[193 Pages Report] The Commercial Seaweeds Market size was estimated at USD 21.61 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 23.19 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 8.19% to reach USD 37.50 billion by 2030.
Commercial seaweeds refer to a broad category of macroscopic marine algae harvested for commercial use. These natural resources, predominantly found along rocky shorelines worldwide, are utilized in various applications, including human food products, animal feed, fertilizers, biofuels, and key ingredients in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The shift towards healthier lifestyles has elevated consumer demand for food products with nutritional benefits, including those high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are abundant in seaweeds. Moreover, with a rising global emphasis on sustainable farming practices, seaweeds are gaining popularity as an organic fertilizer and soil conditioner owing to their high micronutrient content and biostimulant properties. However, changes in ocean temperatures and water pollution can affect seaweed cultivation and quality. In addition, stringent regulations regarding the harvesting and processing seaweeds may hinder market expansion. Furthermore, improvements in processing and extraction technologies and expanding utilization of seaweed-derived compounds as a potential source for biofuels and bioplastics offer significant growth opportunities to the market.
Brown seaweeds, primarily from the Phaeophyceae class, are a critical segment of the commercial seaweed market. Due to their high alginate content, species such as kelp and Ascophyllum are broadly utilized in food, agriculture, and biofuel industries. These seaweeds are particularly valued for their thickening and stabilizing properties, making them excellent for ice creams and cosmetics. Green seaweeds come from the Chlorophyta class and are less commonly used than their brown and red counterparts. They are often used in the cosmetics industry for their gelling properties and potential skincare benefits. Furthermore, Green seaweeds such as sea lettuce are popular in culinary applications, particularly within health food markets, because of their high protein content and vitamins. Red seaweeds account for a significant share of the commercial seaweed market, with species such as nori and dulse being highly popular. They are predominantly used for human consumption, especially in East Asian cuisines. Carrageenan extracted from red seaweeds is widely used as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent. Its applications span the food and beverage industry, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals.
Seaweed flakes are dehydrated seaweeds processed into small, flat pieces. This form is commonly used in culinary applications, as it can easily be added to dishes such as soups, salads, and stews to enhance flavor and nutritive value with minerals, including iodine. Liquid seaweed products are typically derived from the extraction or solubilization of seaweeds. These products are favored for their ease of application in agricultural activities as biostimulants and in the cosmetic industry as components in skin and hair care formulations. Seaweed powder is made by drying and finely grinding seaweed. This form allows for a concentrated source of seaweed nutrients and is versatile in various applications, from health supplements to food additives and agricultural products.
In the agricultural sector, seaweeds are used as biofertilizers and soil conditioners. They are rich in beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil quality and plant growth by providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Seaweeds serve as an essential supplement in animal feed due to the high content of minerals, proteins, and vitamins. They are known to improve gut health, increase immunity, and enhance overall livestock productivity. The preference in animal feed hinges on the health benefits and nutritional richness seaweed can provide for animals.
Seaweed extracts are popular in cosmetics for their moisturizing, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties. They cater to consumer preferences for natural and organic personal care products. As human food, seaweeds are consumed for their health benefits, including high fiber content, low calories, and rich vitamins and minerals. Seaweeds feature prominently in various cuisines, especially in Asian diets. The need is driven by the growing consumer trend towards nutritious and plant-based foods. The pharmaceutical segment leverages seaweeds for their bioactive components, making them valuable in drug development. They are used for their antiviral, antibacterial, and anticoagulant properties. The ongoing research into seaweed influences the demand in this sector as a source of novel medical compounds.
The commercial seaweed market in the Americas is increasing, with the United States and Canada as key players. The health-conscious consumer segment drives the U.S. market, looking for natural and sustainable product alternatives. Seaweeds are increasingly used in health foods, snacks, and as functional ingredients. In Canada, the market is developing due to the increasing use of seaweed in animal feed, agriculture, and nutraceuticals. Investments in the Americas tend to center around sustainable harvesting, innovative product development, and expansion of seaweed aquaculture. EU countries demonstrate strong growth potential, increasing demand for seaweeds as food additives in hydrocolloids and cosmetics. The market for seaweeds in the Middle East is relatively small but growing due to its health benefits and functionality as a food additive. The Asia Pacific region dominates the global commercial seaweed market, with countries including China, Japan, and India leading the production and consumption. Seaweeds are an integral part of the diet in this region; thus, consumer needs are driven primarily by traditional usage in food applications. The aquaculture industry in APAC is robust and benefits from governmental support and investments in research and development, which has significantly enhanced the demand for commercial seaweed.
The FPNV Positioning Matrix is pivotal in evaluating the Commercial Seaweeds Market. It offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining key metrics related to Business Strategy and Product Satisfaction. This in-depth analysis empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success: Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).
The Market Share Analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth examination of the current state of vendors in the Commercial Seaweeds Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions in terms of overall revenue, customer base, and other key metrics, we can offer companies a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With this expanded level of detail, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.
Seaweed Start-Up Secures Fresh Funds Million to Scale and Commercialise
Oceanium secured USD 2.6 million to scale up its proprietary biorefinery technology to meet market demand for its seaweed ingredients and materials. With an emphasis on sustainability, the company's innovative approach to harvesting and processing seaweed aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. The company's strategic roadmap includes leveraging the capital for technological advancements, optimizing production efficiency, and enhancing market penetration. [Published On: 2023-09-15]
Loliware Launches New Seaweed Resin to Replace Plastics at International Materials Conference
LOLIWARE unveiled its groundbreaking Seaweed Resin. Debuted at a premiere international materials conference, this innovative bioplastic alternative is poised to revolutionize the materials industry. Harnessing the benefits of seaweed, a renewable and readily biodegradable resource, LOLIWARE’s Seaweed Resin offers a formidable solution that aligns with global sustainability goals. [Published On: 2023-05-16]
Lakshadweep on Government Agenda to Develop it as Seaweed Hub
In an ambitious initiative by the Indian government, the archipelago of Lakshadweep has been identified as a prime location for developing a significant seaweed industry. The government's agenda underscores a commitment to eco-friendly practices and the sustainable cultivation of seaweed, which is envisioned to bolster the local economy and provide employment opportunities. The program is also expected to promote innovation and technological advancements in seaweed cultivation, processing, and application across industries. [Published On: 2023-01-13]
The report delves into recent significant developments in the Commercial Seaweeds Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include Acadian Seaplants Limited, ALGOLESKO, Atlantic Sea Farms, AtSeaNova, Biostadt India Limited, Brandt Consolidated, Inc., Cargill, Inc., Cascadia Seaweed Corp., CJ CheilJedang Corp., CP Kelco U.S., Inc., Dalian Kowa Foods Co., Ltd., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Gelymar S.A., Gimme Health Foods, Inc., Groupe Roullier, Indigrow Ltd., Kelp Industries Pty. Ltd., Mara Seaweed Ltd., Pacific Harvest, Qingdao Judayang Algae Industry Group Co., Ltd., Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd., Seasol International Pty. Ltd., The Cornish Seaweed Company, The Seaweed Company, and W Hydrocolloids, Inc..
This research report categorizes the Commercial Seaweeds Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:
- Type
- Brown
- Green
- Red
- Form
- Flakes
- Liquid
- Powder
- Application
- Agriculture
- Animal Feed
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Human Food
- Pharmaceutical
- Region
- Americas
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- Mexico
- United States
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Asia-Pacific
- Australia
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Europe, Middle East & Africa
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Poland
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Americas
- Market Penetration: It presents comprehensive information on the market provided by key players.
- Market Development: It delves deep into lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the penetration across mature market segments.
- Market Diversification: It provides detailed information on new product launches, untapped geographic regions, recent developments, and investments.
- Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: It conducts an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players.
- Product Development & Innovation: It offers intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments.
- What is the market size and forecast of the Commercial Seaweeds Market?
- Which products, segments, applications, and areas should one consider investing in over the forecast period in the Commercial Seaweeds Market?
- What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Commercial Seaweeds Market?
- What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Commercial Seaweeds Market?
- Which modes and strategic moves are suitable for entering the Commercial Seaweeds Market?
- Preface
- Research Methodology
- Executive Summary
- Market Overview
- Market Insights
- Commercial Seaweeds Market, by Type
- Commercial Seaweeds Market, by Form
- Commercial Seaweeds Market, by Application
- Americas Commercial Seaweeds Market
- Asia-Pacific Commercial Seaweeds Market
- Europe, Middle East & Africa Commercial Seaweeds Market
- Competitive Landscape
- Competitive Portfolio
- List of Figures [Total: 22]
- List of Tables [Total: 290]
- List of Companies Mentioned [Total: 25]
The Food Industry:
Seaweeds have long been a staple in Asian cuisine, but their popularity is steadily increasing in the Western food industry. The plant is incredibly versatile, with different species having unique textures, flavors, and nutritional properties. For example, nori is commonly used in sushi and has an umami flavor, while kelp is used in broths and has a savory taste. More than being a food ingredient, seaweeds have also gained attention for their potential as a natural food preservative that can decrease the need for synthetic preservatives.
The Pharmaceutical Industry:
Seaweeds contain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making them significant players in the pharmaceutical industry. Research has shown that seaweed can be used as a source of natural medicine for various conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation. With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the need for natural remedies, seaweed extracts are being tested as a possible antiviral agent in preventing COVID-19 transmission.
The Personal Care Industry:
Seaweed is a popular ingredient in the personal care industry. They contain polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals that benefit the skin and hair. The plant's natural ability to retain moisture makes it an excellent ingredient in skincare products, hair conditioners, and shampoos. The plant's slimy texture also offers a pleasant sensation in products like body wash and shaving cream.
The Agriculture Industry:
As agriculture shifts towards sustainable practices, shrimp and fish farmers turn to seaweeds as a natural alternative to synthetic feeds. Seaweed-based feeds contain essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that can promote fish growth and immune response. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of disease in farmed fish, making it a valuable asset to the aquaculture industry's profitability and sustainability.
The Environmental Industry:
The rising demand for biodegradable materials has resulted in the development of seaweed-based packaging. This eco-friendly alternative to plastic has a lower carbon footprint and can decompose naturally without polluting the environment. In addition, seaweeds hold significant potential as a source of bioenergy and biofuels since they contain complex carbohydrates that can be used as feedstock.
The commercial seaweed industry is a dynamic and promising development, shifting industries towards sustainable practices. As the world focuses on environmentally conscious solutions, it is essential to recognize seaweeds' potential and the versatility it offers. It is an abundant resource that has been overlooked for centuries, but it has the potential to play an essential role in the future of various industries. We must continue to research and innovate using seaweeds to help create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
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