Commercial Seaweed Market Report 2026

The commercial seaweed market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $24.47 billion in 2025 to $27.4 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of seaweed harvesting activities, traditional use in asian cuisines, increasing demand for natural additives, growth of aquaculture industries, availability of coastal cultivation resources.

The commercial seaweed market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $43.1 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of seaweed-based bio-products, rising investments in algae biotechnology, expansion of sustainable food ingredient markets, growing focus on low-carbon raw materials, increasing use of seaweed in animal nutrition. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for plant-based and marine ingredients, growing use of seaweed in functional foods, expansion of seaweed-based animal feed additives, increasing application in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, enhanced focus on sustainable aquaculture practices.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes is expected to drive the growth of the commercial seaweed market in the coming years. Diabetes is a long-term metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Commercial seaweed can help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, supporting diabetes management. For example, in March 2024, the National Library of Medicine, a U.S.-based medical library, projected that the number of diabetes cases will rise to 783 million by 2045. Consequently, the growing prevalence of diabetes is fueling the demand for commercial seaweed.

Leading companies in the commercial seaweed market are focusing on innovative solutions such as advanced seaweed farming techniques to improve production efficiency and sustainability. Seaweed farming techniques involve various methods for cultivating seaweed in controlled environments, including offshore or nearshore setups using floating structures, nets, or lines to optimize growth and yield. For instance, in February 2023, North Sea Farmers (NSF), a UK-based non-profit organization, launched North Sea Farm 1, the world’s first commercial-scale seaweed farm located between offshore wind turbines in the North Sea. The project, funded by Amazon, aims to produce 6,000 kg of seaweed in its first year while exploring the environmental benefits of large-scale seaweed farming, including carbon sequestration and enhanced biodiversity.

In September 2023, Aquascot, a UK-based seafood and seaweed company, acquired SHORE Seaweed for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition strengthens Aquascot’s position in the sustainable seafood and seaweed market, expands its product portfolio, enhances processing and distribution capabilities, and supports long-term growth across key retail and foodservice channels. SHORE Seaweed is a UK-based company specializing in seaweed harvesting, processing, and supply.

Major companies operating in the commercial seaweed market are Cargill Inc., CP Kelco U.S. Inc., Acadian Seaplants Limited, Gelymar SA, Extractos Naturales Gelymar S.A., Seasol International, Indigrow Ltd., Ocean Harvest Technology Limited, AquAgri Processing Pvt. Ltd., West Coast Marine Bio-Processing Corp., The Seaweed Company B.V., Pacific Harvest, The Irish Seaweed Company, AtSeaNova, Seaweed Solutions AS, Shore Seaweed Co., Dalian Ocean University Seaweed Industry Group, Algaia SA, Rhodomaxx Sdn. Bhd., Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Industry Group (GGOG), Kelp Industries PTY. Ltd., Nantong Xinlang Seaweed & Foods Co. Ltd., Mara Seaweed Ltd., Leili Group, Dycolor Seaweed Industries, Shandong Qingdao Lihua Seaweed Industry Group Co. Ltd., Travena Organic Solutions Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the commercial seaweed market in 2025. The regions covered in the commercial seaweed market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the commercial seaweed market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The commercial seaweed market consists of sales of shampoo, skincare creams, make up products, cleaners, shower gel. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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