Rice - Central America | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Rice market amounts to US$310.70m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.90% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$150bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$5.88 are generated in 2024.
In the Rice market, volume is expected to amount to 180.80m kg by 2029. The Rice market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.1% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Rice market is expected to amount to 3.0kg in 2024.

Definition:

Around the world, rice is a widely farmed and consumed staple food crop. It is a cereal grain that serves as a significant source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The Rice market covers several rice varieties, such as long-grain rice, medium-grain rice, short-grain rice, white rice, brown rice, and wild rice, as well as sticky rice and parboiled rice.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

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White Rice
Brown Rice
Basmati Rice
Jasmine Rice
Arborio Rice
Parboiled Rice
Quick-Cooking Rice

Rice-based ready-to-eat meals
Puffed rice
Coucous
Bulgur
Rice noodles
Out-of-home consumption

The Rice Market in Central America is slowly growing due to factors such as increasing health awareness and convenience of online services. However, the market's growth rate remains minimal, likely influenced by economic challenges and competition from other grains in the region.

Customer preferences: As consumers become more health-conscious, there has been a rise in demand for organic and gluten-free rice options. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the potential health benefits of such products and a desire for more natural and sustainable food choices. Additionally, with the increase in vegetarian and vegan diets, there is a growing demand for rice-based protein options, such as plant-based rice milk and rice protein powders. This shift towards healthier and more sustainable food choices is also influenced by the cultural values of many Central American countries, where rice is a staple in traditional cuisine.

Trends in the market: In Central America, the Rice Market within the Bread & Cereal Products Market is experiencing a significant increase in demand, driven by a growing population and changing dietary preferences. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.5% in the next five years. This presents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to expand their production and distribution capabilities to meet the rising demand. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards sustainable and organic rice production, as consumers become more conscious of their food choices and environmental impact. This presents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to differentiate their products and cater to the evolving consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances: In Central America, the Rice Market within the Bread & Cereal Products Market is heavily influenced by the region's strong agricultural sector and its reliance on rice as a staple food. Additionally, a large portion of the population in this region lives in rural areas with limited access to modern technology and infrastructure. As a result, traditional methods of rice production and distribution still dominate the market. This creates unique challenges for companies looking to enter this market, as they must navigate complex supply chains and distribution networks. Furthermore, cultural preferences for certain types of rice and local regulations on imports and exports also play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of this market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Rice Market of the Bread & Cereal Products Market within The Food market is heavily impacted by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, and fiscal policies. The demand for rice is largely dependent on the economic stability and purchasing power of the population in Central American countries. In addition, the price of rice is also influenced by global economic factors such as trade policies and currency exchange rates. Instability in the global economy can lead to fluctuations in the price of rice, affecting the profitability of the market. Moreover, government policies and investments in agriculture and food production also play a significant role in shaping the rice market in Central America. Countries with favorable economic conditions and supportive policies are experiencing higher growth in the rice market compared to those with economic challenges and limited investment in agriculture.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.