Sunflower Seed Concentrate Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Sunflower Seed Concentrate Market size was estimated at USD 1.36 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 1.43 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 5.55% to reach USD 1.98 billion by 2032.

Sunflower seed concentrate has emerged as a pivotal ingredient across multiple industrial domains, from high-performance cosmetics to functional food formulations and advanced pharmaceutical applications. This uniquely versatile product, derived from the mechanical and solvent extraction of dehulled sunflower seeds, offers a concentrated source of proteins, fibers, and bioactive compounds. Its intrinsic nutritional and functional properties make it an ideal natural alternative for manufacturers seeking clean label solutions and sustainable sourcing. As global interest in plant-based and natural ingredients intensifies, the sunflower seed concentrate market stands at the intersection of consumer demand, regulatory trends, and technological innovation, underscoring its strategic importance in modern formulations.

Amid shifting consumer preferences towards transparency and health-conscious choices, sunflower seed concentrate is increasingly recognized for its superior stability, hypoallergenic profile, and compatibility with diverse formulation matrices. This shift is further catalyzed by rising demand for plant-based protein and fiber ingredients, particularly in the food and nutraceutical sectors. With global sunflower seed production forecasted to reach 58.5 million tonnes for the 2024/25 marketing year, slight declines in seeded acreage are expected to be offset by yield improvements, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of this supply chain. Concurrently, leading agribusinesses are expanding processing capacities to meet surging oilseed demand, signaling robust future growth in downstream concentrate products.

Over the past five years, the sunflower seed concentrate landscape has undergone profound transformation driven by evolving regulatory frameworks, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and breakthrough extraction technologies. Sustainability has moved to the forefront, prompting brand owners to demand transparent sourcing and traceable supply chains. Consequently, producers have accelerated adoption of cold-pressing and solvent-free extraction methods to minimize environmental impact and enhance product purity. Moreover, the development of high oleic sunflower hybrids has redefined oxidative stability standards, enabling new applications in heat-sensitive formulations and extending shelf life.

Simultaneously, global trade disruptions have spurred diversification of procurement strategies. Traditional reliance on Eastern European origins has given way to a more balanced geographic spread, as exporters in South America and the United States step up to fill supply gaps. Digital supply chain platforms and advanced analytics have further reshaped sourcing practices, reducing lead times and optimizing inventory management. These technological and strategic shifts underscore the sector’s evolution, as stakeholders adapt to emerging consumer demands and navigate a more complex, interconnected marketplace.

In 2025, the United States implemented a series of tariffs that have significantly affected the import and pricing dynamics of sunflower seed concentrates. A 25 percent tariff was introduced on goods from any country importing Venezuelan oil under Executive Order 14245, creating indirect pressures on supply routes linked to key origins in the Black Sea region. Concurrently, the U.S. maintains a Most Favored Nation duty rate of 1.7 cents per kilogram plus 3.4 percent ad valorem on crude sunflower seed oil and its fractions, raising baseline costs for concentrate production when imported inputs are used. These measures, combined with reciprocal tariffs from trading partners, have amplified volatility across supply and contract pricing structures.

Beyond standard duties, country-specific bilateral agreements introduced additional levies on vegetable oils in 2025, affecting non-USMCA sources and driving procurement towards domestic crush capacity. Industry participants have reported rerouting of volumes away from higher-tariff origins, coupled with greater investment in local processing to insulate margins. This cumulative impact of layered tariff structures underscores the critical need for agile sourcing strategies and adaptive pricing models, as stakeholders contend with elevated input costs and evolving trade policies.

The sunflower seed concentrate market is characterized by its diverse application segments spanning animal feed, cosmetics and personal care, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, each with unique formulation requirements. In animal feed, the high-protein and fiber content of concentrate supports nutritional optimization for livestock, while in hair care and skin care formulations, natural emollients and antioxidant compounds enhance product efficacy and consumer appeal. Within food and beverage, bakery products leverage the functional binding and moisture retention properties of concentrate, beverages benefit from its protein fortification capabilities, confectionery uses it to improve texture, and dairy analogues utilize it for stable emulsification. Pharmaceuticals employ drug delivery platforms and nutraceutical blends where the concentrate’s bioactive profile adds value.

Form-based differentiation further refines market positioning, with liquid concentrates favored in cosmetic serums and liquid nutritionals, paste forms utilized in bakery premixes and pet food formulations, and powder variants leading in nutraceutical tablets and instant beverage mixes. Type-wise, high oleic sunflower concentrates command a premium for oxidative resistance and health-oriented labeling, whereas linoleic variants remain prominent in traditional feed and industrial formulations. Source-based insights reveal that organic concentrates are increasingly preferred in clean label product lines, even as conventional variants retain strong industrial usage. Packaging formats encompass bulk drums and tankers for large-scale processors and retail bottles and pouches for consumer-facing brands, each tailored to storage, handling, and usage patterns across end markets.

Regional dynamics play a decisive role in shaping the competitive landscape for sunflower seed concentrate. In the Americas, robust crushing capacity and integrated supply chains have fostered a mature domestic market, where the United States and Canada jointly support strong feed, food, and personal care demand. The presence of major oilseed processors and proximity to raw material sources contribute to efficient logistics and cost-effective manufacturing.

Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, consumption is underpinned by established culinary traditions and a sophisticated personal care sector, though import reliance remains high for specialized concentrate grades. In particular, European facilities focus on advanced lecithins and niche high-oleic variants, while Middle Eastern and North African markets depend on stable shipments of conventional concentrates. In the Asia-Pacific region, rapid growth in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and clean label cosmetics has accelerated imports, with leading suppliers in Mexico and Argentina accounting for the lion’s share of U.S. imports-$32.6 million and $27.2 million respectively-reflecting a strategic pivot toward reliable Americas origins. As these diverse regional appetites evolve, supply chain flexibility and market-specific formulations will be critical to meeting localized requirements.

A handful of industry players dominate the global sunflower seed concentrate space, leveraging vast processing networks and integrated supply chains. Archer Daniels Midland maintains a leading position through its extensive oilseed processing and crush facilities, even as it reorganizes operations to optimize costs and efficiency in response to market pressures. Bunge has similarly invested in innovative joint ventures, such as the Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables plant in Louisiana, designed to process soybeans alongside softseeds including sunflower, signaling a strategic expansion into renewable feedstocks and resilience in feed ingredient supply.

Beyond the global giants, specialized importers and organic processors drive niche segments of the market. Pipeline Foods LLC, DFI Organics Inc., and Sourcing Organics have emerged as top importers of sunflower seed oilcake and meal, ensuring consistent concentrate supply for organic and non-GMO product lines. These companies’ agility and focus on value-added processing underscore the competitive dynamics within higher-growth segments and highlight the importance of supply chain partnerships in securing premium feedstock.

Industry leaders should prioritize geographic diversification of procurement to mitigate tariff-induced cost fluctuations and geopolitical disruptions. Establishing regional processing hubs near high-growth markets will enhance supply chain agility and reduce transit times. Embracing high oleic and organic seed varieties will support premium positioning and meet evolving consumer demands in health and personal care segments. Strategic partnerships with technology providers can drive innovation in solvent-free extraction and fractionation, boosting yield and purity while minimizing environmental impact.

Furthermore, stakeholders should engage proactively with regulatory bodies to anticipate and adapt to trade policy changes, leveraging data-driven trade intelligence for real-time decision making. Investment in digital platforms for demand forecasting and inventory optimization will further strengthen operational resilience. By aligning product development with clean label trends and reinforcing sustainable sourcing narratives, companies can solidify market leadership and unlock new growth opportunities across diverse end-use applications.

This analysis is underpinned by a comprehensive research framework combining secondary and primary data sources. Trade and customs databases, including the U.S. International Trade Commission’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule and global trade flow repositories, informed tariff analysis and import-export trends. Industry publications and commodity intelligence platforms provided insights into production forecasts and regional supply dynamics. Primary interviews with supply chain executives, feed and personal care formulators, and agricultural associations validated quantitative findings and enriched contextual understanding.

The segmentation analysis was structured around application, form, type, source, and packaging dimensions, ensuring a granular view of market drivers. Data triangulation and cross-referencing across multiple sources ensured accuracy and robustness, while thematic workshops with subject matter experts refined strategic implications and tailored recommendations for decision makers.

Sunflower seed concentrate stands at the vanguard of natural ingredient innovation, reflecting deep shifts in consumer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and technological capabilities. The interplay of sustainability imperatives, tariff pressures, and supply chain realignments has reshaped market dynamics, elevating the focus on high-value formulations and resilient procurement strategies. Segmentation insights reveal distinct pathways for growth across feed, food, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing the strategic importance of tailored product offerings.

Regional and corporate analyses highlight the critical role of integrated processing networks and specialized importers in meeting diverse market requirements. As the industry navigates evolving trade policies and sustainability benchmarks, the ability to combine operational excellence with agile innovation will determine future success. The recommendations outlined in this report offer a roadmap for stakeholders to strengthen competitive positioning, leverage emerging opportunities, and ultimately drive long-term value in the sunflower seed concentrate sector.

Are you prepared to harness the comprehensive insights and strategic analysis that will propel your organization to the forefront of the sunflower seed concentrate market? Reach out to Ketan Rohom, Associate Director of Sales & Marketing at 360iResearch, to secure your copy of the in-depth research report. This essential resource offers unparalleled clarity on market dynamics, competitive positioning, and actionable strategies, equipping your team with the knowledge needed to navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Engage today to make informed decisions and drive sustained growth.