Global Seaweed Extracts Market 2025–2034

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the global Seaweed Extracts Market is expected to record a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 1.9 Billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 2.9 Billion.

Seaweeds, which flourish in the cold waters of the world, serve as the primary source of extracts derived from these marine organisms. These seaweed extracts are typically obtained from three main categories of macroalgae: red algae (Rhodophyta), brown algae (Phaeophyceae), and green algae (Chlorophyta).

Originally, seaweed intended for human consumption was harvested from the ocean or collected from shorelines, particularly in regions like China, Japan, and Korea, where it has been a staple in local cuisine. In these areas, locally grown seaweeds were readily consumed due to their availability and freshness.

The evolution of seaweed from a local dietary item to a global commercial commodity can be attributed to its remarkable properties. Seaweed can be dried, retain its shape for extended periods, and be easily transported. These qualities have made it a valuable resource with diverse applications.

One significant avenue for the growth of the seaweed industry lies in its increasing demand across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on agriculture. When utilized in fertilizers, seaweed offers a cost-effective means to enhance agricultural production. It fortifies crops’ natural defences, equipping them to repel pests such as aphids and red spider mites.

Seaweed Extracts Market Growth Factors

In recent years, the seaweed extracts market has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by innovative applications in the production of biofuels such as bio-butanol, serving as a viable diesel substitute. Seaweeds, owing to their substantial carbohydrate content, have emerged as a promising resource for the production of bioethanol and biogas.

Furthermore, seaweed extracts are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them valuable ingredients for skincare products. These extracts contribute to skin softening, soothing, and reducing irritation while maintaining the skin’s natural balance. Additionally, the presence of calming marine botanical elements in seaweed extracts is effective in alleviating skin irritation caused by environmental factors.

As the seaweed extract market exhibits tremendous potential and experiences consistent growth, it has become increasingly competitive and sensitive to pricing dynamics. This heightened competition is further fueled by the significant alginate content in seaweed extracts, which has gained attention for its potential in weight management. Consequently, the growing consumption of snack foods and the expanding pharmaceutical industry is expected to drive further expansion in the seaweed extract market. Moreover, seaweed extracts find applications in the production of fertilizers, insecticides, and animal feed, leading to an upsurge in demand within these sectors. This diverse range of uses underscores the versatility and growing relevance of seaweed extracts across multiple industries.

Several factors present constraints on the global seaweed extracts market. Foremost among these is the challenging extraction process, which serves as a primary impediment. Additionally, the market faces hurdles in meeting the demand for clean-label products. Within the seaweed extract industry, participants encounter considerable obstacles associated with regulatory compliance. Stringent governmental regulations necessitate multiple clearance steps for industry players. Moreover, ongoing scrutiny by health-conscious consumers further compounds these challenges.

Seaweed Extracts Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

• In February of 2021, Cargill introduced red seaweed powder as a strategic move to compete with Accenture’s smooth and creamy dairy products. What sets this product apart is its commitment to preserving the natural components of seaweed, achieved through a production process devoid of chemical alterations. This development has significantly broadened the potential for expansion within the seaweed extract industry.

• Then, in January of 2023, UPL AgroSolutions Canada (UPL), a renowned provider of global sustainable agricultural solutions, received approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to launch its WAVE biostimulant in Canada. The WAVE biostimulant utilizes a liquid seaweed extract to stimulate the absorption of nutrients by crops, thereby enhancing overall plant vitality, growth, and health. This regulatory permission opens up new avenues for agricultural innovation and sustainability in Canada.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Seaweed Extracts Market Significant Threats

• Challenging Extraction Processes: The intricate and demanding extraction methods required for seaweed extracts present a persistent challenge, potentially limiting the market’s scalability.

• Clean-Label Demands: The growing consumer preference for clean-label products poses a threat to the market, as meeting these stringent criteria can be complex and costly.

• Stringent Regulatory Compliance: The need to adhere to strict regulatory requirements set forth by various governments necessitates substantial efforts and resources, creating a barrier to market entry and growth.

• Consumer Health Scrutiny: Increasing consumer scrutiny regarding the health implications of seaweed extracts may lead to hesitation among potential consumers, affecting market expansion.

• Competitive Landscape: The market’s competitiveness, driven by various players seeking to innovate and gain a foothold, adds an element of uncertainty and competitive pressure to industry participants.

• Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions, including seaweed cultivation challenges, could impact the availability and quality of raw materials, thereby affecting market stability.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

Based on Type:

In the global seaweed extracts market, the segmentation by type includes red, brown, and green seaweeds. Among these segments, the brown seaweed category emerges as the dominant force, holding the largest share of revenue throughout the forecast period.

This supremacy can be attributed to the extensive utilization of brown seaweed extracts, derived from species such as kelp, wakame, and kombu, across diverse industries including food and beverages, cosmetics, and agriculture.

The prominence of brown seaweed extracts is underscored by their exceptional qualities. They are esteemed for their elevated nutritional content, rich reservoir of bioactive compounds, and versatile functional properties.

Notably, brown seaweed extracts are frequently abundant in polysaccharides, alginates, fucoidan, and various other bioactive components, rendering them highly desirable for a multitude of applications.

Based on Form:

The global seaweed extracts market is categorized by form into liquid, powder, and flakes. Among these segments, the liquid form stands out as the dominant force within the market, primarily driven by its substantial demand within the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

Conversely, the flakes segment is poised for notable growth, particularly in applications within consumable products like snacks. Additionally, flakes find utility in various horticultural applications, including potting soil, field crops, vegetable and flower gardens, and turf grass.

Meanwhile, the powder form is employed across a spectrum of uses, such as in potting soil, field crops, vegetable and flower gardens, and turf grass.

Based on Application:

In the context of the application, the global seaweed extracts market is categorized into four segments: food & beverage, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. Notably, the agriculture segment emerges as the market leader, commanding the largest share throughout the forecast period.

This is primarily attributable to its widespread utilization in horticulture, herbicides, and fertilizers, making agriculture a substantial contributor to the overall market. In the food and beverage sector, seaweed extracts are significantly consumed, particularly in snack production, where they serve as essential thickening and gelling agents.

Beyond snacks, these extracts have gained prominence as a valuable commercial dietary product, offering benefits such as weight management, improved digestion, and reduced cholesterol levels. In summary, the seaweed extracts market experiences robust demand across diverse applications, with agriculture leading the way due to its multifaceted usage, followed closely by the food and beverage sector, which harnesses the extracts’ functional properties for various purposes.

Seaweed Extracts Market Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific:

Asia Pacific takes the lead in significant market growth during the projected period, primarily driven by its substantial use in agriculture, including horticulture, herbicides, and fertilizers. Agriculture represents a substantial portion of the overall demand for these products in the region.

Moreover, the consumption of seaweed extracts in food applications, notably snacks, is notably high. These extracts serve as crucial thickening and gelling agents within the food industry, enhancing their commercial appeal. Beyond this, they have gained recognition as potent dietary supplements, known for their potential to support weight management, enhance digestion, and reduce cholesterol levels.

Furthermore, the utilization of these products is on the rise in countries with strong agricultural economies, such as India. They play a pivotal role in bolstering crop yields, particularly for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Additionally, these extracts contribute to fortifying plants’ natural defenses against pests.

In summary, the Asia Pacific region stands at the forefront of market growth, fueled by their diverse applications in agriculture and food industries, and their positive impact on crop production and plant protection in agricultural economies like India.

North America:

North America, spearheaded by the United States, is poised to be the second-fastest-growing region during the forecasted period. This region commands a significant market share in the realm of seaweed extracts, primarily attributable to ongoing endeavours in research and development within the organic and herbal product sectors.

Additionally, the utilization of seaweed extracts in the food industry has contributed to the region’s robust market presence. Furthermore, the demand for these extracts has surged notably, owing to their incorporation into cosmetic products such as shower gels and tubs. This diversification of applications further bolsters North America’s position in the global seaweed extracts market.

List of the prominent players in the Seaweed Extracts Market:

• Grow More Inc.
• Chase Organics and Ocean Harvest Technology
• Alga-Net and AlgAran Seaweed Products Ireland
• Kelpak
• Algea the Arctic Company
• Shigawake Organics Ltd.
• Unilever
• Ocean organics
• Suboneyo Chemicals Pharmaceuticals Limited
• INDIGROW LTD.
• Saosis Biotech Private Limited
• AJ Products Pty Ltd
• Mycsa AG
• North American Kelp
• Yash Chemicals Ltd.
• Technaflora Plant Products Ltd.
• Aveeno Active Naturals
• Arihant Bio Fertichem Pvt. Ltd.
• Others

The Seaweed Extracts Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Red
• Brown
• Green

By Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Flakes

By Application

• Food & Beverage
• Agriculture
• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutraceuticals

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America