Fortified Rice – Top Global Industry Trends in 2026

The global fortified rice market is valued at USD 22.5 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 38.4 billion by 2035, registering a 5.5% CAGR, driven by the escalating need for micronutrient-rich food staples. Increasing consumption of rice across emerging economies, combined with large-scale health initiatives targeting “hidden hunger,” is accelerating fortified rice penetration into public food systems and commercial markets.

Growing support from governments, NGOs, and global bodies such as the FAO and WHO has intensified rice fortification programs in regions with high malnutrition rates. Enhanced processing systems now safeguard nutrient stability, especially vitamins and minerals essential for boosting public health and reducing nutrition deficiencies at population scale.

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Vitamin-Based Fortification Leads Market Growth

The vitamins segment is set to contribute approximately 48.7% of total market revenue in 2025, driven by widespread deficiencies in vitamins A, D, and B-complex. Fortified vitamin-rich rice is increasingly distributed through public welfare initiatives and nutritional aid programs.

Key benefits of vitamin-fortified rice include:

• Supports immune function and child development
• Reduces micronutrient deficiency risks
• Strong adoption via government-funded food safety nets

Drying Technology Dominates Manufacturing Techniques

With a 42.9% share in 2025, drying technology is the most preferred fortification method owing to its cost efficiency, scalability, and nutrient retention. The technology is widely deployed in government procurement systems and commercial supply chains due to its suitability for mass production and reliable storage stability.

Conventional Farming Remains the Market Standard

The conventional farming segment accounts for 55.3% of market value in 2025, due to its affordability, widespread use, and established supply networks. While organic fortified rice grows at 8.6% CAGR, conventional varieties dominate because they enable large-scale, cost-effective nutrition delivery for low-income populations.

Market Dynamics: Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Outlook

• Short-Term (2025): Inflation, post-pandemic unemployment, and environmental pressures limit scalability.
• Mid-Term (2025–2035): Coating and encapsulation technologies gain adoption across manufacturers.
• Long-Term (2035 onward): Global fortification goals expand as governments enhance nutrition-focused public distribution systems.

Demand Drivers: Nutrition Security & Rising Rice Consumption

Global rice consumption has surged, reaching 509.87 million metric tons in 2024–2025, driven by strong demand across Asia-Pacific. China (154.9 MMT) and India (103.5 MMT) lead rice consumption globally. Rising awareness of health benefits and the increasing accessibility of fortified products through modern retail enhances demand further.

Government Impact Example: India’s plan to distribute fortified rice through the Mid-Day Meal and Public Distribution channels by 2025 marks a transformative step in addressing child malnutrition.

Key Challenges Hampering Growth

Environmental hazards linked to pesticide-based farming, rising global inflation, and unemployment trends pose hurdles. Soil degradation and carbon sequestration disruptions from chemical-based farming continue to impact rice nutrition quality and yields.

Regional Landscape: Asia-Pacific at the Forefront

Asia-Pacific accounts for 43% of the fortified rice market in 2025, with centralized rice milling, strong government initiatives, and widespread malnutrition creating high market attractiveness. China dominates with 40% regional share and is expected to grow above 9.2% CAGR.

In North America, the U.S. holds 51% market share, driven by rising nutrition expenditures and strong raw material supply. In Europe, Germany leads with 30% share, supported by growing gluten-free consumption trends.

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Competitive Landscape & Strategic Developments

Major manufacturers are strengthening their presence through acquisitions, partnerships, and technology integration.

Key Companies Include:

Cargill Inc., BASF SE, General Mills Inc., Wilmar International Ltd, Aroma Fields, KRBL Ltd, Bunge Ltd, REI Agro Ltd, LT Foods, Hain Celestial

Recent Highlights

• Cargill-led acquisition of Sanderson Farms valued at USD 4.5 billion
• LT Foods acquired 30% stake in Netherlands’ Leev.nu to expand organic food portfolio
• Ebro Foods completed a USD 342 million acquisition of Tilda Rice

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