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Carrageenan Market Size

ID: MRFR//0233-HCR | 110 Pages | Author: Harshita Gorade| November 2024

The Carrageenan market is influenced by a myriad of factors that collectively determine its dynamics. One pivotal factor is the expanding food and beverage industry, as carrageenan, a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from seaweed, finds extensive use in various processed foods. The market is particularly sensitive to changes in consumer preferences for convenience foods and the demand for plant-based alternatives, as carrageenan is often utilized in vegetarian and vegan products as a substitute for animal-derived ingredients.

Global economic conditions play a significant role in shaping the Carrageenan market. Economic fluctuations can impact consumer purchasing power and influence spending patterns on processed and packaged foods, directly affecting the demand for carrageenan. During periods of economic growth, consumers may be more inclined to purchase convenience foods, while economic downturns may lead to a shift towards more budget-friendly options.

Regulatory standards and compliance are critical market factors for carrageenan. As a food additive, carrageenan is subject to regulations governing its safety and usage in various countries. Changes in regulatory frameworks can impact the approval status and market accessibility of carrageenan-containing products. Ensuring compliance with these standards is essential for businesses operating in the carrageenan market to maintain consumer trust and adhere to legal requirements.

Innovation and technological advancements also contribute to the market dynamics of carrageenan. Ongoing research and development efforts lead to the discovery of new applications and formulations for carrageenan in the food industry. This includes advancements in texture modification, stabilization, and the creation of novel food products, driving market growth and diversification.

Environmental sustainability concerns play an increasingly important role in the carrageenan market. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainably sourced and produced ingredients. The seaweed farming practices for carrageenan extraction need to align with eco-friendly standards to meet consumer expectations and address concerns related to environmental impact.

International trade dynamics and geopolitical factors influence the carrageenan market. The availability of seaweed resources, trade agreements, and geopolitical stability in key seaweed-producing regions impact the supply chain of carrageenan. Changes in global trade policies can affect the cost and availability of carrageenan, affecting manufacturers and suppliers in the market.

Market competition is intense, with companies focusing on branding, product differentiation, and strategic collaborations. Manufacturers often engage in research and development to enhance the quality and functionality of carrageenan-based products. Marketing efforts, including advertising campaigns and partnerships with food processors, contribute to brand visibility and market share.

Consumer awareness and perception of carrageenan also impact the market. While carrageenan has been widely used as a food additive for decades, concerns about its safety have arisen, leading some consumers to seek carrageenan-free alternatives. Clear communication about the safety and benefits of carrageenan, backed by scientific evidence, is crucial for companies to address consumer apprehensions and maintain the positive image of carrageenan in the market.

Covered Aspects:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Market Size Value In 2022 USD 0.9 billion
Growth Rate 16.26% (2024-2032)

Global Carrageenan Market Overview


Carrageenan Market Size was valued at 0.9 billion in 2023. The Carrageenan industry is projected to grow from USD 0.952 Billion in 2024 to USD 1.494 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.80% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Increased use of Carrageenan in supplements and various industries and application of Carrageenan in pharmaceuticals are the key market drivers boosting the growth of the market.


Carrageenan Market Overview


Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Carrageenan Market Trends




  • Use of Carrageenan in various industries is driving the market growth.




Market CAGR for carrageenan market is being driven by the use of Carrageenan in a wide range of industries. Carageenan, widely used as an additive, is a natural component of red algae used to emulsify, concentrate and preserve food and beverages. It can be used in various industries like food & beverages, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and home care industries. It has a rising penetration into dairy and processed meat products as it gives mouth-feel characteristics to emulate fatty feelings.


Carageenan is a plant-based gelatin-like component that is widely used in skincare products as it has a natural ability for water binding that makes it effective in giving a smooth and creamy texture. Carageenan gum has become known among food & drinks due to its emulsifying properties, therefore used in skincare, mainly in moisturizers and lotions. It makes skin care products creamy, luxurious, and smooth, which makes them easy to apply on the face. Carageenan has additional use as toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and gels, as it does not allow the oil-based and water-based active ingredients to separate. The increase in demand for plant-based ingredients as an additive for skin care and hair products has fueled the carrageenan market.


Carrageenan has a wide range of pharmaceutical properties that same is stimulating the attention of the pharmaceutical market. The tissue engineering procedures require advanced developmental testing methods; therefore, the pharmaceutical industry is shifting towards carrageenan-derived biomaterials. Carrageenan becomes a strong mass when combined with the salts making them soluble in water and maintaining the elasticity of the product; this property is used by pharmaceutical companies to alter the parasympathetic nerve inhibitors in nasal spray. The carrageenan-based nanomaterials are used to deliver therapeutic agents like small molecule drugs, genetic materials, and peptides.


The kappa carrageenan has a wide range of applications in the food sector; it includes 25-30% of ester sulfate that reacts with locust bean clusters to develop bitter jelly, used as a stabilizer in dairy products. Carrageenan is a popular alternative to gelatin in vegan food products; these are used in chewing gums and other dental confectioneries. Globalization is rising the demand for packaged goods is driving the carrageenan revenue.


Segment Insights


Carrageenan Type Insights


The Carrageenan Industry segmentation, based on type, includes Kappa, Iota, and Lambda. The kappa segment accounted for the largest market revenue of 68.3% in 2022. Kappa is mostly utilized in ice creams, cheese, puddings, and chocolate. Iota is being studied for its anti-viral properties, and lambda held a relatively market revenue share in 2022.


Figure 1: Carrageenan Market, by Types, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)


Carrageenan Market, by Types, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)


Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Carrageenan Application Insights


The Carrageenan Market segmentation, based on application, includes Food & beverages, Personal care, Pharmaceuticals, and Others. The food & beverages hold the largest market value of 72.8% in 2022. Carrageenan is used in bakery, dairy, and meat products and beverages as it provides altering viscosity and texture that improves their sensory properties. It also has applications in pharmaceuticals as it acts as excipients, foaming agents, wetting, solubilizing, and stabilizing agents.


Regional Insights


By region, the study gives market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American carrageenan market area dominates the market owing to the increase in the demand for carrageenan application in the food & beverage industry with the increasing leaning towards ingredient-based food formulation products. The US accounts for the largest market for carrageenan due to the increase in awareness of health benefits and also the research and development in industry fueling the market.


Further, major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 2: CARRAGEENAN MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)


CARRAGEENAN MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)


Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Europe's Carrageenan market accounts for the second-largest market share owing to the increasing demand for processed food. Further, the German market for carrageenan held the largest market share, and the UK carrageenan industry was the fastest growing market in the European region


The Asia-Pacific Carrageenan Market is expected to grow during the forecast period 2023 to 2032. This is due to the presence of highly populous countries like India and China and expanding awareness of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition and rising per capita disposable income. Moreover, China’s market of carrageenan held the largest market share due to the presence of major food industries, and the Indian carrageenan industry was the rapidly growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


Carrageenan Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Carrageenan Market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, carrageenan industry must offer cost-effective items.


Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the Carrageenan industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the market for Carrageenan has offered some of the most significant advantages to food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Major players in the Carrageenan market, including Ingredion Incorporated, TBK Manufacturing Corporation, PT Fortuna Cahaya Cemerlang, Cargill Incorporated, LTD, Danlink Ingredients, Caldic B.V., ACCEL Carrageenan Corporation, MCPI Corporation, Scalzo Food Industries, Marcel Trading Corporation, Soriano SA, Gelymar SA, Birmingham Biotech Ltd, Kerry Group, and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.


CP Kelco is a nature-based ingredient solutions company of 90 years working with food, beverage, consumer, and industrial product manufacturers globally. They focus on ingredient innovation and problem-solving to develop customized solutions that help their regional insights, meet manufacturers' goals and address consumer needs and preferences. Their key product line consists of gellan gum, pectin, xantham gum, carrageenan, diutan gum, fermentation-derived cellulose, refined locust bean gum, and microparticulate whey protein concentrate. In November 202, CP Kelco US launched a NUTRAVA citrus fiber, that will help in emulsion stabilization, suspension, viscosity, and in providing water holding capacity. In May 2020, CP Kelco's Cebu was acquired by Marcel, which will help the company in dealing with four carrageenan plants.


The Cargill has helped farmers for more than 150 years to grow more and connect them to the border market. They are developing new products that provide consumers with their requirements, advancing nutrition, food safety, and sustainability. They collaborate with various key markets to innovate and manage risk to provide for the future globally. They have experience with new technologies and insights to be a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers. In July 2018, Cargill announced the extension of its seabird portfolio with the invention of the new Satiagel Carrageenan Extract, which is specially designed for texturing solutions for creamy dairy desserts.


Key Companies in the Carrageenan market include



  • Ingredion Incorporated

  • TBK Manufacturing Corporation

  • PT Fortuna Cahaya Cemerlang

  • Cargill Incorporated, LTD

  • Danlink Ingredients

  • Caldic B.V.

  • ACCEL Carrageenan Corporation

  • MCPI Corporation

  • Scalzo Food Industries

  • Marcel Trading Corporation

  • Soriano SA

  • Gelymar SA

  • Birmingham Biotech Ltd

  • Kerry Group.


Carrageenan Market Industry Developments


November 2022: Biolchim Group was acquired by J.M Huber Corporation, which is one of the major manufacturers and distributors of a diverse selection of specialized plant nutrition and biostimulants. The West Coast Marine-Bio Processing Corp, one of the organizations of Biolchim, supplied with seaweeds like carrageenan, is also part of J.M. Huber Corporation.


October 2022: NoriZite Nasal Spray with carrageenan was developed by Birmingham Biotech Ltd. Norizite with carrageenan acts as an anti-viral agent known to prevent infection from a number of respiratory viruses.


July 2021: A biotechnology firm Biosearch Life was acquired by the Kerry Group to expand its operations in the food ingredient sector. Biosearch is going to be incorporated into Lerry Group’s ProActive health platform for ‘Science-Backed’ branded ingredients.


Carrageenan Market Segmentation


Carrageenan Type Outlook



  • Kappa

  • Iota

  • Lambda


Carrageenan Application Outlook



  • Food & beverages

  • Personal care

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Others


Carrageenan Regional Outlook



  • North America

    • US

    • Canada





  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe





  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific





  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



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