Glutinous Rice Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast 2026 - 2033

The global glutinous rice market size is likely to be valued at US$ 7.2 billion in 2026 and is estimated to reach US$ 10.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period 2026 to 2033, driven by its role as a staple food in Asia Pacific, rising demand for rice cakes and desserts, and surging interest in gluten-free foods. Wide exports from Southeast Asia and new mochi and dumpling products are further extending its reach.

Driver- Staple Food Culture and Traditional Foods to Augment Consumption

Glutinous rice is a daily food in parts of Asia. A 2022 report notes that Laos and Thailand are the only countries that eat it as a main staple. Laos has the highest per capita use at 171 kilograms a year. In northern and northeastern Thailand, households eat about 125 to 155 kilograms per person a year. The report also says that demand is rising, helped by the popularity of northeastern cuisine in restaurants and street food. Rising incomes in Asia are also lifting spending on traditional and premium rice foods.

Festival foods add steady demand. Zongzi, the sticky rice dumplings eaten at the Dragon Boat Festival, are made from glutinous rice. Customs data from Jiaxing show that exports of rice dumplings topped 300 metric tons from January to mid-June 2026. Value passed 10 million yuan. Volume rose 105.7% year over year. Such trends keep demand strong for both raw rice and ready foods.

Mochi, Desserts, and Gluten-free Foods to Widen Use in Packaged Products

Glutinous rice is moving from the home kitchen into packaged foods. In March 2026, Japan's Morinaga signed a deal to acquire My/Mochi, which the report calls the largest mochi ice cream brand in the U.S. The brand had US$80 million in sales in the 52 weeks ended January 25, 2026, according to SPINS data. It sells ice cream wrapped in rice dough in more than 20 flavors. It also offers dairy-free options and sorbets, which widen its buyer base.

Despite its name, glutinous rice contains no gluten. This suits makers of gluten-free snacks, desserts, and dumplings. In the EU, a product can carry a gluten-free claim only if it contains no more than 20 milligrams of gluten per kilogram. Brands also add value through ready-to-eat items. For example, Manipur promotes sticky Chak-Hao rice in instant kheer, cookies, and other snacks. These products widen the use of glutinous rice.

Restraint- Price Swings and Low Farmer Interest May Restrict Supply

Glutinous rice is a niche crop, and supply can tighten quickly. A September 2025 report from Cambodia says that farmers there are not planting glutinous rice because of low demand. They have moved to short-duration, high-yield varieties. Cambodia imported about 80 metric tons of glutinous rice from Laos to meet local demand. Small shifts in planting can therefore change prices. In Thailand, farmers often grow glutinous rice for household use and sell other rice for cash, according to the 2022 report. This limits the surplus for sale. Limited planting can also raise prices for buyers and push some food makers toward regular rice flour or starch blends.

Wider rice prices add pressure. Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade reported that 2025 rice exports reached 7.9 million metric tons. White rice exports fell 39.87%. Glutinous rice exports rose 10% to 0.33 million metric tons. The department forecasts 7 million metric tons for 2026 amid intense price competition. Japan's supermarket rice price fell to 2,971 yen per 5 kilograms in September 2026 from 4,416 yen in January. Falling prices can hurt farm income and reduce planting.

Opportunity- Rising Exports and Demand from China to Fuel Trade

Exporters are targeting new buyers. Vietnam expects glutinous rice to make up about 10% of its 2026 exports. China became Vietnam's second-largest rice buyer in the first eight months of 2026. It imported over 1 million metric tons worth nearly US$505 million. A report on that trade lists glutinous rice among the types with significant opportunities in China.

Traders see more room. S&P Global reported in February 2026 that China was expected to seek more Vietnamese glutinous broken rice during the harvest season. China imported 2.74 million metric tons of rice from January to November 2025, up 119%. Low Asian prices also favor buyers. Thailand's glutinous exports have grown even as white rice shipments fell. Hence, suppliers that can offer steady quality and quick shipping may win long-term contracts. Vietnam's total paddy output is forecast at 43.55 million metric tons in 2026, with the Mekong Delta supplying most exportable paddy.

GI-tagged and Value-added Products to Open Opportunities for Premium Sales

Origin and story can lift prices. At the Bharat International Rice Conference in New Delhi in October 2026, Manipur won the Global Excellence Award in the GI Rice category. It showed GI-tagged black scented Chak-Hao and white scented Chak-Hao Angouba. Both are naturally sticky and suit dishes such as kimbap and sushi rolls.

Processed items add margin. Wufangzhai, a Zhejiang dumpling maker, was a major contributor to Jiaxing's record export growth. It has sales operations in Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Destinations include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. Brands that offer ready-to-heat dumplings, mochi, and desserts can earn more than bulk rice sellers. Online sales help small brands reach overseas shoppers. Clear origin labels, recipes, and gluten-free claims can raise trust.

Grain Type Insights

Short-grain glutinous rice is predicted to lead with a share of about 45.6% in 2026, because it gives the soft, sticky, and chewy texture that makers of mochi, rice cakes, and desserts want. It is widely used in Japan, Korea, and China. The mochi ice cream trend in the U.S. adds new demand. Mochi and rice dough products need a high sticky starch content, which short grains deliver. Steady demand from food processors keeps this segment ahead.

Long-grain glutinous rice is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment in the forecast period, as Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam are expanding exports. It is the staple form eaten with grilled meats and curries in Southeast Asia. Medium-grain glutinous rice is expected to remain in the third position in 2026, since it serves niche regional foods.

Application Insights

Household and staple use is anticipated to dominate with a share of around 43.5% in 2026, because millions of people eat glutinous rice at every meal. Per capita use is highest in Laos and northern Thailand. Restaurants also serve it with grilled and street foods. Large, steady volumes keep this segment in the lead.

Confectionery and desserts are expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the forecast period, as mochi ice cream, rice dough sweets, and kheer-style products gain shelf space. Rice cakes and dumplings are likely to remain in the second position in 2026, since festival foods such as zongzi support seasonal peaks. Rice flour made from glutinous rice is used in dumplings and sweets across East and Southeast Asia. Others include rice flour, liquor, and animal feed.

Asia Pacific Glutinous Rice Market Trends

Asia Pacific is predicted to dominate in 2026 globally with a share of approximately 62.4%, supported by strong farm output, deep food traditions, and rising exports. Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and China are the core producers and consumers. Vietnam expects about 773,000 metric tons of glutinous rice exports in 2026. However, weather, price swings, and low planting interest remain challenges for farmers. Governments and exporters are also pushing for better varieties and quality control. Strong food traditions keep domestic demand steady.

Thailand Glutinous Rice Market Trends

Thailand will likely lead in Asia Pacific in 2026 with a share of about 42.7%, supported by established rice cultivation practices, strong domestic consumption, and demand from international markets. Glutinous rice is widely used in traditional Thai dishes, desserts, and processed food products. The country exported approximately 330,393 metric tons of glutinous rice in 2025, compared with 295,889 metric tons in 2024, reflecting growing overseas demand. Investments in improved cultivation practices, quality standards, and rice processing are expected to support the country's position in the global market.

Vietnam Glutinous Rice Market Trends

Vietnam is expected to be the fastest-growing in Asia Pacific in the forecast period with a share of nearly 29.8% in 2026, backed by favorable rice-growing conditions in the Mekong Delta, established export networks, and strong demand from China and other Asian markets. The country is projected to export approximately 773,000 metric tons of glutinous rice in 2026, accounting for around 10% of its total anticipated rice exports. China remains an important destination for Vietnamese sticky rice, while demand for specialty rice varieties and processed rice products creates additional opportunities.

North America Glutinous Rice Market Trends

North America is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region globally in 2026 with a share of around 6.8%, because of rising interest in mochi desserts, Asian cuisines, and gluten-free foods. The region imports most of its glutinous rice and flour. Asian grocery chains, restaurants, and frozen dessert makers are the main buyers. Supermarkets now stock mochi desserts beside regular ice cream. This brings the product to mainstream shoppers. However, higher import costs and freight swings remain challenges.

U.S. Glutinous Rice Market Trends

A share of nearly 77.3% is expected to be held by the U.S. in 2026 in North America, because of a large Asian American population and strong demand for frozen desserts Morinaga agreed to acquire My/Mochi in March 2026. U.S. novelty ice cream sales were estimated at US$8.6 billion in 2025, according to Circana. The U.S. bought 0.82 million metric tons of Thai rice in 2025, though this covers all rice types. Hence, mochi makers can draw on a wide supply base. Frozen dessert makers also test new flavors and dairy-free options.

Europe Glutinous Rice Market Trends

Europe will likely see decent growth in the forecast period with a share of roughly 4.6% in 2026 globally, as it is a smaller market that depends on imports. Hence, growth is more gradual than in Asia. Demand comes from Asian restaurants, grocery chains, and gluten-free product makers. In the EU, a product can carry a gluten-free claim only if it contains no more than 20 milligrams of gluten per kilogram. Rice-based dessert makers use this to their advantage. Asian restaurants and online grocers are the main sales points.

Germany Glutinous Rice Market Trends

A share of nearly 22.8% is predicted to be held by Germany in 2026 in Europe, backed by a large retail sector, a diverse food scene, and strong interest in free-from products. Asian grocery stores and online platforms supply glutinous rice and flour to home cooks. Bakers and dessert makers are also testing rice-based doughs. Clear labels and origin details help brands win trust. Home cooking trends and plant-based diets support steady growth.

U.K. Glutinous Rice Market Trends

A share of roughly 21.4% is expected to be held by the U.K. in 2026 in Europe, because of active retail competition and strong interest in Asian foods. Advertising limits on less healthy foods began on January 5, 2026. This pushes brands toward better-for-you recipes. Gluten-free rice-based snacks and desserts can benefit. The U.K. relies on imports from Asia for supply. Supermarkets are widening Asian food ranges.

The global glutinous rice market is fragmented, with many farmers, mills, traders, and food makers competing on grain quality, price, and delivery. Olam Agri, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Ebro Foods have a strong presence in the wider rice trade. Loc Troi Group and Trung An Hi-Tech Farming are active exporters in Vietnam. Zhejiang Wufangzhai Industry leads in zongzi, while Morinaga & Co. is entering the U.S. mochi space. Entry barriers are low for farming and milling but higher for branded, packaged foods.

Competition is shifting toward value-added foods. Morinaga's planned acquisition of My/Mochi gives it a direct entry into the U.S. frozen dessert market. Wufangzhai is expanding in Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Exporters focus on quality, traceability, and long-term contracts with buyers. Smaller mills focus on local varieties and regional customers. Brand building, cold-chain reach, and flavor innovation are key for dessert makers.

Key Industry Developments

• In August 2026, Vietnam's Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute presented new rice varieties, including OM406, a glutinous rice variety approved for circulation. The variety was included among 11 rice varieties approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and showcased during the 2026 Rice Farmers' Cultivation Festival. The introduction expands the range of officially approved varieties available to growers and supports the development of specialized rice production in the Mekong Delta.
• In June 2026, researchers published a study examining how traditional fermentation starters influence the quality of black glutinous rice Khao Mak in Thailand. The research compared starter cultures collected from different communities in lower northern Thailand and assessed their effects on chemical characteristics, including soluble solids, alcohol content, and pH, as well as sensory properties. The findings provide information that could help standardize traditional fermented sticky-rice products and improve their production quality.
• In August 2026, Chiang Mai University signed a memorandum of understanding with Baseline Commons to increase the commercial value of Lanna black sticky rice for the health-food industry. The collaboration will focus on research and development of the rice's nutritional properties and bioactive compounds, along with identifying applications in higher-value health-food products. The partners also intend to strengthen the supply chain from local cultivation through commercial processing, creating additional value for farmers and regional producers.