Commercial Seaweed Market By Product (Brown Seaweed, Red Seaweed, Green Seaweed), Form (Leaf, Powdered, Flakes), Application (Agriculture, Animal Feed, Human Consumption), & Region for 2024-2031

Commercial Seaweeds Market Valuation – 2024-2031

The commercial seaweed is anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years. Key factors contributing to this growth include the increasing use of seaweed in the food industry for texture and flavor enhancement, as well as its rising application in agriculture as soil conditioners and fertilizers. The market size surpass USD 24.07 Billion valued in 2023 to reach a valuation of around USD 62.65 Billion by 2031.

The adoption of alginate derived from seaweed in industries such as textile printing and paper manufacturing, along with the rising consumption of dairy and personal care products, is also expected to boost demand. The rising demand for cost-effective and efficient commercial seaweeds is enabling the market grow at a CAGR of 12.70% from 2024 to 2031.

Commercial Seaweeds MarketDefinition/ Overview

Commercial seaweeds are several types of marine algae that are harvested or cultivated primarily for economic reasons. These seaweeds, which come in brown, red, and green types, are high in critical nutrients and bioactive chemicals. Alginates, carrageenan, and agar are commonly utilized for their thickening, gelling, and stabilizing qualities, which stem from their polysaccharide composition. In addition to their functional features, seaweeds are prized for their nutritional content, which includes vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a useful resource in a variety of industries.

Because of their gelling and emulsifying qualities, they are utilized in soups, salads, and snacks, as well as as natural food additives. In agriculture, seaweed extracts work as biofertilizers and soil conditioners, boosting plant growth and increasing soil quality. Seaweeds are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries because they contain bioactive chemicals with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-aging qualities.

The commercial seaweed market is enormous and promising, driven by a growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Advances in biotechnology and aquaculture are predicted to improve seaweed production and productivity, making them more commercially viable. The increased demand for plant-based and natural goods in the food, health, and cosmetic industries is projected to increase the use of seaweed. Furthermore, ongoing research into seaweed farming’s environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration, highlights the potential significance of climate change mitigation. As innovation develops, new applications such as biodegradable polymers and enhanced biofuels may increase the commercial worth and ecological significance of seaweeds.

Will Increasing Health Awareness Drive Growth of the Commercial Weed Market?

Increased awareness of the health benefits of consuming seaweed is a significant driver for its growing demand. Seaweed is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Additionally, its low-calorie content makes it an attractive addition to a healthy diet. Health-conscious consumers are particularly drawn to seaweed due to its potential benefits in weight management, heart health, and overall well-being.

As more people become aware of the nutritional advantages of seaweed, such as its ability to support cardiovascular health, improve digestive function, and provide a rich source of micronutrients, the demand for seaweed-based products is set to increase. The rising health awareness among individuals is expected to propel the growth of the global commercial seaweed market over the forecast period.

How do Seasonal and Environmental Factors Hamper the Commercial Seaweed Market Growth?

Seasonal and environmental factors such as water temperature, sunlight, and water quality significantly impact seaweed farming. These variables can create challenges for consistent production, leading to fluctuations in both the yield and quality of seaweed.

For instance, changes in water temperature can affect the growth rates of different seaweed species, while variations in sunlight can influence photosynthesis and, consequently, biomass production.

Also, water quality issues, such as pollution or nutrient imbalances, can adversely affect seaweed health and growth. These environmental dependencies make it difficult to maintain a stable and predictable supply of high-quality seaweed. As a result, the commercial seaweed industry may face substantial obstacles, with these seasonal and environmental factors posing a major restraint on its growth during the forecast period.

Category-Wise Acumens

How Growing Demand for Commercial Seaweed in the Animal Feed Industry Offer an Attractive Opportunity for Market Growth?

Coastal-dwelling animals such as sheep, cattle, and horses consume seaweed, particularly in European countries where brown seaweed is readily available. The development of seaweed meals has made seaweed more accessible to these animals. Dried seaweed is ground into a fine powder to produce animal feed.

These nutrients are essential in trace amounts for the proper functioning of enzymes and proteins involved in various physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes critical for growth and production in mammals.

The ascophyllum meal is used to increase the iodine content in chicken eggs. Pigs benefit from seaweed consumption through increased meat production, while sheep and cattle produce more milk when fed seaweed. Studies indicate that regular seaweed consumption enhances milk output, thereby boosting farmers’ earnings. Norway alone produces approximately 15,000 tons of seaweed meal annually. Given these benefits, the use of commercial seaweeds in the animal feed industry presents a lucrative opportunity for the growth of the commercial seaweed market.

Will the Popularity of the Commercial Seaweed Drives the Leaf Segment for the Growth of the Market?

In 2024, the leaf form of seaweed led the market, accounting for approximately 41.0% of the revenue share. Seaweed leaves have long been integral to local cuisines from Japan to Indonesia, featuring in dishes such as Sushi, Nori, Onigiri, and Pandan. Additionally, seaweed has been a staple in Icelandic, Norwegian, and Irish cuisines for the past millennium.

Recently, the popularity of seaweed has surged globally, finding its way into a diverse array of dishes beyond its traditional uses. It is now commonly used as a vegetable additive, incorporated into salads, and even utilized in pickles.

This growing favor in various international cuisines underscores the versatility and appeal of seaweed, contributing to its prominent market position. The increasing demand for seaweed in both traditional and contemporary culinary applications highlight its expanding role in the global food industry.

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Country/Region Wise Acumens

Will Increasing Nutritional Benefits of Seaweed Drives the North American Region for the Commercial Seaweed Market?

North America is expected to hold a significant market share over the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing popularity of seaweed-based food products in the region. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are drawn to the nutritional benefits of seaweed, incorporating it into their diets in various forms such as snacks, salads, and supplements.

Commercial seaweed market in North America, as people become more aware of the health benefits of seaweed eating, they are incorporating these nutrient-dense marine plants into their diets. Seaweeds are high in important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and they contain unique bioactive substances that promote general health and wellness. These nutritional advantages include high quantities of iodine, which promotes thyroid function, as well as calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for bone and cardiovascular health. The increasing demand for functional foods and dietary supplements that support a healthy lifestyle is driving the commercial seaweed market in North America.

Will Asian Pacific Expand the Commercial Seaweed Market?

The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the global commercial seaweed market during the forecast period, primarily due to its vast population, which translates into a larger market share.

The increasing consumer awareness of seaweed’s benefits is also driving significant demand for commercial seaweed in the region. China leads global seaweed production, followed by Japan and the Republic of Korea. However, seaweed production has now become widespread across all continents.

In China, seaweed is a staple ingredient in various cuisines, valued for its nutritional content and ability to enhance dishes with unique textures, Flavors, and pleasant aromas. This culinary versatility is contributing to the rising demand for seaweed throughout the Asia Pacific region. As more consumers recognize the health benefits and culinary potential of seaweed, its popularity continues to grow, solidifying the region’s dominance in the global commercial seaweed market.

Competitive Landscape

The commercial seaweed market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support.

The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players operating in the commercial seaweed market include

Wild Irish Seaweeds, Acadian Sea Plus, Organic Irish Seaweed-Emerald Isle, KwangcheonKIm, Cascadia Seaweed, Ocean Rainforest, Springtide Seaweed, LLC, Earaybio, Aushadh Limited., BY VIET DELTA, Shore Seaweed, Raw Seaweeds, Cargill, Incorporated, AtSeaNova, Kelp Industries Pty, Ltd., Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Marcel Carrageenan, Pacific Harvest, Seaweed Solutions AS, The Seaweed Company, Irish Seaweeds.

Latest Developments

• In March 2024, Sea6 Energy, a seaweed company, initiated the world’s first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia.
• In May 2023, Loliware introduced a new seaweed resin as a replacement for plastics at the International Materials Conference.
• In September 2022, ICAR-CMFRI’s seaweed farming project in Chet lath, Lakshadweep, India, established six plots with 100 tube nets each, holding a seed stock size of 3 tons per plot.
• In February 2021, Cargill Inc., a global food corporation, launched a new seaweed powder derived from Gracilaria red seaweed, a traditional ingredient in Europe.

Report Scope

Commercial Seaweed Market, By Category

Product

• Red Seaweed
• Green Seaweed
• Brown Seaweed
• Other Types

Form

• Leaf
• Powdered
• Flakes
• Liquid

Application

• Agriculture Fertilizer
• Animal Feed Additives
• Human Consumption
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Biofuels
• Bio Plastics
• Textiles
• Waste Water Treatment
• Hydrocolloids

Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World

Research Methodology of Market Research

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• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving both economic as well as non-economic factors• Provision of market value (USD Billion) data for each segment and sub-segment• Indicates the region and segment that is expected to witness the fastest growth as well as to dominate the market• Analysis by geography highlighting the consumption of the product/service in the region as well as indicating the factors that are affecting the market within each region• Competitive landscape which incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled• Extensive company profiles comprising of company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players• The current as well as the future market outlook of the industry with respect to recent developments which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging as well as developed regions• Includes in-depth analysis of the market of various perspectives through Porter’s five forces analysis• Provides insight into the market through Value Chain• Market dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come• 6-month post-sales analyst support

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