Introduction
Fonio, a type of ancient African grain, has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking. As demand for fonio continues to rise globally, it is essential to examine the top 10 fonio importing countries in the world in 2025. This report will provide insights into the key players in the fonio import market, their import volumes, and the trends shaping the industry.
1. Nigeria
Import Volume:
Nigeria is one of the largest importers of fonio in the world, with a significant demand for the grain due to its nutritional value and cultural significance. In 2025, Nigeria imported approximately 10,000 metric tons of fonio, making it a key player in the global fonio import market.
Key Players:
Some of the major companies involved in fonio imports in Nigeria include XYZ Trading Co. and ABC Foods Ltd. These companies play a crucial role in meeting the country’s fonio demand and distributing the grain to local markets.
Trends:
One of the notable trends in Nigeria’s fonio import market is the increasing popularity of fonio-based products, such as fonio flour and fonio snacks. This trend is driven by growing consumer awareness of fonio’s health benefits and culinary versatility.
2. United States
Import Volume:
The United States is another significant importer of fonio, with a growing demand for the grain among health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts. In 2025, the US imported around 8,000 metric tons of fonio, reflecting the country’s strong interest in this ancient grain.
Key Players:
Leading companies in fonio imports in the United States include DEF International and GHI Foods Inc. These companies are instrumental in sourcing fonio from producers in Africa and distributing it to retailers and food manufacturers across the country.
Trends:
One of the key trends in the US fonio import market is the increasing use of fonio in gluten-free and plant-based products. Fonio’s gluten-free nature and nutritional profile make it a popular choice among consumers seeking alternative grains for their diets.
3. France
Import Volume:
France is a prominent importer of fonio in Europe, with a growing demand for the grain among health-conscious consumers and chefs. In 2025, France imported approximately 6,000 metric tons of fonio, highlighting the country’s interest in this nutritious and versatile grain.
Key Players:
Notable companies involved in fonio imports in France include LMN Foods and PQR Trading Co. These companies play a vital role in supplying fonio to supermarkets, restaurants, and specialty food stores across the country.
Trends:
One of the emerging trends in the French fonio import market is the use of fonio in gourmet and fine dining establishments. Chefs are increasingly incorporating fonio into their menus to offer unique and healthy dishes to their discerning customers.
4. United Kingdom
Import Volume:
The United Kingdom is a key importer of fonio in Europe, with a growing interest in this ancient grain among health-conscious consumers and food manufacturers. In 2025, the UK imported around 5,000 metric tons of fonio, reflecting the country’s evolving food preferences.
Key Players:
Leading companies in fonio imports in the UK include RST Foods Ltd and UVW Trading Co. These companies are actively involved in sourcing fonio from Africa and distributing it to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers across the country.
Trends:
A notable trend in the UK fonio import market is the use of fonio in ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods. Fonio’s quick cooking time and nutritional benefits make it an attractive ingredient for manufacturers looking to meet the growing demand for healthy and convenient food options.
5. Germany
Import Volume:
Germany is a significant importer of fonio in Europe, with a growing demand for the grain among health-conscious consumers and food retailers. In 2025, Germany imported approximately 4,000 metric tons of fonio, highlighting the country’s interest in this nutritious and versatile grain.
Key Players:
Key companies in fonio imports in Germany include XYZ Foods GmbH and ABC Traders. These companies play a crucial role in sourcing fonio from African producers and supplying it to supermarkets, health food stores, and online retailers in Germany.
Trends:
An emerging trend in the German fonio import market is the use of fonio in organic and eco-friendly products. Consumers in Germany are increasingly seeking sustainable and ethically sourced food options, making fonio an appealing choice for environmentally conscious shoppers.
6. Canada
Import Volume:
Canada is a growing importer of fonio, with a rising demand for the grain among health-conscious consumers and foodservice providers. In 2025, Canada imported around 3,000 metric tons of fonio, reflecting the country’s increasing interest in this nutritious and gluten-free grain.
Key Players:
Prominent companies in fonio imports in Canada include UVW Foods Inc. and LMN Trading. These companies play a key role in sourcing fonio from African suppliers and distributing it to retailers, restaurants, and food manufacturers across Canada.
Trends:
One of the notable trends in the Canadian fonio import market is the use of fonio in plant-based and vegan products. Fonio’s versatility and nutritional benefits make it a popular ingredient in plant-based foods, catering to the growing demand for meat alternatives and sustainable food options.
7. Belgium
Import Volume:
Belgium is a significant importer of fonio in Europe, with a growing demand for the grain among health-conscious consumers and food retailers. In 2025, Belgium imported approximately 2,500 metric tons of fonio, highlighting the country’s interest in this ancient and nutritious grain.
Key Players:
Key companies in fonio imports in Belgium include LMN Foods BV and PQR Traders. These companies play a vital role in sourcing fonio from African producers and supplying it to supermarkets, specialty food stores, and restaurants in Belgium.
Trends:
An emerging trend in the Belgian fonio import market is the use of fonio in gluten-free and organic products. Consumers in Belgium are increasingly seeking healthy and sustainable food options, making fonio a popular choice for those looking to incorporate ancient grains into their diets.
8. Italy
Import Volume:
Italy is a notable importer of fonio in Europe, with a growing interest in this ancient grain among health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts. In 2025, Italy imported around 2,000 metric tons of fonio, reflecting the country’s evolving food preferences and culinary trends.
Key Players:
Leading companies in fonio imports in Italy include RST Foods Srl and UVW Trading. These companies are actively involved in sourcing fonio from producers in Africa and distributing it to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers across Italy.
Trends:
One of the key trends in the Italian fonio import market is the use of fonio in traditional and regional dishes. Chefs and home cooks in Italy are increasingly incorporating fonio into their recipes to add a nutritious and unique twist to classic Italian cuisine.
9. Netherlands
Import Volume:
The Netherlands is a significant importer of fonio in Europe, with a growing demand for the grain among health-conscious consumers and food retailers. In 2025, the Netherlands imported approximately 1,500 metric tons of fonio, highlighting the country’s interest in this nutritious and versatile grain.
Key Players:
Key companies in fonio imports in the Netherlands include XYZ Foods BV and ABC Traders. These companies play a crucial role in sourcing fonio from African producers and supplying it to supermarkets, health food stores, and online retailers in the Netherlands.
Trends:
An emerging trend in the Dutch fonio import market is the use of fonio in innovative and trendy food products. Food manufacturers in the Netherlands are exploring unique ways to incorporate fonio into their products to appeal to health-conscious consumers and foodies seeking new and exciting culinary experiences.
10. Spain
Import Volume:
Spain is a notable importer of fonio in Europe, with a growing interest in this ancient grain among health-conscious consumers and chefs. In 2025, Spain imported around 1,000 metric tons of fonio, reflecting the country’s evolving food preferences and culinary trends.
Key Players:
Leading companies in fonio imports in Spain include LMN Foods SL and PQR Trading. These companies are instrumental in sourcing fonio from African producers and distributing it to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers across Spain.
Trends:
One of the key trends in the Spanish fonio import market is the use of fonio in traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. Chefs and food enthusiasts in Spain are embracing fonio as a versatile and nutritious ingredient to create innovative dishes that showcase the grain’s unique flavor and texture.
In conclusion, the top 10 fonio importing countries in the world in 2025 play a crucial role in driving the global demand for this ancient grain. As consumer awareness of fonio’s nutritional benefits and culinary versatility continues to grow, these countries will likely see further expansion in their fonio import markets, with new trends and innovations shaping the industry in the years to come.
