In 2023, North America held the largest global organic flour market share. The demand for organic flour is rapidly growing in North America as consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits offered by organic food products, including flour. Organic flour is produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making it a healthier and more environmentally friendly option. This increased awareness of health and sustainability issues encourages consumers to seek organic alternatives to conventional flour, contributing to the rising product demand in the market. In recent years, the market for organic products has grown rapidly in North America. In total, there are nearly 23,957 organic producers, of which ~18,000 are in the US and over 5,000 in Canada.
The rising trend of specialty diets, such as gluten-free and paleo diets, has also fueled the demand for organic flour. Many consumers following these diets prefer organic flour as it is often perceived to be of higher quality and free from additives or contaminants commonly found in conventional flour. Additionally, organic flour is produced from heirloom or ancient grains, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking unique and nutritious options for their baking needs. Furthermore, in recent years, North America has seen a significant increase in organic grain producers and mills. This growth in organic flour production is supported by government subsidies, incentives for organic farming practices, and consumer demand for locally sourced and sustainably produced food products.
Surging Demand for Gluten-Free Products
The demand for gluten-free products is emerging as a prominent trend in the global organic flour market, driven by increasing awareness of gluten intolerance, celiac disease, and consumer preferences for healthier alternatives. As more people become aware of the adverse effects, including digestive issues and autoimmune reactions, of gluten on their health, there has been a notable shift toward gluten-free diets. Consumers increasingly seek organic alternatives that are free from synthetic chemicals and devoid of gluten. Key players in the organic flour market have responded to this trend by introducing various organic flour with a claim of “gluten-free” to meet the growing demand. For example, brands such as Bob’s Red Mill offer a range of gluten-free organic flour, including brown rice flour, almond flour, coconut flour, and gluten-free all-purpose baking flour. These products are made from organically grown ingredients. They are processed in facilities free from gluten contamination, providing consumers with a safe and reliable gluten-free option for their baking and cooking needs.
Organic Flour Market: Segmental Overview
Based on product type, the organic flour market is segmented into wheat flour, oat flour, corn flour, rice flour, and others. The wheat flour segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. The demand for organic wheat flour is increasing owing to the growing trend of home baking and cooking. In addition, as consumers become more health-conscious, they prefer to bake their bread and pastries using organic wheat flour, which they perceive as a healthier alternative to processed foods. The widespread availability and versatility have attributed to the demand for organic wheat flour. Further, organic wheat flour is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and offers several health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and brain function. Such health benefits of organic wheat flour have contributed to the market growth.
The organic flour market, based on category, is segmented into conventional and gluten-free. The gluten-free segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. Gluten-free flour is designed for individuals affected by celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and those opting for a gluten-free diet. The demand for gluten-free claim products has upsurged significantly due to the increasing prevalence of gluten-related disorders and a broader health-conscious trend. According to Beyond Celiac, 1 in 133 Americans, or ~1% of the population, suffer from celiac disease in the US. Celiac disease awareness has led many consumers to seek gluten-free alternatives, creating a substantial market for products that cater to dietary restrictions. Moreover, the perception that gluten-free options may be healthier has expanded the consumer base beyond those suffering from medical conditions, contributing to the sustained growth of the organic flour market for the gluten-free segment.
The organic flour market, based on distribution channel, is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment held the largest share of the organic flour market in 2023. People often prefer to buy organic flour from supermarkets and hypermarkets due to the convenience and variety of products offered by such outlets. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide a one-stop shopping experience, allowing consumers to explore various organic flour products alongside other essential items. The convenience of finding organic flour products along with groceries or household goods streamlines the shopping process for busy consumers. Additionally, these large retail spaces often feature a broad selection of brands and varieties, allowing customers to compare products and make informed decisions. The ease of access, combined with the variety of products and potential for bundled offers, makes supermarkets and hypermarkets attractive destinations for purchasing organic flour.
Organic Flour Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Hometown Food Company, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Betterbody Foods C/O, FWP Matthews Ltd, Shipton Mill Ltd, W and H Marriage and Sons Limited, Gilchesters Organics, and Anita’s Organic Grain & Flour Mill Ltd are among the prominent players profiled in the organic flour market report. These market players focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand. They are also adopting various strategies such as new product launches, capacity expansions, partnerships, and collaborations in order to stay competitive in the market.