Europe Rice Market Analysis
The Europe Rice Market size is estimated at USD 760.14 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 933.75 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Europe primarily cultivates round and medium-length rice, known for its stickiness when cooked and classified under the Japonica group. Despite its production, Europe relies on imports to satisfy domestic rice demand, with the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Germany being the primary importing nations. In 2022, the region produced 3 million metric ton of rice across 531,925 ha, as reported by the FAOSTAT. Simultaneously, the ITC Trade Map data indicated that the region imported 5.5 million metric tons, positioning Europe as a net importer of rice.
- Europe emphasizes sustainable farming practices and aims to produce high-quality rice for global exports. A testament to this commitment is the European Rice Program, funded by the European Union, which assures consumers of the safety and stringent regulations governing European rice cultivation. This rice is primarily grown in Italy, Portugal, France, and Germany. According to the ITC Trade Map, in 2022, the region exported 2.5 million metric ton of EU rice, with Italy accounting for a significant one-fourth share.
- The region's populace is increasingly favoring specialty rice varieties, mainly basmati rice and brown rice varieties, while shifting away from non-basmati rice consumption. For example, data from the Grain and Feed Trade Association reveals that husked basmati rice, predominantly sourced from India and Pakistan, constitutes 30% of the EU's rice imports. Consequently, the market is propelled by sustainable production initiatives, a surge in basmati rice imports catering to varied consumer preferences, and the export of Japonica rice.
Europe Rice Market Trends
Rising Imports of Rice are Propelling the Market
The increasing imports of rice in Europe are due to shifting consumer preferences, growing ethnic populations, and limited local production. Duty-free imports of milled rice, particularly basmati rice, from countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, India, and Pakistan are on the rise. Additionally, the influx of migrant populations in the region is driving the demand for rice. According to Eurostat, as of January 2023, 27.3 million migrants lived in the region, constituting 6.1% of the total population. The region's production has also declined due to widespread drought, reduced winter snowfall, and heat stress. According to the FAOSTAT, in 2022, rice production in Europe was 3.05 million metric ton, marking a 24% decrease from the previous year.
Disruptions or bottlenecks in the worldwide supply chain significantly impact the market, given the region's critical reliance on rice imports. For instance, in 2023, the Indian government imposed a ban on the export of non-basmati white rice due to domestic food security concerns, which impacted the European Union as it depends on Indian rice imports. However, there is increasing demand for sustainably sourced rice. Imports cater to this market by providing a variety of specialty rice products that align with environmental concerns and ethical consumer choices.
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Italy is the Largest Rice Producer and Significant Consumer
Italy emerged as the dominant force in European rice production in 2022, contributing approximately 40% to the region's total output. Up to 50% of Italy's paddy fields are dedicated to cultivating the Lungo A and Medio varieties. The Lungo A, commonly used in risotto variations favored for national consumption, is frequently parboiled. This is also true for the esteemed Carnaroli, Arborio, Baldo, and Roma variants, which command premium market prices despite being produced in limited quantities. "Common" or Tondo rice occupies 30% of Italy's rice fields, while the Lungo B variety, encompassing the globally sought Indica, makes up the remaining 20%. While Tondo and Lungo rice yield more, they are priced lower in the market compared to the premium Lungo A and Medio varieties. In 2022, Italy's rice production plummeted by 24% due to a severe drought, subsequently pushing domestic market prices higher.
Risotto stands out as a quintessential Italian dish, witnessing surging demand both domestically and internationally. Italian consumers increasingly view rice and grains as healthier alternatives to pasta. This shift is evident as health-conscious Italians are reducing their pasta intake in favor of these grains. For context, Italy's rice consumption reached 984.5 thousand metric ton in 2022, according to the FAOSTAT and the ITC Trade Map data.
In response to evolving consumer preferences and lifestyles, Spanish companies are actively innovating to meet contemporary demands. In 2023, a Spanish start-up, "Rice in Action," created a low glycaemic index (GI) rice that cooks in just 2-4 minutes. This rice is infused with broths and nutrients, making it healthier, more sustainable, and energy-efficient. The company employs a unique technology to infuse the rice with broths, flavors, and nutrients, allowing it to expand by 30% more than traditional methods without full gelatinization. This approach enhances the rice’s health benefits while making it more sustainable.
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Europe Rice Market News
- December 2023: India extended the exemption from mandatory inspection certificates for rice exports to select European countries for another six months. This extension applies to both basmati and non-basmati rice exports destined for EU member states and the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
- July 2022: Mitsui & Co. signed an agreement with Rol-Ryz, a leading European pulse and rice distributor and a subsidiary of Euricom, to purchase a 28.6% stake in Rol-Ryz.
Europe Rice Industry Segmentation
Rice (Oryza sativa) is an edible, starchy cereal grain produced from the grass plant (family Poaceae). For the study, only rice grains have been considered.
The European rice market is segmented by geography (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and Spain). The report covers production (volume), consumption analysis (value and volume), import analysis (value and volume), export analysis (value and volume), and price trend analysis of rice across Europe. The report offers the market size and forecasts for volume (metric ton) and value (USD) for the above segments.
| Geography (Production Analysis by Volume, Consumption Analysis by Volume and Value, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume, and Price Trend Analysis) | Belgium |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Germany | |
| Spain |
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Europe Rice Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Rice Market?
The Europe Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 760.14 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.20% to reach USD 933.75 million by 2030.
What is the current Europe Rice Market size?
In 2025, the Europe Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 760.14 million.
What years does this Europe Rice Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Europe Rice Market size was estimated at USD 728.21 million. The report covers the Europe Rice Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Europe Rice Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Rice in Europe Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Europe Rice market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Rice analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
