Meals and feed ingredients

Oxidation of the natural oils in bran can produce a stale, off-putting odor and taste. This is more common in high-fat brans like rice bran and can be accelerated by heat, light, and air exposure.

Rancidity

Excess moisture during storage can lead to visible mold growth, which may produce mycotoxins. This can render the bran unsuitable for consumption or feed.

Mold contamination

Bran can harbor insect eggs or larvae, which may hatch during storage and cause contamination. This reduces the quality and safety of the product.

Insect infestation

Rice and other cereal bran are primarily used as feed ingredients for livestock and poultry.

Animal feed demand

The bran and residues serve as raw material for starch extraction, oil recovery, and other industrial processes.

Industrial processing applications

Bran is added to cereals to increase fiber content and provide a crunchy texture. It is often toasted or extruded to enhance palatability.

Breakfast cereals

Bran is incorporated into breads, muffins, and other baked goods to boost fiber and alter texture. It can absorb water, affecting dough hydration and shelf life.

Bakery products

Bran is a common ingredient in livestock and poultry feed, providing fiber and some nutrients. It is often mixed with other feedstuffs to balance rations.

Animal feed

Bran can be used in smoothies, shakes, or as a thickener in beverages. It adds fiber and a grainy texture without significantly altering flavor.

Beverage ingredient

The distribution of bran particle sizes affects its flowability, blending characteristics, and suitability for different end uses. A consistent particle size is important for uniform mixing in food and feed applications.

Particle size

Moisture levels influence the shelf life and susceptibility to microbial growth. Properly dried bran is less prone to spoilage and caking during storage.

Moisture content

The oil content of bran, especially in rice bran, can vary and affects its stability and rancidity risk. Higher fat content may require stabilization or careful handling to prevent off-flavors.

Fat content

The crude fiber level is a key indicator of bran quality and its functional properties, such as water absorption and texture, which are important for baking and feed formulation.

Fiber content

The presence of foreign material, such as husk fragments or weed seeds, can affect the purity and safety of the bran. Cleanliness is critical for both food and feed use.

Contaminant level

Large reusable containers that hold a significant volume of bran, suitable for operations with high usage rates and where the bran can be stored in silos or hoppers.

Bulk bags or super sacks

Standard multi-wall bags that are easy to handle and stack, commonly used for smaller quantities or retail distribution. They provide some protection against moisture and pests.

Paper or poly-woven bags

Cereal bran

Regulatory restrictions may require certification or testing for GMO presence in rice bran, affecting import eligibility and causing delays.

Import controls on genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Rice and other cereal bran is a milled by‑product consisting of bran, sharps and other residues from the sifting and milling of rice and other cereals. It is commonly used as a feed ingredient.

Month	Exports	Imports
Dec 2023	$16.5M	$275K
Nov 2023	$9.1M	$177K
Oct 2023	$11.6M	$320K
Sep 2023	$13.2M	$201K
Aug 2023	$16.6M	$1.1M
Jul 2023	$16M	$1.2M
Jun 2023	$9.9M	$1.6M
May 2023	$17.9M	$1.7M
Apr 2023	$14M	$703K
Mar 2023	$17.7M	$880K
Feb 2023	$8M	$904K
Jan 2023	$3.2M	$612K

Vietnam Cereal Bran Exports and Imports

Monthly Trade Values