Recently, consumption has expanded beyond traditional use to include ready-to-eat and functional food categories. The government is promoting millet as part of its national food security and rural revitalisation strategy, supporting smallholder farmers and integrating millet into state food programs. Additionally, the integration of millet in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-inspired health products has expanded its functional appeal.

• India dominates the global millet landscape, accounting for around 41% of global production. Millets like pearl, finger (ragi), and sorghum (jowar) are integral to the Indian diet and agriculture. The government has aggressively promoted millet through schemes such as the National Food Security Mission, the PM POSHAN (midday meal) scheme, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for millet-based products. Supermarkets and e-commerce platforms have embraced millet offerings, with brands like 24 Mantra Organic and Tata Soulfull leading the retail push. With growing health awareness, policy support, and innovation in food processing, India is poised to remain the global leader in millet production and consumption.

North America Market Trends

North America is the fastest-growing regional market for millets, with a surge in consumer interest driven by gluten intolerance, diabetes concerns, and demand for plant-based nutrition. Millet is increasingly used in protein bars, breakfast cereals, and pet food. The Whole Grains Council listed millet among the top five trending grains in 2024. Companies such as Purely Elizabeth and LesserEvil introduced millet granola and snack lines with strong market reception. USDA research trials in Texas and Kansas focus on enhancing millet crop yields under dryland conditions. Speciality stores and organic retailers are key to distribution, supported by food bloggers and nutritionists promoting millet recipes. E-commerce platforms have further boosted access and visibility, making millet more mainstream in the health food category.

U.S. Millet Market Trends

The U.S. market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for gluten-free, low-glycemic, and whole-grain food alternatives. Millet is becoming popular in baked goods, cereals, snacks, and health supplements. Brands such as Purely Elizabeth, Ancient Provisions, and Bob’s Red Mill have introduced millet-based granolas, cookies, and baking mixes targeting the health-conscious demographic. The surge in millet interest is supported by retailers like Whole Foods and Thrive Market, which have expanded their millet product assortments. The U.S. government’s focus on resilient agriculture and local grain production under climate adaptation programs is expected to support millet’s long-term market integration and agricultural viability.

• Canada’s millet market is expanding steadily, bolstered by a health-conscious population and growing awareness of climate-resilient crops. Millet consumption is rising among those with gluten intolerance and diabetes, and consumers seeking high-protein, nutrient-dense grains. Innovative farmers are tapping into value-added opportunities by producing ready-to-eat millet-based meals, cereals, and bakery products. Notably, Indo-Canadian entrepreneurs have introduced millet snack lines and rotis, targeting ethnic and mainstream consumers. As demand continues to rise, Canada is emerging as both a growing consumer and a value-added processor in the global millet supply chain.

Europe Market Trends

Europe’s millet market is growing steadily, bolstered by rising demand for sustainable, gluten-free, and organic food. Major contributors include the U.K., Germany, and France. EUFIC reported a 14% annual growth in millet consumption between 2022 and 2024. The European Union’s Green Deal policies promote climate-resilient crops, with millet in subsidy programs. France’s AgriBio Millet Project (2024) supports local organic millet production across regions such as Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. German and British retailers have introduced millet-infused vegan and flexitarian meal kit products. Retail chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Edeka now carry millet pasta, crackers, and porridges. Meanwhile, local startups are exploring millet beer and fermented foods, expanding the grain’s culinary footprint in the European market.

United Kingdom Market Trends

The United Kingdom is seeing increased interest in millet due to shifting dietary preferences toward sustainable, gluten-free, and plant-based foods. Health-focused consumers and environmental advocates are driving this demand. Millet appears in breakfast cereals, porridge, snack bars, and vegan meal kits, particularly among younger demographics and flexitarians. British retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Planet Organic now stock millet flour, puffed millet, and pre-cooked millet blends. Startups like Hodmedod’s champion British-grown ancient grains, including millet, and encourage local cultivation to reduce import dependence. With increasing consumer education and policy support, millet is gaining a strong foothold in the UK’s evolving food landscape.

• Germany represents one of the fastest-growing millet markets in Europe, driven by the nation’s strong preference for organic, nutritious, and eco-friendly food. German consumers actively seek alternatives to conventional wheat and corn due to gluten, sustainability, and crop diversity concerns. Millet fits well into these priorities, being naturally gluten-free and suitable for organic cultivation. German supermarkets such as Rewe and Edeka have increased millet offerings, including whole grains, pasta, flours, and breakfast mixes. Food startups like Govinda and Davert are leveraging millet in innovative products ranging from protein bowls to vegan patties. With strong consumer demand and robust organic food infrastructure, Germany is solidifying its position as a leading European market for millet.

Product Type Insights

Pearl millet remains the most widely cultivated millet globally, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, due to its exceptional drought tolerance. In India, pearl millet (bajra) accounts for over 50% of total millet acreage. Its affordability, rich iron content, and ability to grow on marginal land make it a vital crop for food security. It is increasingly used in nutritional programs in India and Africa, supported by FAO-backed initiatives. Governments in Nigeria and Kenya have scaled up procurement for school feeding schemes. India introduced pearl millet into national food fortification efforts in 2024. With climate change emphasising crop resilience, pearl millet’s role is poised to grow in both human consumption and animal feed sectors.

Nature Insights

The conventional millet segment dominates the market due to its widespread cultivation, affordability, and higher yields. Emerging markets like India, Nigeria, and Ethiopia prefer conventional millets for staple consumption and animal feed. The USDA’s 2024 Global Grains Report shows a 6.3% annual increase in traditional millet production, driven by rising exports to Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Although the organic millet segment is expanding—particularly in North America and Europe—its higher production costs and limited availability restrict adoption.

However, organic millet appeals to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers, prompting brands like Bob’s Red Mill and Organic India to increase offerings. Despite this growth, conventional millet meets the price-sensitive needs of institutional buyers and bulk consumption markets.

Application Insights

Food and beverage applications dominate the millet market, comprising over 70% of demand, fueled by health-conscious consumers seeking gluten-free, high-fibre, and nutrient-dense alternatives. Following the UN’s declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, there has been a surge in millet-based product development. Brands like Nestlé India and Tata Soulfull launched millet breakfast cereals and ready-to-cook mixes in 2024.

Additionally, startups across the U.S., such as Ancient Provisions, introduced millet-based cookies and energy bars. Millet is also increasingly incorporated into institutional catering, school meal programs, and diet plans for diabetic patients. The beverage segment is gaining traction with millet-based malt drinks and smoothies marketed in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa as healthy meal replacements.

Distribution Channel Insights

Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead the millet distribution landscape due to broad product visibility, consumer trust, and centralised purchasing behaviour. Retail giants like Walmart, Tesco, and Carrefour expanded millet offerings in their health food sections, with millet shelf space in U.S. supermarkets increasing by 22% in 2024. Promotional campaigns and product sampling events have played a critical role in raising consumer awareness.

In emerging economies, local retail chains and public procurement remain essential, while in Europe, speciality stores such as Whole Foods and Planet Organic stock a wide variety of organic and gourmet millet items. Meanwhile, online retail is rapidly growing, driven by e-commerce platforms like Amazon, BigBasket, and Thrive Market targeting urban millennials and health-focused shoppers.

Company Market Share

The global millet market is moderately fragmented, with key players focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding distribution networks. Companies are investing in research and development to create value-added millet products, catering to health-conscious consumers.

Nestlé S.A.: Nestlé S.A. is actively expanding its millet-based product portfolio, aligning with health trends and sustainability goals.

• In September 2023, Nestlé India launched Nestlé a+ Masala Millet-based porridges, made with locally sourced ingredients like barley, vegetables, bajra, and spices. These products cater to the growing demand for healthy snacks.

Recent Developments

• May 2025-The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, India, announced plans to boost millet production by procuring grains directly from farmers and supporting cultivation with quality seeds, fertilisers, and incentives. The initiative aims to enhance farmer welfare and promote sustainable agriculture.
• October 2024-Hyderabad-based startup Troo Good secured $9 million in funding to enhance its infrastructure, distribution, and product innovation. Selling over 3 million millet snack units daily, the company aims to solidify its presence in the healthy snacks market.