Global Sunflower Seeds Market Overview
Sunflower Seeds Market Size was valued at USD 1.2 Billion in 2023. The Sunflower Seeds industry is projected to grow from USD 1.27 Billion in 2024 to USD 1.9 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.00% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The increased demand for ready-to-eat snack foods, as well as food convenience, is one of the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Sunflower Seeds Market Trends
- Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds Drive Market Growth
Market CAGR for sunflower seeds is driven by the increasing consumer awareness of the multiple health advantages of sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds reduce the risk of irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and triglyceride levels by decreasing the creation of atherosclerotic plaque and lowering blood pressure. Consumers are increasingly choosing better choices and living healthier lifestyles; as a result, sunflower seeds are gaining popularity since they are abundant in vitamins, proteins, and minerals and can help treat conditions like cancer, asthma, and depression. According to the National Library of Medicine, a US-based provider of medical and biomedical services, sunflower seeds include 33.85% protein, 65.42% fats, and 18 minerals as of November 2021. Sunflower oilcake contains more fiber (31.88% and 12.64% for pellets and cake, respectively) and proteins (20.15% and 21.60%) than seeds and has a balanced amino acid profile. The seeds contain a high concentration of essential (6.63%) and non-essential (93.37%) amino acids. As a result, rising consumer knowledge of the multiple health benefits of sunflower seeds is propelling the expansion of packaged sunflower seeds.
Moreover, the growing trend of eating healthy foods is projected to drive future growth in the sunflower seed market. Consuming healthy food means making purposeful choices to incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense, well-balanced meals to enhance overall well-being. Packaged sunflower seeds can be included in a healthy food diet since they provide a variety of nutrients and health advantages, such as protein sources, fiber, and antioxidants when ingested in moderation. For instance, in February 2023, according to survey reports published by Great Green Wall, a US-based provider of information about the Great Green Wall initiative, approximately 40% of Americans said they stick to their diets of, 20% actively seek out healthy foods, and 60% try. 20% of people actively seek foods that will improve their health. 68% believe it is easy to identify nutritious foods. As a result, the growing trend of eating healthy foods is driving the growth of the packaged sunflower seed market.
Additionally, technological developments are the primary trend gaining traction in the sunflower seed industry. Major market players are creating innovative technologies, such as hybrid seeds, and utilizing blockchain and other Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to efficiently handle the procurement, processing, and distribution of packaged sunflower seeds. For instance, in January 2021, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), an Indian state agricultural university in Tamil Nadu, developed a high-yielding, disease-resistant hybrid sunflower variety that could be planted in rain-fed locations. According to the university, the product contains 42% oil and has a yield potential of 716 kg/ha, which is 200-250 kg higher than other typical sunflower seed kinds. This cultivar also resists crop diseases like necrosis and powdery mildew. Thus driving the Sunflower Seeds Industry revenue.
Segment Insights
Sunflower Seeds Product Insights
The Sunflower Seeds Market segmentation, based on product, includes Bright Yellow, Green, Light Grey, Claret Red, Black and White. The bright yellow category accounts for the majority of the sunflower seed market. Bright yellow sunflower seeds are commonly linked with excellent quality and are preferred by consumers due to their appearance and taste. This segment has increased consumer attention, making it more popular in the market.
Sunflower Seeds Type Insights
The Sunflower Seeds Market is divided into two types: oil seed and non-oil seed. The non-oilseed sector is expected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period. These are the seeds wasted after the oil extraction procedure. These non-oil seeds, often known as black sunflower seeds, have a nutty flavor. They can be consumed fresh or roasted with salt. These can be eaten, added to salads, or used as food garnishes. Because of their nutty flavor, these seeds are employed in the confectionery industry and can be used to flavor chocolate.
Sunflower Seeds Application Insights
The Sunflower Seeds Market is segmented by application, which comprises edible oil, bakery, snacks, products, confectionery products, and birdfeed. The bakery segment is expected to stay dominant during the projection period. They impart a nutty flavor and crispy texture to baked goods, including bread, muffins, cookies, and more. Sunflower seeds can be crushed into flour and used in baking. Sunflower seed butter is a popular alternative to peanut butter in recipes such as cookies and smoothies.
Sunflower Seeds Distribution Channel Insights
The Sunflower Seeds Market segmentation, based on distribution channels, includes Supermarkets, Retail Shops and Online. The supermarkets category was the greatest market-holding sector in 2023. Supermarkets are increasingly carrying sunflower seeds as a snack alternative, which is driving the sunflower seed market forward. Sunflower seeds are a nutritious and flexible snack that people of all ages can enjoy.
Figure 1: Sunflower Seeds Market, By Distribution Channel, 2023 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Sunflower Seeds Regional Insights
By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America is likely to have the largest market share throughout the forecast period since sunflower seeds are employed in a number of culinary recipes due to their high nutritional value. The United States and Canada are the two countries producing the most sunflower seeds in North America. Sunflower seeds are quite popular in these nations due to their numerous applications in the food and beverage industries. Sunflower seeds appear in a wide range of items, including bread, crackers, snacks, and salad dressings. Another element propelling the sunflower seed market in North America is an increase in consumer health consciousness.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: SUNFLOWER SEEDS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe Sunflower Seeds Market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the increased output of sunflower, which is used for food, feed, fuel, and industrial purposes in the region. Within the projected period. Further, the German Sunflower Seeds held the largest market share, and the UK market of sunflower seeds was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The Asia-Pacific Sunflower Seeds Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This is due to the region's growing need for healthier snacks. Moreover, China’s sunflower seeds industry held the largest market share, and the Indian market of sunflower seeds was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sunflower Seeds 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 Sunflower Seeds Market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global 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, the Sunflower Seeds industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one key business tactic used by manufacturers in the global Sunflower Seeds industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Sunflower Seeds industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to snacks industry. Major players in the Sunflower Seeds Market, including KENKKO CORPORATION, DuPont, Limagrain UK Ltd, CONAGRA FOODS, CHS Inc., and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.
Corteva, Inc. is a significant American agricultural chemical and seed firm that was once the agricultural division of DowDuPont until being spun off as an independent public company. In May 2022, Corteva extended its sunflower seed business in Europe by investing USD 14.1 million in Romania's Afumati production facility to address rising domestic and international demand for high-quality sunflower seeds.
BASF SE is a European multinational corporation and the world's largest chemical producer. Its headquarters are in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has subsidiaries and joint ventures in more than 80 countries, with six integrated manufacturing sites and 390 additional production locations throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa. BASF serves customers in more than 190 countries and provides products to a diverse range of sectors. Despite its size and global reach, BASF has garnered very little public notice since it discontinued the manufacture and selling of BASF-branded consumer electronics goods in the 1990s. In July 2019, BASF entered into a distribution arrangement with Euralis Semences to sell a new line of hybrid sunflower seeds across Europe. Because of its numerous health benefits, it became an important part of the modern diet, resulting in increased market growth.
Key Companies in the Sunflower Seeds Market include
- KENKKO CORPORATION
- DuPont
- Limagrain UK Ltd
- CONAGRA FOODS
- CHS Inc
- Martin US Enterprises
- Sakata Seed America
- GIANT Snacks
- American Meadows
- Mahyco Seeds Company Ltd
- Nuseed
- Ike Enterprises Inc
Sunflower Seeds Industry Developments
In August 2020, Syngenta purchased Senako, a renowned seed manufacturer. This acquisition aided in the expansion of Syngenta seeds such as sunflower, wheat, and maize, hence boosting sales in diverse locations.
In July 2020, Barenbrug Australia Pty Ltd inked an agreement with Nuseed Pty Ltd to license Nuseed's sorghum and sunflower germplasm portfolios and provided R&D, plant breeding, and commercialization services. Barenbrug was also granted licenses for Nuseed's grain sorghum, forage sorghum, and sunflower sales and distribution, allowing it to expand its market position in the country.
In April 2020, S&W bought Pasture Genetics Pty Ltd, Australia's third-largest pasture seed company, expanding its product line and strengthening Australian sales and distribution partnerships.
In April 2019, KWS SAAT SE bought Pop Vriend Seeds. This acquisition expanded the company's portfolio of other vegetable seeds, increasing demand for sunflower seeds.
Sunflower Seeds Market Segmentation
Sunflower Seeds Color Outlook
- Bright Yellow
- Green
- Light Grey
- Claret Red
- Black
- White
Sunflower Seeds Type Outlook
Sunflower Seeds Application Outlook
- Edible Oil
- Bakery
- Snacks
- Products
- Confectionery Products
- Birdfeed
Sunflower Seeds Distribution Channel Outlook
- Supermarkets
- Retail Shops
- Online
Sunflower Seeds Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
- Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2023 |
USD 1.2 Billion |
Market Size 2024 |
USD 1.27 Billion |
Market Size 2032 |
USD 1.9 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
6.00% (2024-2032) |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Historical Data |
2019-2022 |
Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
Product, Type, Application, Distribution channel and Region |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
Countries Covered |
The US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
Key Companies Profiled |
ย KENKKO CORPORATION, DuPont, Limagrain UK Ltd, CONAGRA FOODS, CHS Inc, Martin US Enterprises, Sakata Seed America, GIANT Snacks, American Meadows, Mahyco Seeds Company Ltd, Nuseed, Ike Enterprises Inc. |
Key Market Opportunities |
Increased opportunities in the snack business |
Key Market Dynamics |
Enhanced seed variety resulted in higher sunflower seed yield. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Sunflower Seeds Market size was valued at USD 1.2 Billion in 2023.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.00% from 2024 to 2032.
North America had the largest share in the global market
The key players in the market are KENKKO CORPORATION, DuPont, Limagrain UK Ltd, CONAGRA FOODS, CHS Inc.
The bakery category dominated the market in 2023.
The non-oilseed category had the largest share of the global market.