Market Description
The global Oat Groats market represents a steadily expanding segment within the whole grains and health foods industry, driven by increasing consumer preference for minimally processed, nutrient-dense food products. Oat groats are the whole, hulled kernels of oats with only the inedible outer husk removed, retaining the bran, germ, and endosperm. As a result, they are highly valued for their nutritional profile, including dietary fiber, beta-glucan, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Oat groats serve as the foundational raw material for a wide range of oat-based products, including steel-cut oats, rolled oats, oat flour, and functional food ingredients.
Market growth is closely associated with rising health consciousness, growing demand for whole grains, and increased awareness of the role of oats in supporting heart health, digestion, and blood sugar management. Oat groats are increasingly consumed directly as a whole food and indirectly through processed oat products used in cereals, bakery items, plant-based beverages, and nutritional formulations. The market also benefits from the expansion of organic food consumption and clean-label trends, which emphasize transparency, minimal processing, and natural ingredients.
In addition to human consumption, oat groats are used in animal and bird feed applications due to their high energy content and digestibility. The versatility of oat groats across food, feed, and specialty nutrition applications positions them as a resilient agricultural commodity with diversified demand drivers.
Market Segmentation
By Type, the Oat Groats market is segmented into Organic Oat Groats, Steel Cut Oats, and Others. Organic oat groats represent a premium and fast-growing segment, driven by increasing consumer preference for organically produced grains free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This segment benefits from higher margins and strong demand in North America and Europe. Steel cut oats, which are derived from oat groats chopped into smaller pieces, maintain strong demand in the breakfast cereals and health food segments due to their chewy texture and low glycemic index. The “Others” category includes conventional oat groats and specialty oat formats tailored for industrial processing, feed use, or customized food formulations.
By Application, the market is segmented into Human Food, Bird Food, and Others. Human food applications dominate the market, supported by growing consumption of whole grains, plant-based diets, and functional foods. Oat groats are increasingly incorporated into porridges, salads, soups, bakery products, and ready-to-eat meals. Bird food represents a stable niche segment, particularly in regions with strong pet and wildlife feeding cultures. The “Others” segment includes livestock feed, brewing, and specialty nutrition applications, where oat groats are valued for their energy content and functional properties.
Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the global Oat Groats market, driven by high oat production, strong health food consumption, and well-developed distribution channels. Europe follows closely, supported by long-standing dietary traditions involving oats and strong demand for organic and whole-grain products. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region due to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness of Western-style healthy eating habits. South America shows moderate growth linked to agricultural production and regional consumption, while the Middle East & Africa region remains a developing market with growing interest in whole grains and imported health foods.
Key Players and DROT Analysis
The Oat Groats market is characterized by the presence of grain processors, organic food specialists, and whole-grain suppliers competing on quality, sourcing reliability, processing capabilities, and certification standards. Key players include Bob's Red Mill, Richardson Milling, Whole Grains Council, Grain Millers, Pestell Minerals & Ingredients, Organic Matters, Buy Whole Foods Online Ltd, and Country Life Natural Foods.
From a DROT perspective, key Drivers include increasing consumer demand for whole grains, rising prevalence of lifestyle-related health conditions, growth of organic food markets, and expanding use of oats in plant-based and functional food products. Favorable dietary guidelines promoting whole grain consumption further support market growth.
Restraints include price volatility of agricultural commodities, dependence on climatic conditions for oat production, and higher costs associated with organic certification and processing. Limited consumer familiarity with cooking and preparing whole oat groats may also restrict adoption in certain markets.
Opportunities lie in product innovation, such as ready-to-cook oat groats, flavored and fortified variants, and expanded use in plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. Growth in emerging markets, e-commerce distribution, and private-label whole grain products presents additional upside potential.
Threats include competition from alternative grains such as quinoa, barley, and millet, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory variability related to organic labeling standards. Changes in trade policies and transportation costs may also affect global supply dynamics.
Value Chain Analysis
The Oat Groats market value chain begins with oat cultivation and harvesting, where seed selection, soil quality, and climatic conditions directly influence yield and grain quality. Farmers play a critical role in ensuring consistent supply, particularly for organic oat groats, which require strict adherence to organic farming standards.
Post-harvest, oats undergo cleaning, dehulling, and grading to produce oat groats. This processing stage is crucial for removing the inedible hull while preserving the nutritional integrity of the grain. Processors invest in specialized milling equipment, quality control systems, and segregation facilities to handle organic and conventional products separately.
Midstream activities include packaging, storage, and distribution. Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Distribution channels include bulk supply to food manufacturers, wholesale distribution, retail packaging for supermarkets and health food stores, and online sales platforms.
Downstream, value is added through branding, product formulation, and consumer education. Companies that effectively communicate nutritional benefits, origin transparency, and usage versatility are better positioned to capture premium pricing. End-use applications in food manufacturing, feed, and specialty nutrition complete the value chain.
Market Outlook
The global Oat Groats market is expected to experience steady growth through 2036, supported by long-term shifts toward healthier eating habits, whole-grain consumption, and sustainable food systems. Demand is expected to remain strongest in human food applications, particularly organic and minimally processed segments.
Innovation will focus on convenience-oriented formats, improved shelf stability, and expanded use of oat groats in plant-based and functional foods. Sustainability and traceability will become increasingly important, influencing sourcing strategies and consumer purchasing decisions.
North America and Europe will continue to lead in terms of value consumption, while Asia-Pacific is projected to deliver the fastest growth due to evolving dietary preferences and expanding health-conscious consumer bases. Overall, the Oat Groats market is well positioned for long-term expansion, driven by nutritional credibility, application versatility, and alignment with global wellness and sustainability trends.
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1. Market Overview of Oat Groats
1.1 Oat Groats Market Overview
1.1.1 Oat Groats Product Scope
1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook
1.2 Oat Groats Market Size by Regions:
1.3 Oat Groats Historic Market Size by Regions
1.4 Oat Groats Forecasted Market Size by Regions
1.5 Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions, Keyword Market Size YoY Growth
1.5.1 North America
1.5.2 East Asia
1.5.3 Europe
1.5.4 South Asia
1.5.5 Southeast Asia
1.5.6 Middle East
1.5.7 Africa
1.5.8 Oceania
1.5.9 South America
1.5.10 Rest of the World
1.6 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Impact Will Have a Severe Impact on Global Growth
1.6.1 Covid-19 Impact: Global GDP Growth, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Projections
1.6.2 Covid-19 Impact: Commodity Prices Indices
1.6.3 Covid-19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
2. Covid-19 Impact Oat Groats Sales Market by Type
2.1 Global Oat Groats Historic Market Size by Type
2.2 Global Oat Groats Forecasted Market Size by Type
2.3 Organic Oat Groats
2.4 Steel Cut Oats
2.5 Others
3. Covid-19 Impact Oat Groats Sales Market by Application
3.1 Global Oat Groats Historic Market Size by Application
3.2 Global Oat Groats Forecasted Market Size by Application
3.3 Human Food
3.4 Bird Food
3.5 Others
4. Covid-19 Impact Market Competition by Manufacturers
4.1 Global Oat Groats Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers
4.2 Global Oat Groats Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers
4.3 Global Oat Groats Average Price by Manufacturers
5. Company Profiles and Key Figures in Oat Groats Business
5.1 Bob's Red Mill
5.1.1 Bob's Red Mill Company Profile
5.1.2 Bob's Red Mill Oat Groats Product Specification
5.1.3 Bob's Red Mill Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.2 Richardson Milling
5.2.1 Richardson Milling Company Profile
5.2.2 Richardson Milling Oat Groats Product Specification
5.2.3 Richardson Milling Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.3 Whole Grains Council
5.3.1 Whole Grains Council Company Profile
5.3.2 Whole Grains Council Oat Groats Product Specification
5.3.3 Whole Grains Council Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.4 Grain Millers
5.4.1 Grain Millers Company Profile
5.4.2 Grain Millers Oat Groats Product Specification
5.4.3 Grain Millers Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.5 Pestell Minerals & Ingredients Inc
5.5.1 Pestell Minerals & Ingredients Inc Company Profile
5.5.2 Pestell Minerals & Ingredients Inc Oat Groats Product Specification
5.5.3 Pestell Minerals & Ingredients Inc Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.6 Organic Matters
5.6.1 Organic Matters Company Profile
5.6.2 Organic Matters Oat Groats Product Specification
5.6.3 Organic Matters Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.7 Buy Whole Foods Online Ltd.
5.7.1 Buy Whole Foods Online Ltd. Company Profile
5.7.2 Buy Whole Foods Online Ltd. Oat Groats Product Specification
5.7.3 Buy Whole Foods Online Ltd. Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.8 Country Life Natural Foods
5.8.1 Country Life Natural Foods Company Profile
5.8.2 Country Life Natural Foods Oat Groats Product Specification
5.8.3 Country Life Natural Foods Oat Groats Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
6. North America
6.1 North America Oat Groats Market Size
6.2 North America Oat Groats Key Players in North America
6.3 North America Oat Groats Market Size by Type
6.4 North America Oat Groats Market Size by Application
7. East Asia
7.1 East Asia Oat Groats Market Size
7.2 East Asia Oat Groats Key Players in North America
7.3 East Asia Oat Groats Market Size by Type
7.4 East Asia Oat Groats Market Size by Application
8. Europe
8.1 Europe Oat Groats Market Size
8.2 Europe Oat Groats Key Players in North America
8.3 Europe Oat Groats Market Size by Type
8.4 Europe Oat Groats Market Size by Application
9. South Asia
9.1 South Asia Oat Groats Market Size
9.2 South Asia Oat Groats Key Players in North America
9.3 South Asia Oat Groats Market Size by Type
9.4 South Asia Oat Groats Market Size by Application
10. Southeast Asia
10.1 Southeast Asia Oat Groats Market Size
10.2 Southeast Asia Oat Groats Key Players in North America
10.3 Southeast Asia Oat Groats Market Size by Type
10.4 Southeast Asia Oat Groats Market Size by Application
11. Middle East
11.1 Middle East Oat Groats Market Size
11.2 Middle East Oat Groats Key Players in North America
11.3 Middle East Oat Groats Market Size by Type
11.4 Middle East Oat Groats Market Size by Application
12. Africa
12.1 Africa Oat Groats Market Size
12.2 Africa Oat Groats Key Players in North America
12.3 Africa Oat Groats Market Size by Type
12.4 Africa Oat Groats Market Size by Application
13. Oceania
13.1 Oceania Oat Groats Market Size
13.2 Oceania Oat Groats Key Players in North America
13.3 Oceania Oat Groats Market Size by Type
13.4 Oceania Oat Groats Market Size by Application
14. South America
14.1 South America Oat Groats Market Size
14.2 South America Oat Groats Key Players in North America
14.3 South America Oat Groats Market Size by Type
14.4 South America Oat Groats Market Size by Application
15. Rest of the World
15.1 Rest of the World Oat Groats Market Size
15.2 Rest of the World Oat Groats Key Players in North America
15.3 Rest of the World Oat Groats Market Size by Type
15.4 Rest of the World Oat Groats Market Size by Application
16 Oat Groats Market Dynamics
16.1 Covid-19 Impact Market Top Trends
16.2 Covid-19 Impact Market Drivers
16.3 Covid-19 Impact Market Challenges
16.4 Porter
Market Segmentation
By Type, the Oat Groats market is segmented into Organic Oat Groats, Steel Cut Oats, and Others. Organic oat groats represent a premium and fast-growing segment, driven by increasing consumer preference for organically produced grains free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This segment benefits from higher margins and strong demand in North America and Europe. Steel cut oats, which are derived from oat groats chopped into smaller pieces, maintain strong demand in the breakfast cereals and health food segments due to their chewy texture and low glycemic index. The “Others” category includes conventional oat groats and specialty oat formats tailored for industrial processing, feed use, or customized food formulations.
By Application, the market is segmented into Human Food, Bird Food, and Others. Human food applications dominate the market, supported by growing consumption of whole grains, plant-based diets, and functional foods. Oat groats are increasingly incorporated into porridges, salads, soups, bakery products, and ready-to-eat meals. Bird food represents a stable niche segment, particularly in regions with strong pet and wildlife feeding cultures. The “Others” segment includes livestock feed, brewing, and specialty nutrition applications, where oat groats are valued for their energy content and functional properties.
Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the global Oat Groats market, driven by high oat production, strong health food consumption, and well-developed distribution channels. Europe follows closely, supported by long-standing dietary traditions involving oats and strong demand for organic and whole-grain products. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region due to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness of Western-style healthy eating habits. South America shows moderate growth linked to agricultural production and regional consumption, while the Middle East & Africa region remains a developing market with growing interest in whole grains and imported health foods.
Key Players and DROT Analysis
The Oat Groats market is characterized by the presence of grain processors, organic food specialists, and whole-grain suppliers competing on quality, sourcing reliability, processing capabilities, and certification standards. Key players include Bob's Red Mill, Richardson Milling, Whole Grains Council, Grain Millers, Pestell Minerals & Ingredients, Organic Matters, Buy Whole Foods Online Ltd, and Country Life Natural Foods.
