Global Sunflower Seeds Market Size, Share, Growth & Forecast (2025–2035)
Published Date: April - 2025 | Publisher: Market Insights Research | No of Pages: 455 | Industry: Agriculture | Format: Report available in PDF / Excel Format
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The Global Sunflower Seeds Market was valued at USD 30.62 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 39.91 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 2.94% during the forecast period.
Sunflower Seeds Market Overview
The sunflower seeds market encompasses the cultivation, processing, and distribution of sunflower seeds for human consumption, animal feed, and oil extraction. Rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, sunflower seeds are widely adopted in health-conscious diets and snack industries.
Sunflower seed oil, known for its high oleic acid content, is one of the most consumed oils in both culinary and cosmetic applications. The market’s growth is primarily driven by the rising inclination toward plant-based diets, the expanding snack food sector, and advances in seed processing and agricultural technology.
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Market Growth Drivers
Rising Demand for Nutritious, Protein-Rich Snacks
Consumer focus on health and well-being is fueling demand for snacks that are both flavorful and functional. The nutrient profile of sunflower seeds—rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats—makes them a popular alternative to conventional junk food.
Companies such as PepsiCo's Spitz have introduced a variety of flavored sunflower seeds to appeal to this demographic. Similarly, Asian brands like Three Squirrels and Bestore Co. Ltd. are diversifying their product lines to cater to growing snacking habits in urbanizing regions.
Increasing Use in Bakery and Confectionery Products
The inclusion of sunflower seeds in baked goods like bread, granola bars, cookies, and cereals is accelerating. Food companies are responding to consumer demand for healthier baked items by integrating sunflower seeds to enhance texture and nutritional value.
In Europe, the Mestemacher Group has launched whole grain bread varieties enriched with sunflower seeds, targeting health-focused customers. Meanwhile, in Latin America, companies like Grupo Bimbo are innovating their bread lines with sunflower-infused offerings to align with functional food trends.
Growing Adoption in Animal Feed
Sunflower seeds and their by-product, sunflower meal, are gaining traction in animal feed formulations due to their high protein and energy content. Nations with robust livestock and poultry industries—like the U.S., Russia, and India—are incorporating sunflower-based feeds to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Cargill has adopted sunflower meal in livestock nutrition strategies, while Godrej Agrovet in India is developing structured feed formulas for dairy cattle. In Vietnam, sunflower meal is also being integrated into aquaculture feeds to reduce reliance on imported soybean meal.
Market Challenges
Climate Vulnerability and Agricultural Yield Volatility
The production of sunflower seeds is highly sensitive to climatic conditions. Severe droughts, such as those experienced in Spain and Argentina, have led to reduced yields, affecting both the edible seed and oil segments.
While agricultural innovation is underway—like Corteva Agriscience’s development of drought-resistant hybrids—high production costs and limited farmer adoption pose a challenge to consistent supply and market expansion.
Key Market Trends
Flavor Innovation and Premium Snack Offerings
Manufacturers are experimenting with gourmet and exotic flavors to attract younger and adventurous consumers. Brands like Chinook Seedery and GIANT Snacks are leading this trend with flavors like hatch chile, cinnamon toast, ranch, and pickle.
Asian companies, particularly in China, are launching varieties like wasabi and honey-butter sunflower seeds. Functional sunflower seed-based products, including protein-fortified bars and spreads, are also gaining momentum in the plant-based snack segment.
Expansion of Cultivation in Emerging Economies
Countries such as India, Brazil, and Tanzania are scaling up sunflower seed production to meet rising domestic demand for edible oil and animal feed. Initiatives like India’s National Food Security Mission are encouraging oilseed cultivation to reduce reliance on imports.
In Africa and Southeast Asia, agricultural reforms and foreign investments are improving infrastructure for seed processing, unlocking new opportunities for regional exporters and contributing to global market diversification.
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Market Segmentation Insights
In 2027, the oilseed segment dominated the sunflower seeds market due to the broad applications of sunflower oil in food processing, personal care, and biodiesel. Countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina are key contributors to the global supply chain.
The high oil content, clean taste, and versatility of sunflower oil make it a preferred choice over palm and soybean oil in many markets. Its use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors further strengthens the dominance of the oilseed segment.
Sunflower Seeds Market Regional Analysis
Europe continues to dominate the global sunflower seeds market, with Eastern European countries playing a particularly vital role due to their emphasis on sunflower oil production. Nations such as Russia, Ukraine, and Romania are among the top producers of oilseed sunflowers, positioning themselves as key cultivators and exporters on the global stage.
Ukraine and Russia alone contribute to more than half of the world's sunflower oil output, establishing Europe as a core hub for processing and trading sunflower seeds. The region benefits from favorable growing conditions, extensive arable land, and highly efficient agricultural systems that consistently deliver strong crop yields. Additionally, the presence of advanced infrastructure, including well-developed oil crushing and refining facilities, enhances the region's capacity for large-scale production and export.
Sunflower Seeds Market Recent Developments
In March 2025, Rusagro, a major Russian agro-industrial company, initiated sunflower oil exports from a terminal at the Port of St. Petersburg on the Baltic Sea. This strategic move aims to bypass congested Black Sea routes, enhancing the efficiency of its global supply chain. As part of a broader initiative to increase Russia’s agricultural exports by 50% by 2030, the maiden green methanol-powered shipment aboard the tanker Lanikai was dispatched to India.
Meanwhile, in May 2024, the Turkish brand Yudum, in collaboration with the Seed Association, introduced a new sunflower seed variety named YDM 2239. This high-yielding, disease-resistant seed has been officially registered and made available to local farmers across Turkey. With technical support and seed distribution provided to 1,000 farmers, the initiative aims to significantly boost sunflower productivity and strengthen Turkey’s domestic agricultural output.
Report Scope – Global Sunflower Seeds Market
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Report Name |
Global Sunflower Seeds Market |
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Period |
2025 – 2035 |
|
Market Size (2025) |
USD 29.27 Billion (estimated) |
|
Market Size (2035) |
USD 35.98 Billion (projected) |
|
CAGR (2025–2035) |
2.14% |
|
Market Coverage |
Market Size, Growth Trends, Demand Forecast, Key Players, Competitive Landscape |
|
Segments Covered |
Type, Application, Form, End User, Distribution Channel, Region |
|
Types Covered |
Oilseed Sunflower, Non-Oilseed (Confectionery) Sunflower |
|
Applications Covered |
Food, Animal Feed, Industrial (Cosmetic, Biodiesel, Pharma) |
|
Forms Covered |
Raw, Roasted, Flavored, Hulled, Unhulled |
|
End Users |
Household, Commercial, Industrial |
|
Distribution Channels |
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, B2B |
|
Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
|
Key Companies Profiled |
Syngenta AG, Bayer AG (Monsanto), Nuseed, Cargill Inc., Corteva, Sakata Seeds, Limagrain, etc. |
|
Report Format |
PDF, Excel, PPT (customizable as per request) |
|
Customization Scope |
Available (region, company, application, segment-based analysis) |
|
Research Methodology |
Primary Research, Secondary Research, Data Triangulation, Expert Validation |
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Key Players in the Sunflower Seeds Market
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Syngenta AG
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Monsanto Company (Bayer CropScience AG)
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Cargill Incorporated
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Dow AgroSciences LLC (Corteva Agriscience)
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Sakata Seed Corporation
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ADVANTA Seeds
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Groupe Limagrain
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KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
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Mahyco Seeds Ltd.
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RAGT Semences
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Bejo Zaden B.V.
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Seed Co Limited
Sunflower Seeds Market Segmentation
By Type
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Oilseed Sunflower
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Non-Oilseed (Confectionery) Sunflower
By Application
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Food (Snacks, Bakery, Confectionery, Ready-to-Eat)
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Animal Feed
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Industrial (Cosmetic, Biodiesel, Pharmaceutical)
By Distribution Channel
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Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
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Convenience Stores
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Online Retail
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Specialty Stores
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Direct Sales (B2B)
By Form
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Raw
-
Roasted
-
Flavored
-
Hulled
-
Unhulled
By End User
-
Household
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Commercial (Foodservice, Bakery)
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Industrial
By Region
-
North America
-
Europe
-
Asia-Pacific
-
Latin America
-
Middle East & Africa
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