Seaweed Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis, and Forecast (2025 – 2031)

Seaweed Market Size
The global seaweed market size was valued at $22.02 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $42.54 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period.

Seaweed Market Overview
Seaweed is increasingly recognized for its nutritional benefits, serving as a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly iodine, which is essential for thyroid health. As consumers become more health-conscious, companies can capitalize on the rising demand for seaweed-based products by incorporating these ingredients into a variety of food items, supplements, and even beauty products. Company like Ocean's Halo launched a line of organic seaweed snacks aimed at health-conscious consumers seeking low-calorie, nutrient-dense alternatives to traditional snacks. Additionally, the growing trend of plant-based diets has led to increased interest in seaweed as a sustainable food source; for example, the startup Kelp Foods introduced kelp-based sauces and condiments in early 2023, appealing to environmentally aware consumers. Overall, the combination of health benefits associated with seaweed and its versatility in various culinary applications positions companies to benefit significantly from this burgeoning market.

Seaweed Market Dynamics
The seaweed market is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to the increasing consumer awareness of health benefits associated with seaweed, growing demand for plant-based and sustainable food sources, and expansion of applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, the volatility in seaweed prices due to climate change and environmental factors, limited awareness and availability in non-Asian markets, regulatory challenges related to food safety and quality standards are restraining the growth of the market.

Furthermore, development of innovative seaweed-based food products and snacks, expansion into untapped markets in North America and Europe, and utilization of seaweed in animal feed to enhance livestock nutrition are the key trends propelling the seaweed market. 

Increasing Consumer Awareness of the Health Benefits Associated with Seaweed is Driving the Seaweed Market
The Increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with seaweed is significantly impacting the seaweed market, driving growth and innovation. 
• Companies like Ocean's Halo have capitalized on this trend by launching organic seaweed snacks, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for nutritious snack alternatives. 
• Additionally, in 2024, the European Union initiated the Blue Growth strategy, which promotes sustainable seaweed farming as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and health. 
The increasing popularity of plant-based diets further fuels demand; 
• For instance, Nori, commonly used in sushi, has gained traction in Western markets, with products available in major grocery chains like Whole Foods.
• Furthermore, a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization noted that seaweed farming production increased from 2.2 million tonnes in 2000 to over 30 million tonnes in 2018, highlighting the growing recognition of seaweed as a valuable food source. These developments underscore how heightened consumer awareness is propelling the seaweed market forward.

By Application, the Animal Feed Additives Segment is projected to be the Largest Segment in the Seaweed Market
Animal Feed Additives are the largest segment in the seaweed market, driven by several interrelated factors, including nutritional benefits, sustainability, and government initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices. For instance, seaweed is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that enhance livestock health and productivity. It has been shown to improve digestion and nutrient absorption in animals, leading to better growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. 
• Companies like Cargill and Alltech are actively investing in research to develop seaweed-based feed solutions that not only boost animal health but also contribute to reducing methane emissions from livestock, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Moreover, various government initiatives are supporting the integration of seaweed into animal diets. 
• For example, in India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been validating formulations that utilize seaweed as a feed additive to improve productivity in poultry and cattle. 
These formulations have demonstrated benefits such as enhanced immune response and higher milk calcium content.

By Geography, Asia-Pacific Holds the Largest Share in the Market Revenue
Asia-Pacific holds the largest share of the seaweed market, driven by combination of cultural significance, health benefits, and government support for sustainable practices. 
• Countries like China and Indonesia lead the way, producing 20.8 million MT and 9.62 million MT of seaweed respectively, driven by established aquaculture practices and favorable coastal environments. 
• In November 2022, the Indonesian government launched initiatives to modernize its seaweed industry, providing high-quality seeds and enhancing farming techniques to boost export earnings and improve coastal livelihoods. 
• Additionally, in Japan, a new seaweed regeneration initiative was introduced in November 2019 by Nippon Steel Company and Furuu District Fisheries Cooperative Association to advance the fisheries sector, demonstrating ongoing investment in sustainable practices. 
The increasing incorporation of seaweed into diets across Asia, particularly in countries like South Korea and Japan, where it is a staple in traditional cuisine, further fuels domestic demand. As consumers become more health-conscious, the recognition of seaweed's nutritional benefits such as being rich in vitamins and minerals continues to drive its popularity in various food products, contributing significantly to the robust growth of the seaweed market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Target Audience:
• Seaweed Producers  
• Food Manufacturers   
• Animal Feed Manufacturers    
• Nutraceutical Companies    
• Agricultural Sector

List of the Key Players Profiled in the Report Includes: 
• COMPO EXPERT GmbH And Co. KG
• GimMe Health Foods LLC
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Irish Seaweeds 
• Mara Seaweed Ltd. 
• Brandt, Inc.
• Groupe Roullier SA
• Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Inc.
• Annie Chun's, Inc.
• Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group Co., Ltd.

Recent Developments:
• In October 2024, GimMe Seaweed announced the launch of a new Korean BBQ flavor of their roasted seaweed snacks, available on Amazon and in various retailers, celebrating Korean culture through food.
• In September 2024, Irish Seaweeds (The Seaweed Company) opened Ireland’s first seaweed processing facility in Mulroy Bay, Donegal, using EU funds. The plant can clean, shred, fast-dry, and bag harvested kelp within three hours—boosting local supply for food, horticulture, and pharma markets.

Market Segmentation:
The research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with size, share, and forecast for the below segments:

Market by, Product Type: 
• Red
• Brown
• Green

Market by, Application:
• Food
• Medicines
• Chemical & Fertilizers
• Animal Feed Additives
• Building Materials
• Energy Sources

Market by, Geography:
The seaweed market report also analyzes the major geographic regions and countries of the market. The regions and countries covered in the study include:
• North America (The United States, Canada, Mexico), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

The report offers insights into the following aspects:
• Analysis of major market trends, factors driving, restraining, threatening, and providing opportunities for the market.
• Analysis of the market structure by identifying various segments and sub-segments of the market.
• Understand the revenue forecast of the market for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.
• Analysis of opportunities by identification of high-growth segments/revenue pockets in the market.
• Understand major player profiles in the market and analyze their business strategies.
• Understand competitive developments such as joint ventures, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches in the market.

Table Of Content

1 Market Introduction             
    1.1 Market Definition         
    1.2 Research Scope and Segmentation         
    1.3 Stakeholders         
    1.4 List of Abbreviations         
              
2 Executive Summary             
              
3 Research Methodology             
    3.1 Identification of Data         
    3.2 Data Analysis         
    3.3 Verification         
    3.4 Data Sources         
    3.5 Assumptions         
              
4 Market Dynamics             
    4.1 Market Drivers         
    4.2 Market Restraints         
    4.3 Market Opportunities         
    4.4 Market Challenges         
              
5 Porter's Five Force Analysis             
    5.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers         
    5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers         
    5.3 Threat of New Entrants         
    5.4 Threat of Substitutes         
    5.5 Competitive Rivalry in the Market         
              
6 Global Seaweed Market by, Product Type             
    6.1 Overview         
    6.2 Red         
    6.3 Brown         
    6.4 Green         
              
7 Global Seaweed Market by, Application             
    7.1 Overview         
    7.2 Food         
    7.3 Medicines         
    7.4 Chemical & Fertilizers         
    7.5 Animal Feed Additives         
    7.6 Building Materials         
    7.7 Energy Sources         
              
8 Global Seaweed Market by, Geography             
    8.1 Overview         
    8.2 North America         
             8.2.1 US
             8.2.2 Canada
             8.2.3 Mexico
    8.3 Europe         
             8.3.1 Germany
             8.3.2 France
             8.3.3 UK
             8.3.4 Italy
             8.3.5 Spain
             8.3.6 Rest of Europe
    8.4 Asia Pacific         
             8.4.1 China
             8.4.2 Japan
             8.4.3 India
             8.4.4 South Korea
             8.4.5 Australia
             8.4.6 New Zealand
             8.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
    8.5 South America         
             8.5.1 Brazil
             8.5.2 Argentina
             8.5.3 Chile
             8.5.4 Rest of South America
    8.6 Middle East & Africa         
             8.6.1 UAE
             8.6.2 Saudi Arabia
             8.6.3 Qatar
             8.6.4 Iran
             8.6.5 South Africa
             8.6.6 Rest of Middle East & Africa
              
9 Key Developments             
              
10 Company Profiling             
    10.1 COMPO EXPERT GmbH And Co. KG         
             10.1.1 Business Overview
             10.1.2 Product/Service Offering
             10.1.3 Financial Overview
             10.1.4 SWOT Analysis
             10.1.5 Key Activities
    10.2 GimMe Health Foods LLC         
    10.3 Cargill, Incorporated         
    10.4 Irish Seaweeds         
    10.5 Mara Seaweed Ltd.         
    10.6 Brandt, Inc.         
    10.7 Groupe Roullier SA         
    10.8 Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Inc.         
    10.9 Annie Chun's, Inc.         
    10.10 Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group Co., Ltd.