Rice mills

Rice mills are industrial processing plants used to convert raw rice (paddy) into finished products including white rice, brown rice and parboiled rice. The mill is not a single machine but a sequence of unit operations, and the way those operations are laid out, sized and linked determines yield, grain breakage and the grades a plant can offer its buyers.

Processing runs in five stages. Cleaning removes impurities and foreign materials such as stones, dust or other debris from the raw rice. Husking removes the outer husk or hull. Whitening or polishing removes the bran layer and gives the rice its characteristic white colour and shiny appearance. Sorting removes broken or damaged grains and separates the different grades of rice. Packaging is the final stage, preparing the rice for distribution and sale.

The rice mill market is a significant segment of the global food industry, driven by the demand for rice as a staple food in many parts of the world. Four forces shape demand: a growing population, with the global figure projected to reach 9 billion by 2050; urbanisation, as movement from rural to urban areas increases demand for processed and packaged rice products; rising disposable income in developing countries, which lifts demand for premium quality rice; and health and wellness trends, which are increasing demand for organic and healthier rice products.

Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market for rice mills, accounting for more than 80% of the global market. Other significant markets include North America, Europe and Latin America.