Global Dry Milling Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2031

Dry Milling Market Analysis

The dry milling market is witnessing significant advancements in methods and technology, particularly in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and precision milling equipment. The integration of AI-driven process controls enables real-time adjustments, optimizing yield and reducing waste. Moreover, the use of high-performance milling machinery has led to greater efficiency, particularly in grain processing and ethanol production, enhancing the scalability of operations.

Technological advancements such as advanced sieving systems and laser-based particle size analyzers are contributing to superior product quality, particularly in industries such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. These innovations are helping manufacturers achieve higher consistency and better energy efficiency.

The growth in the dry milling market is further driven by the increasing demand for sustainable food processing solutions, especially in developing regions. The rise in consumer preference for gluten-free and alternative grain products is creating new opportunities. The market is expected to expand as these technologies reduce operational costs, improve product yield, and offer environmentally friendly processing methods, thereby fostering increased adoption across a broad range of industries, particularly in food processing and biofuels.

Dry Milling Market Size

The global dry milling market size was valued at USD 106.21 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 144.24 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include import export analysis, production capacity overview, production consumption analysis, price trend analysis, climate change scenario, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework.

Dry Milling Market Trends

“Increasing Demand for Corn-Based Products Driving Dry Milling Market Growth”

One specific trend driving the growth of the dry milling market is the rising demand for corn-based products. Dry milling is a widely used process in the production of corn flour, grits, and ethanol, which are experiencing growing consumption in various industries. The food and beverage sector, for instance, uses corn flour in gluten-free products, while the biofuel industry relies on ethanol production. For instance, Archer Daniels Midland Company and Cargill have expanded their dry milling operations to cater to the increasing global demand for corn-based ethanol, fueling market growth significantly. This trend is expected to continue as sustainability and biofuel usage rise.

Report Scope and Dry Milling Market Segmentation  

Dry Milling Market Definition

Dry milling is a mechanical process that breaks down solid materials, particularly grains or other raw materials, without using liquid additives. This technique is primarily used in industries such as food processing, where corn or wheat is ground into flour or meal. It involves grinding, crushing, or pulverizing the material to obtain the desired particle size. Dry milling is essential for creating products such as cornmeal, grits, and flour. Additionally, it is used in other industries, including the production of biofuels, where dry milled corn is a key ingredient in ethanol production. The method offers efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Dry Milling Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Demand for Processed Foods

The rising demand for processed foods has significantly driven the dry milling market, as dry-milled ingredients such as cornmeal and flour are key components in various food products. As consumers increasingly opt for convenient, ready-to-eat meals, the need for dry-milled products has surged. For instance, the growing popularity of snack foods such as chips, tortillas, and breakfast cereals, all of which rely on dry-milled ingredients, is boosting market growth. Additionally, the expanding use of these ingredients in bakery and confectionery products further propels the demand. This trend is particularly prominent in regions such as North America and Europe, where processed food consumption is high.

• Rising Pet Food Industry

The rising pet food industry is significantly driving the growth of the dry milling market. With an increasing number of pet owners opting for dry pet food due to its convenience and extended shelf life, the demand for dry-milled ingredients such as corn and grains is surging. Dry milling is commonly used in the production of dry kibble, which dominates the pet food segment. For instance, leading brands such as Nestlé Purina and Mars Petcare rely heavily on dry milling processes for large-scale production, further boosting the market. This growing trend in pet ownership and preference for dry food continues to propel market expansion.

Opportunities

• Growing Ethanol Production

The growing ethanol production from dry-milled corn creates significant opportunities in the dry milling market. As the biofuel industry expands, particularly with the push for renewable energy, the demand for dry-milled corn used in ethanol production rises. For instance, in the U.S., ethanol plants heavily rely on dry-milled corn as a primary feedstock, driving demand for advanced milling processes and equipment. This growing demand opens doors for market players to innovate milling technologies that enhance efficiency and output. Additionally, global efforts to reduce carbon emissions through biofuels create long-term growth opportunities in regions adopting renewable energy initiatives.

• Increasing Corn Production

The surge in global corn production significantly enhances the availability of raw materials for the dry milling sector. This increased supply supports higher production volumes and encourages the expansion of dry milling facilities. As corn becomes more readily accessible, manufacturers can capitalize on economies of scale, reduce costs, and meet the growing demand for dry-milled products, such as cornmeal and ethanol. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports a steady increase in corn yields, reaching over 15 billion bushels in recent years. This surge in supply not only ensures a steady flow of raw materials but also lowers input costs for dry milling operations. As more corn becomes available, dry milling companies can expand production of corn-based products such as cornmeal and ethanol, catering to both food and biofuel industries. This growth drives market expansion and attracts investments in milling technologies.

Restraints/Challenges

• High Energy Consumption

High energy consumption is a significant challenge for the dry milling market. The process demands substantial amounts of energy for grinding and processing, leading to elevated operational costs. This excessive energy use not only increases expenses but also contributes to environmental concerns, as higher energy consumption often translates to greater carbon emissions. These factors create financial and regulatory pressures on companies, hindering market growth. The need to address energy efficiency and environmental impact remains a persistent issue, affecting the overall viability and competitiveness of dry milling operations.   

• Limited Product Range

Dry milling faces limitations in processing certain materials, particularly those sensitive to moisture or requiring extremely fine particle sizes. This constraint reduces the range of products that can be effectively processed, as materials prone to moisture absorption or those needing precise particle sizes may not be suitable for dry milling techniques. Consequently, this restriction limits the market's growth potential, as it cannot accommodate a wide variety of materials or applications, confining its utility and hindering overall market expansion.   

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Dry Milling Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of end product, source and application. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

End Product

• Ethanol
• Dried Distillers Grain with Solubles (DDGS)
• Corn Grits
• Cornmeal
• Corn Flour
• Others
  • Wet Distiller Grains
  • Dried Distiller Grains
  • Modified Wet Distiller Grains
  • Distiller Oil
  • Corn Bran

 Source

• Yellow Corn
• White Corn

Application

• Fuel
• Feed
• Food

Dry Milling Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, end product, source and application as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America.

Asia-Pacific is expected to expand at a significant growth rate in the dry milling market due to increased consumer awareness of renewable bio-fuels, a growing need for protein feed for livestock, and rising environmental concerns. China is projected to lead as the largest producer and consumer of corn dry-milled products in the region.

North America is expected to dominate the dry milling market, driven by a robust agriculture sector and advanced milling technology. The U.S. leads with high corn production and strong ethanol demand. Emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in food processing fuels growth, with the region's innovative practices supporting both domestic and global markets.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Dry Milling Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Dry Milling Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
•  ADM (U.S.)
• Bunge Limited (U.S.)
• SunOpta (Canada)
•  Didion, Inc. (U.S.)
• Semo Milling, LLC (U.S.)
• LifeLine Foods (U.S.)
•  Alto Ingredients, Inc. (U.S.)
•  Green Plains Inc. (U.S.)
•  Flint Hills Resources -(U.S.)
• C.H. Guenther & Son (U.S.)
• Valero -(U.S.)

Latest Developments in Dry Milling Market

• In March 2023, Columbia Grain International (CGI) established Enrich Foods, LLC by acquiring Great River Milling in Fountain City, Wisconsin. This acquisition included the milling operations and a new state-of-the-art packaging and distribution facility, expanding CGI's capabilities in the food industry and enhancing their operational efficiency in packaging and logistics
• In October 2020, Archer Daniels Midland decided to keep its two dry ethanol mills in the US idle temporarily. These mills, with a combined annual production capacity of 575 million gallons, were expected to remain inactive through the end of 2020, with potential plans to resume operations in the first half of 2021

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