The global fortified rice market is gaining strong momentum as governments, food manufacturers, and public health agencies intensify efforts to combat micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Valued at US$ 18.2 Bn in 2022, the industry is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2023 to 2031, reaching an estimated US$ 29.6 Bn by the end of 2031. This sustained growth reflects rising awareness of nutrition security, expanding fortified food programs, and increasing consumer demand for healthier dietary options.

Analyst Viewpoint

The rise in nutritional deficiencies across the global population is a core driver of the fortified rice market. As consumers increasingly adopt healthier lifestyles, demand for nutritious and functional food products is growing rapidly. Fortified rice has emerged as a practical and scalable solution to address deficiencies of essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and folic acid, especially in regions where rice is a staple food.

Fortified rice plays a critical role in supporting cognitive development, physical growth, and overall health. The surge in consumption of foods enriched with vital nutrients, coupled with a growing preference for organic and clean-label products, is expected to bolster market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, continuous product innovation and the launch of nutrient-rich rice variants are opening new revenue opportunities for market players.

Global Fortified Rice Market Overview

Fortified rice refers to rice grains that have been enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to enhance their nutritional value. This fortification process is specifically designed to address micronutrient deficiencies, commonly known as “hidden hunger,” prevalent in regions with high rice consumption.

The fortification process involves adding nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and folic acid to rice kernels without altering taste, texture, or cooking properties. As a result, fortified rice seamlessly integrates into daily diets while delivering measurable health benefits. Similar to the fortification of wheat flour, maize flour, and iodized salt, rice fortification is recognized as an effective public health intervention.

Fortified rice is particularly beneficial for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, as it provides essential nutrients required for growth and development. With low levels of total and saturated fat, fortified rice aligns well with modern dietary recommendations and maternal nutrition programs.

Increase in Consumer Preference for Organic Products Driving Market Growth

One of the most notable trends shaping the fortified rice market is the rising consumer preference for organic food products. Concerns over pesticide residues, synthetic fertilizers, and long-term health risks associated with conventional rice have led consumers to seek safer and more sustainable alternatives. Organic fortified rice offers a compelling value proposition by combining enhanced nutrition with chemical-free cultivation.

Growing awareness of environmental sustainability and organic farming practices is further accelerating demand. Consumers increasingly associate organic products with long-term health benefits and reduced ecological impact. In response, fortified rice manufacturers are expanding their portfolios to include organic variants and clean-label formulations.

A notable development in this space is the expansion of fortified rice kernel (FRK) manufacturing capacity by Fermenta Biotech Limited in India. The company commissioned a new facility in Andhra Pradesh to produce FRK enriched with iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, in compliance with guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Such initiatives underscore the growing alignment between nutrition policy, consumer demand, and industrial capacity expansion.

Rise in Nutritional Deficiencies among the Global Population

Nutritional deficiencies remain a major global health challenge, affecting nearly 2 billion people worldwide. These deficiencies, often invisible in early stages, can lead to severe health outcomes such as anemia, impaired cognitive development, weakened immunity, and blindness. Iron and zinc deficiencies are particularly widespread in South Asia and parts of Africa.

To address this issue, several governments have introduced mandatory food fortification policies. In India, rice fortification has been mandated across social safety net schemes, including public distribution systems and school feeding programs. Additionally, initiatives such as POSHAN 2.0 aim to promote locally grown nutritious food through community-based nutrition gardens and biofortified crop varieties.

Such policy-driven demand is significantly boosting the consumption of fortified rice at a national scale, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of food-based nutrition interventions.

Regional Outlook

Europe accounted for the largest share of the global fortified rice market in 2022. This dominance is attributed to strong consumer awareness regarding nutrition, proactive government health initiatives, and widespread adoption of fortified food products. Rising demand for micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and folic acid is driving market expansion across Western and Eastern Europe.

The region has also witnessed a shift toward healthier lifestyles, with consumers actively seeking functional foods that support long-term well-being. This trend, combined with regulatory support and advanced food processing infrastructure, positions Europe as a key growth hub for fortified rice.

Meanwhile, South Asia and East Asia are expected to experience robust growth over the forecast period, driven by large population bases, high rice consumption, and expanding government-backed fortification programs.

Analysis of Key Players

Leading players in the fortified rice market are focusing on capacity expansion, strategic acquisitions, product innovation, and geographic diversification to strengthen their market presence. Companies are increasingly investing in research and development to improve nutrient stability, bioavailability, and sensory attributes of fortified rice.

Prominent companies operating in the global fortified rice market include Cargill, Incorporated, BASF SE, Relishum Foods, LT Foods, DSM, Abdul Monem Limited, Rizmaq International Pvt. Ltd., Olam International, Malô SARL, and Oliria Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd..

Key Developments in the Global Fortified Rice Industry

Strategic mergers and acquisitions have played a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape. In October 2021, Cargill announced the approval of its US$ 4.5 Bn acquisition of Sanderson Farms, strengthening its position in the global food value chain.

Similarly, LT Foods acquired a 30% stake in a Dutch packaged food company in January 2021, aiming to enhance its branded and organic food offerings through its subsidiary Nature Bio Foods BV. These developments highlight the growing emphasis on scale, diversification, and value-added nutrition portfolios.

Market Segmentation Overview

The fortified rice market is segmented based on micronutrients, fortification method, sales channel, and region. Iron remains the most widely used micronutrient due to its critical role in combating anemia, followed by B-complex vitamins, vitamin A, zinc, and folic acid. Among fortification methods, extrusion technology is gaining traction for its ability to ensure uniform nutrient distribution and stability.

Sales through hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate the market, while online retail channels are witnessing rapid growth due to convenience and expanding digital grocery platforms.

Outlook to 2031

With strong policy support, rising consumer awareness, and continuous innovation, the global fortified rice market is poised for steady expansion through 2031. As food fortification becomes an integral part of nutrition strategies worldwide, fortified rice is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing global malnutrition while delivering sustainable growth opportunities for industry participants.