Pasta And Noodles Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Dried, Instant, Frozen & Canned), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global pasta and noodles market size was valued at USD 81.06 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2022 to 2030. In recent years, the demand for international cuisines has increased tremendously, thereby leading to increased consumption of pasts and noodles across the globe. There has been growing consumption of Italian pasta in the U.S. and Asian countries, which bodes well for market growth.

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic crisis that ensued, pasta and noodles industry sales exceeded USD 78.70 billion in 2020. This growth can largely be attributed to an increase in the purchasing of packaged and shelf stables products. Further, in the pasta category, the product’s extended shelf life has made it a popular choice for consumers looking to stockpile and consumed for longer periods. The demand for dried pasta in grocery stores was overwhelming during the pandemic. As per The National Pasta Association, to keep the product supplied on grocery store shelves, National Pasta Association (NPA) members worked tirelessly to increase production and deliver products quickly and efficiently to consumers. The sales through foodservice outlets were affected but the retail sales spurred.

The U.S. is among the prominent consumers of pasta and noodles owing to its RTD format, flavor, and versatility. As per the National Pasta Association, these products are a staple food in U.S. households and one of America’s favorite foods. Furthermore, in an NPA consumer survey conducted in 2021, nearly 86% of participants said they ate pasta at least once a week and collectively, the U.S. consumes 5.95 billion pounds of pasta per year.

Moreover, the average American consumes approximately 20 lbs. of pasta annually which makes it the 6th highest food per capita in the country. U.S. consumers typically consume more pasta and noodles at dinner compared to lunch. Further, owing to the growing concerns regarding gluten sensitivity, the demand for gluten-free convenience and RTD products spurred before the pandemic. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for the product bounced back with unprecedented growth as consumers looked for convenient, comforting, and versatile dishes to cook at home.

An increasing number of market players capitalize on product growth through innovation, premiumization, and quality improvements, while avoiding concerns about the product’s health benefits, while leveraging on consumers’ ongoing interest in restaurant-quality meals at home. The initial interest in consumption spiked after the pandemic as consumers continue to seek comfort and convenience. Due to the improvement in packaging, the demand for instant noodles witnessed major growth over traditional noodles as they can be stored for a longer duration and are easy to cook, which increased their consumption during the pandemic. New product launches are a key trend in the market. For instance, in July 2022, Nissin Foods, the creator of instant ramen, announced the launch of Cup Noodles Stir Fry in the instant noodles category. Growing demand for Asian-inspired recipes with convenience and taste is boding well for market growth. Most importantly, instant noodles are produced in large factories equipped with advanced machines at large scale, while conventional ramen noodles are supposed to enjoy in restaurants, owing to which instant noodles are experiencing strong demand.

Product Insights

The instant segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 48.4% in 2021. The growth of the segment is characterized by an increased interest in RTD, flavorful, and convenient foods. Instant noodles are optimized for consumers who need to travel or work in austere environments, as a result, the consumption is expected to witness tremendous growth. Further, due to innovation in the packaging of instant ones, the product can be stored much longer than traditional ones, which drives the demand for instant products. In addition, these products can be produced in large factories equipped with advanced machines at large scale, while conventional ramen noodles and pasta are supposed to be enjoyed in restaurants. Therefore, the cost of producing instant products is comparatively low, and their consumption helps consumers with a shoestring budget.

Dried product form is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period. The growth of the segment is characterized by the product’s relatively long shelf life and this has resulted in a surge in demand in the market. In addition, health and wellness associated with gluten-free, and fat-free pasta has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its high fiber content, and low carbohydrate content, which continues to drive demand for dried products. Further, market players are launching new products catering to growing demand. For instance, in 2021, Tsutomu Foods Co., Ltd. introduced one of its products, ‘SoyNyack Gluten-free Konjac Noodles’ containing soybeans in the U.S.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline distribution channel accounted for a larger share of 71.5% in 2021. An increasing number of offline retailers such as supermarkets & hypermarkets offer these products in dried, instant, frozen & canned formats, which propels the growth of the segment. Major chains of brands offer their own lines of pasta and noodles through supermarket chains owing to the growing interest in convenient dishes. For instance, in August 2022, Upmarket Italian brand Crosta & Mollica launched a range of dried pasta and pasta sauces through Waitrose. The dried pasta range includes spaghetti, rigatoni, fiorelli, and tagliatelle.

The online segment is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period. E-commerce has changed people’s shopping habits substantially, providing various advantages such as doorstep delivery, lucrative discounts, and the availability of various items on one site. The availability of a dynamic range of pasta and noodles and the increasing customer loyalty through ‘Subscribe & Save’ programs are expected to bolster the online channel. For instance, several online platforms such as Eataly Net USA LLC, Amazon, Alibaba, Ubuy, and Grocerly Go among others are prominent sellers of these products across the globe.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific made the largest contribution to the market in 2021. The instant pasta and noodles industry experienced rapid development, structural adjustment, and industrial upgrading in Asia Pacific in recent years. At present, the annual sales volume of China's instant noodle market has exceeded 40 billion packages, and many interesting industry practices have also been produced. Such factors are bolstering the market growth in the region. Other countries including Vietnam is among the top consumers of such products. Pasta & noodles that can be ready to eat in three minutes have emerged with newfound confidence, having consolidated their popularity among younger people.

Central & South America is the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The availability of a wide variety of pasta & noodles in authentic flavors and consumers’ willingness to try new flavors in the region will bolster the market growth in the coming years. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the interest in an instant and frozen & canned pasta & noodles prevailed across the region and economies including Brazil. In October 2022, Noodles & Company, the national fast-casual chain in Brazil announced the launch of ‘Impossible Chicken’, a plant-based protein option made by ‘Impossible Foods. Noodles' new Impossible Panko Chicken’ in Colorado, Brazil.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of some large multinational companies with a strong presence across the globe. Companies have been implementing various expansion strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, capacity expansions, strengthening of online presence, and new product launches to gain a competitive advantage.

These manufacturers are adopting various strategies, including new product launches, expansion of product portfolios, and mergers & acquisitions. For instance:

• In October 2022, Barilla, the world's leading pasta maker, rebranded pasta with its new Al Bronzo line in the U.S. Available in six beloved pasta cuts: Bucatini, Mezzi Rigatoni, Penne Rigate, Fusilli, Spaghetti, and Linguine, Al Bronzo can be purchased in variety packs via e-commerce distribution channels and also on retail shelves nationwide in the U.S.

• In December 2021, Agro Tech Foods Ltd., one of the leading FMCG companies in India expanded its ready-to-cook segment under its brand Sundrop. Sundrop introduced its first ‘Mini Meal Kit’ with the launch of ‘Sundrop5 Min Yum Pasta’ with an authentic pasta sauce. This product is yet another endorsement of the brand leading the innovations bandwagon in the Ready-To-Cook (RTD) category.

• In October 2021, Abokichi Inc. continues to expand its line of healthy, Japanese-inspired artisanal food products with two new offerings for 2021: plant-based Instant Ramen product lines; ABO Ramen which contains dry noodles (launched through a campaign in August 2021) and ABO Ramen - Fresh which has soft, fresh noodles in Toronto, Canada in 2021.

Some prominent players in the global pasta and noodles market include: :

• Nestlé

• Barilla Group

• ITC

• The Kraft Heinz Company

• Unilever

• Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.

• Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

• Campbell Soup Company

• Conagra Brands, Inc.

• TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

• Ebro Foods, S.A.

Pasta And noodles Market Report Scope

Global Pasta And Noodles Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global pasta and noodles market report based on product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Dried

  • Instant

  • Frozen & Canned

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia