Home > Food & Beverages > Food Additives > Cereal Ingredients Market
Based on the type, the market is segmented into wheat, rice, barley, oats, and others. The wheat segment held the dominant market size of USD 128.76 million in 2023, due to its versatile applications and widespread acceptance among end-users. Wheat serves as a fundamental ingredient in a variety of cereal products, including flakes, biscuits, and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals. Its gluten content provides elasticity, ensuring desirable texture in baked goods and enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Furthermore, wheat-based cereals cater to a broad spectrum of end-users, from households to institutional buyers like hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias. The availability of wheat in different forms, such as whole wheat, refined flour, and bran, allows for flexibility in formulation to meet diverse consumer preferences. Additionally, wheat's relatively low cost compared to alternative grains further solidifies its dominance in the market.
Based on source, the market can be further segmented into organic and conventional. Organic segment accounted for 67% of the market share in 2023. Organic ingredients are dominating the cereal ingredients market due to increasing consumer preference for natural and sustainable food options. With growing concerns about pesticides, GMOs, and environmental impact, consumers are opting for organic cereals. Organic ingredients are widely used in various applications such as whole grain cereals, granola bars, and breakfast cereals targeting health-conscious individuals and families.
End users including health food stores, supermarkets, and online retailers are witnessing a surge in demand for organic cereal products. This dominance of organic ingredients reflects a broader shift towards clean label products and ethical consumption practices, influencing both manufacturers and retailers to prioritize organic offerings to meet consumer preferences and market trends.
Based on form, in the market, the segmentation based on form includes flakes, puff and others. Flakes dominate the cereal ingredients market due to their versatility, convenience, and consumer preferences. They offer a satisfying crunch and texture while providing a base for incorporating various flavors, grains, and nutritional additives. Flakes are easy to manufacture in large quantities, enabling efficient production processes for cereal manufacturers. Additionally, their flat, thin shape facilitates even distribution of milk or yogurt, enhancing the eating experience. As a result, flakes have become a staple in breakfast cereals worldwide, capturing a significant share of the market.
Based on application, the market categorized into food and beverages, animal feed, and others. Food and beverages dominate the cereal ingredients market due to the widespread consumption of breakfast cereals and cereal-based snacks. Cereals are versatile ingredients, offering nutritional benefits and flavor diversity, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking convenience. Additionally, the market's growth is propelled by the demand for innovative cereal formulations, including gluten-free, organic, and fortified products, catering to diverse dietary preferences and wellness trends. The convenience and versatility of cereal ingredients make them a staple in the food and beverage industry, driving their prominence in the market.
North America cereal ingredients market generated a revenue of USD 111.48 million in 2023. Firstly, the region boasts a large population with a strong affinity for breakfast cereals, making it a lucrative market for cereal manufacturers. Additionally, North America has well-established distribution networks and retail channels, facilitating easy access to a wide variety of cereal products. Moreover, the region's advanced food processing technologies and innovation capabilities enable the production of diverse cereal ingredients to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Furthermore, the growing demand for healthier and organic cereal options aligns with the market trends prevalent in North America, driving further growth and dominance in the region. Lastly, the presence of major cereal companies headquartered in North America contributes to its leadership position in the market.