Europe Rice Market Forecast by 2033

Market Size in 2024: USD 760.0 Million
Market Forecast in 2033: USD 1,010.0 Million
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 2.8%

Europe rice market reached USD 760.0 million in 2024 and is projected to climb to USD 1,010.0 million by 2033, reflecting a 2.8% compound annual growth rate. The steady expansion is underpinned by rising demand for convenient ready-to-heat pouches, increasing vegan and gluten-free diets, and the continued popularity of ethnic cuisines that feature rice as a core ingredient.

Growth Drivers Powering the European Rice Market

EU School Scheme Expansion to Whole-Grain Rice

The European Commission allocated EUR 220 million in 2024 to broaden the School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme, allowing member states to include whole-grain rice and ready-to-heat rice pots. France and Germany incorporated brown-rice salads into 12,000 schools, reaching 2.8 million pupils and creating a guaranteed institutional outlet for parboiled and aromatic varieties. Suppliers must meet low-salt and no-additive criteria, encouraging mills to launch clean-label pouches that cook in 90 seconds. The fixed public procurement calendar smooths seasonal price volatility and provides a predictable offtake for growers in Italy and Spain, reinforcing acreage dedicated to Japonica and Arborio types.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Label Momentum

Eurostat data show that 7% of Europeans now follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, up from 4% in 2020. Rice naturally carries both claims, prompting processors to market it as an allergen-free carbohydrate base for meat-alternative bowls. A major German retailer introduced private-label rice-based vegan fish fingers in May 2024, using broken rice extruded into textured protein that absorbs algae oil for omega-3. The product achieved a 22% repeat-purchase rate within three months, encouraging further NPD that incorporates rice protein and rice flour, thereby expanding aggregate rice demand beyond traditional grain sales.

Ethnic Cuisine Penetration and Food-Service Recovery

Post-pandemic food-service turnover rose 11% in 2024, with Asian and Latin American outlets leading growth. The National Restaurant Association of Spain reported that 34% of new openings feature rice-centred menus such as poke, bibimbap and arroz negro. Wholesalers are responding with 5 kg vacuum packs and pre-cooked paella bases that reduce kitchen prep time by 30 minutes. As tourism rebounds, casual-dining chains are adding rice bowls to capture flexitarian consumers, locking in medium-grain and aromatic imports through annual supply contracts that stabilise import volumes and support premium pricing for certified sustainable origins.

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Europe Rice Market Segmentation

Product Type Insights:

• Regular
• Aromatic

Type Insights:

• Red Rice
• Arborio Rice
• Black Rice
• Grain Fragrance Rice
• Brown Rice
• Rosematta Rice
• Grain Parboiled Rice
• Sushi Rice
• Others

Grain Size Insights:

• Long Grain
• Medium Grain
• Short Grain

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Offline Stores
• Online Stores

Application Insights:

• Food
• Feed
• Others

Country Insights:

• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Others

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Europe Rice Market News

• In May 2024, the European Commission expanded the School Scheme to include whole-grain rice pots, reaching 2.8 million pupils across France and Germany.
• A German retailer launched private-label rice-based vegan fish fingers in June 2024, achieving a 22% repeat-purchase rate within three months.
• The National Restaurant Association of Spain reported in July 2024 that 34% of new restaurant openings feature rice-centred menus such as poke and bibimbap.
• Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture confirmed in August 2024 that acreage dedicated to Arborio rice will increase 5% to meet rising domestic and export demand for ready-to-heat pouches.
• The EU approved an additional EUR 30 million in July 2024 to promote sustainable rice cultivation under the new Common Agricultural Policy eco-scheme.

Key highlights of the Report:

• Market Performance (2019-2024)
• Market Outlook (2025-2033)
• COVID-19 Impact on the Market
• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
• Strategic Recommendations
• Historical, Current and Future Market Trends
• Market Drivers and Success Factors
• SWOT Analysis
• Structure of the Market
• Value Chain Analysis
• Comprehensive Mapping of the Competitive Landscape

Note: If you need specific information that is not currently within the scope of the report, we can provide it to you as part of the customization.

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