Global Edible Seaweeds Market Overview
Edible Seaweeds Market Size was estimated at 15.46 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Edible Seaweeds Market Industry is expected to grow from 16.46(USD Billion) in 2023 to 29.0 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Edible Seaweeds Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 6.49% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Key Edible Seaweeds Market Trends Highlighted
The edible seaweed market continues to experience significant growth, driven by rising health consciousness and increasing demand for plant-based foods. Growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of seaweeds, including their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is fueling consumer demand. Moreover, the versatility of seaweeds in various food applications, from salads to soups and seasonings, is further boosting their popularity.
Technological advancements in seaweed cultivation and processing methods are also contributing to the market's expansion, enabling the production of high-quality and sustainable seaweed products. The increasing use of seaweeds in cosmeceuticals, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals presents additional growth opportunities.Environmental concerns and the search for sustainable food sources are also driving the growth of the edible seaweed market. Seaweeds are a highly sustainable crop, requiring minimal land and freshwater resources. Their cultivation can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and provide economic opportunities for coastal communities. The development of innovative products and applications, such as seaweed-based bioplastics and biofuels, is further stimulating market growth. Additionally, government initiatives promoting the consumption of healthy and sustainable foods are expected to create favorable conditions for the edible seaweed market in the coming years.
Edible Seaweed Market Drivers
Health and Wellness Trend
The fundamental driver of edible seaweed market growth is the increasing awareness regarding edible seaweeds' health benefits. Seaweeds are highly nutrient products that provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential substances. Moreover, the consumption of seaweed reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. With the increasing awareness of humans' need to lead a healthy lifestyle, the interest in organic, highly nutritious foods is also increasing.As a result, there is a growing number of prepared foods, snacks, and other products containing seaweeds on stores' shelves. The interest among consumers in edible seaweeds will inevitably lead to market growth. Apart from health benefits, edible seaweeds are popular due to their functional properties, such as the ability to function as thickeners, gelling agents, and stabilizers. Edible seaweeds can also improve the taste and texture of various food products.The functional properties of edible seaweeds allow employing them in a wide range of products, such as soups and sauces, snacks, and beverages. Another factor contributing to the increasing demand for edible seaweeds is the growing interest in plant-based diets. Plant-based vegan and vegetarian diets are becoming more popular, and consumers are increasingly interested in plant-based equivalents for animal products. Edible seaweeds are a high source of protein, fiber, and other essential substances.As such, plant-based products from seaweeds, such as meat and milk substitutes, snacks, and others, will grow in demand. To sum up, the increasing awareness of seaweed benefits when consumed, growing interest in plant-based diets, and functional properties such as thickening and taste improvement all contribute to the growing edible seaweed market.
Rising Demand for Seaweed-Based Products
Another major driver of the edible seaweed market is the increasing demand for seaweed-based products. Seaweed-based products have become increasingly popular in a wide range of applications, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In the food industry, seaweed-based products are being used to produce a wide range of innovative products, such as seaweed snacks, seaweed salads, and seaweed-based meat substitutes. In the beverage industry, seaweed-based products are being used to produce new and exciting beverages, such as seaweed-infused teas and seaweed-based energy drinks.In the cosmetics industry, seaweed-based products are being used to produce a wide range of skincare and haircare products. Seaweed-based products are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, making them ideal for use in skincare and haircare products. In the pharmaceutical industry, seaweed-based products are being used to develop new drugs and treatments for a wide range of diseases. Seaweed-based products have been shown to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties.The increasing demand for seaweed-based products is being driven by a number of factors, including the growing awareness of the health benefits of seaweed, the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, and the rising demand for natural and sustainable products. Overall, the increasing demand for seaweed-based products is a major driver of the edible seaweed market.
Government Support for Seaweed Cultivation
Yet another important driver of the edible seaweed market worldwide is the government's support for seaweed cultivation. Governments in many countries all over the world increasingly realize the importance of seaweed cultivation for economic development and the sustainability of the environment. In particular, many seaweed farmers and businesses receive financial and technical government support. This support helps to boost the production of edible seaweeds and, consequently, decreases their price and increases their availability to consumers.Also, Government support for cultivation helps to increase the quality and safety of edible seaweeds, which is why they are more pleasing to the customers. Obviously, Government support for seaweed cultivation is a central driver of the edible seaweed market growth.
Edible Seaweeds Market Segment Insights
Edible Seaweeds Market Product Type Insights
The Edible Seaweeds Market was segmented by product type, primarily into brown seaweeds, red seaweeds, and green seaweeds. The brown seaweed segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to show a similar trend throughout the majority of the forecast period. The reason brown seaweeds have become the frequently used type of seaweed in the food production industry is that they have a high nutritional value and are versatile, which means that brown seaweeds can be added to various types of foods. Meanwhile, the former type of the product, or the red seaweeds, are anticipated to show a high growth rate.This is due to the red type of the product having a unique flavor and color. The product is mainly used in food products and the production of cosmetics. Green seaweeds, in return, are rich in chlorophyll and other valuable nutrients. The growth of the market is driven by the increase in demand for the natural and healthy types of food products. As more and more people are beginning to understand the health benefits of edible seaweeds, the demand for the products is expanding. Furthermore, the manufacturers enjoy taking advantage of the market by producing new products that include seaweed supplements, seaweed snacks, and seaweed beverages.Lastly, an increasing number of people are switching to a vegetarian or even a vegan diet.
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Edible Seaweeds Market Form Insights
The Form segment of the Edible Seaweeds Market is segmented into Dried, Fresh, Frozen, and Powder. The Dried segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for over 45% of the market. The Dried segment is expected to continue to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. The Fresh segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for fresh and minimally processed food products. The Frozen segment is expected to grow at a steady pace, driven by the growing popularity of frozen food products. The market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 29.0 billion by 2032.
Edible Seaweeds Market Application Insights
The Edible Seaweeds Market is segmented into Food Beverages, Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics Personal Care based on application. The Food Beverages segment held the largest market share in 2023, and it is expected to continue to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for edible seaweeds in food products such as sushi, salads, and soups. The Feed segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to the rising demand for seaweeds as a sustainable source of protein in animal feed.The Pharmaceuticals segment is also expected to experience growth due to the increasing use of seaweeds in the production of drugs and supplements. The Cosmetics Personal Care segment is expected to witness moderate growth during the forecast period due to the increasing use of seaweeds in skincare and haircare products.
Edible Seaweeds Market Distribution Channel Insights
The distribution channel segment of the Edible Seaweeds Market plays a crucial role in connecting producers with consumers. The market is segmented into three primary distribution channels online, offline, and HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes).
The online channel has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms. Online retailers offer a wide variety of edible seaweeds, from raw materials to processed products. Key players in the online segment include Amazon, Alibaba, and Seaweed Co.The offline channel remains a dominant distribution channel for edible seaweeds, particularly in traditional markets and local grocery stores. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores account for a large share of offline sales. Major offline retailers include Walmart, Carrefour, and Kroger.
HoReCa The HoReCa channel caters to the demand for edible seaweeds in the hospitality industry. Restaurants, hotels, and cafes use seaweeds in various dishes, including salads, soups, and sushi. Key players in the HoReCa segment include Sysco, US Foods, and Martin Food Group.The Edible Seaweeds Market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of seaweeds and increasing demand from the food and beverage industry. The distribution channel segment will continue to play a vital role in meeting this demand, with each channel offering unique advantages and opportunities for market participants.
Edible Seaweeds Market End User Insights
The Edible Seaweeds Market is segmented into end users such as retail/household and commercial (e.g., restaurants and food processors). The retail/household segment is expected to account for a significant share of the Edible Seaweeds Market revenue in 2024, owing to the growing popularity of edible seaweeds as a healthy and nutritious food source. The commercial segment is also expected to witness growth, driven by the increasing demand for edible seaweeds in restaurants and food processing industries. The Edible Seaweeds Market is expected to witness steady growth over the next few years, owing to the rising awareness of the health benefits associated with edible seaweeds and the increasing demand for sustainable food sources.
Edible Seaweeds Market Regional Insights
The Edible Seaweeds Market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 19.84 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period of 2024-2032. Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these regions, Asia-Pacific held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for over 45% of the market. The region's dominance can be attributed to the high consumption of edible seaweeds in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. North America and Europe are also significant markets for edible seaweeds, with the United States and Germany being the key contributors.The growing demand for healthy and sustainable food options is driving the growth of the edible seaweed market in these regions.
Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Edible Seaweeds Market Key Players And Competitive Insights
Key players in the Edible Seaweeds Market are continuously focusing on adopting new strategies in order to maintain a strong foothold in the competitive Edible Seaweeds Market landscape. Moreover, ongoing development in the Edible seaweed market due to technological advancement along with augmented demand for processed foods and beverages are also driving the Edible seaweed market industry. The Edible Seaweeds Market's competitive intensity is likely to be moderate over the upcoming years. Some of the major Edible Seaweeds Market players include Cargill Inc., Clearspring Ltd, Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Ocean's Halo, Seaweed Co., and Whole Foods Market firms. The key players are continuously investing in mergers and acquisitions, product innovation, partnerships, and other key strategic alliances in order to increase market share.Cargill Inc. is one of the leading companies in the Edible Seaweeds Market. The company has a strong presence and provides seaweed products such as sea salt, agar, and carrageenan. Moreover, the company has a strong level of focus on sustainability and has developed innovative help in seaweed cultivation. The company's additional presence in seaweed R helps in exploring new applications of seaweed in food, beverages, and many other new areas. All of the above factors help the major companies to hold a maximum Edible Seaweeds Market revenue share in the upcoming years.Whole Foods Market is another major company in the Edible seaweed market, which offers both natural and organic seaweed products. Whole Foods Market comprises seaweed products such as dried seaweed, seaweed supplements, and seaweed snacks. Moreover, the company has a strong focus on sustainability and always supplies customers with high-quality and healthy seaweed products. The company has a strong presence in the seaweed R department, which constantly helps in discovering new ways to grow the seaweed industry.
Key Companies in the Edible Seaweeds Market Include
- Marinova Pty Ltd
- Seaweed Co.
- FMC Corporation
- Cargill
- Ocean Harvest Technology
- IMT Atlantique
- Gelymar
- Hydrosol
- Nori Sushi International
- Seaweed Technologies
- Tianjin Seaweed Industry
- Parry Nutraceuticals
- KEMIN
- DSM
- Seaweed Supply Wholesale
Edible Seaweeds Market Industry Developments
The edible seaweed market is projected to grow from USD 16.46 billion in 2023 to USD 29.0 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.49% during the forecast period. Rising demand for plant-based foods, increasing awareness of the health benefits of seaweeds, and expanding applications in various industries are key factors driving market growth.Recent developments in the market include In February 2023, Cargill announced a partnership with Sea6 Energy to develop and commercialize seaweed-based biofuels. In March 2023, the European Union launched a €20 million research project to promote the cultivation and use of seaweeds in Europe. In April 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture announced a $10 million grant to support research on the sustainable cultivation and harvesting of seaweeds.These developments indicate a growing interest in the edible seaweed market and its potential for sustainable food production and other applications.
Edible Seaweeds Market Segmentation Insights
Edible Seaweeds Market Product Type Outlook
- Brown Seaweeds
- Red Seaweeds
- Green Seaweeds
Edible Seaweeds Market Form Outlook
- Dried
- Fresh
- Frozen
- Powder
Edible Seaweeds Market Application Outlook
- Food Beverages
- Feed
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics Personal Care
Edible Seaweeds Market Distribution Channel Outlook
Edible Seaweeds Market End User Outlook
- Retail/Household
- Commercial (e.g., restaurants, food processors)
Edible Seaweeds Market Regional Outlook
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North America
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Europe
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South America
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Asia-Pacific
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Middle East and Africa
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2022 |
15.46(USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2023 |
16.46(USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2032 |
29.0(USD Billion) |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
6.49% (2024 - 2032) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2024 - 2032 |
| Historical Data |
2019 - 2022 |
| Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Marinova Pty Ltd, Seaweed Co., FMC Corporation, Cargill, Ocean Harvest Technology, IMT Atlantique, Gelymar, Hydrosol, Nori Sushi International, Seaweed Technologies, Tianjin Seaweed Industry, Parry Nutraceuticals, KEMIN, DSM, Seaweed Supply Wholesale |
| Segments Covered |
Product Type, Form, Application, Distribution Channel, End User, Regional |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Rising demand for plant-based proteins Growing awareness of health benefits Expanding food processing industry Innovation in new product development Diversification into food and beverages |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Rising health consciousness Growing demand for plant-based foods Technological advancements in seaweed cultivation Expansion of aquaculture Government support for seaweed farming |
| Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The edible seaweed market is expected to be valued at approximately USD 16.46 billion in 2023.
The edible seaweed market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.49% from 2024 to 2032.
North America is expected to dominate the edible seaweed market in 2023 due to the increasing consumption of seaweed in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.
Rising health consciousness, growing demand for plant-based foods, and the increasing use of seaweed in food and beverage applications are the primary factors driving the growth of the edible seaweeds market.
The food segment is expected to hold the largest share of the edible seaweeds market in 2023, driven by the growing use of seaweed in culinary preparations and the increasing popularity of seaweed-based snacks.
Some of the key players in the edible seaweeds market include Seaweed Co., Cargill, FMC Corporation, and Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Food Co., Ltd.
The increasing use of seaweed in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics is a notable emerging trend in the edible seaweeds market.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the edible seaweeds market during the forecast period due to the growing demand for seaweed in food and beverage applications in countries like China and India.
The challenges faced by the edible seaweeds market include the limited availability of raw materials, environmental concerns related to seaweed harvesting, and the need for further research on the health benefits of seaweed.
The growing awareness of the health benefits of seaweed, the increasing demand for plant-based foods, and the expansion of the food and beverage industry present significant opportunities for growth in the edible seaweeds market.
