Basmati Rice Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Indian Basmati Rice, Pakistani Basmati Rice, Kenya Basmati Rice and Others), By Application (Direct Edible and Deep Processing), and Regional Forecast to 2033

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BASMATI RICE MARKET OVERVIEW

The global basmati rice market size valued at approximately USD 5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.6 % from 2025 to 2033.

Basmati rice is an exotic long-grain rice variety that is costly not just because of its strong aroma and subtle taste but also because it is fluffy. Its unique characteristic scent, which is somewhere close to the fragrance of pandan leaves or popcorn, is attributable to 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline present at about 0.09 ppm, which is 12 times higher than that found in non-basmati rice. Also found in cheese and fruits, this compound is approved as a flavoring agent in the U.S. and Europe. Basmati grains are 6.61-8.3 mm long, with a length-to-width ratio of over 3.0. They expand boiler-cooked without sticking to it by 70% to 120%. It is available in white and brown types and is adequate for many cooking methods.

Basmati rice, grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, Punjab, Haryana and Sindh of India and Pakistan, is famous for its aroma and taste. India is the largest basmati rice exporter globally, while Pakistan also contributes to this trade. The geographical protection provided to a nomenclature called "basmati" restricts the application of this term only to rice grown in a few selected growing areas. Also, basmati's historical dates back to ancient Sanskrit texts in which "fragrant" is represented as "basmati". Popular for its excellent quality, basmati rice is a primary ingredient in many exotic dishes such as biriyani, pulao and curries in the South Asian and Middle Eastern regions.

COVID-19 IMPACT

"Pandemic impacted the supply chain disruptions, logistical challenges and transportation restrictions affecting the market "

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The pandemic affected the basmati rice market even when there was an increase in demand for staple foods. Flows, disruptions to the supply chain, and limitations on transportation exacerbated by interruption slowed the rice delivery and contributed to the shortages. Due to enhanced food service restriction measures, such as restaurants and hotels closing down, the demand for bulk purchases has reduced remarkably. This trend impacted the base, that is, the overall market demand and was disadvantageous in various ways. Exports decreased mainly from trade disruptions characterized by closed borders and limited access to ports, adding more pressure on the market. These factors led to low profitability and market fluctuations that affected the basmati rice manufacturers.

LATEST TREND

"Growing demand for organic and natural produced rice to drive the market"

The increasing requirement for organic basmati rice indicates growing consumer acceptance regarding the human consumption of healthy, pesticide-free food. Consumers are turning towards organic-based basmati after being introduced to environmental sustainability and natural farming concepts. They would prefer if it is free from synthetic fertilizers or any other chemical element. Organic basmati rice has a similar aroma, taste and nutritional value. However, it uses environmentally friendly practices and is familiar with organic food production to retain the ground fertility. This change is mainly observed among customers concerned about personal health and environmental protection. Therefore, organic basmati rice is becoming popular and being consumed at a higher rate in the domestic and export markets, enhancing growth in this segment.

BASMATI RICE MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the global market can be categorized into Indian Basmati Rice, Pakistani Basmati Rice, Kenya Basmati Rice and Others

• Indian Basmati Rice: India, the largest exporter, with two-thirds of all the exports of basmati in the world. It is mostly cultivated in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, with varieties such as Pusa Basmati 1121 are superior in elongation and aroma. After aging for 1-2 years, its fragrance and texture improves the high market value. It is widely used in biryanis and pilafs as it absorbs flavors well. Indian basmati is all about fragrant rice trade in the world with its peaks in exports are seen in March-April and November-December.

• Pakistani Basmati Rice: Pakistan is the second-largest producer and exporter of basmati rice and mainly grow it in Punjab. With long and slim grains, soft to the touch, and strongly scented, it is a favorite in the Middle East markets. Some of the leading export partners are Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait which have added up the valuation of Pakistan’s trade. Pakistani basmati maintains high quality due to similar agro-climatic conditions as India. It is affordable while retaining premium attributes such as elongation and aroma.

• Kenya Basmati Rice: Kenya produces limited basmati rice mainly for domestic use, cultivated in Mwea. Though appreciated locally, it lacks the grain length and reputation of Indian and Pakistani varieties. Efforts are underway to improve production through hybrid varieties. Due to low production and minimal exports, Kenyan basmati has little international presence. The local market relies on imports from India and Pakistan.

• Others: Countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the U.S, where aromatic rice is cultivated, which is similarly to basmati. However, such aromatic rice varieties are not as fragrant and as long in grain and not precooked the way authentic basmati. The U.S. focuses on improving grain quality to develop locally adapted aromatic rice. Hybrid versions exist but they struggle to match Indian and Pakistani basmati. These alternatives serve regions where importing premium basmati is costly.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Direct Edible and Deep Processing

• Direct Edible: Basmati rice has direct edible applications that lead in meeting the rising demand globally. It is used mainly for its smell, taste and that the fluffy feeling in the mouth. It is used in preparing meals such as biryani and pilaf and is common in the South Asian and Middle Eastern regions. Favored for occasions, it is regarded as luxury mainly coming from its premium quality. Health-conscious consumers prefer it because the rice has a lower glycemic index and is also gluten-free.
• Deep Processing: The deep basmati rice processing is expanding with the rising demand for convenience foods. It is used in ready-to-eat meals, snacks and instant biryani kits. Basmati also serves as a raw material in nutraceuticals, bakery products and cosmetics. Innovations include hybrid products and fortified rice varieties to meet dietary needs. This segment is growing rapidly due to organized retail and e-commerce platforms.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

"Rising consumer awareness and preference for premium rice to boost the market"

The factors attributed to the improvement in the demand and sales of basmati rice market growth are based on the tendency towards premium and healthier food options. Consumers know that basmati rice is better in quality and tastier, and is more aromatic than all other rice. People have become more enlightened, especially the various groups and health-conscious people who wish to prepare healthy meals that they find tasty. Consumers have looked for basmati rice with low glycemic index, gluten-free attributes and high nutrient value, resulting in a steady increase in market share for basmati rice due to the rise in literacy level and health awareness.

"Growth of online retail and e-commerce platforms to expand the market"

The increase in online retail and e-commerce has further facilitated the increased availability of basmati rice in markets due to the increased accessibility of target consumers by the companies. Due to technological advancement and suppliers’ increased ability to produce high-quality basmati rice, more consumers purchase their preferred brands without physically moving around. E-commerce platforms also help producers present their basmati rice to the international market and make it available to other regions. Further, they provide the opportunity to promote their products, packages and subscription services that allow customers to receive products in large quantities or regularly. As digital shopping trends continue to grow, the availability of basmati rice through e-commerce platforms is driving higher sales and market expansion.

Restraining Factor

"High prices and the luxury perception of rice hinder the market"

Basmati rice is rich and expensive because of its scent, taste, and quality, thus, it costs more than ordinary rice. This perception is because popular brands use popularity, quality and attractive packaging to sell their products at higher prices. Consequently, it reduces the chances of basmati rice being used frequently, consumed on special occasions, and rarely bought by low-income consumers who cannot afford. The high pricing and the branding strategies that associated the product with exclusivity prevent widespread adoption among average consumers. Therefore, although basmati rice is consumed worldwide, it remains beyond the reach of a considerable portion of consumers, thus limiting market penetration.

Opportunity

"Globalization and international trade create market opportunities "

Globalization and international trade have contributed to raising basmati rice's consumption and export demand in the global market. With the improvement of the tendency towards using more international food products and growing intercultural influences in customers’ choices, basmati rice is used in many dishes across the globe. Due to the globalization trade, sellers in India and Pakistan have been able to sell basmati rice in other growing markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and even the U.S. This has helped bring out making basmati rice a better product than the other rice brands. Thus, basmati rice experienced great market growth shortly due to the increasing globalization of food culture and the consequent development of international trade.

Challenge

"Competition from non-basmati rice varieties presents a challenge to the market "

Customers’ preference for other rice brands rather than basmati rice is a central factor threatening market growth. Non-basmati rice varieties are cheaper than basmati rice varieties, and time consumption is less amid the price-conscious consumers. They are also more easily accessible than most other types of meals and are prepared in a less time thus, they are more common in places that consider the cost and time. Though basmati rice is rich in aroma, taste and ability to elongate, its price is comparatively high, thus making the product expensive for the general public. Therefore, non-basmati types remain dominant in the market share and endanger basmati rice’s growth and influence worldwide.

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BASMATI RICE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America, especially the United States and Canada, has an emerging market for basmati rice. Most retailers today are demanding ethnic and gluten-free foods. They import basmati rice mainly from India and Pakistan, and people of Indian origin diasporas enjoy it. The U.S. has some similar basmati variants called Texmati, but they do not meet the GI regulations of this product. Thus, North America dominated the region, the most significant revenue worldwide in the basmati rice market.

• Europe

Europe, especially the U.K., is a large consumer of basmati rice imported mainly from India and Pakistan because of the large Indian community in this part of the world. Enhanced with a fragrance and unique texture, basmati has found its way into most kitchens and ethnic eateries across European nations. Organic and sustainable types of pesticides and agrochemicals have emerged despite restrictive legislation over permitted pesticide residues and acceptable quality norms. They observed that Europe is also among the world's principal areas for exporting basmati rice.

• Asia

The Asia Pacific, headed by India and Pakistan, controls the global basmati rice market share in production, consumption and export. India has the largest market share and the most fertile Indo-Gangetic plain region, providing suitable agro-climatic conditions for growing premium quality basmati rice. Pakistan comes next with superior qualities that are primarily grown in Pakistan in the Kalar bowl area in Punjab. India and Pakistan have both been granted recognition with a Geographical Indications (GI) tag for basmati rice due to the region’s history and geography. While other Asia Pacific countries, such as Nepal, have planted other aromatic rice, they do not produce them on a large scale. Premium basmati rice consumption has increased following improved consumers’ disposable incomes and nutritional shifts in the Asia Pacific.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key industry players are increasing product variety for market expansion"

Key industry players are diversifying their products through new basmati rice products as customer demands change. In particular, this comprises flavored basmati rice delicately imbued with properties of herbs and spices, organic varieties free from chemical obstinacies, and value-added products such as ready-to-cook biryani mixes and instant rice kits. These innovations cater to health-conscious consumers seeking convenient natural and organic basmati rice and fast-food solutions. This way, large providers improve the consumer experience and make their position on the market more secure. This strategic expansion helps capture a broader consumer base and boost global demand for premium basmati rice products.

LIST OF TOP BASMATI RICE COMPANIES

• KRBL (India)
• Amira Nature Foods (U.A.E.)
• LT Foods (India)
• Best Foods (India)
• Kohinoor Rice (India)
• Aeroplane Rice (India)
• Tilda Basmati Rice (U.K.)
• Matco Foods (Pakistan)
• Amar Singh Chawal Wala (India)
• Hanuman Rice Mills (India)
• Adani Wilmar (India)
• HAS Rice Pakistan (Pakistan)
• Galaxy Rice Mill (India)
• Dunar Foods (India)
• Sungold (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

March 2025: KRBL Limited partnered with Landor India to revolutionize India Gate Basmati Rice’s market presence by introducing consumer-centric packaging and design. Through extensive research, Landor developed a strategy using Indian folk-inspired illustrations and detailed product information to empower informed decisions. This collaboration modernized India Gate’s image while preserving its heritage, enhancing consumer engagement and redefining rice category norms.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

Basmati rice continues to dominate the global premium rice market, driven by its exceptional aroma, flavor, and texture that appeal to consumers worldwide. Its geographical protection ensures authenticity, while India and Pakistan remain the primary producers and exporters. Despite challenges such as high prices, competition from non-basmati varieties, and market fluctuations, basmati rice maintains strong demand due to increasing consumer awareness, globalization, and rising health consciousness. The growing preference for organic variants and the rise of e-commerce platforms further boost market expansion. With innovations in product variety and deep processing, basmati rice is poised for sustained growth and continued global prominence.