Quinoa Grain Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (White, Red, Black, Multicolour), By Application (Direct Whole Seed Consumption, Processing), By Distribution Channel (Food Service, Online, Hypermarkets, Wholesale Stores, Others), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 955.33 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.17%
Fastest Growing Segment	White
Largest Market	South America
Market Size (2031)	USD 1292.72 Million

Market Overview

The Global Quinoa Grain Market will grow from USD 955.33 Million in 2025 to USD 1292.72 Million by 2031 at a 5.17% CAGR. Quinoa is a nutrient dense seed crop native to the Andean region that functions as a staple food containing a complete amino acid profile while remaining free from gluten. The market is primarily supported by the increasing consumer preference for plant derived protein sources and the growing necessity for dietary options suitable for those with celiac disease. Furthermore international bodies continue to endorse the crop as a strategic resource for food security due to its capacity to thrive in diverse and often harsh agricultural environments.

However the industry faces significant hurdles regarding climate resilience as erratic weather patterns in major production zones frequently disrupt yield stability. According to the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, in 2024, Peruvian quinoa exports reached 70.1 million USD from January through July which represented a 42% increase compared to the previous year. This production volatility highlights the ongoing difficulty in maintaining consistent global supply chains amidst changing environmental factors.

Key Market Drivers

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Rapid expansion of plant-based and vegan dietary patterns acts as the primary catalyst for sustaining high market volumes in the global quinoa sector. As consumers increasingly substitute animal proteins with plant-based alternatives, quinoa's status as a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids positions it as a critical ingredient for meat analogues and health-centric staples. This trend is particularly evident in North America, where the adoption rate of vegan lifestyles is accelerating demand for versatility in grain-based products. According to ComexPerú, August 2024, in the 'Semanario 1221', shipments of Peruvian quinoa to the United States totaled USD 27 million in the first half of 2024, reflecting a significant 56.4% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge underscores the direct correlation between Western dietary shifts and the export performance of major Andean producers.

Simultaneously, the growing consumer preference for certified organic and non-GMO grains is reshaping value chains by prioritizing premium quality over sheer volume. Health-conscious demographics are scrutinizing product labels for chemical-free assurance, driving specific demand for organically cultivated "Royal Quinoa" varieties that command higher price points. According to the Association of Exporters (ADEX), May 2024, in the 'Nota de Prensa', total Peruvian quinoa exports reached USD 35 million in the first quarter of the year, driven largely by this demand for high-quality grain certifications. To meet these stringent standards, production stability is essential. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), June 2024, in the 'Boletín Estadístico de Comercio Exterior', Bolivia exported approximately 8,500 tons of quinoa during the first four months of 2024, ensuring a steady supply of organic-compliant grain to international buyers.

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Key Market Challenges

Based on the overview provided, the significant challenging factor hampering the market is climate resilience and the resulting erratic weather patterns that disrupt yield stability.

The inability to guarantee consistent crop yields due to environmental unpredictability serves as a primary obstruction to the scalable growth of the Global Quinoa Grain Market. Since quinoa cultivation is heavily concentrated in the specific high-altitude microclimates of the Andes, the supply chain is uniquely vulnerable to climatological shifts such as El Niño. This environmental sensitivity leads to severe fluctuations in harvest volumes, which in turn creates price volatility and supply insecurity. International food manufacturers are consequently deterred from integrating quinoa into mass-market product lines, as they cannot rely on a steady flow of raw materials at stable costs.

This production instability is quantifiable in the performance of major regional producers. According to the Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE), in 2024, reports indicated that national quinoa production had descended to approximately 45,000 tons in the preceding cycle, a sharp contraction from historical peaks of over 75,000 tons caused largely by adverse environmental conditions. Such significant variances in output from key exporting nations highlight the operational risks buyers face, directly stalling the commodity's transition from a niche health food to a reliable global industrial ingredient.

Key Market Trends

Development of Quinoa-Infused Functional Pasta and Noodles is radically altering the composition of European imports as food manufacturers actively reformulate traditional staples to meet gluten-free requirements without compromising texture. This industrial shift is creating a focused demand surge in countries with established pasta cultures, where the grain is being utilized as a high-protein functional ingredient rather than a simple side dish. According to the Association of Exporters (ADEX), December 2024, in the 'Reporte de Exportaciones', shipments of Peruvian quinoa to Italy increased by 151% to approximately USD 5.4 million during the first ten months of the year, underscoring the rapid integration of quinoa into the industrial pasta manufacturing sector.

Proliferation of Ready-to-Eat Quinoa Snacking Formats is simultaneously driving expansion into emerging markets that prioritize convenience and nutritional innovation over bulk grain consumption. This trend favors the export of grain for processing into value-added products like energy bars and savory crisps, facilitating entry into tech-forward food sectors in non-traditional regions. According to Agromercado, September 2024, in the report 'Innovación en la cadena de valor de la quinua 2024', exports to Israel rose by 154% to reach USD 1.9 million between January and July, highlighting the growing appetite for sophisticated, quinoa-based health food solutions in diversified global markets.

Segmental Insights

The White segment constitutes the fastest growing category within the Global Quinoa Grain Market, driven primarily by its versatile culinary properties and widespread acceptance among new consumers. This variety possesses a milder flavor and fluffier texture compared to red or black quinoa, making it the preferred ingredient for processed food manufacturers producing gluten-free flour, pasta, and bakery goods. Consequently, the rising demand for plant-based staples that integrate easily into diverse diets fuels the rapid expansion of this segment. Its neutral profile ensures broad applicability across the food and beverage industry, supporting sustained market momentum.

Regional Insights

South America dominates the global quinoa grain market due to its status as the indigenous center of origin for the crop, particularly within the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia. These nations maintain a distinct competitive advantage through favorable high-altitude climatic conditions and centuries of traditional cultivation expertise that ensure high-quality yields. This market leadership is reinforced by support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which actively promotes the preservation of Andean biodiversity. Consequently, the region remains the primary supplier for international export demands, driving global market expansion through established production capabilities.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, the UAE-based agritech company Silal announced the successful completion of quinoa cultivation trials conducted in collaboration with the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture. The research project focused on evaluating the adaptability of various quinoa varieties to local arid climatic conditions and soil types. The study identified two specific varieties that demonstrated high yield potential and superior nutritional quality within the region. This breakthrough aimed to establish a sustainable local value chain for the grain, enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imports for this nutrient-dense crop in the Middle East.
• In August 2024, NIÚKE Foods announced the debut of QMILQ, a novel plant-based milk alternative derived entirely from South American-grown quinoa. The company unveiled this product to address the increasing global demand for allergen-free and protein-rich beverage options. Formulated to be free from gluten, lactose, and soy, the new milk offering was marketed as a versatile ingredient suitable for coffee, smoothies, and cereals. This launch, which took place at a major food and beverage industry trade show, aimed to position the grain as a functional base for the expanding dairy-alternative sector.
• In August 2024, Kiwi Quinoa expanded its international distribution by launching its New Zealand-grown quinoa varieties on a major United States e-commerce platform. The company introduced two distinct products, a whole grain option and a red whole grain variant, both cultivated in the Rangitikei region. These proprietary varieties were marketed as saponin-free, a characteristic that eliminates the bitter aftertaste typically associated with the grain and removes the need for rinsing before cooking. This strategic move marked a significant step in the company's efforts to provide high-quality, non-GMO quinoa to a broader North American consumer base.
• In June 2024, Michele’s Granola formed a strategic collaboration with SIMPLi to launch a limited-edition cereal product featuring Regenerative Organic Certified red quinoa. This partnership leveraged the manufacturing expertise of the granola brand and the ethical sourcing capabilities of the ingredient supplier to create a nutrient-dense breakfast option. The resulting Strawberry & Red Quinoa Granola combined toasted quinoa seeds with gluten-free oats and freeze-dried strawberries. This initiative highlighted both companies' commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and transparent supply chains, while introducing a unique quinoa-based application to the consumer market.

Key Market Players

• Above Food Inc.
• Alter Eco Foods
• Irupana Andean Organic Food SA
• Ardent Mills
• CITY SRL
• Arrowhead Mills
• Quinoabol SRL
• The British Quinoa Company
• Quinoa Corporation
• Quinoa Foods Company S.R.L.

By Type	By Application	By Distribution Channel	By Region
White Red Black Multicolour	Direct Whole Seed Consumption Processing	Food Service Online Hypermarkets Wholesale Stores Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Quinoa Grain Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Quinoa Grain Market, By Type:

• White
• Red
• Black
• Multicolour

• Quinoa Grain Market, By Application:

• Direct Whole Seed Consumption
• Processing

• Quinoa Grain Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Food Service
• Online
• Hypermarkets
• Wholesale Stores
• Others

• Quinoa Grain Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE