Commercial Seaweed Market 2024 - Global Size, Share & Industry Trends By 2032

Commercial Seaweed Market Overview

The Commercial Seaweed Market estimated at USD 18.82 Billion in the year 2024, is projected to reach a revised size of USD 34.27 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.78% over the analysis period 2025-2032.

Seaweed refers to the number of species of multicellular, marine algae and it is adaptable product widely used for food in direct human consumption, then animal feed, cosmetics, agriculture, and others. Basically, seaweed is collected from the wild, but now it is increased as commercial seaweed cultivation. Seaweed found in three forms such as brown, red and green seaweed. Furthermore, the seaweed cultivation has increased rapidly as demand has outstripped the supply available from natural resources which leads to growth of the market during forecast period.

In addition, commercial harvesting occurs in about 35 countries, spread among the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, in waters ranging from cold, through temperate, to tropical. According to FAO Fisheries Technical Paper, total annual value of production is estimated at approximately US$ 6 billion of which food products for human consumption represent US$ 5 billion and total annual use by the global seaweed industry is about 8 million tons of wet seaweed. Globally, approximately 1 million tons of wet seaweed are harvested and extracted to produce about 55,000 tons of hydrocolloids, valued at almost US$ 600 million.

Commercial Seaweed Market Dynamics and Trend Analysis:

Sustainability Focus:

• Seaweed farming is gaining attention due to its minimal environmental impact. Unlike terrestrial crops, seaweed doesn’t require freshwater, fertilizers, or arable land, and it even absorbs carbon dioxide and excess nutrients from the ocean, helping combat climate change and eutrophication. This positions seaweed as a highly sustainable option in the context of increasing global pressure on resources. Industries across food, cosmetics, and agriculture are now investing in seaweed as a green alternative.

• The demand is also supported by consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. Scientific articles highlight its role in carbon sequestration and marine ecosystem restoration, adding further value. Thus, sustainability acts as a powerful driver, encouraging the expansion of commercial seaweed farming worldwide.

Processing Infrastructure:

• A major restraint in the commercial seaweed market is the lack of efficient post-harvest infrastructure. Many coastal regions suitable for seaweed cultivation lack proper drying, storage, and processing facilities. This leads to product spoilage, quality loss, and higher operational costs. Small-scale farmers often rely on sun-drying, which is weather-dependent and inconsistent. Additionally, transporting raw seaweed to centralized processing units can be logistically challenging and expensive.
• Academic publications emphasize that without investment in scalable and decentralized infrastructure, the industry cannot meet the growing demand for high-quality seaweed-based products. Therefore, the underdeveloped supply chain limits the sector’s growth, especially in developing countries, despite strong cultivation potential and global interest.

Bioplastics Development:

• The increasing demand for sustainable materials presents a major opportunity for seaweed in bioplastics production. Seaweed-derived polysaccharides like agar, carrageenan, and alginate are being explored as feedstock for biodegradable films and packaging materials. With global concern over plastic pollution intensifying, researchers are investigating seaweed as a renewable, ocean-friendly alternative to fossil-based plastics. Seaweed grows rapidly, requires no chemical input, and has minimal land footprint, making it ideal for eco-conscious innovation.

• Various academic studies have shown successful prototypes of seaweed-based packaging with promising mechanical and barrier properties. If scaled, seaweed bioplastics could disrupt conventional packaging markets, creating a new revenue stream for seaweed farmers while supporting environmental goals.

Commercial Seaweed Market Segmentation

Commercial Seaweed Market is segmented based on Type, Form, Application, and Region

By Type, Brown Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period

• The commercial seaweed market is primarily divided into three types: red, brown, and green seaweed. Among these, brown seaweed is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. This dominance is largely due to its wide range of applications across various industries. Brown seaweed is a key source of hydrocolloids like alginate, which are extensively used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable packaging.
• Additionally, it is rich in valuable nutrients such as iodine, fucoidans, and essential minerals, making it popular in animal feed and agricultural biostimulants. The increasing global demand for sustainable and plant-based ingredients further drives the growth of brown seaweed. Moreover, ongoing research into new uses—such as biofuels and lithium-ion batteries—adds to its market potential, positioning brown seaweed as the leading segment in the commercial seaweed industry.

By Application, Food and Beverage Segment Held the Largest Share in 2024

• Food and Beverage segment held the largest share of the commercial seaweed market, accounting for approximately 72% of the total market share. This dominance is primarily due to the increasing incorporation of seaweed into various food products, driven by its nutritional benefits and functional properties. Seaweed is rich in essential nutrients such as iodine, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, making it a valuable addition to diets worldwide.
• Its derivatives, including agar, carrageenan, and alginate, are widely used as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agents in processed foods, dairy products, and beverages. The rising consumer demand for plant-based and functional foods further propels the growth of this segment. Additionally, the growing popularity of Asian cuisines and the adoption of seaweed-based ingredients in Western markets contribute to the expansion of seaweed applications in the food industry.

Commercial Seaweed Market Regional Insights:

Asia Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast Period

• The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the commercial seaweed market over the forecast period, accounting for over 90% of global production and consumption in 2024. This dominance is driven by countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, where seaweed has long been integrated into local diets and cultures. The region benefits from favorable environmental conditions, including extensive coastlines and suitable marine climates, which support large-scale seaweed farming.
• Additionally, well-established cultivation and processing infrastructure, combined with strong government support for sustainable aquaculture and research, further boost the market. While North America and Europe are growing in demand—especially for plant-based and sustainable products—they currently hold smaller shares compared to the Asia Pacific, solidifying its position as the leading region in the commercial seaweed market.

Players Covered in Commercial Seaweed market are :

• DowDuPont Inc.
• Cargill Incorporated
• Beijing Leili Agricultural Co. Ltd.
• Organic Irish Seaweed Emerald Isle
• Seaweed Solutions AS
• Nantong Xinlang Seaweeds and Foods Co. Ltd.
• CP Kelco US Inc.
• Groupe Roullier
• J.M. Huber
• Kerry Group Plc.
• Ocean Harvest Technology Ltd.
• Gelymer S.A.
• Corbion N.V.
• Green Ocean Farming UK
• Other active players.

Key Industry Developments

• In March 2024, Sea6 Energy, a seaweed company launched the world's first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia
• In October 2023, Belize launched a pilot project to convert large amounts of hazardous sargassum seaweed that destroys its pristine beaches into biofuel.