Globally, the millets market has evolved from a niche staple consumed primarily in semi-arid regions to an increasingly recognized segment within climate-smart agriculture and health-focused food systems. Historically, small grains such as pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and sorghum were cultivated across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe as resilient crops for marginal lands, often forming the backbone of subsistence diets. In recent decades, scientific research led by institutions like the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted millets’ low water requirements, ability to thrive in poor soils, and nutritional benefits, including high fiber, essential minerals, and low glycemic index. These findings have driven global efforts to reintroduce millets into both human diets and sustainable farming systems .
Countries across Africa, South Asia, and Europe are revisiting millet cultivation: India and Niger focus on millet for food security and rural livelihoods, while France and the UAE explore it as a health-oriented crop in urban diets. Urbanization, rising awareness of non-communicable diseases, and growing demand for gluten-free and plant-based foods have further accelerated market evolution, creating opportunities for product innovation ranging from millet flours and ready-to-eat snacks to beverages and fortified infant foods. Simultaneously, international initiatives such as the United Nations’ International Year of Millets in 2023 have provided visibility, encouraging research, policy support, and investment in processing infrastructure. Today, the global millets market is shaped by a convergence of climate resilience, nutritional science, and consumer trends, transitioning from a traditional subsistence crop to a globally recognized functional grain with both ecological and health relevance. According to the research report "Global Millets Market Outlook, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the Global Millets market was valued at more than USD 14.15 Billion in 2025, and expected to reach a market size of more than USD 20.57 Billion by 2031 with the CAGR of 6.60% from 2026-2031. The global millets market has experienced notable developments across production, processing, and commercialization channels .
ICRISAT continues to lead research on drought-tolerant and high-yield millet varieties, distributing improved seeds to countries like India, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, while Embrapa in Brazil has focused on adapting millet cultivation to semi-arid regions. On the commercial side, companies such as Cargill, Bayer Crop Science, and Groupe Soufflet have integrated millet into their sourcing or product lines, supporting both human consumption and feed applications. Processors like Makfa in Russia, 24 Mantra Organic in India, and Al Rawabi in the UAE are developing flours, cereals, and snack products to meet growing consumer demand for gluten-free and functional foods. Retail penetration has expanded through supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, with Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Nestlé experimenting with millet-based products in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia .
Institutional adoption is also rising, including school feeding programs in Niger, India, and Ethiopia, which leverage millet for both nutrition and food security outcomes. Research collaborations through CGIAR, INRAE, and regional agricultural universities have further advanced mechanized processing, post-harvest handling, and product innovation, enabling consistent quality for both domestic and international markets. These developments illustrate a global market that is increasingly interconnected, with millets transitioning from traditional, climate-resilient staples into widely recognized crops that bridge nutrition, sustainability, and commercial viability across diverse regions. Sorghum has increasingly emerged as a dominant product in the global millets market due to its remarkable versatility and resilience, both of which are key factors in its widespread adoption across various regions. Known for its adaptability to harsh climates, sorghum thrives in drought-prone areas, making it an ideal crop for regions with unpredictable rainfall or limited water resources .
This quality makes sorghum a staple in semi-arid regions where other crops may fail. Its ability to grow with minimal water input has sparked a growing interest in sorghum as a sustainable grain choice, especially amid global concerns about water scarcity and climate change. In terms of nutritional value, sorghum stands out for its high protein content, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients such as iron and B-vitamins, which makes it highly nutritious compared to other grains. Sorghum’s naturally gluten-free properties have also positioned it as a key ingredient in the gluten-free food market, which has seen a rapid expansion in recent years .
The grain is used in a wide range of products from traditional porridges and breads to processed foods like cereals and snacks. Its versatility allows it to be transformed into various forms such as flour, syrup, and malt, expanding its reach in both traditional and modern food systems. Furthermore, the grain has significant cultural importance, particularly in African and Asian cuisines, where it has been consumed for centuries in staple dishes. The growing awareness of sorghum’s health benefits, combined with its environmental resilience, has solidified its position as the leading product type in the global millets market. The rapid growth of ready-to-eat millet products is being fueled by the evolving needs of modern consumers who prioritize convenience without compromising on health .
In today’s fast-paced world, people are increasingly seeking nutritious, time-saving food options that align with busy lifestyles, and ready-to-eat millet products have gained significant traction in this context. These products cater to the growing demand for functional, wholesome foods that can be prepared quickly, offering an appealing solution for health-conscious individuals who may not have the time or inclination to cook from scratch. Millet, known for its high fiber, protein, and micronutrient content, makes an excellent base for these ready-to-eat options, providing a nutrient-dense alternative to processed snack foods. Another key driver of this growth is the increasing popularity of gluten-free and plant-based diets .
Ready-to-eat millet products such as granola bars, snacks, and meal kits allow individuals who follow such diets to easily incorporate millet into their meals without the need for extensive cooking or preparation. As consumer awareness about the importance of healthy eating grows, ready-to-eat millet products are seen as a more attractive alternative to traditional fast foods and heavily processed snacks. These products are increasingly available in supermarkets and health food stores, making them more accessible to a wider audience. The convenience factor is also enhanced by innovations in packaging, which ensures that millet-based ready-to-eat products retain their freshness and nutritional value while being easy to store and carry .
The health benefits, convenience, and the growing trend towards mindful eating is driving the explosive growth of ready-to-eat millet products in the global market. The rise of online stores as the leading distribution channel for millet products can be attributed to the shift in consumer behavior towards digital shopping platforms. In the past decade, there has been a significant change in how people shop for food, with a growing preference for the convenience and accessibility that online shopping provides. Consumers now have the ability to browse a wide variety of millet-based products, from whole grains and flours to ready-to-eat snacks and beverages, all from the comfort of their homes. The convenience of online shopping allows customers to compare different brands and products, read reviews, and make informed purchasing decisions .
For millet, a grain that may not always be readily available in local grocery stores, online platforms provide access to a broader range of products that cater to niche markets, such as gluten-free, organic, or sustainable options. Additionally, online retailers often offer the convenience of home delivery, which is particularly appealing in urban areas where consumers may have busy schedules or limited access to specialized food stores. E-commerce platforms also provide a more efficient way for consumers to access international or regional millet products that might not be stocked in local physical stores. With the rise of health and wellness trends, many consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase millet-based products that align with their dietary preferences .
Online stores, through their user-friendly interfaces and enhanced customer experiences, have effectively become a preferred channel for millet sales, especially as demand for nutritious and health-conscious foods continues to grow worldwide. The shift towards organic millets in the global market is a reflection of the increasing consumer demand for foods that are grown without synthetic chemicals and pesticides. Organic farming practices have become increasingly important as consumers seek out food products that align with their health-conscious and environmentally aware lifestyles. Organic millets, grown using natural methods that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, have emerged as a desirable option for consumers looking to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals and support more sustainable agricultural practices. One key driver behind the rapid growth of organic millets is the rising awareness of the environmental impact of conventional farming practices, which often rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can degrade soil health and contribute to pollution .
Organic farming methods, by contrast, focus on regenerating the soil and promoting long-term ecological balance, making organic millets a more sustainable choice. Health-conscious consumers are also drawn to organic millets due to their perceived purity and higher nutrient content, as studies have shown that organically grown grains often contain higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the increasing demand for organic products in the broader food market has led to greater availability of organic millets in supermarkets and health food stores. Organic millet-based products, such as flour, flakes, and ready-to-eat snacks, are now readily accessible to consumers looking for nutritious, chemical-free alternatives .
As organic food continues to gain popularity globally, organic millets are set to benefit from this shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable and health-focused food options. Direct consumption of millets remains a cornerstone of the global market due to its cultural significance, health benefits, and versatility in everyday meals. For centuries, millets have been consumed directly as a staple food in many regions, especially in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where millet-based porridges, flatbreads, and stews are commonly prepared. The global market for direct millet consumption has maintained its strong presence as consumers seek to reintroduce traditional grains into their diets in place of more processed and refined alternatives. One of the key reasons for the continued popularity of direct consumption is the growing recognition of the health benefits that millets offer .
These grains are naturally rich in fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and are often favored by individuals following gluten-free, plant-based, or low-glycemic diets. Millet-based dishes, such as porridge and pilafs, are simple to prepare and serve as wholesome meals that can easily be adapted to a variety of cuisines and flavors. The nutritional value of millets makes them especially appealing for direct consumption in regions facing high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity. In these areas, millets are a valuable food source that can help alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, particularly for children and vulnerable populations .
As health trends continue to evolve, there is a growing movement to promote millets as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Whether in the form of traditional recipes or innovative new meal ideas, direct consumption of millets remains a dominant and essential application in the global market.