Grain Milling
Companies in this industry mill flour and rice, produce malt from grains (primarily barley), and mix prepared flour mixes and dough. Major companies include Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, ConAgra, General Mills, and Riceland Foods (all based in the US), as well as China Agri-Industries (China), GrainCorp (Australia), Nisshin Seifun Group (Japan), and Wilmar International (Singapore).
Demand for grain milling services is driven by global production of wheat, rice, and other cereal crops. new forecast for global cereal production in 2023 has been raised by 5.9 million tonnes (0.2%) in July from the previous month, now standing at 2,819 million tonnes, 1.1% higher year on year and reaching a record high, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Demand for milled grains is expected to grow in developing countries, where populations are rising rapidly.
The US grain milling industry includes about 460 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $16 billion.
Wet corn milling, soybean processing, and vegetable oil refining are covered in the Edible Oils Manufacturing profile. Breakfast Cereal Manufacturing is also a separate industry profile.
Competitive Landscape
Demand is driven by population growth and consumer patterns in bread, whole grains, and rice consumption. The profitability of individual companies depends on managing grain prices and inventory effectively, and minimizing the risk of rodents, insects, and molds. Large companies have advantages in advanced milling technology and a diversified product line. Small operations can compete effectively by specializing in organic, non-genetically modified, or heirloom grains. The US industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 85% of industry revenue.
Products, Operations & Technology
Major products include milled rice, grains and flour milled products, flour mixes, and malt, which all account for about 10%, each. Other products include
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