The global precooked flours market size was valued at USD 19.08 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 47.09 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.56% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, urbanization has risen, leading to the adoption of busy lifestyles, increasing the demand for convenience food, and driving the global precooked flour market. Precooked flours are also cost-effective and extremely versatile, which can be used to make a wide range of dishes, thereby augmenting market growth. Moreover, there has been a surge in the adoption of health-consciousness and clean eating amongst consumers, which is, in turn, anticipated to create opportunities for market growth.
Precooked flours are flours that have undergone a cooking process before being packaged and sold. This cooking process can involve various methods, such as baking, roasting, steaming, or frying, depending on the type of flour and its intended use. Since they are already cooked, they can be used directly in recipes without the need for additional cooking steps. This can help save time and effort in meal preparation.
Additionally, cooking the flour can help to extend its shelf life by minimizing the moisture content and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that cause spoilage. Common examples of precooked flour include corn flour (masa harina), chickpea flour (gram flour), and rice flour. These flours are often used in traditional cuisines worldwide and have distinct flavors and textures that can enhance an extensive range of dishes.
Highlights
The demand for convenient and ready-to-use food products has been driven by rapid urbanization and changing demographics, especially in emerging nations. With the increasing urbanization and adoption of fast-paced lives, there is a rising demand for convenient meal options that can be prepared quickly with minimal effort. Precooked flours meet this demand by providing an efficient and user-friendly choice for urban consumers who want quick and hassle-free meal alternatives. As per the World Bank, almost two-thirds of the global population resides in urban areas. In the future, urban areas across the globe will be home to approximately one billion individuals.
Moreover, the prevalence of busy lifestyles and a rising proportion of dual-income households has resulted in an escalating need for convenient meal choices that are quick to prepare. Precooked flours provide consumers with a convenient solution to swiftly prepare a range of foods without requiring significant cooking or preparation time. The reason for its adoption is its crucial role in producing bakery items and fast food. Hence, the increasing population and busy lifestyle will drive the adoption of precooked flours during the forecast period.
Precooked flour is a cost-effective thickening agent used in various food products such as soups, noodles, instant gravies, and spices. The popularity of this product is attributed to its inexpensive character and use of natural sourcing. Precooked flours also exhibit great versatility and can be employed in preparing various dishes, such as bread, pancakes, tortillas, and baked pastries. Consumers seeking ingredients that can be utilized in various ways to make delicious and varied meals are attracted to this adaptability.
Furthermore, precooked flours can be customized with various flavorings and additions to accommodate diverse tastes and dietary needs. Manufacturers frequently provide pre-cooked flours in different compositions, enabling consumers to select solutions that align with their dietary requirements and tastes. Precooked flours derived from various grains like wheat, corn, rice, and oats are available, specifically designed for those with gluten sensitivities or adhering to gluten-free diets. Moreover, there are flavored options of pre-cooked flours, such as garlic, herb, and whole grain, which allow consumers to enhance the taste of their dishes according to their preferences. This is projected to stimulate the expansion of the global market.
The way consumers view and their awareness of a product, including precooked flour, has a significant impact on its success in the marketplace. Some consumers may lack familiarity with precooked flours or have limited comprehension of their advantages and uses. Traditional flours have been a fundamental part of families for many generations, and customers may be hesitant to transition to a relatively recent product without a comprehensive comprehension of its benefits.
Although precooked flours are promoted for their convenience, certain consumers may consider regular flours to be just as handy or may not recognize the additional benefits of precooked alternatives. This image might impede market expansion since consumers may choose familiar products instead of investigating novel alternatives.
The increasing preference for healthy diets and wellness-oriented lifestyles fuels the demand for precooked flours. Several precooked flours are derived from whole grains containing substantial vital nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Whole grains encompass the entirety of the grain kernel, comprising the bran, germ, and endosperm, offering a more extensive nutritional composition than refined grains. Precooked flours derived from whole grains maintain an elevated concentration of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, controls blood glucose levels, and induces a sensation of fullness.
Furthermore, manufacturers frequently enhance precooked flours by adding extra vitamins and minerals to improve their nutritional content. Typical fortification additives comprise iron, calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Precooked flours serve as a useful supply of critical nutrients for consumers, as they assist in combatting dietary deficiencies and promoting general health and well-being. Consequently, the increasing need for healthy and clean food products is projected to generate opportunities for market expansion.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 10.56% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 19.08 billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 47.09 billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market |
Based on region, the global precooked flours market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
North America is the most significant global precooked flour market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The increasing demand for organic and functional foods propels the market expansion. North America is an established market characterized by high consumer awareness. Modern North American consumers have developed a heightened awareness and concern for their health compared to previous times. The escalating consumption of fast food is contributing to a rapid rise in obesity rates in the United States. In 2022, the United States had a prevalence of obesity above 20%, as reported by the CDC. This rate is higher than that of any other country globally, indicating that more than one in five persons in the US is affected by obesity.
Nevertheless, the prevalence of obesity declined as the level of education rose. The highest obesity rates were observed among adults lacking a high school diploma or equivalent (37.6%), followed by adults with partial college education (35.9%) or high school graduates (35.7%), and finally by individuals with a college degree (27.2%). The increasing awareness of obesity and health-consciousness among people is driving the growth of the precooked flour market in North America.
Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the demand for organic food ingredients and products in the regional market, which is becoming increasingly popular with modern customers. For instance, in 2021, organic food sales in the United States amounted to over 61.7 billion U.S. dollars, as reported by Statista. Moreover, veganism emerged as a prominent search trend in Canada in 2017. The initial version of Canada's new Food Guide, published by the Canadian government in 2017, shows a preference for plant meals. Moreover, a well-established milling industry in the region also serves as a solid foundation for the market. Canada has approximately 98 enterprises, with 48 wheat milling and seven dedicated to oat milling. Therefore, these factors are projected to enhance the expansion of the regional market.
Europe is flourishing due to culinary diversity and health-conscious consumers. The regional market expansion can be mainly ascribed to changing dietary choices, rising incomes, and a shift towards value-added products. Bread is a prominent bakery item that is widely consumed. Approximately 69% of the flour produced in the UK is allocated for bread making. Food allergies are widespread in Europe, leading to a growing need for pre-cooked flour. According to AllergyUK, it is estimated that between 11 and 26 million Europeans have a food allergy.
Furthermore, people have grown more conscious of their dietary choices, selecting products free of gluten and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The increasing prevalence of veganism in Europe is also fueling the expansion of the market. Veganism has experienced a significant rise in popularity in Germany, making it a hub for some of the most extensive launches of vegan products worldwide. In response to the increasing demand, Germany inaugurated the vegan grocery chain Veganz in Berlin in 2011. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, Germany accounted for around 18% of the global vegan product launches in 2016. Hence, these factors propel the growth of the regional market.
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The global precooked flour market is segmented by product type, industry, and sales channel.
Based on product type, the global precooked flour market is bifurcated into wheat, rice, maize, legumes, and others.
The growth of the maize segment is rapidly increasing due to its extensive consumption as a staple grain in numerous countries. Maize is a fundamental food source throughout Africa, Asia, and South America. Approximately 17% of the US's maize crop was exported to over 80 countries between 2016 and 2017. Similarly, Mexico (25%), Japan (21%), and South Korea (9%) are the primary recipients of U.S. corn exports. Precooked maize flour manufacturers in these locations prioritize using maize due to its high consumption, allowing them to target a large client base effectively. Fortifying maize flour is a commonly implemented strategy to address nutritional problems in children.
Moreover, providing vitamins and minerals to the meals of a large population is a cost-effective, uncomplicated, and efficient approach. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition remains a significant and imminent problem in developing areas. Approximately 52 million children under the age of 5 are affected by wasting, while 155 million suffer from stunted growth. Moreover, iron insufficiency is a prevalent health concern that impacts around 2 billion individuals globally, as reported by the British Nutrition Foundation. Therefore, using precooked maize flour can effectively address these problems, consequently stimulating the expansion of this market segment.
Based on industry, the global precooked flour market is segmented into household and commercial.
The commercial segment dominates the global market. The commercial segment's dominance can be due to the increasing growth of the bakery industry, which presents numerous potential for the market. St Pierre Groupe recently rebranded, changing its name from Carrs Foods, a global baking business with recognized brands. The company secured funding of USD 7.4 million from BGF and its partner, Lloyds Bank.
Moreover, the growing strategic initiatives among prominent manufacturers in the market are providing investment opportunities for market expansion. For example, the collaboration between NEO and Paul facilitated the rapid implementation of the roll-out strategy in the UK. Paul has gained recognition as a top-tier bakery business in London, boasting more than 30 locations throughout the UK. Hence, the proliferation of bakeries is projected to stimulate the demand for pre-cooked flour in the commercial sector.
Based on sales channels, the global precooked flour market is divided into direct and distributors.
A direct sales channel is a sales approach that involves selling precooked flours directly to consumers, avoiding intermediaries such as retailers, wholesalers, or distributors. This channel facilitates direct engagement between the company and its customers, enabling the promotion, sale, and delivery of items or services. Direct sales channels provide several benefits, such as enhanced sales process management, heightened customer engagement, and greater profit margins. Nevertheless, substantial investment in sales personnel, marketing endeavors, and infrastructure is also necessary to reach and engage customers successfully.
