Commercial Seaweed Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8%, is reported by Maximize Market Research
Commercial Seaweed Market is forecasted to reach USD 35.47 Bn by 2032. The commercial seaweed market is primarily driven by rising demand for sustainable, plant-based ingredients across food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Market to Hit USD 35.47 Bn by 2032
Commercial Seaweed Market was USD 19.16 Bn in 2024 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2025 to 2032, reaching USD 35.47 Bn by 2032. European commercial seaweed is expected to pass 3.30 billion USD in 2024 and reach 3.72 billion USD in 2029, developing at a compounded yearly development pace of 2.41% during this period. Seaweed is harvested globally in excess of 36 million metric tons in 2024, more than 85% of which is derived from aquaculture operations. This demand continues to be driven by rising application in food (52% of use), agriculture (18% of use), and pharmaceuticals (11% of use). Global demand for seaweeds hydrocolloids (carrageenan, agar, alginate) exceeded USD 6.2 billion in 2024 and is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% between 2024 and 2032. Seaweed’s application in biostimulants has expanded in parallel with sustainable agriculture megatrends and regulatory shifts favouring organic agriculture, with YoY growth at 15%.
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Market Segmentation
By Product: The product segment consists of: Brown seaweed accounted for 56.7% of the market. For example, important species of brown seaweed like Laminaria, Saccharina, and Ascophyllum are cultivated in China, Japan and South Korea. In 2024, production of brown seaweed worldwide remained above 21 million metric tons and was also the leading contributor to alginate extraction, with a total value of USD 1.8 billion.
By Form: In 2024, powdered seaweed held a significant share of 43.2% in the market and finds extensive application in food ingredients, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Rising demand for convenient-to-mix, shelf-stable formulations for beverages, soups, protein mixes, and face masks is projected to drive growth of the powdered segment at a CAGR of 8.6%.
Market Regional Analysis
Europe, commands a 20% share of the global commercial seaweed market and is valued at close to USD 3.8 billion in 2024. France, Ireland, Norway and the UK are reference points for both consumption and innovation. Brown and red seaweed cultivation for cosmetic, nutraceutical, and functional food applications is dominated by France and Ireland.
North America, accounts for an increasing share of the global market about USD 2.5 billion in views in 2024, 13% share – and has one of the fastest-growing CAGRs of 9.2% in the world. The United States and Canada are the main contributors in the region. The U.S. has seen increasing consumer interest in seaweed-based snacks, supplements and personal care products, with health and sustainability being top reasons for purchase.
Asia Pacific, continues to dominate the commercial seaweed market, accounting for approximately 58% of the global share in 2024, with a market size of USD 11.1 billion. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and India are at the forefront of seaweed cultivation and processing.
Market Trends and Development
- Growing trends towards plant-based and clean-label products in food and cosmetics.
- Adoption of methods of offshore and IMTA (Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture) farming.
- Expansion of bioplastics, packaging and biofuels from seaweed.
- Diversification into nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets.
- Accelerated investments in R&D in marine biotechnology and seaweed processing.
Market Competitive Landscape
Cargill Inc.: Global revenue: USD 177 billion (2024). Holds 15% market share in the seaweed-derived hydrocolloids segment. Focused on expanding Asian seaweed processing hubs. In January 2025,
Invested USD 100 million in a Philippines-based facility capable of processing 50,000 metric tons/year, aimed at scaling sustainable hydrocolloid production.
DuPont de Nemours Inc.: Revenue: USD 13.3 billion (2024). Invested over USD 30 million in 2024 for developing seaweed-based additives for food and personal care. In February 2025, Partnered with AlgaMar (Spain) to co-develop seaweed-based emulsifiers, with a joint R&D budget of USD 12 million targeting clean-label product lines in the EU.
Gelymar SA: Carrageenan specialist with a global supply share of 8.6%. Focused on clean-label alternatives and texturizers for plant-based dairy and desserts. In April 2025, Achieved USD 250 million in 2024 revenue, with a 12% YoY increase, led by European and North American demand for carrageenan-based food thickeners.
Conclusion
- The use of seaweed in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel can provide long-term growth potential.
- Innovations in technology are also changing farming and processing by improving both quality and yield, as well as profitability.
- Support from governments and investments from the private sector are turbocharging global market expansion and R&D.
- Uniform growth still depends on addressing the key challenges of sustainability, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
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