Basmati Rice Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2026-2035)

The global basmati rice market was valued at USD 11.36 Billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.00% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of USD 18.50 Billion by 2035. The market continues to witness stable growth, driven by expanding international demand, evolving dietary habits, and the premium positioning in global cuisines.

Key Market Insights

Saudi Arabia - Major Importer of Indian Basmati Rice

• APEDA data confirms that Saudi Arabia is the second-largest importer of Indian basmati rice.
• Saudi Arabia holds a 17.1% share of India’s total basmati rice exports.
• This strong import volume positions Saudi Arabia as a key market for India’s basmati rice industry.
• The consistent demand from Saudi Arabia helps strengthen bilateral trade partnerships between both nations.
• This market also contributes significantly to the overall growth of India’s basmati rice exports.

Iraq - Fast-Growing Market for Basmati Rice

• Iraq accounts for 12.3% of India’s basmati rice exports, as per trade data.
• This share makes Iraq a major and influential market for India.
• Rising demand from Iraq reflects a growing preference for premium basmati rice in the region.
• Iraq’s increasing consumption supports India’s position as the world’s leading basmati rice exporter.
• The market also plays a role in enhancing India’s export diversification across the Middle East.

North America - Growing Opportunity for Expansion

• North America imported USD 0.31 billion worth of Indian basmati rice.
• The region currently captures an 8% share of India’s total basmati rice exports.
• Despite being a smaller share, it indicates a significant untapped growth opportunity.
• Increasing demand for premium and specialty rice varieties offers potential for deeper market penetration.
• The region presents opportunities to expand export value, distribution, and consumer reach for Indian basmati brands.

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Size in 2025: USD 11.36 Billion
• Projected Market Size in 2035: USD 18.50 Billion
• CAGR from 2026 to 2035: 5.00%

Basmati rice is increasingly featured in premium product portfolios and health-focused offerings due to its low glycemic index and gluten-free attributes. In August 2024, Crown Rice launched a “Diet Rice” variety low glycemic index basmati for health conscious consumers The growth of the global foodservice sector and rising consumption of ethnic cuisines have further supported its penetration in the HoReCa segment. Major exporters like India and Pakistan are focusing on expanding their footprint in new markets through aggressive branding and compliance with global quality standards.

Favorable trade policies, new market access agreements, and strategic partnerships with global retailers are contributing to expanded distribution in the basmati rice industry. In August 2024, KRBL launched its India Gate Basmati rice range on Tesco shelves in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with partner Golden Acre Foods. Innovations in packaging and storage, alongside a rising preference for organic and non-GMO variants, are influencing buying behavior in developed economies. As demand continues to shift from commoditized rice to high-value, aromatic variants, the market is well-positioned for robust growth.

The market is being propelled by increasing export volumes from India and Pakistan, rising demand from premium foodservice providers, and growing health awareness among consumers. As per the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India exported over 4.5 million tons of basmati rice during FY 2024, with increasing traction in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and European Union. Investments in value-added processing and branding are further enhancing global consumption. The growing popularity of basmati rice in fusion and health-conscious diets also supports basmati rice market expansion.