Commercial Seaweed Market Trends

Statistics for the 2023 & 2024 Commercial Seaweed market trends, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Commercial Seaweed trend report includes a market forecast to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry trends analysis as a free report PDF download.

Market Trends of Commercial Seaweed Industry

This section covers the major market trends shaping the Commercial Seaweed Market according to our research experts:

Increased Usage of Seaweed in Food Sector due to it Functional Properties and Nutritional Benefits

  • Due to its effectiveness in enhancing the nutritional content of food products, seaweed is in greater demand from the global food sector. Macro algae, for instance, are utilized as a food ingredient or freshly added to foods in countries like the U.S., France, and Canada now that the Asian population has migrated to these nations. Previously, it was primarily consumed in Asia countries. Several hydrocolloids made from seaweed are also employed to boost the stability and thickness of food products.
  • Additionally, it is used to create gels and films that are water-soluble. The most popular macroalgal extracts are alginate, agar, and carrageenan. They are employed in various food products, including ice cream, jam, fruit juice, bakery goods, and others, as gelling, stabilizing, emulsifying, and thickening agents.
  • Beta-carotene, which has been demonstrated to be useful in preventing cancer, is abundant in green algae. The segment growth is anticipated to accelerate over the anticipated timeframe due to the rising demand for green algae in dietary supplements in the form of capsules and tablets. Due to their abundance of biochemicals such as amino acids, proteins, lipids, vitamins, polysaccharides, peptides, and minerals, seaweeds help make food products more functional. This is anticipated to fuel market expansion in the forecast period.
  • Due to its widespread application in agriculture, animal feed, and food & beverage sectors, the brown seaweed segment is anticipated to expand quickly throughout the forecast period. Brown seaweeds are mostly consumed as food and raw material for the hydrocolloid alginate. The substance is also used as a filler in candy bars and salad dressings, as well as an emulsifier and thickening in syrups.
  • The demand for brown seaweeds is anticipated to rise during the expected timeframe due to ongoing research into the usage of alginic acid in lithium-ion batteries. On the other hand, red seaweeds are mainly consumed as food and are a source of the hydrocolloids carrageenan and agar.
  • Additionally, it is an excellent source of alternative proteins due to its high vitamin and protein content. The capacity of red seaweed to reduce bad cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels is one of its primary health advantages. Additionally, it is thought to be a strong source of antioxidants and helps to strengthen immunity while nourishing the skin. These advantages are anticipated to fuel market expansion.
Commercial Seaweed Market: Seaweed Harvesting in Metric Tons, By Volume, Norway, 2018-2021

Asia-Pacific is the Largest Market

  • Asia-Pacific has the largest market for commercial seaweed. The region captures a larger market share as it has the highest population in the world. Moreover, due to the rising consciousness of consumers, the demand for commercial seaweed is increasing significantly. China is the largest seaweed producer, followed by the Republic of Korea and Japan. However, seaweeds are now being produced on all continents. In China, seaweeds are used in various dishes as they provide a certain amount of nutrition. Seaweeds add different textures and flavors to the food and a natural aroma. Thereby, the demand for seaweeds is increasing in Asia-Pacific.
  • Asia is the most productive continent overall, among which China is considered the most productive nation concerning Seaweed production. Many active substances in seaweeds are crucial, such as sulfated polysaccharides, which are valued for their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor characteristics. Because they include essential amino acids in their proteins, seaweeds are typically healthy for your health. 
  • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are among the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in seaweed in significant quantities. Additionally, it has a healthy amount of polyphenols, sterols, and pigments, including fucoxanthin, which has beneficial antioxidant, fungal, microbial, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Due to the various health benefits of seaweed consumption, it is a significant driver, especially in Asia.
Commercial Seaweed Market - Market Size (%), Global, 2021

Commercial Seaweed Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)