Delray Beach, FL, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global algae products market is on a strong upward trajectory. Valued at USD 5.87 billion in 2025, it is projected to reach USD 8.07 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.6%. This surge reflects the rising shift toward sustainable protein sources, increasing consumer awareness of omega-3 benefits, and expanding applications in cosmetics and personal care.
Algae are no longer niche—it’s becoming a mainstream powerhouse across food, health, beauty, and pharmaceuticals.
What’s Driving the Market?
Growing Consumer Awareness of Omega-3 Benefits
Modern consumers are seeking cleaner, plant-based sources of essential fatty acids. Algae naturally produce omega-3s like DHA, making them a preferred alternative to fish oil.
From boosting cognitive health to supporting heart and eye wellness, algae-derived omega-3s are gaining wide recognition. This consumer shift is fueling strong demand across food, nutraceutical, and supplement categories.
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Expanding Applications Across Industries
Algae’s versatility is unmatched. Today, algae-derived ingredients are used in:
- Food and beverages
- Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements
- Animal feed
- Personal care and cosmetics
- Pharmaceuticals
This cross-industry adaptability is a major growth engine for the market.
Opportunity Spotlight: Pharmaceuticals on the Rise
The pharmaceutical sector presents one of the biggest opportunities for algae producers.
Algae contain powerful antioxidants—polyphenols, phycobiliproteins, and vitamins—that play a role in inhibiting cancer growth and supporting immune function.
Their bioactive compounds can be used for:
- Antivirals
- Antifungals
- Antimicrobials
- Therapeutic proteins
- Drug development
As demand rises for natural and sustainable bioactive ingredients, algae’s pharmaceutical potential is set to expand significantly.
Red Algae: The Fastest-Growing Source Segment
Red algae are taking center stage due to their impressive protein content—Porphyra (47% dry mass) and Palmaria palmata (35% dry mass) being top examples.
Highly consumed in Asia, Europe, and North America, red algae provide rich nutrients and a distinctive flavor profile, making them popular in:
- Seaweed snacks
- Sushi wraps
- Functional foods
Ecologically, red algae are vital—they contribute approximately 40–60% of global oxygen production, benefitting both land and marine ecosystems.
Their commercial value, especially in Japan and the North Atlantic region, continues to drive market expansion.
Animal Feed: A High-Growth Application
The animal feed segment is expected to hold a significant algae products market share.
Algae-based feed offers remarkable advantages:
- Enhanced nutritional value for livestock and aquaculture
- Natural source of amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids, and carotenoids
- Improved feed efficiency and sustainability
- Cost advantages in aquafeed when microalgae are incorporated
Microalgae and macroalgae are increasingly being adopted in poultry, fish farming, and livestock diets due to their diverse nutrient profile.
Asia Pacific: The Growth Epicenter
Asia Pacific is projected to record the highest CAGR through 2030.
Countries such as China, Japan, India, and Australia/New Zealand offer ideal coastal and climatic conditions for algae cultivation.
Why APAC is leading:
- Rich biodiversity of seaweed species
- High consumption of edible seaweeds (Kombu, Nori, Wakame)
- Surging demand for nutraceutical, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products
- Expanding seaweed applications in agriculture, biofuels, cosmetics, and feed additives
With strong cultural adoption and scaling industry demand, APAC will continue to be the most dynamic regional market.
Key Players Shaping the Market
Leading algae products companies include:
dsm-firmenich (Netherlands), BASF (Germany), Cyanotech Corporation (US), Cargill (US), CP Kelco (US), Corbion (Netherlands), E.I.D.-Parry (India), Kerry Group (Ireland), AlgaTech (Israel), Algenol Biotech (US), Cellana (US), Fenchem (China), Fuji Chemical Industries (Japan), Algea (Norway), KD Pharma Group (Switzerland), and others.
Recent Industry Developments
• July 2025 – Corbion received regulatory approval in China for its algae-based omega-3 solutions, enabling entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing nutrition markets.
• May 2023 – Cyanotech partnered with Symbrosia to cultivate its seaweed strain in Hawai‘i, supporting the production of SeaGraze for methane-reducing animal feed.
• September 2023 – Corbion launched AlgaPrime DHA P3 to meet the rising demand for sustainable omega-3 sources in the pet nutrition industry.
Outlook: A Market Set for Sustainable Expansion
The algae products market is primed for steady, long-term growth. Rising interest in plant-based nutrition, functional foods, natural antioxidants, and eco-friendly ingredients will continue to open new avenues.
Challenges such as high production costs may slow smaller players, but overall innovation, regulatory support, and global demand are expected to maintain strong momentum through 2030.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is driving the growth of the algae products market?
Rising demand for sustainable proteins, increasing awareness of omega-3 benefits, and expanding applications in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
2. Why are algae considered a sustainable ingredient?
Algae grow quickly, require minimal land, and act as effective carbon-capturing organisms, making them an eco-friendly protein and nutrient source.
3. How do algae serve as a source of omega-3?
Algae naturally produce DHA and EPA, offering a plant-based alternative to fish oil for essential fatty acids.
4. Which industries use algae products the most?
Food and beverages, dietary supplements, animal feed, personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
5. What makes the pharmaceutical sector a major opportunity?
Algae offer bioactive compounds with antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties, supporting drug development and immunity-enhancing formulations
