Brazil records wheat milling volume as strong demand continues

Brazil’s wheat milling industry reached a record processing volume in 2025, totaling 13.27 million tonnes, up 0.6% compared to 2024. The data was released by Abitrigo, the trade association representing the country’s milling sector. The growth was driven by strong consumer demand and an expanding diversification of wheat-based products.

According to Abitrigo board chairman Daniel Kümmel, the industry has been on a steady growth trajectory for several years. Since 2021, total milling expansion has reached about 4.5%, outpacing population growth and indicating a rise in per capita consumption of wheat-based foods in Brazil.

He also noted significant changes in the product mix. While bakery goods still account for roughly 30% of total wheat milling output, demand is rising for pasta, biscuits, frozen baked goods, and premium products such as specialty and whole-wheat flours. The expansion of artisanal and specialty bread segments has further diversified the market.

In 2025, nearly half of all wheat processed in Brazil (49.3%) was imported, mainly from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Import dependence is especially high in certain regions, reaching 95% in the Northeast and 72% in São Paulo state, while Central-West regions also rely heavily on foreign supply.

Kümmel also pointed to challenges in global supply chains and grain quality. He noted that the latest Argentine wheat harvest showed lower protein and gluten levels, forcing Brazilian mills to blend imported wheat with domestic supplies to maintain quality standards. Rising logistics costs, including freight and packaging, have also added pressure on the industry, partly influenced by geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict.