Dry Milling Market

Market Overview:

The global dry milling market size reached USD 102.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 178.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during 2025-2033. The growing demand for processed food products among the masses, rising adoption in the pharmaceutical industry, and increasing construction and infrastructure projects across the globe are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Dry milling is a method that comprises the grinding or pulverization of solid materials into smaller particles without the use of any liquid or solvent. It is highly suitable for substances that are sensitive to moisture or require a powdery or granular form. It has lower production costs, reduces energy consumption, and can process heat-sensitive materials into desired particle sizes. As a result, dry milling is widely employed in the food and beverage (F&B), pharmaceutical, construction, and manufacturing industries across the globe.

At present, the rising utilization of dry milling to produce flour from grains, such as wheat, corn, and rice, is contributing to the growth of the market. In addition, the growing demand for cost-effective manufacturing that reduces energy consumption is providing a positive market outlook. Moreover, the increasing adoption of dry milling for reducing the size of minerals and pigments is offering lucrative growth opportunities to industry investors. Apart from this, the rising employment of dry milling in the painting and coatings industry to produce fine powders of additives and fillers for achieving desired color, texture, and performance properties is strengthening the growth of the market. Furthermore, technological advancements in dry milling equipment, such as improved grinding mechanisms, automation, digital control systems, and real-time monitoring to provide enhanced efficiency, productivity, and precision of dry milling operations, are supporting the growth of the market.

Dry Milling Market Trends/Drivers:

Rising adoption in the pharmaceutical industry

There is a rise in the demand for dry milling in the pharmaceutical industry for precise particle size reduction for various purposes, such as drug formulation, dissolution rate enhancement, and dosage uniformity. Dry milling allows manufacturers to produce finely milled powders and granules with controlled particle sizes to achieve desired drug performance and efficacy. These powders and granules are processed into tablets, capsules, or other dosage forms. Moreover, there is an increase in the need to control particle size for enhanced drug absorption, bioavailability, and stability. Besides this, various dry milling methods, such as jet milling, ball milling, and hammer milling, are widely employed in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Consumers are rapidly focusing on personalized medicines due to the rising prevalence of several chronic diseases, which is positively influencing the market.

Increasing infrastructure and construction projects

Dry milling is widely utilized for processing various materials in the construction industry, such as cement, gypsum, and aggregates, to create finely ground powders that are used in the production of concrete, drywall, and other building materials. Moreover, there is a rise in infrastructure and construction projects due to rapid urbanization. Consumers are also focusing on renovation activities due to their inflating income levels. Besides this, the rising utilization of dry milling in the construction sector due to its ability to provide precise particle size control and tailored material properties is contributing to the market growth. Dry milling is also employed in tile production, tableware, and sanitaryware for the size reduction of raw materials, such as clay, feldspar, and silica, to obtain finely ground powders. 

Growing demand for processed food products

Dry milling is widely used to produce various food products, such as bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals. It ensures the desired particle size reduction, texture, and functionality of ingredients while providing consistency and quality to the final products. Additionally, there is a changing consumer preference for ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, snacks, and other processed food items due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. People are also consuming these food products due to the increasing Western culture. Apart from this, various food manufacturers are rapidly adopting dry milling techniques to cater to the growing demand for processed food products among consumers around the world.

Dry Milling Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global dry milling market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on end product, source, and application.

Breakup by End Product:

• Ethanol
• DDGS
• Corn Grits
• Cornmeal
• Corn Flour
• Others
   

Ethanol represents the largest market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end product. This includes ethanol, DDGS, corn grits, cornmeal, corn flour, and others. According to the report, ethanol represented the largest segment.

Ethanol is widely used as a biofuel additive in gasoline and a solvent in various industries, and in the production of alcoholic beverages and personal care products. In addition, governing agencies of various countries are promoting the adoption of biofuel produced through dry milling, which is contributing to the growth of the market.

DDGS is a co-product of dry milling and derived from the remaining components of corn after starch extraction for ethanol production. It is a high-protein feed ingredient widely used in the animal feed industry. It offers nutritional value and serves as an alternative to traditional feed ingredients, such as soybean meal. The rising demand for high protein content is also propelling the market growth. 

Corn grits are coarse particles that are utilized to produce various products, such as breakfast cereals, snack foods, and extruded snacks. Moreover, the escalating demand for snacks and convenience food items is bolstering the market growth.

Breakup by Source:

• Yellow Corn
• White Corn
   

Yellow corn accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes yellow corn and white corn. According to the report, yellow corn represented the largest segment.

Yellow corn, also known as dent corn, has a high starch content and is suitable to produce various corn-based products. It is used in animal feed, food processing, and industrial applications. In addition, the rising utilization of yellow corn due to its availability, versatility, and favorable characteristics for end product production is propelling the growth of the market.

White corn has a higher protein content as compared to yellow corn. In addition, the rising adoption of white corn to produce corn-based food products, including tortillas, corn chips, and cornmeal, is contributing to the growth of the market. Apart from this, the increasing utilization of white corn in animal feed across the globe is strengthening the growth of the market.

Breakup by Application:

• Fuel
• Feed
• Food
   

Fuel holds the biggest market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes fuel, feed, and food. According to the report, fuel represented the largest segment.

The rising adoption of dry milling in the production of ethanol fuel as a biofuel additive in gasoline is propelling the growth of the market. Ethanol is a renewable and cleaner-burning fuel source that is widely utilized to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance fuel octane levels. In addition, the increasing focus on renewable energy sources is bolstering the growth of the market.

The rising utilization of dry milling in producing animal feed as a cost-effective and sustainable source of protein and energy for animals is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the increasing utilization of DDGS as a feed ingredient in livestock and poultry diets is impelling the market growth.

The rising employment of dry milling in the production of various food products is contributing to the growth of the market. Besides this, the growing demand for baking food products among the masses is propelling the growth of the market.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest dry milling market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia Pacific held the biggest market share due to the favorable government initiatives for renewable energy sources. In addition, the rising adoption of dry milling in the food industry due to the ecalating demand for food products among individuals is propelling the growth of the market. Apart from this, the growing consumption of corn-based products among individuals is offering a positive market outlook in the region. Additionally, the rising adoption of advanced dry milling technologies for enhanced production processes is contributing to the growth of the market.

Competitive Landscape:

Various companies are establishing relationships with corn farmers, cooperatives, and suppliers to ensure a smooth supply of high-quality corn for processing. This, coupled with the increasing demand for corn-based products among the masses, is offering lucrative growth opportunities to industry investors. In addition, major manufacturers are focusing on marketing and sales activities to promote dry-milled products. They are also investing in research and development (R&D) activities to innovate and improve dry milling processes, develop new products, enhance efficiency, and explore sustainable practices. Companies are collaborating with research institutions to explore new technologies in dry milling. Furthermore, key players are taking several initiatives to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste generation, and enhance resource efficiency.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Bunge Limited
• Cargill Inc.
• Dedert Corporation
• Didion Inc.
• Grain Millers Inc.
• Lifeline Foods LLC
• SEMO Milling LLC

Dry Milling Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global dry milling market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global dry milling market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global dry milling market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive dry milling market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the end product?
• Which is the most attractive end product in the dry milling market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the source?
• Which is the most attractive source in the dry milling market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the application?
• Which is the most attractive application in the dry milling market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global dry milling market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global dry milling market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the dry milling market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global dry milling market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the dry milling industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.