Flour is consumed for numerous food & beverage providing the product desired characteristics including physical, chemical properties of food. Owing to the changing lifestyle and tradition of consumers, there is an increasing demand for various types of flours in the market. Number of countries around the world such as the U.S are majorly focusing on fortification of flour with essential nutrients. Another factor for the growth of flour market is rising health concerns and production of gluten-free flour alternatives such functional flour, malted barley flour including almond flour, pulse flours, baking ingredients, pulse ingredients, grain analysis, batter breeder premixes, sorghum flour, oats flour and others. High disposable income of consumers with a willingness to pay extra for premium and high-quality products is boosting the sale of organic and fortified wheat flour demand.
The major use of functional flour can be found in bakery products, pizza dough, bread, noodles & pasta, pet food, biscuits and other. Due to the growing demand for a variety of flour, there is an increasing number of companies in the market. The functional flour market is expected to grow at a significant rate in the upcoming years. Asia Pacific is the major exporter of raw materials used in the preparation of functional flours, among which India is a major contributing country. The region has its position due to increasing per capita income and growing demand for functional foods. The amount of flour used for noodle making in Asia accounts for about 40% of total flour consumed. Wheat flour noodle is an important part of diet for many consumers. Many researchers are exploring the potential of flour fortification as an effective public health intervention and increasing nutritional characteristics. Wheat is generally classified by the colour and hardness of the grain.
However, due to COVID -19 outbreak the market has a huge impact on consumer‘s lifestyle for cooking and eating. The strict rule of social distancing and less crowd in grocery stores has affected the global flour market. Moreover, the demand for almond flour has significantly declined over the few months. On the other hand, increasing interest in home baking to access perishable items in house has led to growth of wheat flour segment. The demand for wheat flour is significantly increasing in the pandemic as wheat flour is major whole source for human consumption. Agriculture sector has played a huge role for world’s economy providing flour in market during COVID 19 situation.
